First home buyers were well and truly back in the market, in their droves, earlier in the year, with stamp duty concessions and HomeBuilder grants giving those who were yet to get on the ladder a firm footing in&nbsp;the property market.

Demands has unsurprisingly tapered a touch from the segment, but many developers and agents are reporting just as strong interest, given how well the property market held up over the pandemic, paired with record low interest rates that are likely to be in place until 2024.

ABS data showed&nbsp;first home buyer commitments remain 20.4 per cent&nbsp;higher compared to this time last year.

With first home buyer loan commitments still holding strong, Urban has highlighted the&nbsp;developments in the suburbs&nbsp;most popular&nbsp;amongst first home buyers for the month of August.

<h2>Brunswick</h2>

Always a popular spot for the younger, first home buyer demographic, Urban&#39;s most popular suburb in August was Brunswick, in Melbourne&#39;s north.

When COVID lockdowns lift, Brunswick will again be home to&nbsp;live music, upbeat pubs and beer gardens. At the area&#39;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 popular projects in the area is&nbsp;4 Ballarat Street, developed by&nbsp;Assemble&nbsp;Futures.

Designed by&nbsp;Fieldwork Architects&nbsp;and with landscaping&nbsp;by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat&nbsp;places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100% renewable energy.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160730]

Located in the heart of Brunswick, a popular location for cafes and restaurants, Assemble Futures are offering a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model which has made this development particularly popular amongst first home buyers.

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.

<h2>Keysborough</h2>

Keysborough is a family-friendly suburb, 27 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, and is drawing attention for those working from home, and young families, due to its larger, and more affordable, apartments and townhouses.

Haven Townhomes has been consistently drawing attention with affordable three and four bedroom townhomes on offer, with young families particularly interested.

Developed by Aultun Group and&nbsp;designed by Cera Stribley Architects, The Haven estate encompasses a variety of two storey floor plans with the option of choosing a house and land package, or an off-the-plan purchase.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for sweeping&nbsp;views, access to nature and convenient&nbsp;amenities.

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It is set for completion in December 2021.

<h2>Preston</h2>

Back to Melbourne&#39;s inner-ring, just past Brunswick, is the equally lively Preston, a popular haunt for sport enthusiasts with its number of AFL clubs and sporting grounds.

The latest residential offering to hit High Street is Due North, set in the heart of Preston. The architecturally designed apartment building developed by Caydon Property&nbsp;boasts rooftop living, Melbourne views and spacious apartments.

Situated within 20 minutes of the Melbourne CBD, residents at Due North can enjoy the diverse choice of restaurants, bars, fashion stores found on High Street.

Due North&nbsp;offers residents the chance to make the most of Northside living, boasting rooftop space, a coworking area in the lobby and three retail spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155342]

The development&nbsp;boasts&nbsp;environmentally conscious&nbsp;features and is designed to decrease energy consumption; helping residents&nbsp;save more on their next power bill.

Preston has remained particularly appealing amongst first home buyers due to it&#39;s comparative affordability when compared to popular nearby suburbs like Coburg, Northcote and Reservoir where the median unit price is $75,000 - $150,000 lower

<h2>Brighton</h2>

Not often associated with first home buyer interest, Brighton, in Melbourne&rsquo;s exclusive Bayside precinct, is one of the most-sought after, and most expensive, areas of real estate in Victoria.

Rarely does an opportunity for a first home buyer come along. But the local Southend Property Group is developing their newest boutique apartment development, Southend, with first home buyers at the forefront of their thinking.

They&rsquo;ve priced their one-bedroom apartments from $549,000, and the two-bedroom apartments from $694,000. They&rsquo;re about a third cheaper than the next most affordable development currently on the market at Brighton, which is priced from $1.8 million for a two-bedroom apartment.

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The median apartment price in Brighton is $895,000, according to SQM Research.

Southern is located at 604-608 Hampton Street,&nbsp;where residents can step directly out to Hampton Street&rsquo;s thriving cafes and shops, stroll down to Were Street Village&rsquo;s gourmet groceries and walk to South Road beach.

ABS data showed first home buyer commitments remain 20.4 per cent higher compared to this time last year.

jordan_55689

The most popular Melbourne suburbs for first home buyers in August

Box Hill is a thriving suburb just 14 kilometres east of Melbourne. The suburb is&nbsp;set to undergo expansive growth and development over the coming years, due to its crowning as a Metropolitan Activity Centre.

A major transportation hub for Melbourne&#39;s eastern suburbs, Box Hill is home to one of the city&#39;s busiest train stations, located beneath Box Hill Central. It is also served by the route 109 tram and numerous bus routes.

Retail is also plentiful with Box Hill Central. It was 2007 when two shopping centres merged to create Box Hill Central, which is integrated with a bus interchange and the Box Hill railway station.

Prices start from as low as $395,000&nbsp;at some of the current developments on the market in Box Hill,&nbsp;well below Melbourne&#39;s median of $610,000, as calculated by CoreLogic.

As the suburb&rsquo;s cultural diversity and growing appeal have made it one of the more desirable places to live in Melbourne&#39;s east, Urban has taken a deeper dive into some of the best apartment developments set for Box Hill.

<h2>1. Spring Street</h2>

One-bedroom apartments starting from $395,000

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Investors and first home buyers have both been attracted to Spring St, the newest mixed-use development slated for Box Hill.

The low price point in the project, the first in Box Hill designed by the renowned architecture firm Elenberg Fraser, has both investors and first home buyers keeping their eyes peeled.

Set in a quiet and leafy area in the bustling heart of Box Hill, Spring St provides convenient public transport, with the 109 tram, trains and buses nearby, as well as local shops and cafes. The ground level of Spring St will also home a number of retail and dining options.

Within a few hundred metres is the Box Hill RSL and Bowls Club, which meets Box Hill Gardens, a one kilometre urban park with sports courts, a running track, barbecue areas, ponds, and a playground.

The development of 312 apartments will also feature a 25 metre pool with spa, a sauna, gym,&nbsp;yoga room and more. Completion is set for 2024.

<a href="/news/vic/why-spring-st-box-hill-apartments-are-attracting-both-first-home-buyers-and-investors">Read more:&nbsp;Why Spring St, Box Hill apartments are attracting both first home buyers and investors</a>

<h2>2. Prospect apartments</h2>

One-bedroom apartments starting from $422,370

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3516 project_image_fid=153753]

With hotel-style amenities, a vibrant community and contemporary design, Prospect Apartments&nbsp;is one of R&amp;F Property&rsquo;s latest multi-residential projects.&nbsp;

Situated at 9 Prospect Street, Prospect Apartments will home&nbsp;193 apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations. Designed by Hayball, the exterior boasts an elegant and refined form with a poised glass fa&ccedil;ade.

Each apartment offers residents a choice between an East Scheme and West Scheme, each offering unique design perspectives that present a calming family space. Among the project&rsquo;s numerous amenities are a porte-coch&egrave;rre, pool gym and concierge service.

Prospect is expected to reach completion in 2022.

<h2>3. The Parade</h2>

One-bedroom apartments starting from $465,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3194 project_image_fid=25875]

Recently completed is the boutique apartment development The Parade, also designed by&nbsp;Hayball.

Comprising just 58 one and two-bedroom residences across 12 floors, The Parade&#39;s&nbsp;signature cascading facade gives the ability to deliver larger than average balconies with uninterrupted sky views, as well as light-filled living spaces across a number of different floorplans.&nbsp;

Designed with the latest environmental standards, The Parade incorporates sustainable materials and the harvesting of rainwater and sunlight,&nbsp;a benchmark and&nbsp;example for further Box Hill development.

Prices start from as low as $395,000 at some of the current developments on the market in Box Hill, well below Melbourne's median of $610,000


The best of Box Hill: The top three apartments on the market in Box Hill right now

Australians have been staying at home on and off during the intermittent lockdowns&nbsp;and for homebuyers, this means a delay, sometime indefinitely, in purchasing property.

However, data in both the first Melbourne lockdown&nbsp;and beyond shows&nbsp;that online visits and enquiries of property listings have surged by over 50%.

Here at Urban, we have compiled a list of questions so prospective buyers can get a handle on what they should be asking agents during online inspections. This is useful both during lockdown and for properties available for purchase off-the-plan,&nbsp;or available across state or national borders&nbsp;when in-person inspection may not be possible.

For a more <a href="/guides/the-ultimate-off-the-plan-guide-5-property-experts-share-advice-for-buying-a-new-apartment-or-townhome" target="_blank">in-depth guide on off-the-plan</a> buying check out our expert guide.

1. What&#39;s the cost per square metre for each floorplan configuration? (make a note of this and compare to other properties you virtually view)

This is vital information to compare the value of the property to others in the area as well as the suburb/region you are looking to buy in. It is&nbsp;important&nbsp;to make sure you are buying a property that suits your needs and has room to grow, one marker of such potential is if the $/psqm is below median for the area, however it isn&#39;t the be all end all

2. When is construction slated to start/be completed?

Construction projections are important information as it will have an effect on how long you may rent or choose to settle on your current property. Ensure the builder/construction firm is reliable and has a good reputation to reduce the likelihood of delay.&nbsp;

Keep in mind that some delays may occur if a coronavirus outbreak occurs.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5806 project_image_fid=168936]

3. Which items within the display are included and which are optional upgrades?

Straightforward enough, make sure you don&#39;t get blindsided and chuck out your old washer/dryer just because the display suite has one, double check with the agent to see what is supplied by the developer as some offer white-goods packages and optional deals.

4. What customisation option do you have available?

Depending on the design firm and developer, some firms offer a higher degree of customisation, this tends to increase linearly with price as the more expensive the property is, the more customisable it generally is. Either way you should ask as many developments offer at minimum a choice in colour pallete&nbsp;and fittings&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

5. What&#39;s the ceiling height? (compare this to your own ceilings at home)

While this many not mean as much to someone who is 150 cm tall, for prospective basketball players... and everyone else, it&#39;s worth knowing ceiling height as this can impact whether the home feels claustrophobic or spacious and airy regardless of your personal height.

6. Which aspect does the particular apartment I&#39;m considering buying face? (take note of where the sun is throughout the day in your own home)

This is important for natural light purposes, as well as potential views as some apartments will offer a better aspect than others.

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7. Who built the display suite and will they be constructing the actual apartments/townhomes?

A vital point of note is the builder, don&#39;t misunderstand something because of an unrealistic display suite.

8. If taking a virtual tour, ask the agent to zoom in on details so you can see the build quality

If the builder doesn&#39;t put their best foot forward with the display suite, it is worth asking the agent about it and whether other properties you have looked at demonstrate better build quality or detailing.

Here at Urban, we have compiled a list of questions so prospective buyers can get a handle on what they should be asking agents during online inspections, useful both during lockdown and for those buying out of state or internationally

What to ask agents when being taken through a display suite online

Elenberg Fraser is an expert in multi-residential architecture and interior design, currently delivering around 42% of the apartments nearing completion and under construction in Melbourne; up from 10% in 2013.

Based in Melbourne with regional hubs in Brisbane and Ho Chi Minh City, Elenberg Fraser&nbsp;was&nbsp;established in 1998&nbsp;by Zahava Elenberg and Callum Fraser, both RMIT University graduates.

Elenberg Fraser have a track record in delivering residential projects that are both design-driven and market-driven, with expertise recognised through industry awards for projects such as Fifty Albert in South Melbourne, Luna in St Kilda and A&rsquo;Beckett Tower on Melbourne&rsquo;s A&rsquo;Beckett Street.

The architecture firm note that&nbsp;their&nbsp;residential projects have demonstrated their potential to improve returns and work within strict floorplan and cost considerations, but also provide truly inhabitable environments that excite and engage&nbsp;owners and tenants.

&ldquo;We create flexible spaces that can be adapted to a range needs, with practical yet individual approaches to interior design. Generous communal spaces are provided, creating society within the building,&rdquo; the firm noted.

Urban has picked out its top five&nbsp;projects currently in the market designed by the team at&nbsp;Elenberg Fraser.

<h2>Spring Street</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100675 project_image_fid=162056]

Located in the centre of Box Hill, Spring Street is within arm&rsquo;s reach of culturally rich dining scene, quality educational facilities, hospitals, shopping centres and public transport.&nbsp;

Spring Street&rsquo;s ground level features a paved boulevard, gardens and fine grain retail and dining offerings. As the levels rise, there is a private garden on the top of the podium where residents can relax and enjoy outdoor living.

Everything has been designed by Elenberg Fraser, from the streamlined, modern low-rise apartments, to the sleek high-rise levels and the custom-designed penthouses.

It features 29-storey architectural marvels, abundant amenities and a scenic garden created in collaboration with leading landscape architects Tract Consultants.&nbsp;

<h2>St Boulevard</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=80580]

St Boulevard is the newest three-tower development in St Kilda, located at the intersection of the grand St. Kilda Boulevard and the Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The towers, Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, place&nbsp;residents square at the centre of the busy suburb.

The biophilic buildings have been designed&nbsp;around a central park, home to the trees that stand for the building&rsquo;s namesake.

Elenberg Fraser took a sophisticated and tactile approach to the interiors, offering residents a choice in colour scheme and palette with a large range of floor plans to choose from.

<h2>Piper Townhomes</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102256 project_image_fid=163757]

Piper Townhomes is a boutique collection of 14 modern, low-maintenance townhouses in the bayside suburb of Williamstown.&nbsp;

It is just one part of AVJennings vision for Waterline Place which they described as &ldquo;a village within a village&rdquo;. It will be home to around 500 residences across 14 unique developments, weaved among a sea of biophilic, pedestrian-friendly, streets and laneways.&nbsp;

Piper comprises nine three-bedroom homes facing Nelson Place, starting from an extension of the neighbouring Lonsdale and Lysander townhomes, continuing the bluestone and angled roofline theme that mimics traditional local cottages and industrial buildings of the past, to blend in with the established architectural character of the area.

As well as five two-bedroom, two-bathroom terraces fronting Waterline Place, that have already sold out.

Situated within Hobson Bay the area offers cafes, restaurants, supermarket, shops, swimming beaches and renowned boating clubs.

<h2>Provenance</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9099 project_image_fid=48596]

The luxury property developer Beulah recently began construction on one of its newest apartment developments, Provenance Camberwell.

Consisting of just 12 apartments in total, including two penthouses, the boutique block at 890 Toorak Road has been designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Prices start from $1.25 million for the two bedroom apartments, with the four bedroom penthouses priced at $3.995 million.

Beulah have appointed the family-ran and owned lurada Property Group to handle the construction and so far the building has proven popular with local owner-occupiers, Beulah managing director Jiaheng Chan said.

Provenance Camberwell marks Beulah&rsquo;s seventh project to have commenced construction within recent years.

<h2>20 Mary Avenue, Broadbeach</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327]

Developer Little Projects Co recently&nbsp;unveiled plans for a boutique residential apartment project located at 20 Mary Avenue, Broadbeach.

Demonstrating their prowess outside of Victoria, 20 Mary Avenue will showcase an exclusive collection of just 29, full floor and double storey apartments designed in partnership with Elenberg Fraser.

Each floor will house a 3-bedroom residence, with an elegant&nbsp;aesthetic, designed&nbsp;for the owner-occupier market.

20 Mary Avenue, Broadbeach will springboard off the back of Little Project&rsquo;s Gold Coast debut project, Signature Broadbeach, which sold out its 245 apartments located just around the corner from the proposed 20 Mary Avenue, Broadbeach.

According to the developer, panoramic ocean views can be witnessed from podium to penthouse, with never to be built out vistas as a result of the development&rsquo;s positioning behind Broadbeach State School.

Elenberg Fraser is an expert in multi-residential architecture and interior design, currently delivering around 42% of the apartments nearing completion and under construction in Melbourne

Architecture firm Elenberg Fraser’s top projects on Urban

St Boulevard is the latest residential development by The Shakespeare Group, located in a prime position on the corner of St Kilda Rd and High Street, and at the southern tip of Albert Park Lake.

St Boulevard, made up of three towers&nbsp;Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, puts residents on the fringes of Albert and Fawkner Parks, and a short stroll to the eclectic St Kilda and Prahran precincts.

Shakespeare Group described the development as being set&nbsp;between a concrete jungle and a bohemian hub, with some of the unique&nbsp;boutiques and restaurants lining Fitzroy and Acland Streets just a few minutes away.

The development is centered around a lush garden with the building&#39;s namesake tree&#39;s at the fore linking to interior amenity and facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=80580]

St Boulevard is within walking distance to Albert Park to the west and the Royal Botanic Gardens to the east, with many apartments holding views over the green landscape. The&nbsp;parklands are described as&nbsp;Melbourne&rsquo;s green lungs,&nbsp;with access to the winding Yarra River trails and waterways&nbsp;for residents to explore.

Just across the Yarra is the Melbourne sports precinct, home to the MCG,&nbsp;Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and AAMI Park.

Some of Melbourne&rsquo;s best cultural and entertainment venues are close by&nbsp;as it&#39;s not far from the heart of&nbsp;Melbourne&rsquo;s arts precinct. That includes the Shrine of Remembrance,&nbsp;Malthouse Theatre, NGV and&nbsp;ACCA.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=173493]

For those looking for more than just a stroll, other exercise options include the Tennis World Albert Reserve,&nbsp;Fawkner Park Tennis Court, Albert Park Golf Courses and many gyms, including the one on offer exclusively to residents at&nbsp;St Boulevard.

After sweating it out enjoy some of the best food Melbourne has to offer on High Street, Putt Road and Flinders Street, home to such classics like&nbsp;The Kettle Black,&nbsp;Entrecote,&nbsp;Hunters Kitchen &amp; Bar,&nbsp;Bistro Gitan, The Emerson, France-Soir, Prahran Market and many many more.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=1260]

St Boulevard, made up of three towers Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, puts residents on the fringes of Albert and Fawkner Parks, and a short stroll to the eclectic St Kilda and Prahran precincts

Why St Boulevard's St Kilda Road location can not be repeated

St Boulevard, located at the intersection of the grand St. Kilda Boulevard and the Melbourne CBD, is home to three towers, Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, named after the trees that serve as a garden centerpiece that links the three buildings.

Recently completed to a design by the renowned architecture firm Elenberg Fraser,&nbsp;the biophilic towers rise as high as 21&nbsp;storeys and home 419&nbsp;one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Apartments start from $410,000.

Urban has taken a closer look at St Boulevard and picked out its top selling points.

<h2>1. Developed by The Shakespeare Group</h2>

On each of its projects, The Shakespeare Group team begins with the careful selection of a location that will offer an exceptional level of amenity, as seen in St Boulevard.

The group then collaborates with industry experts like those at Elenberg Fraser, combining&nbsp;research, deep metrics and complex analyses to make&nbsp;decisions.

&quot;Unique, innovative and future-focused, The Shakespeare Group creates liveable spaces and lifestyle-driven communities to be enjoyed now and for years to come,&quot; the group said.

Other projects by The Shakespeare Group include, Habitat, Twin Waters in Queensland,&nbsp;Pullman Cairns and more commercial Melbourne developments on Collins and Bourke Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=173489]

<h2>2. Designed by the award-winning experts at Elenberg Fraser</h2>

Elenberg Fraser is an expert in multi-residential architecture and interior design, currently delivering around 42% of the apartments nearing completion and under construction in Melbourne.&nbsp;

The global practice has won a number of awards for its local projects in Melbourne, such as&nbsp;&nbsp;Fifty Albert in South Melbourne, Luna in St Kilda and A&rsquo;Beckett Tower on Melbourne&rsquo;s A&rsquo;Beckett Street.

&ldquo;We create flexible spaces that can be adapted to a range needs, with practical yet individual approaches to interior design,&quot; the architecture firm say.

&ldquo;Elenberg Fraser residential projects have demonstrated their potential to improve returns and work within strict floorplan and cost considerations, but also provide truly inhabitable environments that excite and engage their owners and tenants.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=175274]

<h2>3. Location,&nbsp;Location, Location</h2>

Located at&nbsp;601 St Kilda Road,&nbsp;St. Boulevard provides residents with a green&nbsp;lifestyle within walking distance to Albert Park to the West and the Royal Botanic Gardens to the East.

St. Kilda is one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most eclectic suburbs brimming with creativity, talent, innovation and entertainment.

The Shakespeare Group said St. Boulevard is placed between a concrete jungle and a bohemian hub with some of the quirkiest boutiques and restaurants lining Fitzroy and Acland Streets, just a few tram stops from home.

Some of Melbourne&rsquo;s best cultural and entertainment venues are close by as it&#39;s not far from the heart of&nbsp;Melbourne&rsquo;s Arts Precinct.

St. Boulevard&nbsp;is within walking distance to some of the best public and private schools in Melbourne. Take a short tram ride into the city, and residents are close to some of Australia&#39;s top-ranking universities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=80580]

<h2>4. Over 2,000 sqm of resident amenity</h2>

St. Boulevard offers a multitude of exclusive facilities for residents, set in the natural leafy surroundings.

Private kitchens and dining rooms can be booked by residents, with space available in the climate-controlled wine storage racks. There&#39;s a library room that features an open fireplace, as well as a health club with spa, sauna and steam rooms.

A state-of-the-art gym is also on site, complete with&nbsp;a heated lagoon and lap pool. Outdoors there&#39;s resort-style outdoor pavilions, BBQ pods, garden seating areas and a children&#39;s play area.

The centerpiece of the development is the garden, home to large tree&#39;s after which the buildings are named, Magnolia, Ginko and Anaca.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177678]

<h2>5. Apartment and building design</h2>

There are a number of different floorplans and configurations at&nbsp;St Boulevard.

Each kitchen features&nbsp;stone island benches, natural stone finishes and raw and polished textures, which compliment the surrounding natural landscape.

Living and kitchen areas open to balconies with views over the surrounding green areas and to the Melbourne CBD.

The floor plans are optimised with efficiency and maximise&nbsp;storage for convenient living and the exposure of natural light and city panoramic views due to the curved and sloping design of the towers, centred around a&nbsp;green&nbsp;park.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=1260]

St Boulevard, located at the intersection of the grand St. Kilda Boulevard and the Melbourne CBD, is home to three towers, Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko

Why St Boulevard apartments on the fringe of Melbourne's CBD should be on a buyers shortlist

Hope Island, despite not being named after hope but instead&nbsp;colonial aristocrat Captain Louis Hope, remains one of Queensland&#39;s&nbsp;premier living and holiday destinations.

Hope Island is attracting every kind of buyer, from young families who are attracting to the local schools, to downsizers and retirees who want to live the lifestyle that Hope Island offers.

Investors, as well as first home buyers, have been interested given the price point of the apartments on the island in comparison to the houses, which have fetched upwards of $10 million in recent years.

Infrastructure is already well in place on the Island, with&nbsp;marina shopping and&nbsp;dining precincts,&nbsp;medical facilities, and three 18-hole golf courses. &nbsp;The Links Golf Club in particular is&nbsp;recognised internationally for its 18-hole championship design and multi-million dollar clubhouse.

Some other activities on offer include the nearby tennis centre,&nbsp;theme parks and diving attractions.

Hope Island also plays host to a bustling nightlife with some highlights being Georges Paragon, Boardwalk Tavern and The Verandah Bar.&nbsp;

New property&nbsp;on&nbsp;Hope Island however is becoming increasingly scarce, with only a limited amount of land left to be developed.

There&#39;s been huge demand due to the lack of supply for Peninsula Collection, the last stage of the The Peninsula Hope Island, a development by the ASF Group.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170356]

They&#39;ve seen everything snapped up, from the blocks of waterfront land on offer, to a variety of townhouses.

Peninsula Collection is the last piece for ASF, comprising just 63 apartments&nbsp;designed by Archidiom.

The three-bedroom apartments, which have nearly 120 sqm of living space, start from just $565,000. The three-bedroom apartments&nbsp;rise to $780,000 for the 133 sqm apartments, which also include a study room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=180034]

The biggest apartments on offer, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, have nearly 180 sqm of living area and start from $1.28 million.

A limited number of the 5-bedroom apartments include a dual-key access option and many of the three-bedders come with a study integrated into the floorplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170355]

Completion is forecast for 2023, with&nbsp;construction set to begin in a few months.

Residents will also have access to The Peninsula BBQ area and waterside gazebo beyond the Hope Island Resort offerings like a fitness centre and swimming pool.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22034]

The best representation and offering of Hope Island living is the standout Hope Island Resort gated community, of which the Peninsula Collection represent the last apartments on offer

Why Hope Island is attracting every kind of buyer

The ASX-listed ASF Group have released the final opportunity to buy in their unrepeatable gated Hope Island community, The Peninsula.

Peninsula Collection&nbsp;is the final instalment of apartments in the master-planned development on Harbourview Drive, which is located in the highly sought-after Hope Island Resort.

ASF has already sold out Peninsula Homes, a collection of 17 townhouses, Peninsula Residences, comprising&nbsp;40&nbsp;apartments, and Peninsula Terraces, just 22 terraces, which sit along side the Peninsula Collection.

The Peninsula Collection has 63 apartments, starting from a low $565,000 for the three-bedroom apartments. Since the official launch of Peninsula Collection last month, more than 10 apartments have already been snapped up

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170599]

They&#39;re likely to be popular with investors, particularly&nbsp;internationally, with Hope Island Resort featuring Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) exemption. This gives investors a global re-sale market for future capital returns seldom found in other developments in Australia.

The project is also&nbsp;offering a three-year rental guarantee of five per cent&nbsp;per annum, along with the option for&nbsp;property management services.

Hope Island apartments&nbsp;have seen 3.8&nbsp;per cent price growth per annum over the past 10 years, according to SQM Research. In the last 12 months, apartments have seen&nbsp;16.5 per cent growth.

This can be attributed to a number of factors, not least of which is shortage of supply.&nbsp;According to property consultants Urbis in 2019, The North Shore precinct, which includes Hope Island, was the most undersupplied market on the Gold Coast for apartment buyers. A situation which hasn&#39;t see much improvement until recently with five&nbsp;new apartment developments set for Hope Island.

Rental stock has also remained extremely tight on Hope Island.

The&nbsp;2032 Brisbane Olympics announcement is also backing up this data, ensuring&nbsp;investment from both private and public sectors&nbsp;upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure and more&nbsp;in the near and long term.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=172301]

Three-bedroom apartments in Peninsula start&nbsp;from $565,000,&nbsp;below the&nbsp;suburb median of $579,000, according to SQM.

Rents have also been on the rise with rental asking prices up 24.8 per cent&nbsp;in the past year and 4.4 per cent per annum for the past 10 years.

&#39;The Peninsula, as an exclusive gated community development on Hope Island Resort&#39;s unique river canal, is located within&nbsp;one kilometre of three golf courses, across the road from the Azzura Greens Resort and&nbsp;Links Hope Island Golf Club.

It&#39;s one of the closest new developments near the Hope Island Shopping Centre, reachable on buggy or foot.

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The Peninsula Collection has 63 apartments, starting from a low $565,000 for the three-bedroom apartments

Hope Island's Peninsula Collection apartments show great appeal to interstate and international investors

Peninsula Collection apartments are the final&nbsp;new-build apartments on offer in&nbsp;ASF Group&#39;s The&nbsp;Peninsula Hope Island&nbsp;master-plan,&nbsp;situated in the prime waterfront of the Hope Island Resort gated community.

The 63 apartments designed by Archidiom&nbsp;are the last opportunity for buyers seeking to secure a place in the gated community.

Hope Island Resort is an exclusive gated community with marina shopping, dining precincts and medical facilities a short stroll away. The hole-in-one for some, are the three championship golf courses&nbsp;and multi-million dollar clubhouse&nbsp;accessible by Hope Island Resort buggy tracks, available on the Peninsula Collection&#39;s doorstep.

The Peninsula also boasts convenient&nbsp;access to major shopping, highly regarded schools, famous beaches and the M1 motorway allowing for ease of travel to&nbsp;local and international airports.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170356]

All of the three and five-bedroom apartments span upwards of 119 sqm, with many featuring a balcony to take in the sights of Gold Coast&#39;s unique canal waterways.

A limited number of the 5-bedroom apartments include a dual-key access option and many of the three-bedders come with a study integrated into the floorplan.

With completion forecast for 2023 and construction set to begin in a few months, every apartment will star European appliances and quality modern finishes.

Residents will also have access to The Peninsula BBQ area and waterside gazebo beyond the Hope Island Resort offerings like a&nbsp;fitness centre and swimming pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170358]

&#39;There were also 22&nbsp;terrace homes&nbsp;on offer as a part of&nbsp;Peninsula Terraces, however&nbsp;they have all been snapped up&nbsp;already.

A&nbsp;Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) exemption is available across all Peninsula Collection apartments, allowing international buyers to purchase without prior approval.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22034]

Peninsula Collection is located in the exclusive and unrepeatable Hope Island Resort with marina shopping, dining precincts and medical facilities a short stroll away

Final homes on offer at the Peninsula Collection gated community development on Hope Island

Investors have been witness to the growing attractiveness of Melbourne&rsquo;s Heidelberg&nbsp;West in recent years, as the ramping government expenditure totalling more than half a billion dollars has started to snowball the suburb&#39;s underlying value.

Heidelberg West apartments have seen 5.3 per cent price growth per annum over the past 10 years, according to SQM Research. Population growth has been similarly steady, up 1.3 per cent per annum for the past decade, ABS and Urbis data found.

Demographics in the Heidelberg West area reflect a younger age demographic, with a higher proportion of residents renting their property. Some 59 percent of residents are renters, more than double the 28 per cent in Greater Melbourne average.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178962]

And there&rsquo;s potential for further growth in the area due to the $160 million Olympia Housing Initiative, which is set to revitalise housing in Heidelberg West, Heidelberg Heights and Bellfield. Outdated public housing is being replaced by more housing more appropriate to local demographics.

There&rsquo;s also the proposition of the $50 million redeveloped town square in Heidelberg West, as well as $210 million development in neighbouring Ivanhoe of an 8,900 sqm site that will include residential, aged care and child care facilities.

Growth in median weekly rents has been steady in the Heidelberg West/Heidelberg rental area over the past decade. Data indicates that one-bedroom units achieved the strongest growth, at 6.5% per annum for the last 10 years. This is above the Greater Melbourne average of 5%. Over the same period, two and three bedroom units grew at 5.2% and 4.3% per annum respectively, indicating continued demand for rental units across all sizes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=174210]

Heidelberg West has the lowest rental vacancy rate among the surrounding suburbs, currently at 1.3%.&nbsp;

Cultivate, at 294 Bell Street, has a walk score of 80, indicating a very walkable neighbourhood with easy access to grammar schools and colleges, universities, hospitals, research hubs and major retail centres. It also has extensive transport links and a direct road network.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178965]

Cultivate is located 12km north east of Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD. It is close to a range of employment, education, retail and services hubs including:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Northland Shopping Centre</li>
	<li>Heidelberg Activity Centre</li>
	<li>Biomedical Alliance Precinct Specialised Activity Centre</li>
	<li>La Trobe University Bundoora</li>
</ul>

The proportion of residents working in white collar roles has been on the rise in Heidelberg West. The young age profile, high proportion of renters and prevalence of lone person households, is supportive of demand for apartment housing.&nbsp;

This is typical of a suburb that is undergoing gentrification and the same trend is evident in the adjacent suburbs nearer the Melbourne CBD, which have seen healthy price growth. It was even named a National Employment and Innovation Cluster by the Victorian Planning Authority.

National Employment Clusters are defined as, designated geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses and institutions that make a major contribution to the national economy and Melbourne&rsquo;s position as a global city.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=628]

Demographics in the Heidelberg West area reflect a younger age demographic, with a higher proportion of residents renting their property

Why investors are keen on Heidelberg West apartments, Cultivate

Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135149]

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

Jordan Fidler

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