Haven Townhomes, in the family-friendly suburb of Keysborough, 27 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, has proven&nbsp;popular in the past few months with more than 75 per cent of the 59 townhomes already sold.

The development has been featured multiple times on Urban&#39;s most popular projects among&nbsp;first home buyers and investors, due to its larger, and more affordable townhouses.

Aultun Property Group developed the townhouse collection, which was&nbsp;designed by the highly regarded Cera Stribley Architects, the design team behind luxury developments like Edition in Toorak and Tate in Kew.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59641]

There are currently only a handful three-bedroom townhomes still for sale, priced from $714,000.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for sweeping views, access to nature and convenient amenities.

Each home itself is surrounded by verdant greenery, and the Haven Gardens is a central feature of the development, offering residents a green community space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59637]

Part of the appeal of Keysborough is it&#39;s strong investment fundamentals,&nbsp;the suburb has continued to develop infrastructure and facilities to meet growing&nbsp;demand, including golf courses, shopping centres and wetlands.

Completion has been&nbsp;estimated for December this year.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8082]

The development has been featured multiple times on Urban's most popular projects among first home buyers and investors, as it has been well received throughout 2021

jordan_55689

Haven Townhomes in Keysborough more than 75% sold

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with both breathtaking vista's and convenience.

Designing a building offering a collection of 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the award-winning Rothelowman Architects has placed people at the cornerstone of their design.

Located on the building’s rooftop is a variety of communal spaces providing residential facilities and green spaces, with views of Melbourne’s city skyline and parks.

Brimming with amenity, the project boasts a communal lounge area, kitchen and entertainment dining, providing a refreshing work from home space or a quiet corner for a good book.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85958]

The apartments are described as a&nbsp;blank canvas, designed to fulfill resident's needs&nbsp;through clean&nbsp;open-plan living.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide connectivity to Melbourne, casting light on&nbsp;timber floorboards. The synergy between neutral interiors and the exteriors homage to Brunswick's industrial heritage inspire the ideal of hardwork and creativity a blank slate brings.

Canvas is located in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, among&nbsp;universities and a short walk from Princes Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85966]

Situated on the bustling Barkly Street, Canvas provides absolute convenience with private and secure access to an on-grade car park, with no car lifts or parking stackers.

Each apartment also benefits from at least one bike space and on-site bike maintenance facilities are available.

Green living was taken as a requirement with additions such as all communal areas in the complex make use of solar technology and the rooftop garden collects rainwater for greywater harvesting diminishing the building carbon footprint.

Canvas has a&nbsp;walk score of 97/100, located less than a minute from nearby shops and just three minutes&nbsp;walk to the nearest tram stop.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29358]

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with both breathtaking vista's and convenience

Rediscover working from home at ID_Land's Canvas in Brunswick

The number of new loan commitments amongst owner occupiers (rightsizers) while&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;to taper off, remains up 33.5 per cent for the year,&nbsp;according to the ABS.

While not as exaggerated as earlier this year, ABS data shows that new loan commitments by the demographic&nbsp;fallen most strongly across newly built dwellings.&nbsp;

This can be attributed in part to spring selling season with the market's stock growing and reducing the competition as demand wavers, while the skyrocketing growth towards the start of 2021 was due in part largely to a number of government initiatives including the HomeBuilder Grant.

Despite this new and existing owner occupier&nbsp;loan commitments have continued to make solid ground. Urban has highlighted the developments in the suburbs most popular amongst rightsizers&nbsp;for the month of September.

<h2>Hawthorn East</h2>

Hawthorn East is consistent feature on the most popular investor and first home buyer&nbsp;suburbs list as one of&nbsp;Melbourne’s most blue chip suburbs.

One development highlighting this nature is Hawthorn Park, close to the shops and restaurants on Glenferrie, Burke, Auburn, Burwood, and Riversdale Roads.

The recently completed&nbsp;Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, in addition to a well connected public transport system.

Dahua Group had architecture firm ROTHELOWMAN, one of Australia’s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect Jack Merlo on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171604]

Residents enjoy the property’s landscaped green spaces and parks that feature fruit and vegetable gardens for dwellers to grow their own produce. The project also features a sky boardwalk, splash pool, sky lounge, massage suites and fully-equipped gym.

<h2>Brunswick</h2>

Brunswick is a popular spot for the owner occupier demographic, among first homer buyers and those buying their second home and beyond in Melbourne's north.

When COVID lockdowns lift, Brunswick will again be home to live music, upbeat pubs and beer gardens. At the area's heart,&nbsp;Sydney Road&nbsp;has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries, offbeat shops, shisha lounges and cafes along its considerable length. Neighbouring East Brunswick is more upscale, home to upwardly mobile professionals and craft-beer bars.

It is a true lifestyle destination with 4 Ballarat Street proven consistently popular in the area, due in large part to it's location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160734]

Located in the heart of Brunswick, a popular location for cafes and restaurants,&nbsp;Assemble&nbsp;Futures are also&nbsp;offering a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model which has made this development particularly popular amongst first home buyers.

Designed by&nbsp;Fieldwork Architects&nbsp;and with landscaping by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100% renewable energy.&nbsp;

<h2>Geelong</h2>

Geelong has remained consistently popular among buyers of every demographic, making an appearance on many of Urban's top investors suburb lists.&nbsp;

For good reason, as one of Urban's most popular projects, Ryrie Home, find's itself in Geelong. Ryrie Home sits in the heart of the regional city’s art precinct, pitching its proximity to Melbourne and cheaper housing prices as a drawcard for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

The project was listed as Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021 thanks to Geelong’s low vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent and the 10 per cent per annum growth in apartments over the last three years.

The transport improvements in Geelong, including the $100 million fast rail and the $6.7 billion Westgate Tunnel which will shave 20 minutes off any commute, has rightsizers keen on securing a property in the growing area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

Designed by Architectus, the project boasts an authoritative and restrained grid façade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies.

<h2>Chelsea Heights</h2>

Chelsea Heights, in Melbourne’s exclusive Bayside precinct, is one of the most-sought after, and most expensive, areas of real estate in Victoria.

So it's no surprise that Sixth Avenue's premium location appeals to all kinds of owner occupiers.&nbsp;Chelsea Heights features great access to arterial roads such as the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Eastlink, Nepean Highway and Beach Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136 project_image_fid=93835]

Designed by Point Architects in the near coastal suburb Chelsea Heights, south-east of Melbourne, Sixth Avenue features light-filled interiors, bespoke landscaping and recreational amenities within easy reach. &nbsp;

Boasting a collection of 59 two, three and four-bedroom residences, they are surprisingly affordable&nbsp;with prices starting from just $630,000 for a two bedroom townhouse and $730,000 for a three bedder.

The number of new loan commitments amongst owner occupiers (rightsizers) while beginning to taper off, remains up 33.5 per cent for the year, according to the ABS

The most popular Melbourne suburbs for rightsizers in September

New South Wales has finally ended blanket bans on pets in apartments, following in the footsteps of Queensland and the ACT.

Victoria made some progress last year, although not to the same extent with reforms preventing landlords from unreasonably restricting pets. The Northern Territory is following suit.

South Australia has pet agreements, required for any lease, allowing pets with ground rules in place for property maintenance and management.

Western Australia has a $260 pet bond, to be taken when a pet is named on the lease for fumigation at vacancy, Tasmania has a similar system albeit without the bond.

The NSW&rsquo;s reforms are related to strata title, as until these changes, most strata titles included a blanket pet ban. Historically NSW has had the most complex regulations surrounding pets and strata.&nbsp;

Now instead of strata laws, it&rsquo;s owners corporations and landlords. The NSW government has said they can still refuse to keep an animal if there is &ldquo;repeated damage of the common property, menacing behaviour, persistent noise and odour.&rdquo;

Owners corporations will also have the right to set conditions about how pets are kept, such as requiring supervision on common property or while entering and exiting an entrance or lift.

The government says these conditions must be &ldquo;reasonable&rdquo;, but there are currently NO guidelines.

Some actions such as restricting the size of a home&#39;s pet, not uncommon in the past, were found in a report prepared as part of the NSW legislation review to be unreasonable. However, this is not specified in the law that was passed.

Close to 2.5 million Australians are living in apartments and a third of Australian households rent their homes. So with the number of renter&rsquo;s rising in the wake of property prices continuing to outpace wage growth, there is a need for consistent, equitable and pet-supportive housing rental policies across the country.

With such inconsistencies across Australia, and changes only finally occurring in the past 2-3 years, there is a lot of uncertainty for renters and pets often become the victim, as more than 60% of households include a pet.

Pets are part of the family, and this he been demonstrated over and over, especially during lockdown with mental health studies and surveys demonstrating the benefits of an animal on mental health

Dogs are the best examples of this, shown to increase daily exercise across all age groups.

There are even benefits for landlords, with US research suggesting that households with pets stayed in rental properties longer than those that did not have pets. This brings longer-term, more secure rent to property owners.&nbsp;

In spite of this as recently as 2018/19 pet bans have been sweeping and widespread in many rental properties, apartment buildings in particular are the biggest offender.&nbsp;

Emma Power of WSU during a 2016 survey found,&rdquo; that pet ownership can trigger feelings of housing insecurity for Sydney&rsquo;s renter households.&rdquo;

Roughly half of those surveyed who declared their pets when they applied for properties had been given pet ownership as the reason their application was rejected.

Mrs Powers said, these figures are likely to represent only a small proportion of those who have been rejected for pet ownership as reasons for rejection are rarely provided.

Most doggedly concerned landlords are simply barking up the wrong tree with many studies showing that the majority of landlords who worried about pets had zero first hand experience with such problems. Even when damage occurred it was significantly less than the average deposit, or pet-bond.

Barking up the right tree: A guide to renting with pets in Australia

The award-winning&nbsp;Queensland developer, Aria Property Group, are taking the resident amenity to the next level in the latest South Brisbane apartment development, Trellis.

They&#39;re offering residents offer 1,100 sqm of facilities scattered throughout the 13-level, Rothelowman-designed development, crowned by the most impressive amenity of all, the Residents&#39; Rooftop Club.

That will feature&nbsp;an&nbsp;infinity pool with views across Brisbane, a hot &amp; cold magnesium bath, a lounge, public barbecue areas, and a private dining room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173599]

The ground-level homes the Temple of Wellness, designed to be in-keeping with the lush foliage throughout the development.

A series of&nbsp;gardens line the path&nbsp;to the Temple of Wellness, where residents will walk through the cascading waterfall to&nbsp;a fully equipped fitness centre and meditation zone, home to weights, pilates reformers, cardiovascular equipment and meditation pods.

Aria Living also offers complimentary group yoga and group personal training fortnightly.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173615]

Residents at Trellis will also have access to&nbsp;a podcast/boardroom, serving as a multi-use space for working at home. There&#39;s also a&nbsp;Residents&rsquo; Wine Cellar.

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for an apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000.

Completion is slated for mid-2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108278]

The ground-level homes the Temple of Wellness, designed to be in-keeping with the lush foliage throughout the development

Aria offer over 1,100 sqm of resort-style amenity at Trellis, South Brisbane apartments

As house, land and apartment prices soar to record highs across Australia, the barrier to entry on the property market has become an even&nbsp;more distant dream for some.

The great Australian dream of owning seems farther than ever and this holds especially true on the income of a single person, with more and more Aussies holding out on buying their first home, or any home until they have a partner.

Some however have turned to co-ownership.

It&rsquo;s a natural extension for some, to go from renting a property with their best friend or siblings, to owning one together.&nbsp;

In NSW in particular, there have been a growing number of property co-owners who are not married or in a de-facto relationship with their co-owner.

Not only is this happening among&nbsp;friends and family, property co-ownership is even occurring among strangers, with new proptech firms, such as BrickX and DomaCom,&nbsp;focusing on fractional ownership.

BrickX focuses on individual houses and units, where investors can buy Bricks that make up a percentage of the value of the property.

A Brick&rsquo;s value will change depending on the most recent evaluation of the property&rsquo;s value as well as what people are willing to pay, similar to the stock market, it&rsquo;s speculative.

DomaCom operates in a similar fashion, but with investments on a larger scale across many segments of the market, where purchasers are locked in for a certain period of time.

The newest co-ownership proptech is Mortgage Mates, described as something similar to a dating website for home ownership.

Calling themselves, &ldquo;the Bumble of home ownership,&rdquo; they match clients with other individuals (Mates) who have the same housing preferences, to own and live in a home together.

A more established example is Co-Own.com.au where multiple parties have a purely business relationship with just one party/person as the owner occupier.

There are different pro&rsquo;s and con&rsquo;s to shared ownership of a property amongst friends, family and strangers.

The main positives of co-ownership are mainly the normal benefits of owning a property, quicker access to the housing market, safer and more flexible investment options and not &ldquo;throwing your money away&rdquo; on rent.

Negatives abound, changes can arrive in your relationship with the friends you are co-owning with, they could find a partner, have a child, fall ill, default on the loan or even have a falling out with you.

The best way to mitigate some negatives is a contract and for services like Co-Own.com.au, they even recommend a property manager, but these can only do so much.

It’s a natural extension for some, to go from renting a property with their best friend or siblings, to owning one together

What is home co-ownership and can it put you on the fast track to owning your home?

Buyers could be set to save up to $34,000 on apartments in the contemporary new Perth apartment development, Bloom Residences, in the city's affluent suburb of Nedlands.

The Melbourne-based Blueways Group are developing Bloom Residences, with the local Aria Land acting as the development manager.

Every one of the 38, Hassell-designed one, two and three bed apartments fall in to the current Western Australia&nbsp;pre-construction rebate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178504]

The Western Australian State Budget offered a rebate of up to $50,000 of transfer duty for buyers who signed pre-construction contracts for a residential apartment in multi-tiered strata.

Originally due to expire in October 2021, the scheme has been extended to&nbsp;24 October 2023, at a reduced rate of 50 per cent (down from 75 per cent).

The scheme will operate for pre-construction contracts entered into between 23 October 2019 and 24 October 2023, capped at a maximum rebate of $50,000.

Buyers in Bloom would save $8,288&nbsp;on a&nbsp;$475,000, one-bedroom apartment,&nbsp;$17,677 on a&nbsp;two-bed plus multi-purpose room, priced from $859,000, and&nbsp;$33,925 on the large $1.49 million,&nbsp;three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178506]

Located on Broadway in Nedlands, each one, two and three bed design offers an open-plan layout, with premium finishes, stone benchtops and Miele appliances. Every apartment comes with its&nbsp;own balcony or terrace.

Featuring Swan River and city views, it is close to some of Perth's finest shops, cafes, bars and transport links. It is also within the catchment of some of Perth’s most prestigious primary schools, namely&nbsp;Nedlands Primary School and&nbsp;Loreto Nedlands Primary School.

Amenities include a residents-only gym, large purpose-built lounge space, communal dining areas, private landscaped communal gardens and more.

More than 30 per cent&nbsp;of the 38 apartments have already sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93813 project_image_fid=178504]

Every one of the 38, Hassell-designed one, two and three bed apartments fall in to the current Western Australia pre-construction rebate

How Blueways Group are offering affordable entry in to Perth's affluent Nedlands with Bloom Residences apartments

The latest Perth development from the Blueways Group, who have partnered with Aria Land for the luxury apartment project, Rivean Residences, has been strategically located in the heart of everything Nedlands has to offer.

Rivean, a collection of just 28 contemporary apartments designed by the respected architect and builder Giorgi, are located at 139 Broadway, a stone&#39;s throw east to Matilda Bay Reserve and the Swan River.

At Matilda Bay Reserve is the local yacht club, as well as Matilda Bay restaurant and Bayside Kitchen. The closest grassy area bordering the Swan River is JH Abrahams Reserve and Charles Court Reserve, separated by JoJo&#39;s Cafe.

To the west, also within a five minute walk, is Melvista Park, where there&#39;s the Nedlands Croquet Club, Tennis Club, and Golf Club.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178800]

Within driving distance is Claremont Quarter, which offers a number of shopping options. Closer to home are some more local Nedlands dining options, including the popular Marumo, Chez Pierre, and Steves Nedlands.

Under 500 metres away is also a campus for the University of Western Australia.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178802]

Over 50 percent of the two and three bedroom apartments have been sold with prices starting from $909,000 for the two bedroom apartments. The three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,139,000.

Construction is scheduled for November 2021,&nbsp;with completion estimated for 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95299]

Located in leafy Nedlands, Rivean enjoys close proximity to the city, Swan River and premier shopping and dining destinations

Bordered by Swan River foreshore: How Rivean Residences fit in to Perth's affluent Nedlands

First home buyers are continuing their property search as we head in to the summer selling season.

While ABS data showed first home buyer&nbsp;loan commitments have tapered off for the seventh month in a row, Urban are still seeing a significant uptake from first home buyers, as much as there was during the HomeBuilder boom earlier this year.

First home buyers are still making up&nbsp;more than a quarter of new owner occupier loans, as developers and agents cite continued strong interest from the segment.

ABS data shows new first home buyer commitments remain more than 50 per cent higher compared to this time last year.

With first home buyer loan commitments still holding strong, Urban has highlighted the developments in the suburbs most popular amongst first home buyers for the month of September.

<h2>Brunswick</h2>

Brunswick has always been a popular spot for the younger, first home buyer demographi.

When COVID lockdowns lift, the eclectic suburb in Melbourne's north&nbsp;will again be home to live music, upbeat pubs and beer gardens.

At the area's heart, Sydney Road has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries, offbeat shops, shisha lounges and cafes along its considerable length. Neighbouring East Brunswick is more upscale, home to upwardly mobile professionals and craft-beer bars.

One of the most in demand projects on Urban for first home buyers has been&nbsp;4 Ballarat Street, namely down to its location and&nbsp;affordability. Prices&nbsp;start&nbsp;as low as&nbsp;$467,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Located in the heart of Brunswick, the development team at Assemble&nbsp;Futures operate on a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model, which has made this development particularly popular amongst first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160739]

The new rent-with-the-option-to-buy model offers a more accessible pathway to owning a home, that bridges the gap between renting and buying. Once the applicant signs the lease agreement and contract of sale, they secure five years agreed rent with the option to buy their home at the end of the lease period.

Designed by Fieldwork Architects and with landscaping by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100% renewable energy. This also appeals to the more&nbsp;environmentally conscious younger generations.

<h2>Melbourne</h2>

The stamp duty concessions in the CBD has increased its popularity with first home buyers, as those looking and getting on the ladder for the first time are eyeing somewhere near the central office hub of the city.

Home to some of Melbourne’s best cultural and entertainment venues, as well as an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, cafe's and everything in between, residents love Degraves Street and the Bourke Street Mall in particular. Shoppers can get lost for hours, while diners can find an ideal meal at any price point.&nbsp;

It is also home to a&nbsp;bumping nightlife with clubs and bars renowned across Australia.

One of the latest popular developments on the Melbourne CBD fringe is&nbsp;St Boulevard, the three-tower project by The Shakespeare Group.&nbsp;

Recently completed, St Boulevard offers an unrepeatable location, located in a prime position on the corner of St Kilda Rd and High Street, and at the southern tip of Albert Park Lake,&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177638]

Apartments start from $410,000 in the Elenberg-Fraser designed development.

St Boulevard is&nbsp;made up of three towers Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, and puts residents on the fringes of Albert and Fawkner Parks. It's&nbsp;a short stroll to the&nbsp;St Kilda and Prahran precincts.

&nbsp;

<h2>Keysborough</h2>

The family-friendly suburb of Keysborough,&nbsp;27 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, continues to be popular with first home buyers and young families, due to its larger, and more affordable, apartments and townhouses.

The hottest project is&nbsp;Haven Townhomes, the townhouse development created by Aultun Group and design by Cera Stribley Architects.

There are three-bedroom townhomes on offer, priced from $714,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59639]

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for sweeping views, access to nature and convenient amenities.

<h2>Hawthorn East</h2>

Hawthorn East is usually a feature on the most popular investor suburbs but it isn't the first-time it has shown up on the most popular first home buyer list, with Dahua Group's&nbsp;Hawthorn Park recently completion being a factor.&nbsp;

Located in one of Melbourne’s most blue chip suburbs, the Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, in addition to&nbsp;a well connected public transport system.

Dahua Group&nbsp;had architecture firm&nbsp;Rothelowman, one of Australia’s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect&nbsp;Jack Merlo&nbsp;on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171605]

Residents enjoy the property’s landscaped green spaces and parks that feature fruit and vegetable gardens for dwellers to grow their own produce. The project also features a sky boardwalk, splash pool, sky lounge, massage suites and fully-equipped gym.

<h2>Wollert</h2>

Discerning first home buyers with an eye on future infrastructure growth have been looking at Wollert, the growing area 26 kilometres north of Melbourne.

The future 64-hectare master-planned community, Mason Quarter, has been the most sought-after project in Wollert.

Delivered by Cedar Woods, Mason Quarter&nbsp;incorporates over 800 dwellings, two schools, community facilities, a 7.9-hectare conservation reserve and over 30 distributed tree reserves with majestic river red gums.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95340 project_image_fid=160803]

Mason Quarter offers buyers the choice of either land starting from as low as&nbsp;$275,500 for a 238 sqm package to build their dream home or a residence in one of their releases like Mason Quarter Townhomes.

The community is&nbsp;located within walking distance of the future&nbsp;Wollert&nbsp;town centre and there is a range of existing infrastructure and public amenity available nearby including the Hume Freeway, Metropolitan Ring Road, hospitals, shopping centres and public transport.

ABS data shows new first home buyer commitments remain more than 50 per cent higher compared to this time last year.



Urban's most popular Melbourne suburbs for first home buyers in September

A partnership between Aria Land and Blueways Group has led to several new Nedlands apartment developments with the most popular so far being Rivean Residences.

The boutique apartment development comprises just 28 apartments with&nbsp;design&nbsp;handled by Giorgi an integrated architecture studio and building company behind award-winning projects like Echelon Residences, Caversham and 10BVT.

Giorgi&#39;s philosophy is instead of being separate processes, architecture and construction are unified from the outset, leading to smarter solutions as well as a more streamlined&nbsp;process.

&quot;Rivean draws on local historical materials and innovative design techniques to spark a revitalization of the surrounding community,&quot;&nbsp;Giorgi says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178805]

&quot;The design is responsive to the environment, providing excellent access to natural light, fresh air and generous outdoor space, whilst also offering a range of spaces and activities that will promote a sense of community.&quot;

Over 50 percent of the two and three bedroom apartments have been sold.&nbsp;We&#39;ve looked at the floorplans on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178800]

<ul>
	<li>Two Bed | Two Bath | Zero - One Study&nbsp;| 20&nbsp;-&nbsp; 68 sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 115&nbsp;- 183&nbsp;sqm | $909,000+</li>
	<li>Three Bed | Two - Three Bath&nbsp;| Zero - One Study&nbsp;| 24&nbsp;- 116&nbsp;sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 162&nbsp;- 277&nbsp;sqm | $1,139,000 +&nbsp;(pictured below is the Type K)</li>
	<li>Penthouse&nbsp;|&nbsp;Three Bed | Two - Three Bath | One Study&nbsp;| 81&nbsp;- 130&nbsp;sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 296&nbsp;- 367&nbsp;sqm |&nbsp;Over $1.8 million</li>
</ul>

<img alt="" height="663" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rivean_type_k_0.jpg" width="593" />

Rivean Residences offers spacious living areas with an open indoor/outdoor&nbsp;flow between balconies and terraces, with a vista down Broadway towards the Nedlands foreshore.

There are high class finishes throughout Rivean, including Miele appliances, a choice of 3 designer selected colour schemes, engineered timber flooring and several car spaces depending on the apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178815]

The two penthouses see an even higher level across larger spaces, holding the best views in the development.

Situated at 139 Broadway, Kings Park is just moments away, together with the many offerings of nearby Elizabeth Quay and the Foreshore parks.

Construction is scheduled for November 2021,&nbsp;with completion estimated for 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95299]

"Rivean draws on local historical materials and innovative design techniques to spark a revitalization of the surrounding community," Giorgi says

Inside the luxury Giorgi-designed Nedlands apartments, Rivean Residences

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

Jordan Fidler

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News