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There have been a number of regulatory and policy changes of late affecting the future of development in Victoria. After extensive community consultation, Infrastructure Victoria has released its 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy.

The strategy includes proposals to increase housing density to make better use of existing infrastructure and to address the mismatch between job and population growth (which, according to Infrastructure Victoria, is a whopping 48% versus 8%, jobs’ way, in central Melbourne). Infrastructure Victoria recommends that planning schemes be amended within the next 5 years with an initial focus on intensifying medium density housing development (4-6 stories, depending on context) in Melbourne’s established inner and middle ring eastern and southern suburbs ‘to enable more people to live closer to jobs’.

The Victorian Government will respond to the strategy outlining the state’s priority projects and funding commitments, all whilst continuing to build the ambitious Metro Tunnel and Western Distributor (projects which are set to be long-term, game-changing infrastructure works which will affect where people want and choose to live in the future). For those who dare to venture across to new grounds, plans to extend the Fisherman’s Bend tram network are expected to ‘have a city-shaping and catalytic impact of opening up Australia’s largest urban renewal precinct and enable housing for 80,000 people and 60,000 jobs’.

There is a reason these recommendations have come about. It stems from the age-old Australian addiction to bricks and mortar which pushes families away from the centre. Families (often first home buyers) have a pre-conception that apartment living is a compromise (I won’t have a shed, I won’t have a backyard, what will I do with Toby?!). Infrastructure Victoria’s state age profiling suggests that young people are in central Melbourne, older people are in the east and families are in the comparatively cheaper west (often with money as the driving force). Despite housing being more affordable in outer Melbourne, these regions have poorer access to jobs and services. Meanwhile, one of the main objectives of apartments and dense living is to provide greater access to building and public amenity than a stand-alone house.

Apartment living is not a compromise, it’s a more convenient way of life. Bulk, poorly built apartment towers of years gone by might be to blame for the negative stigma. But, now that we have the implementation of the Better Apartments Design Standards imminent (in the words of the DELWP, the standards will greatly improve the amenity and liveability of new apartments, for the future wellbeing of Victorian communities - visit the publications page of our website to access a copy of the standards) and developers are being challenged to better demonstrate longevity, innovation and community care, larger apartments are a cheaper alternative to a standalone house. We are seeing more and more developments include things like libraries, karaoke rooms, rooftop decks, off-lead apartment dog parks, bicycle storage, workshops and the list goes on.

It is now possible to have everything that bricks and mortar offer, in a convenient location, maybe even with an urban provedore adjoining your letterbox.

Kerren McNamara is the founder and a director of <a href="http://kinproperty.com.au/">KIN Property</a>, a boutique settlement coordination services firm.
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Kerren McNamara

Up not out: apartment living is not a compromise

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There has, of late, been no shortage of articles which appear to claim impending doom and gloom of Melbourne’s apartment and townhouse property market. The media asserts that the current state of the market will cast a shadow over or even flat-out prevent the successful settlement of Melbourne’s apartment developments.

Reports are appearing daily. The RBA recently announced there is a risk of settlement failure because banks could value properties at far less than the contract price. Loan to value ratios are being reduced, lending in high-density suburbs (including the Melbourne CBD &amp; Docklands) is being restricted, banks have closed their doors to foreign applicants or being more stringent with eligibility criteria.

We have observed banks instructing valuers to measure apartments plaster wall to plaster wall, rather than using the PCA Method relied on by developers and surveyors, adding further complication for purchasers and funding criteria.

Doom and gloom, apparently.

Is it really that bad? Is it really the beginning of the end of the high-rise boom? Is it time for the liquidators and lawyers to start hiring extra staff? We think not.

Times are changing, there is no doubt about that. Planning regimes are uncertain. Stamp duty has increased for foreign buyers. Banks are tightening the belt and, quite frankly, so is everyone else. It is the law of peaks and troughs.

In the midst of the reported doom and gloom, for the numerous projects with which we have been involved, purchasers (and this includes foreign purchasers) are settling. We are seeing an unprecedented amount of cash flowing into the country and private equity funds are quickly filling the void in the absence or tightening criteria of the banks.

Qualitas’ Aqua Bondi recently achieved 93% of settlements on day 1 of settlement with the balance of the project settling within 3 weeks. Far East Consortium’s Manhattan (the final 641 apartments of the successful 2,200 apartment Upper West Side precinct in the Melbourne CBD) has settled 90% with the balance soon to occur. Stage 1 of Caulfield Heath achieved 89% of settlements within 2 weeks.

Townhouse projects remain consistently strong. Recently, Metro’s Acacia townhouses all settled within 1 week.

In the current market, settlements may take a little longer than what we have experienced in more recent years but they are certainly still happening.

Melbourne’s leading off-the-plan residential development lawyers and selling agents report that they have had, comparatively, very few defaults from international buyers over the past 10 years.

Most estimate that 90% of their offshore buyers have significant means at their disposal. We read that the international purchasers are targeting opportunities here for migration, capital preservation and education.

How do you make sure your purchasers have the success Melbourne’s lawyers and selling agents speak of? You close your eyes and cross your fingers? Again, we think not. Be prepared, that’s all. Know the risks, recognise the challenges and hit both head on.

Experience shows all these challenges reinforce the need for an experienced property settlement specialist. Some of these risks can’t be removed but they can be managed for the benefit of the project and purchasers.

This article is not intended to give away all our trade secrets, but I do always tell my staff it’s kind to share. So, the specialist team at KIN Property tell you their tips and tricks. They share how they work to reduce risk, protect purchasers and preserve that hard-earned goodwill:

It’s all about the purchaser.

<ul>
<li>Get your settlement specialists involved early. Time flies when you’re having fun, or trying to find funds. It is crucial to establish contact early, determine individual requirements, provide frequent updates and create excitement. It is invaluable to have someone (other than your lawyer or agent) touching base and lending support and guidance. Settlement can be a frightening, difficult and stressful process if not dealt with properly.</li>
	<li>Manage the valuation process to ensure a positive outcome for purchasers’ finance.</li>
	<li>When conducting purchaser inspections, it can help to treat the process as a presentation of the purchaser’s new home or asset and a showcase of the development. This creates a positive frame of mind and, in our experience, reduces what can only be described as ‘nit picking’. You’re presenting a premium product so bring with you a premium attitude and have your purchasers leave with a positive, lasting impression.</li>
	<li>A good communication plan always makes a difference. Create some hype about the project. Get purchasers, prospective tenants, valuers and everyone else excited to be involved.</li>
</ul>
What’s next? We have seen recommendations for the banks to instruct their valuers to revert their measurement back to the PCA Methods and there will no doubt be further movement in the financial market. As much as we would love to have a crystal ball to peer into what is ahead, we don’t, but we will continue to keep abreast of market conditions.

Watch this space.

Kerren McNamara is the founder and a director of <a href="http://kinproperty.com.au/">KIN Property</a>, a boutique settlement coordination services firm.
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Kerren McNamara: is it really all doom and gloom for settlements?

Rose Bay is emerging as one of Sydney’s most active suburbs for development, as developers respond to demand driven by the suburb’s ageing population.

More than 20 per cent of Rose Bay residents are aged 65 and over, according to the latest ABS census data. Combined with more favourable planning schemes introduced in recent years, new development activity in the suburb has accelerated.

Fresh off the back of a $173 million sale of what was marketed as “one of the largest sites ever amalgamated so close to Rose Bay Village,” created by 12 homeowners joining forces to combine nearly 6,000 sqm bordering Wilberforce Avenue and Dover Road, more than $200 million worth of development applications has been submitted in the suburb in the past month alone.

Aligned with the Rose Bay Place Plan 2023–2028, which identifies Wilberforce Avenue as a strategic location for new housing in response to local demographic shifts, Lewin Capital has lodged plans for a new $40 million project, also on Wilberforce. The proposal seeks to deliver 32 apartments, a mix of sizes designed to cater to a broad demographic range, including downsizers and key workers, with both smaller and family-sized units on offer.

<img alt="12 Wilberforce Avenue ROSE BAY NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e314fb24-2e53-4808-8411-d6e7c5fee2ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan%20-%20Photomontage%20-%20DA2025%20449%201%20-%2012-18%20Wilberforce%20Avenue%20ROSE%20BAY%20%281%29.JPG?VersionId=XX.AXChH4Kmv.kOB03suE8lenQ1NlqUe" />

Architecturally, the scheme adopts a measured approach to height and massing, stepping down at the rear to integrate with adjacent residential properties while forming a defined medium-density edge to the Rose Bay Centre.&nbsp;

“The proposed design for 12–18 Wilberforce Avenue, Rose Bay is a well-mannered apartment building in a mid-block position on a quiet street,” the Urban Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a> (MHNDU) states.&nbsp;

“It will form part of a new living environment in this highly desirable location.”

Builder-developer HSN Property Group is also bringing density to the same pocket, planning 54 two- and three-bedroom apartments that will also benefit from the recent Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms introduced under the NSW Housing SEPP. 14 of the apartments will be dedicated affordable under the SEPP in the $96 million proposal.

“The site’s location and context make it well suited to support a more diverse and sustainable residential offering in the area,” the developer stated in community consultation materials.

<img alt="HSN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2976efc3-db69-4013-84ef-5acc05bc6f66" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-08%20at%201.14.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=A35N4_u2HA7uc_eiLAQedcHdsY_L4ywL" /> 
The plans by HSN for 2-16 Spencer St, Rose Bay

The architecture, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHNDU</a>, reflects a "contemporary design approach sensitive to the character of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rose-bay-nsw-2029" target="">Rose Bay</a>." Communal amenities will include a wellness area with a pool and sauna, a gym, a wine lounge, and landscaped spaces with barbecue facilities.&nbsp;

Fyve Developments is breaking into the eastern suburbs for the first time with their $32 million new development in Rose Bay. They are planning 19 apartments on Dover Lane.

Designed by PBD, the new project will comprise four two-bed apartments and 15 three-bed units.

<img alt="Fyve" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91ec4820-1e05-4598-8d27-9df42234a52c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-08%20at%201.23.42%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VtH0oa48nJcvXGiXqjbHJvtYY6zWdIC7" /> 
Fyve's plans on Dover Lane.

Luxcon is also back in the suburb, having previously delivered The Aristocrat back in 2020. They have filed plans for 17 three-bedroom apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-8-cooper-street-double-bay-nsw-2028">Cooper Street</a>.

Fortis wants to deliver <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-31-dover-road-rose-bay-nsw-2029">49 apartments on Dover Road</a>, an $86 million development. That adds to their <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-12-ian-street-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Ian St, Rose Bay development</a>, which they will likely launch next year.

Joel Robinson

Rose Bay apartment market fires up with $200m in new developments filed

Leading Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has recorded a strong market response at the launch of The Avenues, its $874 million East Zetland precinct.

On its recent launch they sold close to $18 million, predominantly to owner-occupiers, more specifically to families who wanted to be closer to kids and grandkids.

&nbsp;

Apartments sold ranged from $1.8 million to $1.97 million for two bedrooms, and $2.12 million to $2.62 million for three bedrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146262 project_image_fid=357150]

Located four kilometres from the CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-avenues-zetland-130-joynton-avenue-zetland-nsw-2017">The Avenues</a> is transforming a 2.87-hectare site into a pedestrian-friendly urban neighbourhood comprising 574 residences across nine buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/candalepas-associates">Candalepas Associates</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>.&nbsp;

Surrounded by tree-lined, walkable “avenues”, the precinct’s more than 800 sqm of ground-floor retail brings a lively, Paris-inspired streetscape to the heart of East <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/zetland-nsw-2017">Zetland</a> and will directly service nearby amenities and the surrounding residential community. 
&nbsp; 
The Avenues will also feature build-to-rent and purpose-built student housing in partnership with Scape, supporting key workers, students and long-term renters in this high-demand corridor.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146262 project_image_fid=357154]

Deicorp will also contribute more than $16 million to open space improvements, including upgrades to Woolwash and Biyanbing Parks, with The Avenues designed to strengthen pedestrian connections to Green Square Station and Gunyama Park.&nbsp;

Deicorp Founder, Fouad Deiri OAM, said a clear trend was evident, with purchasers driven by proximity to family and lifestyle essentials.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen a clear trend of parents wanting to live close to adult children and students, as well as interstate and international buyers seeking to reconnect with family in Sydney’s inner south,"&nbsp;Deiri said.

“This early sales performance reflects the strength of East Zetland as a connected, high-amenity location and the appeal of homes designed with long-term liveability in mind. Many of these early-stage buyers are repeat Deicorp purchasers, too."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146262 project_image_fid=357165]

Zetland is one of the top suburbs in Australia to experience an increase in housing density, with its population growing by 24 per cent in as little as three years to over 15,600 residents. According to REA, 197 units were available last month, with over 2300 buyers interested, demonstrating the strong demand for this inner southern pocket of Sydney.&nbsp;

Deicorp’s strong result at The Avenues follows significant spring momentum across its portfolio, with $63 million in combined sales recorded across recent launches for Showground Pavilions in Castle Hill and Falcon &amp; Alexander in Crows Nest.&nbsp;

Construction on The Avenues commenced in June, with the construction period expected to generate 2,700 jobs. Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 5,102 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.&nbsp;

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, Kings Bay Village in Five Dock, Hyde Metropolitan, and Showground Village, all advancing the company’s long-term commitment to creating vibrant, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Apartments start from $955k for a one-bedroom, $1.48 million for a two-bedroom, and $2.04 million for a three-bedroom, all with car parking.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146262]

Family proximity and connectivity fuel $18m in first-day sales at Deicorp’s East Zetland precinct, The Avenues

Leading property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has officially completed ENSO, its premium boutique residential development in Neutral Bay Village.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a> and built by Credence Constructions, ENSO draws inspiration from the Japanese Buddhist philosophy of the same name, a symbol of elegance, strength and enlightenment.

Comprising of just nine one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences, with a full floor four-bedroom penthouse, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/enso-neutral-bay-34-grosvenor-street-neutral-bay-nsw-2090">ENSO</a> combines sculptural form and refined materiality with a minimalist design language that evokes calm, balance and timeless sophistication.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109705 project_image_fid=355893]

With the occupation certificate now in hand, Abadeen will soon welcome the first residents into their new residences, perfectly timed for Christmas.

Positioned along Grosvenor Street, which has emerged as one of the North Shore’s most exciting dining and lifestyle destinations, ENSO residents will enjoy a true village experience surrounded by Sydney’s best food, retail and culture. Grosvenor Street is home to brand new restaurants including Bombay Bloomers, Pocket Pizza and Fujitori Yakitori &amp; Sake Bar.&nbsp;

Within a one-minute walk of ENSO, a new retail precinct is introducing a curated line up anchored by Dan Murphy’s, together with Bodylove Pilates and the award winning Wholegreen Bakery. Coles is also close by, adding everyday convenience just minutes from the CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109705 project_image_fid=355895]

“ENSO represents the next chapter in Neutral Bay’s evolution,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.

“You have Koichi Takada’s architecture on one side of the street and a vibrant new village scene on the other. It is the meeting point of design, lifestyle and community. This project captures what we value on the Lower North Shore: sophistication with a genuine sense of convenience where people want to live.”

Each residence is crafted with premium finishes, generous floorplans and seamless indoor to outdoor living, embracing Takada’s philosophy of organic, nature inspired design. Interiors are composed of soft, neutral palettes and tactile materials that promote calm and connection.

“This is a proud milestone for Abadeen,” Brown added. “ENSO has been carefully designed and delivered, a true boutique project that reflects our ongoing commitment to elevating the architectural and lifestyle experience across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.”

With construction complete and final residences available, ENSO presents a rare opportunity to move into a brand-new home within an established, connected and increasingly vibrant village community.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=109705]

Staff Writer

Abadeen completes ENSO in the heart of Neutral Bay’s fast-evolving village precinct

&nbsp;Developer CPDM is continuing to put its stamp on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Just a few months after seeking to develop <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-neutral-bay-transformation-continues-as-new-eight-level-building-pitched">25 apartments in Neutral Bay</a>, CPDM is now looking to deliver something similar in the neighbouring suburb of Cremorne.

They have gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to file a State Significant Development Application for 32 apartments across an eight-storey building at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/57-61-reynolds-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">57–61 Reynolds Street</a>.

Like the majority of development applications being submitted in recent months, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cpdm">CPDM</a> is looking to trigger the affordable housing uplift under the&nbsp;State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 guidelines.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, who have worked on the project since its inception. They noted in their design statement that the Reynolds Street frontage more closely resembles the scale of multi-residential buildings in the area, while Gerard Lane has a smaller scale to match the presentation of the existing buildings on that lane.

<img alt="First look: CPDM plans eight-storey affordable apartment project in Cremorne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ecfa010-8db9-42de-9b8e-0e52d46fe708" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Cremorne%20podium.png?VersionId=EajgchvITAagKkiAksQYy3SAIVpI.i.t" />

The majority of the 32 apartments will be three-bedrooms (27), with the remaining five two-bedroom units.

The building will include two rooftop communal spaces and two basement levels with 51 car parking spaces allocated for residents, visitors, motorcycles, and bicycles.

PBD noted that the project’s “density is thoughtfully planned to be sustainable, capitalising on existing and future infrastructure, access to public transport, the site’s cultural and community value, and its environmental attributes”.

CPDM has been steadily growing its development footprint across Sydney’s North Shore, with previous and current projects in Lindfield, Gordon, and Neutral Bay. Their recent application in Neutral Bay, also designed by PBD Architects, similarly leveraged the Housing SEPP bonus provisions to deliver a mid-rise apartment building with affordable housing units.

First look: Developer CPDM doubles down on Sydney's Lower North Shore

The first new apartment development in Gladesville to offer 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) protection is soon to welcome its residents.

Respected boutique developer Geron Property has partnered with the Gladesville RSL to deliver Jordan Hall Residences, named after the historic Jordan Hall building on Western Crescent, on the edge of the town centre.

The façade of the original 1938 building has been kept intact by the development team. The Inter-War Free Classical community venue is known for its Art Deco parapet, dual-tone brickwork, and decades of RSL Youth Club activity. The building once anchored the view down Jordan Street, and its façade will continue to do so as the hall becomes the architectural centrepiece of the new residential project.

Innovate Architects has designed a new structure that rises behind Jordan Hall, featuring 29 large-scale apartments that are setting new benchmarks in the suburb.

Local construction company Gauge is putting the finishing touches on the apartments, which are designed primarily for local downsizers. Each apartment features three bedrooms, kitchens with integrated Miele appliances, generous natural light through strategically placed windows, and private outdoor areas.

Beyond the private spaces, the project includes communal areas on the first and seventh levels, positioned to take advantage of Gladesville’s elevated outlook.

<img alt="Jordan Hall" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f696a00e-e624-4af7-809c-e10cbf5fb051" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2012.17.43%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=AwWxRbU92OMu0kMwFzaTbFO3qtwEr7go" />

Jordan Hall will be the first new apartment development in Gladesville with Latent Defects Insurance, a new insurance policy that gives peace of mind for off the plan buyers when it is secured by the builder or developer of the new building.

Offered by Resilience Insurance, LDI is a first-right insurance product that protects purchasers from structural or waterproofing defects within the first 10 years after completion. Geron Property's adoption of the policy aligns with broader industry movement toward more rigorous assurances and supports buyer expectations around long-term asset performance.

Geron Property, led by Tom Zarimis, is intending on taking out the policy on its next project, a luxury development on Cronulla's Gerrale Street.

Zarimis appointed&nbsp;Adobe Property Agents to sell Jordan Hall Residences. There are just a handful of apartments remaining.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

Geron Property, Gladesville RSL, approach completion of Jordan Hall Residences, Gladesville's first new apartment building with Latent Defects Insurance

Kerren McNamara

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