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Whether entertaining, dining or just admiring the view, stunning vistas are a great addition to residents’ quality of life.

Beautiful panorama's not only provide gorgeous eye candy but are also a significant value addition to many properties.

Here are eleven properties in Victoria with incredible urban vistas

1. 661 Chapel Street 
Address: 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141 
Two-bedroom apartments from $798,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

<a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel_street_vista.jpg"></a>

Gamuda Land's 661 Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s latest luxury developments with 116 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences available across 30 floors.

Sales are well underway on the bird de la Coeur architects designed project, which was completed last year, with local and international buyers snapping up the apartments quickly.

Situated beside the Yarra River, 661 Chapel Street enjoys views of the river, Melbourne CBD and the Bay.

Among its extensive hotel-inspired resident amenities, it boasts a winter garden, 25-metre pool and members’ lounge; all of which you can enjoy a stunning view from.

2. Canvas 
Address: 272 Barkly Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 
Two-bedroom apartments from $680,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas offers residents a premier home with breathtaking vista's.

Designing a building offering a collection of 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Rothelowman Architects has placed people at the cornerstone of their design.

Located on the building’s rooftop sits a variety of communal spaces providing residential amenity and green spaces, with views of Melbourne’s city skyline and parks.

Canvas lies in the heart of Brunswick’s vibrant community with sweeping views over both the horizon as well as retail hotspots, diverse eateries and bustling bars that are just a short walk away.

3. Moreville 
Address: 12-18 Napier Street, Footscray VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $595,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2060]

<a href="/buildings/moreville-12-18-napier-street-footscray" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/moreville_vista.jpg"></a>

Sering development's Moreville, is one of Urban’s latest Footscray development, with 43 apartments on offer in two and three-bedroom configurations, priced from $525,000 and $1,128,000 respectively.

Designed by Moull Murray Architects, the six-storey building offers numerous amenities, including an al fresco coffee shop, rooftop residents’ lounge and barbeque terrace with views to the Melbourne city skyline.

Set in a quiet tree-lined street just 500-metres from Footscray train station, Moreville offers both pleasing scenery and the height of convenience.

4. Seafarers 
Address: 731 Flinders Street, Docklands VIC 3008 
Two-bedroom apartments from $1,195,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

<a href="/new-apartments/seafarers-docklands-731-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seafarers_vista.jpg"></a>

Delivered by Riverlee, Seafarers offers a boutique collection of 123 sublimely crafted one, two and three-bedroom residences.

Designed by Fender Katsilidis and partnering with Australia’s first 1 Hotel, Seafarers offers both panaromic city vista and hotel style amenities.

Situated on 220-metres of uninterrupted riverfront, residents benefit from sweeping views from the Yarra to Port Phillip Bay at Docklands’ Seafarers.

It is set for completion in 2023.

5. Verre 
Address: 296 Plenty Road, Preston VIC 3072 
Three bedroom residences from $815,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7275]

Located in Melbourne’s Preston, Verre is the latest offering from Wolf&amp;Lamb.

The Chamberlain Architects designed residences are an entertainers’ delight. Large balconies connect the living room to the outdoors and a rooftop terrace offers a space to host friends or relax against the Melbourne city skyline.

Situated in the heart of Preston, Verre which holds sweeping cityscape views is set for completion in early 2022.

One bedroom apartments are available from as low as $385,000.

6. Melbourne Grand 
Address: 560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
Two bedroom residences from $569,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

<a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_grand_vistas.jpg"></a>

Just completed &amp; ready to move in, Melbourne Grand offers stunning city views &amp; outstanding living experience rising 58 storeys above the CBD. Just a short walk to Queen Vic Market, Southern Cross Station &amp; Flagstaff Gardens.

Delivered by Central Equity, the Guildford Bell and Graham Fisher Architects designed project comprises 652 gorgeous residences. Each with access to resort style amenities and cityscape views.

The award winning development represents builder Multiplex’s 18th project for developer Central Equity.

7. Parkhill Apartments 
Address: 408 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 
Two bedroom residences from $619,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

<a href="/buildings/parkhill-apartments-west-melbourne-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/parkhill_vista.jpg" style="width: 621px; height: 398px;"></a>

A great example of an affordable brand-new apartment building with the added bonus of on-site amenities, is Central Equity's latest development, Parkhill Apartments.

Defined by its stylish apartment designs and compelling CBD fringe location, the project is selling now at a very competitive pricepoint compared to properties akin to Parkhill in the West Melbourne area.

Amenities include a rooftop gym and relaxing rooftop garden, complete with BBQs and outdoor seating, all of which display stunning vista's over the Melbourne skyline.

Plus for a limited time, owner-occupier buyers can save up to $73,000 thanks to the HomeBuilder Grant, stamp duty savings and developer incentives. All you have to do is check you meet the eligibility criteria.

8. K1 Residences 
Address: 1 Union Street, Melbourne VIC 3004 
Four bedroom residences from $2,590,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2772]

Setting a new benchmark for luxury residences in Victoria, K1 Residences offers buyers the chance to secure a bespoke, whole-floor residence with panoramic views.

The calm and picturesque neighbourhood sits minutes from Albert Park Lake, St Kilda and Prahran.

Delivered by Optimus Developments, the distinctive building boasts 13 four-bedroom apartments, offering warm sophistication and timeless beauty.

With moody tones, 360-degree views and French oak, K1’s home-sized residences sacrifice nothing. Designed by DE atelier Architects and Bergman &amp; Co., the homes include spacious garden balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors and oversized bathrooms.

It is set for completion in the upcoming few months.

9. Melbourne Square 
Address: 93-119 Kavanagh Street, Southbank VIC 3006 
Two bedroom residences from $642,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

<a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_square_vista.jpg" style="width: 672px; height: 406px;"></a>

OSK Property have recently launched a brand new boutique collection of homes at Melbourne Square.

Featuring four distinct design themes, it has been architecturally designed by Cox Architecture, with interiors by designer Sue Carr, creating flawless spaces which make the most of the spectacular city views on offer.

Each bedroom boasts a stunning view of the city via floor-to-ceiling glazing, plus master suites offer a unique panoramic city vista.

Set for completion in mid 2021, amenities include a full-line Woolworths and other shops as well as resort-style facilities including pools, sauna, spa, gymnasium and a yoga room.

10. Voyager 
Address: 103 South Wharf Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 
Two bedroom apartments from $706,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494]

Dominating the Docklands skyline Mirvac’s latest development is among Melbourne’s most chic high-rise residential towers.

The 43-storey building is thoughtfully designed and luxuriously appointed, boasting 315 contemporary apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations.

Voyager offers panoramic city and water views, sleek floor-to-ceiling windows and the precinct’s first-ever rooftop lifestyle space, with skydeck and bar.

It is the latest tower in Yarra’s Edge, Mirvac's Docklands master planned community with vast parklands, and over 1,000 square metres of fine dining and retail that line the serene harbour boardwalk.

11. R. Iconic  
Address: 253-273 Normanby Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205 
Two bedroom apartments from $722,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5234]

<a href="/buildings/r-iconic-south-melbourne-259-normanby-road-south-melbourne"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/r_iconic_vista.jpg" style="width: 771px; height: 403px;"></a>

This $850 million development from R.Corporation has been designed by Plus Architecture with the owner-occupier in mind.

Featuring amenities offered nowhere else, like an infinity running track and whiskey bar, all while holding protected water views which are guaranteed to remain thanks to its locality and planning footprint.

A prime park front location between the city and the water, R. Iconic sits adjacent to the highly sought after Albert Park, Middle Park and South Melbourne suburbs, and only 2 km from the Melbourne CBD.

Construction of R.Iconic is underway, with completion estimated for 2022.
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Beautiful panorama's not only provide gorgeous eye candy but are also a significant value addition to many properties

jordan_55689

Check out 11 apartments in Melbourne with incredible city views

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EXPERT INSIGHT

The records have continued to tumble for the Aussie property market in early 2021. National home prices surged 2.1 per cent in February – the most since August 2003. Regional home prices also gained 2.1 per cent – the most in 17 years. And capital city home prices rose by 2.0 per cent – the biggest lift since September 2003.

Home prices are at record highs in Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart. Canberra home prices (up 1.9 per cent) rose the most in 13½ years; Perth home prices (up 1.55 per cent) lifted the most in 14 years; Brisbane home prices (up 1.5 per cent) gained the most in 13 years; and Hobart home prices (up 2.5 per cent) surged the most in 17 years. And it was the biggest lift in Sydney home prices (up 2.5 per cent) and Melbourne (up 2.1 per cent) since late 2019. 

But it’s regional Aussie housing markets – benefiting from lifestyle choices, remote working arrangements, internal migration, closed borders and better affordability – that are seeing massive price gains during the pandemic. Regional home prices climbed by 2.1 per cent in February – the biggest lift in 17 years. Regional home prices surged 9.4 per cent in the year to February – the strongest annual growth rate in 16½ years. CoreLogic data also shows that median home prices are at record highs in 53 of the 88 SA4 regions with just Townsville (down 0.6 per cent) and the NSW Riverina (down 0.3 per cent) posting price declines in February.

<img alt="" height="961" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/commsec_house_lift_figures.jpg" width="1200">

Can home prices lift further from here? Absolutely. Preliminary CoreLogic capital city auction clearance rates hit 81.9 per cent last weekend with buyers keen to borrow to upgrade or buy another home.

The smaller capital cities are leading home price gains with Sydney and Melbourne still lagging. In fact, dwelling prices in Sydney are still 1.1 per cent below the July 2017 peak and Melbourne home prices are 1.7 per cent below the March 2020 peak. And resources boom towns – Perth and Darwin – still have a lot of catching up to do. In fact, Perth home prices are still a huge 17.4 per cent below the June 2014 peak and Darwin prices are 23.4 per cent below the April 2014 peak.

While slower population growth and rising supply of detached houses could slow price momentum, Commonwealth Group (CBA) economists forecast national home prices to lift by around 8.0 per cent in 2021. 

<h2>What do the figures show?  </h2>

Home prices – February 2021

The CoreLogic Home Value Index of national home prices rose by 2.1 per cent in February to be 4.0 per cent higher over the year. 

In capital cities, prices rose by 2.0 per cent to be up 2.6 per cent over the year. House prices climbed 2.3 per cent and apartment prices rose by 1.1 per cent. House prices were up 3.6 per cent on a year ago, but prices of apartments decreased by 0.1 per cent.

In regional areas, home prices jumped 2.1 per cent with house prices also up 2.1 per cent and apartment prices up by 1.9 per cent. Regional home prices were up 9.4 per cent on the year with houses lifting 9.7 per cent and apartments up 7.9 per cent.  

The average Australian capital city house price (median price) in February was $723,607 and the average unit price was $581,652.

Home prices were higher in all eight capital cities in February: Sydney (+2.5 per cent); Melbourne (+2.1 per cent); Brisbane (+1.5 per cent); Adelaide (+0.8 per cent); Perth (+1.5 per cent); Hobart (+2.5 per cent); Darwin (+0.7 per cent); Canberra (+1.9 per cent).

Home prices were higher than a year ago in seven of the eight capital cities in February: Sydney (+2.8 per cent); Melbourne (-1.3 per cent); Brisbane (+5.0 per cent); Adelaide (+7.3 per cent); Perth (+4.6 per cent); Hobart (+8.7 per cent); Darwin (+13.8 per cent); Canberra (+9.7 per cent).

Total returns on national dwellings rose by 7.6 per cent in the year to February with houses up 8.5 per cent and units up by 5.0 per cent on a year earlier. In contrast, the S&amp;P/ASX All Ordinaries Accumulation Index rose by 9.6 per cent over the year to February.

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

Australia’s property market is strong, driven by record-low borrowing costs, government stimulus, low housing inventories and an improving labour market backdrop. Of course, the lift in home prices is good for the household ‘wealth effect’ and consumer confidence – pivotal for continued retail spending. The lift in home building supports jobs in the construction sector with ‘brickies’ in short supply. But housing affordability is becoming an issue with Sydney the third least affordable and Melbourne the sixth least affordable housing markets according to recent reports from Bloomberg, Urban Reform Institute and Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

That said, the Reserve Bank’s private sector credit or loans data released last Friday suggests that housing sector credit growth (up 3.6 per cent over the year to January 2021) remains subdued when compared with historic levels. CBA Group economists expect housing credit growth to remain low and do not expect macro‑prudential policies to be implemented in 2021. But the lift in household mortgage debt will unnerve policymakers.

Australia’s factory sector is in good shape. According to the AiGroup, production rose to multi-decade highs in February. The AiGroup gauge hit 3-year highs with surveyed purchasing managers suggesting that government stimulus is driving up demand as the economic recovery gains traction.
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Biggest lift in Australian home prices in 17 years: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

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<h2>What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty, or land transfer duty as it’s known in Victoria, is a once-off government tax on buying property payed by the purchaser. It is based on the purchase price and calculated via a scale, in a similar manner to income tax.

However, these standard rates don’t apply to all property purchases, particularly first home owners and foreign buyers.

Pictured below is a full tabulation of how transfer duty is calculated in Victoria.

<img alt="" height="246" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/stamp_duty_guide_vic.jpg" width="786">

<h2>Stamp duty on foreign purchasers</h2>

However, these rates don’t apply to all buyers or all types of property purchases. Foreign purchasers often have to pay additional duty of up to seven percent.

You can read more about the stamp duty provisions affecting foreign purchasers on the <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/foreignpurchaser" target="_blank">State Revenue Office website</a>.

<h2>Stamp Duty exemptions for first home buyers</h2>

The Victorian government’s current policy as of 2017 is the complete exemption of stamp duty for first home owners purchasing a property valued at up to $600,000. A saving of up to $31,070.for first home buyers.

For first home buyers purchasing a home valued between $600,001 and $750,000 a concessional rate of stamp duty applies.

Unlike the NSW First Home Owner Grants (FHOG), the stamp duty concession and exemption apply to all property types.

<h2>Other Stamp Duty exemptions and concession</h2>

Victoria also provides a concession to all purchasers of properties valued between $130,000 and $550,000 from paying stamp duty where they intend to use that property as their principal place of residence.

The rate of concession equates to a one percent reduction for all properties valued between $130,000 and $440,000 and a flat reduction of $3,100 for properties valued between $440,001 and $500,000.

There is also a “principal place of residence (off the plan concession)”, which only people purchasing an off the plan property they intend to use as their home are eligible and a threshold applies to the dutiable value of the property. This is $550,000 for non-first home buyers and $600,000 (for an exemption) $750,000 (for a concession) for first home buyers.

The Victorian government also provides a stamp duty exemption to pensioners buying a home valued at under $330,000 and a concessional rate to pensioners buying a home valued between $330,001 and $750,000.

Below are some properties eligible for stamp duty exemptions in Victoria:

1. Melbourne Quarter, Docklands 
Address: 628 Flinders Street, Docklands VIC 3008 
One-bedroom apartment from $458,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459]

2. Live City, Footscray 
Address: 124-188 Ballarat Road, Footscray VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $460,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565]

3. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne 
Address: 556-558 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
One-bedroom apartments from $489,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

 

Click here to view <a href="/news/vic/save-thousands-melbourne-apartments-you-can-buy-without-paying-stamp-duty" target="_blank">six homes in Melbourne you can purchase without paying stamp duty</a>.
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Stamp duty, or land transfer duty as it’s known in Victoria, is a once-off government tax on buying property payed by the purchaser

What is stamp duty? A guide to stamp duty in Victoria

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<h2>What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty, or transfer duty as it’s known in NSW, is a once-off government tax on buying property payed by the purchaser. It is based on the purchase price and calculated via a scale, in a similar manner to income tax.

However, these standard rates don’t apply to all property purchases, particularly first home owners and foreign buyers.

Pictured below is a full tabulation of how transfer duty is calculated in NSW.

<img alt="" height="821" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/transfer_duty_nsw.jpg" width="1600">

<h2>When to pay Transfer Duty</h2>

You must pay transfer duty within three months of signing a contract for sale or transfer, except in the case of off-the-plan purchases.

If you buy off-the-plan and you intend to live in the property, you may be able to defer your transfer duty liability for up to 12 months.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

<h2>Recent Stamp Duty News</h2>

Recently the New South Wales Government announced it would provide duty and land tax incentives for qualifying "build-to-rent projects". 

The incentives include, an exemption from "surcharge purchaser duty" (the foreign investor duty surcharge on residential property).

The concessions are offered for a maximum period of 20 years, expiring in 2040.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

<h2>Stamp Duty exemptions</h2>

The NSW government’s current policy as of 2017 is the complete exemption of stamp duty for first home owners purchasing a property valued at up to $650,000. A saving of up to $24,470 for first home buyers.

For first home buyers purchasing a home valued between $650,001 and $850,000 a concessional rate of stamp duty applies.

Unlike the NSW First Home Owner Grants (FHOG), the stamp duty concession and exemption apply to all property types.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

Check out the <a href="https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes-duties-levies-royalties/transfer-duty" target="_blank">NSW Government Website more information on NSW Transfer Duty</a>
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Stamp duty, or transfer duty as it’s known in NSW, is a once-off government tax on buying property payed by the purchaser

What is stamp duty? A guide to stamp duty in New South Wales

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Experts and economists are united in their view that the RBA will hold the cash rate this month, with only one prediction for any movements at all in 2021, according to the latest survey from Finder.com.au.

Tony Makin of Griffith University, believes the rate will increase this year due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

“Global economic activity will pick up as countries are vaccinated. Given the expansion in money supplies, other things equal this will put upward pressure on inflation. Otherwise, macroeconomics textbooks need to be rewritten. 

“At the same time, record-breaking levels of public debt worldwide will continue to exert upward pressure on bond yields," Makin said.

Shane Oliver from AMP Capital said that while the economy has recovered faster than expected, the RBA is still a long way away from meeting its inflation and employment goals. 

“A rate hike is still a long way away. 

“That said, the faster than expected recovery will likely see the first hike occur earlier than the RBA's expectation of ‘no increase before 2024’. It could come late next year or early 2023," Oliver said.

Positive sentiment around both housing affordability (3%) and cost of living (3%) reached the lowest level ever recorded since the Finder survey began in 2018.

Employment continued to be the highest indicator measured with 55% expressing positive sentiment, down from its record-high of 73% last month.

Positive sentiment around employment plummeted to 0% in April when the lockdowns first began, but the nation’s stronger-than-expected economic recovery has resulted in a rosier outlook for the job market. 
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Experts and economists are united in their view that the RBA will hold the cash rate this month, with only one prediction for any movements at all in 2021

Experts and economists forecast a cash rate lockdown until 2022

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There were 2,839 properties for rent in Perth at the end of February, according to reiwa.com data.

"This marks the sixth consecutive month we’ve seen listings sit below 3,000. Perth desperately needs an influx of rental stock in the market to provide renters with more housing options,” REIWA president Damien Collins said.

Perth’s median rent price held at the five year high of $400 per week in February, which is on par with January and $40 more per week than February 2020.

Reiwa.com data shows 258 Perth suburbs saw an increase in rent during February. The suburbs with the biggest increase in median rent were Subiaco (up $23 to $723), Scarborough (up $20 to $520), Ellenbrook (up $10 to $370), Belmont (up $10 to $380) and Greenwood (up $10 to $410).

There were 186 Perth suburbs that recorded an increase in leasing activity during the month.

Beeliar saw the biggest increase in leasing, with activity up 29 per cent in February compared to January. Other suburbs to perform well were Innaloo (up 22 per cent), Greenwood (up 14 per cent), Gosnells (up nine per cent), Rivervale (up eight per cent) and Canning Vale (up four per cent).

It took a median of 19 days for a lessor to find a tenant for their property in February.

“Median leasing days are the lowest they have been since June 2013. Like we are seeing in the sales market, with so few available listings, tenants are having to act very quickly to secure a rental,” Mr Collins said.

“Perth is in desperate need of more rental stock to help ease the rental shortage. In order to do this, we need to entice investors back to the market."

“While the end of the rental moratorium later this month will remove one of the barriers for investors, more needs to be done to encourage residential property investment in WA and ensure there are enough rentals in the market to keep up with tenant demand,” Mr Collins concluded.

<h2>Perth properties on the market:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7854]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8515]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8514]
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There were 2,839 properties for rent in Perth at the end of February, and with a median 19 days for a property to be leased, the market desperately needs a supply boost

Perth's leasing market is facing a supply shortage crisis

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Perth's for sale listings dropped to a 10 year low in February, with just 7,899 properties listed on reiwa.com at the end of the month.

REIWA President Damian Collins said this was the seventh consecutive month listings for sale had declined in Perth.

“We’ve seen an extraordinary decline in listing volumes in a relatively short amount of time. In the span of a year, listings have dropped 36.5 per cent to now sit below 8,000 for the first time in about a decade. Buyers are very active in the market and soaking up stock at a rapid pace,” Mr Collins said.

The median time to sell a property sits at just 21 days in February. This is on par with January, but 25 days quicker than it was in February 2020.

"The last time we saw houses sell this fast was 2006,” Mr Collins said.

“It’s a hot market and buyers are understandably feeling pressure to make a swift decision. While it’s important to act fast on a property you’re interested in, I encourage buyers to use caution and not panic buy or get themselves into a situation where they pay over and above what the property is worth."

He mentioned that while property prices have increased in the last six months, they remain below what they were five years ago so there are still good deals to be had.

The rental market is performing similarly with just 2,839 properties for rent in Perth at the end of February.

This marks the sixth consecutive month were listings sit below 3,000. Mr Collins said Perth desperately needs an influx of rental stock in the market to provide renters with more housing options.

Perth’s median rent price held at the five year high of $400 per week in February, which is on par with January and $40 more per week than February 2020.

<h2>Perth properties on the market:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7854]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8515]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8514]
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Perth's for sale listings dropped to a 10 year low in February, with just 7,899 properties listed on reiwa.com at the end of the month

Perth listings continue to drop reaching a 10 year low in February

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The disparity in rental markets across Australia has been extreme. At one end of the spectrum we have extremely tight rental conditions in cities such as Perth and Darwin where both house and unit annual rental growth is above 10%. At the other end are the unit rental markets of Sydney and Melbourne where rents have plunged over the last year, down -5.3% in Sydney, and -8.0% lower in Melbourne. In a similar vein to housing values, rental markets are stronger within the detached housing sector relative to the unit sector.

“The strength in Perth and Darwin’s rental sector can be attributed to a mix of low supply, due to a recent history of low investor participation, and rising demand as interstate migration trends move into positive territory. The opposite trends in Sydney and Melbourne have seen rental markets weaken; higher rental supply due to a recent history of investor exuberance, weaker demand from negative interstate migration and, more recently, a demand shock from closed international borders where Melbourne and Sydney were the primary recipients of migrant arrivals,” Mr Lawless said.

However, the weak conditions across Sydney and Melbourne unit markets look to be turning. Sydney’s rental index for units has recorded two successive months of mild rises, while Melbourne unit rents edged higher in February after falling for nine of the previous ten months. The improvement in unit rents across Australia’s two largest cities is likely to be at least partially seasonal as demand from domestic students generally rises early in the year, but could also be attributable to more people returning to work in the inner cities as well as workers in some of the hardest hit industries such as hospitality, food and accommodation services returning to employment.

Until international borders re-open and migration rates return to their pre-COVID levels, a more substantial improvement in inner city apartment rents is unlikely.

<img alt="" height="342" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rental_market_feb.jpg" width="583">

Weaker rental conditions in Sydney and Melbourne relative to rising home values is evident in the gross rental yields, with yields across both cities falling to fresh record lows in February. Gross rental yields in Sydney were recorded at 2.9% at the end of February, while in Melbourne yields averaged 3.0%. Every other capital city is recording gross rental yields around the mid-4% mark or higher, implying positive cash flow opportunities are more likely in these markets.

Australian home values surged 2.1% higher in February; the largest month-on-month change in CoreLogic’s national home value index since August 2003. Spurred on by a combination of record low mortgage rates, improving economic conditions, government incentives and low advertised supply levels, Australia’s housing market is in the midst of a broad-based boom.

Housing values are rising across each of the capital city and rest of state regions, demonstrating the diverse nature of this housing upswing.

According to CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, a synchronised growth phase like this hasn’t been seen in Australia for more than a decade. “The last time we saw a sustained period where every capital city and rest of state region was rising in value was mid-2009 through to early 2010, as post-GFC stimulus fueled buyer demand.”

Sydney and Melbourne were among the strongest performing markets, recording a 2.5% and 2.1% lift in home values over the month respectively, as Australia’s two largest cities caught up from weaker performance through 2020. The quarterly trend however, is still favouring the smaller cities; Darwin housing values rose 5.5% over the past three months, Hobart values rose 4.8% and Perth was up 4.2%.

“Whether this new found growth in Sydney and Melbourne can be sustained is unclear. Both cities are still recording values below their earlier peaks, however at this current rate of appreciation it won’t be long before Australia’s two most expensive capital city markets are moving through new record highs. With household incomes expected to remain subdued and stimulus winding down, it is likely affordability will once again become a challenge in these cities,” Mr Lawless said.

A housing market trend that has persisted through the COVID period to-date is the weaker performance of unit markets relative to detached housing. Across CoreLogic’s combined capitals index, house values (+4.4% over the past three months) have recorded a growth rate more than three times higher than that of its unit counterparts (+1.4%). There are some tentative signs this trend could become less obvious, with Sydney unit values recording their first month of growth since April last year and Melbourne unit values recording their largest gain since late 2019.
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The disparity in rental markets across Australia has been extreme

Unit rents down -8% in Melbourne but soar 10% in Perth and Darwin

Melbourne Quarter is one of the most lavish completed&nbsp;developments located in the&nbsp;heart of&nbsp;Melbourne&rsquo;s vibrant CBD.

As we near the end of the First Home Buyer and HomeBuilder Grant,&nbsp;Urban have put together ten reasons why you might like to consider purchasing a&nbsp;home in&nbsp;the Melbourne Quarter development.&nbsp;

<h2>1. Developed by the Lendlease Group</h2>

The project&nbsp;is being developed by Lendlease, a multinational company headquartered in Sydney, with a&nbsp;very strong track record across Australia, Europe, the Americas and Asia.

They have won a number of awards&nbsp;across numerous Sydney and Melbourne projects and remain one of the&nbsp;most sustainable real estate funds in the world.

<h2>2. International design&nbsp;firm Fender Katsilidis have architected&nbsp;the building</h2>

Fender Katsalidis once a Melbourne-centric architectural practice, and now&nbsp;a highly awarded, multi-disciplinary international design firm is responsible for the architecture of this&nbsp;project among many others.&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/east-tower-melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_quarter_full.jpg" /></a>

They have their stamp on renowned&nbsp;developments such as&nbsp;Australia 108, Flinders Bank, Fulton Lane and High Society just to name a few.

<h2>3. Three whole floors of resort-style amenities. &nbsp;</h2>

The project includes a hotel-style lobby, concierge and exclusive access to Club MQ, which also means access to the three entire floors of resort-style amenities on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459]

<h2>4. The Melbourne Quarter precinct</h2>

Melbourne Quarter offers residents more than just the one East Tower currently on offer. It is a sprawling&nbsp;2.5-hectare site dedicated to public open space, surely to be&nbsp;named Melbourne&rsquo;s greenest city precinct, with a mix of both retail and parkland on offer for residents.

<h2>5. $458,000 is below the Melbourne CBD&#39;s median apartment price</h2>

Home buyers can enjoy a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the Melbourne Quarter for as low as $458,000, below the $490,000 median apartment value, calculated by realestate.com.au

<h2>6. Range of luxury residences&nbsp;available</h2>

Currently on offer in the Eastern Tower of the Melbourne Quarter&nbsp;is a collection of spacious one and&nbsp;two-bedroom architecturally designed apartments, with a range of price points from $458,000 all the way to a pricier $1,032,000.

<a href="/buildings/east-tower-melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_quarter_apt.jpg" /></a>

<h2>7. Located in the heart of the Melbourne CBD</h2>

Bordered by the renowned Collins and Flinders Streets, Melbourne Quarter offers residents the convenience of living in Melbourne&rsquo;s vibrant CBD at affordable prices for first home buyers or investors.

<h2>8. Nearby developments of a similar quality are more expensive</h2>

For example another development with top of the line amenities, R. Iconic has&nbsp;prices starting from $507,000, across their range of one, two and three bedroom suites.

Or the similarly lavish&nbsp;The Docklands Residences which&nbsp;sits atop a brand new 8-floor Marriott Hotel and offers a number of luxury amenities.

<h2>9. The Melbourne CBD will always be in demand</h2>

The Melbourne CBD has overall managed despite&nbsp;downturn predictions of the market and may have even seen price values grow if not for&nbsp;on and off state-wide lockdowns. In fact a number of economists are extremely optimistic Melbourne prices which are&nbsp;tipped to climb by 8 per cent this year followed by 10 per cent in 2022.

A number of economists predict the battle between banks for new customers and the successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine may super-charge even the national property market.

<h2>10. Views from your future home</h2>

Many apartments in the&nbsp;Melbourne Quarter hold sweeping views across both the city and skyline.

<a href="/buildings/east-tower-melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_quarter_view.jpg" /></a>

Learn more and <a href="/buildings/east-tower-melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands">enquire with Urban&nbsp;about the Melbourne Quarter</a>.

10 reasons to buy a brand new home in the Melbourne Quarter

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As Mirvac’s latest master-planned community, Waverley Park, nears completion, we took a look at what the sustainable and energy-efficient precinct in Melbourne’s Mulgrave has to offer.

The final stage of the community, The Finale, which includes its own picturesque lake, offers three, four and five-bedroom park front homes, a serene extension to your own private front garden.

Designed by Mirvac’s award-winning architects, the boutique range of family homes can be tailored to suit your lifestyle and preferences. 

The six-star energy rated homes boast cross-ventilation and superior insulation, reducing energy use and energy costs. LED lighting, solar hot water and energy-efficient appliances will deliver further savings for residents.

<a href="/buildings/waverley-park-6-goodison-court-mulgrave"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/waverley_park_interiors.png"></a>

The parklands include a variety of play equipment and facilities, including a rock-climbing wall, skate park, gym equipment and a basketball court. Plus have a picnic and take advantage of the shelters, barbecues and communal seating area. 

At the heart of the neighbourhood is the historic Waverley Park Stadium, shopping precinct and oval linked by welcoming streets, a community hub and extremely walkable parklands. Also within walking distance is the Goodlife Health Club, Waverley Park Dental Care, cafes and a village store supplying fresh produce.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22700]

Five-bedroom residences are priced from $1,245,000, while three-bedroom homes begin at $785,000.

With limited family homes remaining, and only a short drive to the fashion capital, Chadstone, Waverley Place is not one to miss.

To find out more information on Waverley Place, enquire <a href="/buildings/waverley-park-6-goodison-court-mulgrave">here</a>.
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The Finale residence release: What's on offer at Mirvac’s Waverley Park?

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

Jordan Fidler

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