Sydney apartment values rose a further 1.6&nbsp;per cent, according to property data firm CoreLogic.

Values have now grown 10 per cent over 2021, with 1.6 per cent over June&nbsp;and 1.8 per cent&nbsp;over May, a rolling quarterly gain of 5.1 per cent.

Sydney&#39;s median apartment value is now $810,000, having started the year at $734,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363]

The gains in the apartment market come as the booming housing market lost a little bit of steam over July.&nbsp;Sydney has recorded the sharpest reduction, with the monthly capital gain falling from 3.7% in March to 2.0% in July.&nbsp;

CoreLogic&#39;s research director, Tim Lawless, suggests one of the reasons house prices are starting to lose a bit of steam is that they are becoming unaffordable for many.

&ldquo;Sydney is the most expensive capital city by some margin and it has also been the city where values have risen the most over the first seven months of the year. Worsening affordability is likely a key contributing factor in the slowdown here, along with the negative impact on consumer sentiment as the city moves through an extended lockdown period,&quot; Lawless says.

&quot;Along with declining home affordability, much of the earlier COVID related fiscal support (particularly fiscal support related to housing) has expired.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30049 project_image_fid=162884]

Recently there has been some volatility in new inventory levels, with the number of newly advertised properties falling sharply across Sydney and Melbourne amidst lockdowns.

In Sydney, the monthly number of new listings added to the market has fallen by approximately -30% since the week ending June 27th, dragging total active listing numbers -13.7% below the five-year average.

&ldquo;At the other end of the spectrum are the apartment sectors of Melbourne and Sydney, where rental conditions have been substantially looser.&quot;

&quot;The good news for landlords is that rental markets in these areas are stabilising following a substantial reduction in rents due to high vacancy rates attributable to stalled overseas migration and a preference shift away from high density living during the pandemic,&rdquo; Mr Lawless continued.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100811 project_image_fid=162902]

We have seen the same trend through earlier lockdowns, where both buyer activity and vendor activity reduce before recovering to pre-lockdown levels once restrictions are eased or lifted.

&ldquo;With stock levels remaining tight, selling conditions have been skewed towards vendors.&quot;

&quot;Auction clearance rates have remained in the low-to-mid 70% range across the major auction markets through July and private treaty sales continue to record rapid selling times and low discounting rates,&rdquo; Lawless said.

Sydney's median apartment value is now $810,000, having started the year at $734,000

jordan_55689

What happened to Sydney apartment values over July?

Canberra&#39;s largest developer Geocon Group are continuing their Woden Valley&nbsp;precinct WOVA, as part of the next wave of ACT&rsquo;s multi-billion dollar regeneration project.

WOVA, short for WOden ReVAmped, is set to host a revitalised residential and mixed-use community precinct, slated for completion in 2024.

The four-tower development will feature a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with ultra-convenient transport connectivity and abundant amenity.

A number of WOVA apartments benefit from the ACT government&#39;s recent scrapping of stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments and townhouses up to $500,000 with the one-bedroom apartments falling into that bracket.

Urban has taken a look at WOVA and its apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7947 project_image_fid=186446]

<h2>1. Developed by the Canberra-based experts at Geocon Group</h2>

Since its establishment in 2007, Geocon has risen as Australia&rsquo;s fourth largest residential developer. The company has an annual turnover of $250-300 million and is now one of Canberra&rsquo;s most successful developers.

Geocon Group has 10 projects currently available for purchase including two Braddon projects, Midnight and Envie, as well as Belconnen&rsquo;s three-stage Republic. They are also working on the The Kingston Arts Precinct among others.

The company&rsquo;s philosophy is to create&nbsp;&ldquo;architecturally-stunning buildings that deliver a new standard of contemporary living.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7947 project_image_fid=186452]

<h2>2. Designed by the experts from Fender Katsalidis and Oculus Urban Design</h2>

Designed by the award-winning Fender Katsalidis and Oculus Urban Design, WOVA &nbsp;apartments feature spacious balconies and functional living areas. While in the off the plan stage, residents can choose from three different colour schemes.

The apartments feature SMEG appliances and stone benchtops in the kitchen and custom joinery in the bathroom.&nbsp;

Fender Katsalidis has become the leading architecture practice in Australia since it was founded back in 1996. The now global firm is behind Australia 108 in Melbourne&rsquo;s Southbank, Herald apartments in Sydney&rsquo;s Newcastle, and a number of other ACT projects they collaborated with Geocon on, including High Society, Metropol and Nightfall.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7947 project_image_fid=186456]

<h2>3. Revamped community in a sought-after location</h2>

Located at the heart of a vibrant new urban village in Canberra&rsquo;s rapidly awakening centre, WOVA is the beginning of a turning of a brand new page for Woden Valley.

There are dozens of cafes and eateries surrounding WOVA, beyond its own commercial and residential ground floor featuring eateries, cafes, boutique retail and convenience stores.

WOVA is in the geographic heart of Canberra, where convenience is within easy reach:

<ul>
	<li>5 minutes walk to Westfield Woden</li>
	<li>11 minute drive to Canberra City Centre</li>
	<li>14 minutes drive to Canberra Airport</li>
	<li>8 minutes drive to Lake Burley Griffin</li>
	<li>6 minutes drive to the Canberra Hospital</li>
	<li>2 minutes to Phillip swimming and ice skating center and Phillip oval</li>
	<li>2 minutes to the proposed stage 2 light rail</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7947 project_image_fid=186453]

<h2>4. Plenty of amenity</h2>

WOVA residents have access to an onsite lap pool, fitness studio and gym, as well as working spaces to make work from home simple, something especially important in COVID-troubled times.&nbsp;

There is also a cinema available which residents can book for private use.

Residents also have access to a number of entertaining areas, featuring lounge and dining facilities, as well as a rooftop terrace.

There&#39;s over 3,000 sqm of landscaped gardens across the precinct for residents to stroll through.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7947 project_image_fid=186450]

<h2>5. Affordably priced apartments</h2>

One-bedroom apartments fall well within the new $500,000 stamp duty write-off bracket for off-the-plan apartments in the ACT.

Find out the pricing for each one, two and three bedroom WOVA apartment on the project listing.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7947]

WOVA will host a revitalised residential and mixed-use community precinct set for completion in 2024

Five things Urban love about Geocon's WOVA apartments in Canberra

Piper Townhomes is a boutique collection of 14 modern, low-maintenance townhouses in the bayside suburb of Williamstown.&nbsp;

The terraces are&nbsp;just one part of AVJennings&#39; 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 apartment and townhouse developments, weaved among a sea of biophilic and pedestrian-friendly, streets and laneways.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102256 project_image_fid=163753]

Piper comprises nine three-bedroom homes facing Nelson Place, starting from an extension of the neighbouring Lonsdale and Lysander townhomes. They will continue&nbsp;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.

The three-bedroom townhouses have been designed with young families and downsizers in mind, with extensive&nbsp;storage spaces, larger&nbsp;full-height windows, and a living area that opens out to a room-sized balcony.

The smaller mid-row terraces feature vertical zoning and a planned layout which allows for natural light.&nbsp;AVJennings said they were ideal for young couples wanting their first home, as well as being attractive to&nbsp;investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102256 project_image_fid=163751]

Located within Hobson Bay, the area offers cafes, restaurants, supermarket, shops, swimming beaches and renowned boating clubs.

Residents are also close to Williamstown, Williamstown Beach and Newport train stations and nine kilometres away from the city.

Piper Townhomes are&nbsp;expected to be completed by&nbsp;mid-2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=102256]

Comprising just 14 residences, it is just one part of AVJennings vision for Waterline Place which they described as “a village within a village”.

How the luxury Piper Townhomes fit in AVJennings Waterline Place community in Williamstown

Feehan Row terraces, part of the $2 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, have been designed by Rothelowman, who were inspired by the green landscapes of the local area.

The homes and terraces sit on the west side of the redevelopment next to the masterplan&rsquo;s first release, the Thomas Street apartment building.

They&nbsp;include Tote Park Homes, a collection of six three-bedroom houses on the doorstep of the 5,000 sqm Tote Park.&nbsp;Prices start from $1,445,000.&nbsp;

The Kenna St Collection fronts a tree-lined street with gated front courtyards, with three-bedrooms from $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The Mews Collection, Glenara Walk Terraces, and McPherson Street Residences, have all sold out.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102580 project_image_fid=167427]

Feehan Row offers residents the whole green package, from parklands, bike paths, and walking trails to sporting fields, playgrounds and community spaces.&nbsp;

Each Rothelowman-designed home&nbsp;has a securely gated and individual entrance, with architecture inspired by historic Victorian terraces. Landscaped frontages and fringing greenery offer both privacy and seclusion.&nbsp;

The terraces have internal stair access throughout, but Hamton offers residents the choice to upgrade to a private lift for additional convenience.&nbsp;

Each kitchen is complete with contemporary finishes and storage space, while bedrooms and bathrooms are equipped with high-quality fittings and fixtures.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102580 project_image_fid=167437]

Other features include secure, underground car parking for terraces or private garages for houses. Some garage spaces include bike racks and additional adjacent storage spaces that could make for an ideal wine cellar.

The heritage-inspired homes and terraces&nbsp;are bordered by the new Tote Park, the leafy corridor of Glenara Walk, and Poplar Garden.

Chris Hayton, principal for Rothelowman said that Feehan Row will establish a contemporary version of the grand Australian terraces &nbsp;&ndash; &nbsp;many of which can be found throughout the leafy suburb of Moonee Ponds.

&quot;We believe that residents will love living at Feehan Row because in addition to the timeless design of these homes, they can access a rich environment of amenities and parkland.&rdquo;

<a href="/new-townhouses/moonee-ponds-vic-3039"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/moonee_valley_map.jpg" /></a>

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=102580]

The homes and terraces sit on the east side of the redevelopment next to the masterplan’s first release, the Thomas Street apartment building

A green oasis: Spotlight on Feehan Row terraces at Moonee Valley Park

Thomas Street is the first apartment building within the $2 billion Moonee Valley Park master-plan, currently underway by property developer Hamton and financier HostPlus.

Rising six storeys, Thomas Street was designed by the award-winning Rothelowman, who partnered with Hamton for much of the residential work across the project, including Feehan Row, the terrace and house development in the master-plan&rsquo;s first release.

Rothelowman worked alongside interior design firm Mim Design and Tract Landscape Architects to unify the building&rsquo;s contemporary form and biophilic design elements to increase resident&rsquo;s connectivity to the natural environment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167492]

Thomas Street comprises 69 one, two and three bedroom residences.&nbsp;

All of the one-bedroom apartments have already been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments start from $645,000 and three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.05 million.

Thomas Street is situated in the heart of Moonee Ponds, a sought-after inner-city locale in Melbourne&rsquo;s north-west.

Apartments at Thomas Street offer large entertainer&rsquo;s kitchens with butler&rsquo;s pantries, private home office spaces and walk-in-robes in some apartments.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167465]

The building also overlooks the leafy greenery of the peaceful Residents Garden. There&rsquo;s a lush vertical garden facade and green-laden outdoor areas perfect for entertaining and dining alfresco.

Form and finishes are united through contemporary detailing. A palette of ochre, merlot and pumice tones flow throughout and will blend with the future surrounding parkland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167465]

Thomas Street residents will have access to plenty of amenities and services including car charging stations and a dog wash station inside. Plus, within the nearby sister building, there is a lobby, concierge and delivery services on offer.

Residents and visitors will have access to Stonepine Square, a Mediterranean style piazza, as well as Cox Place, a dynamic village designed to fulfill convenience and lifestyle needs, from caf&eacute; culture to a social hot spot, business heart and wellness hub.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167494]

The nearby Puckle Street offers an established lifestyle destination with abundant boutiques, eateries, and the shopping heart of Moonee Ponds Central.

Delivered in the stages following Thomas Street and Feehan Row, Hamton have kept mental health in mind with an optional wellness membership to access the future Wellness Sanctuary and gymnasium, as well as the sky pool with city and racetrack views.

The crowning Jewel of the Moonee Valley Park master-plan, the racing club known as The Valley. With a new grandstand, the Moonee Valley Racing Club aims to be the premier night racing venue and is already home to major races&nbsp;like the Cox Plate.

Thomas Street comprises 69 one, two and three bedroom residences

Thomas Street, Moonee Valley Park’s first apartment development, designed to connect to nature

Kew Schofields in Sydney&rsquo;s north-west has proven popular to first home buyers thanks to its balance of affordability and convenience.

Located in Sydney&rsquo;s fastest-growing region, the master-planned community from&nbsp;Positive Investment Enterprise&nbsp;offers&nbsp;2,700 sqm of retail space, parks and recreational facilities.

Positioned between Rouse Hill town centre and the future Schofields town centre, residents&nbsp;are within quick access of&nbsp;caf&eacute;s, restaurants and retail.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93945]

Kew Schofields second stage,&nbsp;Georgette, follows on from the successful first release Rose Garden. Georgette has&nbsp;one-bedroom apartments from $440,000 and two beds from $535,000.

Designed by&nbsp;PBD Architects, the apartments feature&nbsp;large windows, abundant light and contemporary finishes.

Ground-floor apartments have private access to courtyards, while top-floor apartments enjoy north-facing views and an expansive rooftop terrace.

First home buyers and investors are buying with confidence given the infrastructure pipeline in the area and the nearby business centres.

Kew Schofields is being developed near the&nbsp;future Western Sydney Airport&nbsp;at Badgerys Creek and major employment hubs in Norwest and Marsden Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93952]

Kew Schofields&nbsp;is also located nearby Berowra Valley National Park, lifestyle amenities and golf courses. &nbsp;

The two nearby train lines,&nbsp;Schofields&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tallawong, connect to the North Shore line, Richmond line and the Sydney CBD.

Located in Sydney’s fastest-growing region, the master-planned community itself offers 2,700 sqm of retail space, parks and recreational facilities just a stones throw away

What's within walking distance from Kew Schofields? Learn more about the new apartment development in Sydney's west

The location of Moorabbin&#39;s latest apartment development, Omnia, is attracting&nbsp;Melbourne CBD commuters who are&nbsp;seeking a more affordable property without compromising the proximity to the city.

The Shenfield Property development, around 20 kilometres south of Melbourne, is less than 500 metres from the Moorabbin train station, from there a short 20 minute commute into&nbsp;the Melbourne CBD.

Comprising 40&nbsp;one, two and three-bedroom configurations, the development features park frontage, energy-efficient design and north-facing aspects. The apartments sit in gardens&nbsp;created by Wallbrink Landscape Architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=151677]

One-bedroom apartments start at&nbsp;as low as&nbsp;$465,000, with two-bedroom apartments priced&nbsp;from $645,000 and three-bedroom apartments from $875,000.

Designed by Roger Brayshaw Architects and Aldona Padjak, the apartments feature sophistication, open-plan living and a modern style.

Located in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s major suburbs, Omnia sits within a thriving community offering something for everyone.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=151675]

A wide range of schools, higher education, caf&eacute;s, shopping and numerous parks and reserves are at your doorstep, including RSEA Park &ndash; home of St Kilda Football Club.

Not far from Omnia is the convenient Highett shopping centre. Further down the Nepean Highway is a cluster of other convenient outlets and the Westfield Southland.

Dine at the nearby&nbsp;Le Feu Moorabbin GF and South Rd Burgers or travel slightly further afield to the Bad Shepherd Brewing Co. brewpub plus all the dining options on offer at the supercentres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=80698]

All homes include plush carpet, engineered flooring and stone tiles, with elegant full-wall tiles in the bathrooms. Showers are fitted with matte black dual shower heads, and frameless walk-in shower glass. Double vanities feature circular basins, and floating cabinetry, with mirrored storage above.

The kitchens include concealed cabinetry, with glass splashbacks, matte black tapware and integrated appliances.

Living spaces are open, with adjoining north-facing balconies offering residents plenty of sunlight to enjoy throughout the day.

Located in close proximity to Moorabbin train station and local community facilities, Omnia is the latest development by Shenfield Property

Walking Tour: What's within walking distance of Shenfield Property's Omnia apartments in Moorabbin

Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne.

Designed by&nbsp;Rothelowman, the features a number of&nbsp;amenities, including Melbourne&rsquo;s first suspended sky pool, theatre rooms and a stunning sky lounge.&nbsp;Delivering a&nbsp;mix of 368&nbsp;one, two, three and four-bedroom townhome and apartment residences.

The tower also features over 2000 sqm of parkland curated by acclaimed landscape architect Jack Merlo that bring the&nbsp;Hickory-constructed building to life.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=35253]

Hawthorn Park&rsquo;s striking 25 metre floating lap pool with glass bottom immediately catches the eye, acting almost as&nbsp;a bridge between two of the four buildings.

Rothelowman&nbsp;said it was the feature of the development they were most looking forward to seeing.

&ldquo;We were most excited about delivering the pool bridge as it is testament to our collaboration with the contractor&nbsp;Hickory&nbsp;Group and the consultant team, to realise a design which resolves many complex requirements,&rdquo;&nbsp;Rothelowman&rsquo;s Frances Hall said.

As well as the pool, Hawthorn Park features a fully-equipped gym with a yoga and meditation studio and massage suites, a sky lounge, hammock lounge, an indoor residents lounge and a garden pavilion.

Along with these amenities are plenty of bookable lounge and dining rooms with fully equipped chef&rsquo;s kitchen, and&nbsp;the sky pool which features windows and flooring to peer out underwater.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=35252]

One of Australia&rsquo;s leading landscape architects&nbsp;Jack Merlo&nbsp;created the central park and a series of garden spaces through Hawthorn Park. They are complete with&nbsp;outdoor areas boasting fruit and vegetable gardens where residents are invited to grow their own produce.

Every apartment has been&nbsp;fitted out with&nbsp;Gaggenau appliances and features floor to ceiling windows and large garden balconies, some offering&nbsp;views&nbsp;of the communal park.

Located in one of Melbourne&rsquo;s most&nbsp;blue chip suburbs, the Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, as well as a well connected public transport system.

The major train and tram lines that provide services into the Melbourne CBD only six kilometres away.

Residents will be surrounded by nature by being within walking distance of Fritsch Holzer Park, and a cycle to the trail that lines the Yarra River.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

Dahua Group recently completed their $300 million Hawthorn East apartment development Hawthorn Park, their biggest apartment development in Melbourne

Melbourne's first suspended sky pool: A look at the amenities at Hawthorn Park in Hawthorn East

Last month the Victorian government ended their stamp duty concessions for off the plan and brand new apartments statewide.&nbsp;

They continue to offer savings for new apartments up to $1 million only in the Melbourne CBD, but those outside of the CBD will revert back to paying full stamp duty.

Discerning developers who are either constructing or have completed apartments outside of the City of Melbourne LGA have continued to offer the stamp duty concessions in an attempt to lure buyers.

The property developer Salta Properties is offering to stump up 50 per cent of stamp duty for buyers in their Abbotsford apartment development, Riverbank.

Buyers can save between $11,000 and $20,000 on stamp duty in the recently completed Victoria Street project on the banks of the Yarra River, less than four kilometres outside of the city. The concessions are on offer until 30th September 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4136 project_image_fid=156269]

One-bedroom apartments start from $505,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $740,000.

The nine-level building has been designed by SJB Architects and is finished with interiors by Sue Carr at Carr Design Group. It is one of two buildings at The Park House, each with their own amenities, with the adjoining Riverbend apartments part of the development.

&ldquo;Our intention was to create a space that had a true sense of home but also a memorable atmosphere,&rdquo; Sue Carr said.

&ldquo;We want the purchasers to feel a connection with the landscape.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4136 project_image_fid=156385]

Each apartment has Gaggeneau appliances in the kitchen, engineered oak floors and marble-effect stone.&nbsp;

The sustainable 6+ energy rated development includes a number of resident only amenities, including a swimming pool, sauna and gym, cinema, a lounge and library space, meeting room, kids play hut, bike workshop and even a golf simulation room.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=4136]

Riverbank – The Park House is the latest completed development out of Salta Properties, one of few offering buyers stamp duty savings beyond the governments own which expired June 30.

Buyers offered 50% stamp duty savings at Salta Properties Riverbank apartments in Abbotsford

Coronation Property&rsquo;s latest master-planned apartment development, Mason &amp; Main, offers smart-designed apartments set above a brand&nbsp;new&nbsp;dining and fresh food marketplace.

Situated on Merrylands Road in West Sydney, the project offers a range of one, two and three-bedroom configurations with most apartments priced under $650,000.

Designed by Woods Bagot, Mason &amp; Main is packed with amenity inside as well as those scattered in the master-planned community and wider area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=160996]

Apartments at Mason &amp; Main are filled with natural light&nbsp;featuring large balconies and terraces enjoying vistas to the Blue Mountains and the CBD.

The main bedroom, living, dining, and balcony all have&nbsp;a direct northerly aspect with most apartments including&nbsp;large multipurpose rooms, maximising owner occupier flexibility. These rooms enjoy natural light, custom joinery, and the ability to be completely closed off, ideal for working from home, or for setting up a guest bedroom or nursery.

Apartment finishes in Mason &amp; Main come in two distinct colour schemes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=160999]

Mason &amp; Main offers a green roof, communal amenities and public space on the ground floor with commercial premises, constructed by MN Builders

Residential facilities are available&nbsp;on the resident-only resort level, including a pool with day beds, a gym, lush garden cabanas, and barbecue&nbsp;areas.

Merrylands is known for its eclectic mix of places to eat and shop, and is just&nbsp;three&nbsp;kilometres from the&nbsp;Parramatta CBD.

School and learning facilities nearby include&nbsp;Key College,&nbsp;Merrylands Public School,&nbsp;Merrylands High School and Granville Boys High School.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=161007]

The project has received a large response from locals and first home buyers, with studio&#39;s priced from $395,000 and one-bedrooms from $500,000.

Two bedders start at $564,000&nbsp;and 3 bedders at $879,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=31751]

Coronation Property’s latest master-planned apartment development, Mason & Main, offers smart-designed apartments set above a brand new dining and fresh food marketplace

Discover Mason & Main: The new apartment development to take shape in Merrylands, NSW

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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