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.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22034]

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

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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