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GUEST OBSERVATION
Looking closely at the new credit reporting system introduced in March this year leaves many people feeling a little overwhelmed.
But the first step to making any step forward, especially with your finances, is to get educated.  If you missed part one, <a href="/expert-insights/finance/the-new-era-of-credit-reporting-are-you-ready">check it out here</a> to get up to speed on the changes and what it means for you as an investor.
Having seen how the consequences of credit reporting adversely affects my clients, I feel that there should be greater control on what is placed on someone’s credit file before it’s registered. The onus should not be on borrowers’ to later prove that any one item shouldn’t be there.
You’re probably curious whether there is any good news? Yes! In fact, the great news is that there are lenders that don’t use credit scoring in conjunction with the credit report. I hope that this remains the case with the changes.  These lenders look at the logic of the credit report history.  For example an active investor could have multiple enquiries if they were restructuring a loan as well as completing two purchases  - this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The other lenders that rely heavily on the scoring actually lose the opportunity to build relationships with strong clients.  Now, you may assume that lenders that use the basic credit fundamentals instead of credit score systems are second-rate lenders, though they’re certainly not, nor do they charge higher rates. In fact in some cases, their products are often better and we need to start rewarding these lenders with our business, and reduce the market share of the big four.
It’s extremely important that every person understands what credit suitability means and manage their own accordingly. You want to do this before you apply for a loan to avoid any nasty surprises during the application process.
Steps to accessing and understanding your credit score.
 
<ol>
<li>
Get a copy of your report ASAP from <a href="https://www.veda.com.au/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Veda</a>. 
</li>
<li>Review this carefully and highlight any errors.  Then you’ll need to begin the process of removing them. This isn’t an easy process and whilst there are some good companies out there to assist be wary of scams. I encourage you to do due diligence carefully before engaging these companies. </li>
<li>Assess your own risk. Would you really lend yourself money? What is your relationship with money and how you handle debt?  Do you go from job to job and have no stability?</li>
</ol>
 
Ways to improve and manage your credit situation. 
<ul>
<li>Pay your all loans on time (it does matter if it’s one day later) and keep your credit facilities under the limit. Also pay other accounts like telephone, rates, Foxtel on or before the due date. 
</li>
<li>Be still. Manage your stability and changing jobs every three months isn’t going to help your credit score and no doubt is a sign that you aren’t happy and need to look at what is causing this job dissatisfaction.  This doesn’t mean don’t ever change or follow your career path but applying for loans in the middle of a changeover doesn’t help your application. 
</li>
<li>Complete a budget and review regularly to ensure you know your numbers. 
</li>
<li>Don’t apply for unnecessary unsecured personal debt &amp; don't chase the 0% interest balance free transfers.  It can cost you a lot more than the interest you are trying to save. 
</li>
<li>Use a good mortgage broker that knows lenders policy and do as much work upfront like valuations and also credit checks to improve your chances of getting approved at the lender you apply for.</li>
</ul>
Remember, lenders will lend based on risk before profit.  Manage your credit file, limit your bad debt, be an example of stability and you can have a better chance of obtaining good debt to start or grow your investment property portfolio.
MICHELLE COLEMAN is an award winning finance broker and managing director at <a href="https://www.wfinancial.com.au/" target="_blank">W Financial</a>.
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mcoleman-u4QTxPRvfF

Understanding your credit score and how to improve it

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On the surface, the credit approval system seems straightforward.
Your credit approval result will typically be determined by your credit report in conjunction with each individual lender’s credit scoring system. Every application for finance will trigger a credit check or credit report to be obtained.  This is only with the permission of the borrower and usually in the form of a signed document called a Privacy Notice, or an Acknowledgement and Consent.
But changes introduced in March this year brought a new era of credit reporting. The previous system that you would be familiar with contained only “negative” credit information – it didn’t state the outcome, good or bad, for any enquiries - only reporting arrears, defaults judgements or similar information. However, the system has evolved toward a new “positive” credit reporting regime, a concept is currently applied in the USA and New Zealand.
As you might assume, positive credit reporting also includes ‘positive’ information about an individual’s credit position. So along with all the missed payments and default judgements, your credit report can now include five additional pieces of information relating to your current credit commitments:
<ul>
<li>Type of account (e.g. credit card, home loan etc.)</li>
<li>Date the account was opened and closed</li>
<li>Details of the credit provider</li>
<li>Credit limit placed, credit utilisation rate and balance of the account</li>
<li>Repayment history</li>
</ul>
This extra information is believed to reward clients who have better credit habits with a higher credit score, and fairly so. Interestingly, even though it’s been presented as positive reporting, it actually can be a negative for some clients. As an investor, you need to know what you should do to ensure you get the best score possible.
From a lending perspective, the move to the new reporting system has gone through with a few clunks. In some instances, they have tightened up and a few borrowers have been caught in the middle.
Previously, borrowers who may have had no official black marks against their credit file could still score well, even if they were tardy with their repayments or not adhering to the limits of their credit facilities. Many people are not adequately educated about the hazards of bad money habits; paying just a little late has a seriously negative impact on their credit scoring which isn’t something properly addressed a lot of the time.
It has been my experience that lenders by nature will never give an applicant the benefit of the doubt, preferring to decline an application than take the risk.
As I mentioned above, most consumers don't fully understand the implications of credit checks or applying for credit. Each time you apply for credit, the enquiry is listed; the amounts and frequency can affect your scoring. This is the same if you go to a new bank or apply to increase your existing limit. Lenders don't exactly explain this when you apply for credit either.
So shopping around for the cheapest credit card and applying on line and pressing that "APPLY NOW" button should really be followed with a big warning checking that you understand that this could seriously affecting your rating.
It’s frightening to see some of the articles written about how to improve your score, and I really encourage everyone to think carefully before actioning any advice offered to them regarding this matter. Some people suggest that you need to get credit cards to help your credit rating and tips how to play with balances and having them, even if you don’t need them.
Others suggest spreading the type of loans around but clients with unsecured personal debt score low with most lenders, unless of course the credit card is one of theirs.
To expand on this, it is common practice by all lenders that an automatic credit check is performed for every loan lodged.  This means that in cases of an active investor, multiple enquiries may occur on the file of the same client from the same bank. If the client is using Lenders Mortgage Insurance, they will then also have the insurer’s enquiry logged in addition those of the lender.
A more common sense approach could see only one enquiry being registered per client at that time, and the information being shared with the insurer.
Admittedly all this does sound a bit daunting.
But remember, being aware is the key to making an informed decision and positive changes in any situation, and your credit report is no different.
There are of course plenty of ways to ensure you’re on top of your credit score - we’ll go into that next time!
MICHELLE COLEMAN is an award winning finance broker and managing director at <a href="https://www.wfinancial.com.au/" target="_blank">W Financial</a>.
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The new era of credit reporting: Are you ready?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
All lenders require building insurance before a loan settles, but what about the very thing that is going to repay the loan? You!
Whilst we don't necessarily want banks enforcing borrowers to take up their insurance, as an investor or anyone that is taking on any type of debt it’s vital that you review your personal insurances (life, trauma and disability) as well as income protection.  
The funny thing is people will insure their cars, boats and even pets without hesitation, but when it comes down to the bigger assets like their lives and their property portfolios, their coverage too often falls well short.  As a mortgage broker, this is unnerving when I consider that more than one in five Australian families will be impacted by an tragic event in their working lives, and 95% of those families will be underinsured.
I don't speak to my clients about the specifics of insurance, but I do refer them on to my top insurance advisor for health checks.  It’s scary how uninsured people are when it comes to their financial wellbeing.  In fact, in any unfortunate situation that one person that is inflicted with either a temporary or permanent disability or serious illness or worst-case death; the typical family income will drop by more than half. Can you imagine how a family or a person can survive after the living expenses like food, utilities, childcare and mortgage repayments come out. Let alone further costs through medical expenses.
<blockquote>
People will insure their cars, boats and even pets without hesitation, but when it comes down to the bigger assets like their lives and their property portfolios, their coverage too often falls well short.
</blockquote>
It’s easy to panic when you hear all the frightening statistics and react by calling up the first company that comes up under ‘risk insurance’ in your search, but beware of the offers like those on the television promising cheap cover with one quick call.  Risk insurance can be really quite complex to get right.  The best way to this is to speak to a top financial planner to get you the best value for your money and be adequately covered.
As part of the finance process, now mortgage brokers need to check that you are aware of insurance and if you think you are adequately covered. Most people assume they have enough cover in the superannuation but often don't know what it exactly is when asked.  It is common to think, as I used to think it myself, that when someone offered to review my insurances I was getting sold something I probably didn’t need.  Though times have changed, and as an investor today your debt levels are at higher levels, you need to take this into consideration.
I have been fortunate enough to not have a client be in the position to claim under their insurance and I hope that this is the case for all my future clients.  However, I have had people that I know personally that have been caught out by devastating events; if they were insured, their lives would be very different now.  A family friend had a stroke at, aged only 38; he has a lovely wife and three children. He ran his own business, and their whole lives changed as he was the sole income earner with no back up plan, or adequate insurances in place.  The pressure to return to work was massive, and still after five years he is still struggling with his health.  It is heartbreaking.
Imagine for a moment this was you.  As we forge ahead building up our investment portfolios, I feel we can sometimes take even our most basic provisions for granted.  Though imagine a life where not only paying essential household expenses presented a challenge, but dreams of education or holidays needed to be shelved indefinitely.
Even if you think you are covered it never hurts to get a second opinion, especially when it comes to the most important asset - your life.  A financial planner will give you a complimentary review for insurances and not charge any fees and a good time to check is always when you are applying for finance.
Life is important, not just yours, but your family’s as well.  If you’re not absolutely sure you are adequately covered, it might be time to get that health check.
Michelle Coleman is an award winning finance broker and managing director at <a href="https://www.wfinancial.com.au/" target="_blank">W Financial</a>.
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Why do people not insure their lives and portfolio like they would their cars?

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GUEST OBSERVATION
"Property investing is risky – do you really want to do that?"
I am sure you will have heard this before. I know I have, and so have many of my clients.  Deep down you have this urge that you should do something about your financial future but you are constantly getting all these “expert opinions” from family or friends that have lost money, or heard about someone that has.
But you still find yourself wondering whether property investing is safe. Are they right?
The truth is all forms of investing have an risk component.  From shares, to businesses, property or even simply investing in yourself – they all come with an element of chance. You may lose your money or even worse, they might cost you more money than you originally put in!  
Personally, I would run in the opposite direction from anyone that tells you that they have a foolproof investment because there is no such thing.  However, there are provisions you can put in place to help reduce your risk exposure, and they might not be what you think.
What’s one of the top provisions I suggest to my finance clients weighing up the ‘riskiness’ of any property investment opportunity?
In case of emergency, have a buffer. 
Always factor in a buffer to your figures to lessen the impact of unexpected events you may be affected by. These may include things like being without tenants for some time or abrupt shifts with your employment.  No matter the income you earn, or debt level you have, having a buffer is vital to your portfolio’s existence.
Depending on your situation you may want to consider applying for more than you need.  Banks like to give you money when you don’t need it so much, not when you do.  You don’t pay interest on the funds you don’t spend, so if you are able to, get more than you need for your purchase so it’s there if you need it.  
On the other hand, if you’re really pushing your limits for your purchase and don’t have room to do this, it may be time to reconsider the investment opportunity.  Investing is great, but if it has the potential to put you and your family under financial strain, or dramatically affect your lifestyle in the face of unexpected events, it’s not going to be beneficial at all.
Another way of incorporating a buffer into your finance strategy is to use lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).  This insurance protects the lender, not you as a borrower, but can allow you to borrow more than you could without it.  LMI can be a contentious issue, as many mortgage brokers don’t believe in utilising it, even for more dynamic investors. In truth it is quite a complex area but using LMI, if properly considered, can be a great tool for creating buffers and thus reducing risk exposure.  
It seems counterintuitive to borrow more to reduce your risk, but if you can safely do so it really is a game changer. Of course, it is always best to discuss the pros and cons of your own situation with a broker before making this kind of decision.
Finance can be tricky but it’s not a mystery by any means.  It’s through taking a step like incorporating a buffer that you are able to start to structure your finances and your mindset around risk in a different way, easing the pressure around starting to build a property portfolio.  This not only helps you feel more comfortable taking control of your financial future, but in some cases can be very liberating for property investors.
Michelle Coleman is an award winning finance broker and managing director at <a href="https://www.wfinancial.com.au/" target="_blank">W Financial</a>.
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Weighing up the risks of buying an investment property

Growing national developer Time &amp; Place has announced its fifth new apartment development.

With two projects in Manly and two upcoming in Surry Hills and Potts Point, the developer, which expanded beyond Melbourne just a few years ago, is now heading to Mosman. It is planning 53 new apartments on Redan Street.

The 3,233 sqm site, spanning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-48-redan-street-mosman-nsw-2088">40–48 Redan Street</a> with frontage to Redan Lane, is located just under 400 metres from Spit Junction Town Centre. It is reported the developer paid around $100 million for the five-site amalgamation.

Time &amp; Place, founded by Tim Price and backed by James Packer’s private investment firm NPACT, has submitted the project as a State Significant Development through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

Of the 53 apartments, 42 will be released to the market, with the remaining 11 allocated as affordable housing in line with NSW Government requirements.

fjc Studio has designed the building. In its Design Report, the architect said the diverse mix of dwelling types and sizes, including 11 two-bedroom affordable housing units, 40 three-bedroom apartments, and two four-bedroom residences, will support a broad demographic, including families, downsizers, and key workers.

The development will rise to nine levels, a height encouraged by the NSW Government due to the site’s proximity to Spit Junction, which has been identified as a low- to mid-rise centre. Developments within a certain proximity to these centres are permitted increased height.

fjc said the project “achieves an appropriate density outcome for its setting by balancing increased housing supply with strong amenity performance,” adding that it “makes a measurable contribution to NSW housing supply targets through the delivery of additional dwellings and dedicated affordable housing.”

The new development will replace five existing two-storey homes.

“By aligning with the objectives of the Housing SEPP and applying careful architectural and urban design principles, the development provides high-quality residential accommodation that integrates sensitively within its established Mosman context and delivers enduring benefits to residents and the wider community.”

Mosman has become increasingly popular with developers in recent years.

Developer Abadeen has been particularly active, with Mosman Residences currently on the market and under construction on Clifford Street. It also has an upcoming Burran Avenue project, comprising just three apartments on the Balmoral Slopes, and recently secured the Midas and Honeysuckle nursery site on Military Road.

Prosker Property has a project on Redan Lane, just a few doors down from Time &amp; Place’s proposed development.

Developers including Toohey Miller, DARE Property Group, and WINIM also have projects underway in the area. In 2024, a five-year target was set for the Mosman LGA to increase housing supply by 500 dwellings by 2029.

Time &amp; Place entered the Sydney market with Two Tides, its under construction Manly development. Given its sales success, it has secured another development in the area, more boutique, facing the beach on North Steyne.

They are hoping to launch their redevelopment of The Chimes in Potts Point this year, and next year will look to take to market Marlborough House, an adaptive re-use of the landmark David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills.

Joel Robinson

Time & Place to take on Mosman apartment market

Brunswick’s civic heart continues to consolidate around the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct, where a growing cluster of cultural institutions, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure has created one of the inner north’s most defined community hubs.&nbsp;

Within this evolving precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/saxon-street-by-milieu-brunswick-31-saxon-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Saxon Street by Milieu</a> introduces new housing directly alongside the civic anchors that shape daily life in the suburb.

At 31 Saxon Street, the project sits immediately beside Brunswick Baths and within moments of Brunswick Library and Town Hall, longstanding institutions that support both community services and everyday amenity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348840]

Next door, the newly delivered Balam Balam Place arts precinct has emerged as a central piece of Merri-bek Council’s cultural strategy, bringing together creative studios, exhibition spaces, maternal and child health services, and community programming in a purpose-built civic facility. Together, these destinations have reinforced the surrounding blocks as a focal point for public life in Brunswick.

This part of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> forms a key pocket within the suburb’s designated Major Activity Centre, where long-term planning has prioritised walkability, civic investment, and increased housing supply close to transport and services. The surrounding street network reflects that strategy, with compact blocks, established retail corridors and active transport links supporting a lifestyle that is largely navigable on foot.

Within a few minutes’ walk, Sydney Road delivers one of Melbourne’s most recognisable streets, known for its long-running mix of independent retailers, international dining venues and everyday convenience. Tram routes along Sydney Road provide frequent connections south toward the CBD and north through Brunswick and Coburg, while Jewell Station on the Upfield line sits within roughly a ten-minute walk, offering direct train access into the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348839]

Active transport also plays a significant role locally. The nearby Upfield Bike Path forms a key north–south cycling corridor linking Brunswick through Parkville and into the central city, reinforcing the area’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s most accessible inner-urban neighbourhoods for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

The surrounding civic cluster extends beyond cultural infrastructure. Siteworks, a nearby creative hub supporting artists and community organisations, adds to the concentration of cultural activity in the immediate area. Educational institutions such as Brunswick North Primary School, Brunswick Secondary College and RMIT’s Brunswick campus are also within easy reach, contributing to the suburb’s diverse resident base spanning families, students and professionals.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348841]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> and landscape architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, the nine-level building has been shaped to respond to the surrounding streetscape, with lower levels aligning to the street and upper storeys stepping back to soften its scale and improve solar access.&nbsp;

Curved balcony forms reference nearby heritage architecture, while the development’s public realm improvements include a widened footpath along Saxon Street to strengthen pedestrian connections between the precinct’s civic sites.

Sustainability also underpins the project’s approach. The building is designed to operate entirely on electric infrastructure supported by rooftop solar, with an average 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating and EV-charging readiness across the development. Shared resident amenities will include a landscaped rooftop terrace with barbecue and covered dining areas intended to encourage informal interaction between residents.

Saxon Street marks developer Milieu's fifth project in Brunswick and continues its focus on design-led infill housing across Melbourne’s inner suburbs.&nbsp;

Construction has commenced through reputable builder Manresa, who will complete the project in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136434]

Saxon Street by Milieu connects residents to Brunswick’s cultural and civic core

Within <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>&nbsp;takes a different approach to larger residences, moving away from the constraints of a single level.

In Grand Residence 3.05, known as the Lustre, plays out across two levels, with a mezzanine configuration that is uncommon in apartment living.

Lustre is a four-bathroom residence where the layout creates a clear distinction between shared and private zones, with uninterrupted views toward the Dandenong Ranges extending the sense of openness from the main living areas.

Entry is to the primary living level, where the kitchen, dining, and living areas are arranged as one continuous space. Timber flooring runs throughout, with a fireplace set within the living zone. Full-height glazing brings in natural light, supported by double glazing that improves thermal performance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357506]

The kitchen is configured as both a working and social space. A large island bench provides seating, while a walk-in pantry extends storage beyond typical apartment expectations.

Gaggenau appliances, including a 900mm gas cooktop and 600mm oven, are integrated into a layout that connects directly to the adjacent dining and living areas, and outward to the terrace. This balcony includes a built-in BBQ, reinforcing the apartment’s capacity to accommodate larger gatherings without compromising internal space.

A dedicated laundry room, powder room, and a wine cellar area sit discreetly off the main living zone, ensuring that functional requirements are resolved without encroaching on primary living areas. The master suite is also located on this level, designed as a retreat with a walk-through wardrobe and an ensuite that includes double vanities, a bath, and a dedicated dressing table.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

The mezzanine level introduces a second layer of living, rather than simply additional bedrooms. Two large bedrooms with built-in robes are positioned alongside a central bathroom, while a secondary lounge and study area create a self-contained zone suited to children, guests, or extended family. A large storage room further supports long-term usability, addressing a common shortfall in apartment design.

This separation of levels is central to how the residence functions day-to-day. It allows the lower level to operate as the primary entertaining and living space, while the upper level provides privacy and flexibility. The result is closer in feel to a townhouse or standalone home, but with the benefits of apartment living, security, and low maintenance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

Candela is close to 80 per cent complete, with Ironside delivering construction ahead of its expected October 2026 completion. The development comprises 58 residences, with a strong owner-occupier profile and a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments and loft-style townhouses.

Candela has exclusive access to private amenities, including a residential lounge and rooftop terrace. A charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre are located on the ground level, designed to foster community connection and extend the living experience beyond individual apartments without competing with the scale of homes like Lustre.

Candela, positioned in the heart of Ivanhoe Village, reinforces the practicality of the address. With a Walk Score of 90, residents are within immediate reach of cafés, retail, parklands, and Ivanhoe Station, while also benefiting from proximity to established schools and healthcare services.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Inside Lustre: Grand Residence 3.05 at Candela Ivanhoe

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> is being shaped around a simple but increasingly rare premise in apartment development: that the built environment should actively support residents’ wellbeing.&nbsp;

Located on the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street in Melbourne’s south-east, the new neighbourhood sits on an expansive 11,740 sqm site neighbouring the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate, whose gardens date back more than 140 years.

Rather than positioning wellness as an add-on amenity, the development integrates it into the physical planning of the site. Architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> is arranged across six low-rise buildings set within extensive landscaping designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, with more than 40 per cent of the land dedicated to gardens and green space. Walking trails, pocket gardens, and mature trees are threaded between buildings, creating a network of green corridors that encourage residents to move through the precinct on foot and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288420]

Milieu has intentionally framed these gardens as an extension of the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate. More than 16,000 new plants will be introduced across the site, with species carefully selected to protect and complement the area’s ecological significance. The approach focuses on strengthening existing environmental conditions while establishing new habitats that support native wildlife, reinforcing the role of the landscape as both an active ecosystem and a defining element of daily life.

A private resident gate will provide direct access to the historic grounds during opening hours, allowing residents to move seamlessly between the development’s landscaped gardens and the estate’s expansive lawns, lakes, and mature trees. The project’s gardens will also be maintained by the same gardeners responsible for Rippon Lea, reinforcing the visual and ecological continuity between the two landscapes.

Complementing the landscape is a dedicated wellness hub designed to support everyday health and recovery. Residents will have access to a gym alongside yoga and Pilates studios, while mineral pools and infrared saunas provide spaces for relaxation and restorative wellbeing. Shared lounges, workshop spaces, and pet care facilities expand the concept of wellness beyond fitness, creating opportunities for social connection and community interaction within the precinct.

Environmental performance is another key component of the project’s wellbeing focus. Elsternwick Gardens will be entirely fossil-fuel-free, with homes designed to operate on renewable electricity rather than gas. Passive design strategies, including cross-flow ventilation, high-performance insulation, and thermally broken double glazing, are intended to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing energy demand. Solar photovoltaic systems will power common building services, while rainwater harvesting will help irrigate the extensive landscaping across the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=361030]

Milieu Founder and Managing Director Michael McCormack says the scale and setting of the project allowed the team to take a different approach to urban apartment living.

“This site represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly special,” McCormack says.

“Through that process, we arrived at a design that centres on a fully realised natural landscape – a series of private, interconnected gardens that encircle the homes and extend seamlessly from Rippon Lea Estate.”

Elsternwick Gardens will comprise three residential offerings, Gordon Place, Ripponlea Terrace, and The Garden Pavilion, each designed for owner-occupiers and shaped around high-quality interior design by Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O., and Flack Studio. The first stage, Gordon Place, includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed with a strong focus on indoor-outdoor living and sustainability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Milieu recently appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brady-constructions">Brady Constructions</a> to deliver the project, marking a key milestone for the development. The appointment follows the demolition of the former studio buildings on the Gordon Street site, with construction progressing toward the delivery of the nature-led community.

Situated between the established villages of Elsternwick and Ripponlea, the development balances its garden setting with strong urban connectivity. Residents will be within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and local retail, while nearby train and tram connections provide quick access to Melbourne’s CBD and the beaches of Elwood and St Kilda.

With construction underway and the first residents expected to move in by early 2027, Elsternwick Gardens represents a growing shift in apartment development toward environments that prioritise wellbeing as much as density or location. By placing landscape, sustainability, and shared spaces at the centre of the design, Milieu is positioning the project as a residential neighbourhood where wellness is not just promoted, but built into the structure of everyday life.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Elsternwick Gardens' wellness-first design strategy

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

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Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

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Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

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Michelle Coleman

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