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Demand remains strong for land in Australand’s Shell Cove development, with all 11 lots in the second release snapped up on launch day.
Located on Caravel Crescent, lots ranged in size from 452 square metres to 621 square metres and were priced from $330,000 to $400,000.
It’s a continuing trend for the masterplanned community, with their first release of 10 lots also snapped up in one day back in April.
NSW residential division general manager Nigel Edgar says the recent release on Caravel Crescent was well received by local families.
“Buyers are immediately impressed with the overall vision for the Shell Cove masterplanned community and see long term value in the quality development.
“Caravel Crescent is situated in a highly sought after location, just a few streets from The Waterfront, Shell Cove, which will provide a waterfront marina lifestyle and social hub for residents and the wider community," says Edgar.
The Waterfront will include a floating pontoon, berthing for 300 boats, a public boat ramp and direct water access to the Pacific Ocean.
Located 21 kilometres south of Wollongong, the Shell Cove community will include 60 hectares of open space, a primary school, three pre schools, a community centre and an 18 hole championship golf course.
“The outstanding result achieved over the weekend further demonstrates the continuing strength of the market at Shell Cove and the overall appeal of living in the beachside masterplanned community.
“The latest release reinforces Australand’s ability to understand and respond to market demand by providing products that meet consumer expectations in terms of value and quality.
“It’s evident that with construction progressing well on The Waterfront, Shell Cove and the overall development thriving that demand for these land releases will continue to prove strong,” says Edgar.
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Shell Cove</a> is $530,000, a 9.8% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Demand remains strong for Australand's Shell Cove masterplanned community

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A five-bedroom waterfront property on Drummoyne Avenue with it’s own pontoon and slipway is this week’s most expensive sale, selling at auction for $3.833 million, according to RP Data.
Situated on 1,242 square metres and only six kilometers from the Sydney CBD in Drummoyne, the property features an indoor spa room that leads to an outdoor pool and garden.
The property was initially listed in 2009 for $4.9 million.
It last traded in February 2001 for $2 million, after being listed for $2.2 million.
The property was sold under the hammer on October 5 through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.devinere.com.au/1037537/">Lynn Jenkins Devine Real Estate</a>.
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Drummoyne</a> is $1.2 million, a 26.3% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
Most expensive sales:
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/42_drummoyne_avenue_drummoyne_nsw_2047/2124687">42 Drummoyne Avenue, Drummoyne, NSW, 2047</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 5 by Devine Real Estate for $3.833 million
18 Albyn Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 5 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Strathfield for $3.2 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/73_spencer_road_mosman_nsw_2088/4505976">73 Spencer Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on October 1 by Sullivan Real Estate for $3.02 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/37_walker_street_lavender_bay_nsw_2060/3623770">37 Walker Street, Lavender Bay, NSW, 2060</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 3 by Century 21 Resenekov Realty for $3 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/48_cascade_street_paddington_nsw_2021/5263182">48 Cascade Street, Paddington, NSW, 2021</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 1 by Di Jones Real Estate Woollahra for $2.8 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/14_melville_avenue_strathfield_nsw_2135/6489197">14 Melville Avenue, Strathfield, NSW, 2135</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 5 by Devine Real Estate Concord for $2.73 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/11_ethel_street_burwood_nsw_2134/1652676">11 Ethel Street, Burwood, NSW, 2134</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 5 by Raine &amp; Horne Burwood for $2.67 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/6_florence_street_ramsgate_beach_nsw_2217/5732357">6 Florence Street, Ramsgate Beach, NSW, 2217</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 5 by Raine &amp; Horne Sans Souci for $2.3 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/12/2_cerretti_crescent_manly_nsw_2095/16487206">12/2 Cerretti Crescent, Manly, NSW, 2095</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold at auction on October 2 by Belle Property Manly for $2.225 million
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/20_wells_street_surrey_hills_vic_3127/13408513">20 Wells Street, Surrey Hills, VIC, 3127</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 5 by Fletchers Balwyn North for $2.2 million
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Waterfront Drummoyne property this week's most expensive sale: RP Data

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With two national events behind us, the busy spring selling season is finally kicking into gear with 2,089 auctions scheduled across the capital cities this week, according to RP Data.
Auction volumes were slightly up last week from 1,243 the previous week to 1,483 last week.
The national clearance rate dropped from 73.5% the previous week to 69.8% last week.
Melbourne’s preliminary clearance rate dropped from 77.8% the previous week to 71.4%
Auction volumes were up last week to 865 from 92 the previous week, a result of the AFL Grand Final weekend.
Melbourne is scheduled to hold 970 auctions this week.
Sydney’s auction volumes fell from 891 the previous week to 390 last week, a result of the NRL Grand Final taking place and a long weekend.
Meanwhile Sydney’s clearance rate increased slightly last week to 80.1%, up from 79.3% the previous.
Sydney is scheduled to hold 816 auctions this week.
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Busy spring selling season finally kicks into gear: RP Data

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Demand has been strong for Wolli Creek’s Southbank development, with 75% of apartments in stage two snapped up on its launch weekend, totaling $38 million.
The stage two release, also known as Building B, was brought forward 12 weeks following the success of the first release, with more than 85% of apartments sold in Building A.
Southbank is a joint venture between Winten Property Group and Lyon Group Australia and is the latest of 11 residential and mixed-use developments planned in the emerging inner south residential area.
Located on Levey Street, the $80 million Southbank development will comprise of three buildings ranging in height from 10 to 15 storeys and will feature 316 apartments.
With designs by Spence Pearson architecture and interiors by Melbourne-based Hecker Guthrie, Southbank has attracted Australian and off-shore investors alike, who are attracted to the median asking rent of $490, an indicative gross yield of 5.1%.
Colliers property marketing director Curtis Field says Southbank has also appealed to the Gen-Y demographic who have grown up in nearby suburbs.
“We’ve seen approximately 25% of sales from first home buyers who have grown up in the Inner South.
“These young singles, couples and families recognise the huge growth potential of the area and want to get their foot in the door before they are pushed out of the market,” says Field.
Building B will feature 113 apartments over 13 levels with one-bedroom apartments priced from $430,000 and sized from 50 square metres.
Two-bedroom apartments start from $545,000 and are sized from 70 square metres and three-bedroom apartments start from $860,000 and are sized from 105 square metres.
“The Inner South, with Wolli Creek in particular, is well connected to public transport, the Sydney CBD and so many other amenities, making the Southbank project a much needed residential development for a range of people,” says Field.
Only 15 apartments out of 89 remain in the stage one release, with studios starting from $340,000, one-bedroom apartments starting from $585,000 and two-bedroom apartments sarting from $720,000.
Residents will have access to a rooftop pool, set amongst landscaped gardens and a state-of-the-art gym, as well as access to the facilities of the Mercure Sydney Airport Hotel.
“Buyers across the board are seeing the value of Wolli Creek as a long-term real investment,” says Field.
Construction is due to commence in early 2014 and the development has a scheduled completion date of 2016.
There is currently no set month for the release of stage three, also known as Building C, but it will be sometime in 2014.
The median apartment price in <a href="/news">Wolli Creek</a> is $510,000, a 23.9% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Buyer demand brings forward Southbank's second stage in Wolli Creek

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Asbestos is found in one in four homes during their pre-purchase building inspections, according to Jim’s Building Inspectors.
Buildings built between the mid 1980s to 1990 are likely to contain asbestos, while buildings after 1990 are considered unlikely, according to the Australian government.
Jim’s Building Inspectors support the Australian Asbestos Network’s view that its presence alone does not mean residents will get an Asbestos related disease.
“The most important thing is that home owners, property managers and tenants are aware that Asbestos containing materials are present so they can be vigilant about its management, especially when considering maintenance requirements and renovations,” says Suzanne Commerford, director of Jim’s Building Inspections.
“It is when the Asbestos containing material is found in a damaged or degraded condition or it’s high risk environment, such as frequently trafficked areas and exposed to the elements, which is of greatest concern.
“Many of the houses we inspect do fall into that age range of 1945 to 1980. This is the construction period considered by the Australian Government to be highly likely that Asbestos containing materials are present.” Says Commerford.
Commerford says in many circumstances, leaving Asbestos alone is the best course of action.
“Importantly, we are not aligned with an Asbestos removal companies who may have a bested interest in overstating the situation,” says Commerford.
Jim’s Building Inspections recommends that an Asbestos inspection and report be undertaken as part of your pre-purchase building inspections, by rental property owners and property managers before tenanting properties and by managers of workplaces needing registers and management plans for compliance.
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Asbestos found in one in four pre-purchase inspections

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If Facebook workers lives didn’t already revolve around work, they can soon live next door to work with a US $120 million housing complex for employees.
Named Anton Menlo, the complex will consist of 394 units within walking distance to Facebook offices and will include a sports bar and a doggy day care.
Developed by St. Anton Partners and with designs by architect Frank Gehry, employees are encouraged to mingle and share ideas over free lattes and icecream.
<img alt="facebook_oct_4" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/04/facebook_oct_4.jpg">
Source: Facebook
“We’re certainly excited to have more housing options closer to campus, but we believe that people work at Facebook because what they do is rewarding and they believe in our mission,” says a Facebook spokeswoman to The Wall Street Journal.
The project stems from a housing shortage in Menlo Park but Anton Menlo will only be able to house a maximum of 10% of Menlo Park employees.
“The beauty of this thing is that it’s extremely close to our campus,” says John Tenanes, Facebook’s director of real estate.
“It’s a five-minute bike ride along a dedicated path that runs along the San Francisco bay.
“You don’t even have to put on the brakes,” says Tenanes.
The Wall Street Journal says Facebook’s company headquarters are supposed to feel more like a college campus than an office.
Other facilities and activities on offer include company game day, where employees run the three-legged race, laundry and dry cleaning services, hairstylists, bike maintenance and movie night, watched on a stadium-style outdoor television screen.
 
{module What would win you over to live next door to work?}
 
 
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Facebook's US $120 million employee housing complex with doggy day care

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Sydney’s low-density leafy suburb of Roseville has welcomed its first technology-smart apartment development The Uptown, with 80% of stage one apartments snapped up at launch.
Designed by Longton, the $200 million The Uptown development will feature 213 apartments across six buildings.
Located on a 1.37-hectare site on Victoria Street, Brent Marvin of MD+A Architects has described the project as “timeless and sophisticated”.
“Roseville is a much sought-after suburb with limited real estate opportunities because residents cherish the easy lifestyle and tend to stay in their family homes long after their kids have left,” says Steven Yu chief executive officer of Longton.
“While some contemporary apartment developments have been built recently in Roseville, nothing matches the smart features and high levels of quality and comfort of Uptown," says Yu.
With interiors by Archer + Wright, apartment features include marble, broadloom carpet and wide-plank timber floorboards.
Each apartment comes with its own iPad to control features from the lighting to the cinematic quality 3D theatre and surround sound system.
Each iPad also includes Longton’s iButler app for ordering goods and services and the lobbies of each building include iCommunity – electronic noticeboards displaying neighbourhood information and residents messages.
The toilets in the apartments include technology features found in a bidet and have been manufactured by Toto in Japan.
Uptown will be released in three stages, with the first stage comprising of 70 apartments across two buildings.
Majority of sales have been to owner-occupiers.
One-bedroom apartments are 52 square metres in size and start from $599,000.
Two-bedroom apartments range in size from 60 square metres to 91 square metres and start from $699,000.
Three-bedroom apartments range in size from 95 square metres to 101 square metres and start from $999,000.
“The serenity here makes it hard to comprehend that we’re on the edge of one of Sydney’s most vibrant precincts,” says Yu.
“Chatswood has the largest retail precinct outside the central CBD, one of the most active business centres, and is a food and entertainment mecca, so you can live peacefully in Uptown while still being close to the action.
“When you consider that the Sydney CBD is just 8km away, Roseville is a very convenient location for people of all ages,” says Yu.
Following the demand of the stage one release on September 28, stage two was brought forward, securing 30% in sales.
The Uptown has a scheduled completion date of early 2016.
The Uptown will join Longton’s other Sydney developments including Futra and Avantra.
The median apartment price in <a href="/news">Roseville</a> is $712,500, a 42.8% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Sydney's leafy suburb of Roseville welcomes technology-smart The Uptown development

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On this week’s installment of Location Location Location, the theme of the episode focuses on perfection and practicality.
Host Bryce Holdaway is helping Andrew look for a one-bedroom unit close to the Sydney CBD with parking and pool within his budget of $650,000.
{qtube vid:=hLRphQ9xvdM}
Andrew has looked at 100 properties and hasn’t been able to settle on any.
“There is no perfect property, but there is a lot of excellent property out there and there is a subtle different, but perfectionism is a bit of a disease and it’s really unhealthy,” says Holdaway.
The second lesson of the show is to have a strategy when putting your offer in.
Andrew offered below the advertised asking price but had everything lined up before.
“That’s part of our strategy – get the strata report done, get your bank all lined up and get the contract reviewed by the solicitor prior to us putting an offer in so now we’re in a really strong position and if the owner has a look at your offer, they’ll see it’s really compelling,” says Holdaway.
Veronica Morgan is helping Richard and Janey look for a three- to four-bedroom home with a family friendly layout.
The only problem is, they want to live in one of Sydney’s most expensive suburbs but have a budget of $2.2 million.
They already have two children and have a third on the way and Morgan keeps putting the question forward of whether location is more important or space, as they are not going to get both for their budget is their desired suburbs.
In terms of renovating, Morgan says to move into a house and live in it for a while to work out the best way to make the house work.
“The best renovations are a result of that,” says Morgan.
The next episode of Location Location Location airs on Wednesday October 9 on the Lifestyle Channel.
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No such thing as a perfect property: lessons from Location Location Location Australia

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Buyers of Asian-descent flocking to Australia to snap up investment property isn’t breaking news, but buyers of Mainland China have been more predominate in the market lately, accounting for 10% of sales in Viva by Crown.
Viva by Crown was launched in Shanghai and Beijing at the end of August, simultaneously with the Sydney launch, with China accounting for more than $18 million in sales.
Adam Sparkes of Crown Group says there was strong demand from Mainland China with astute investors looking for a long-term property to add to their investment portfolio.
“They’re looking at other countries that offer sound investment opportunities and Australia is viewed as exactly that, a sound investment,” says Sparkes.
The influx of Chinese buyers is a result of many factors, particularly cooling off measures that the Chinese government has instilled to avoid a property bubble.
“There’s significant cooling measures on Chinese nationals buying second and additional properties in China.
“If they own their own home and they choose to then buy a second property for investment purposes, there’s significant tax and disincentives for the Chinese when buying their own second and subsequent properties,” says Sparkes.
“I suppose part of the reason behind that we don’t fully understand, but I dare say it’s to do with reducing the notion of a property bubble in China.
Sparkes says the Chinese government has looked at some cities where properties prices have doubled in a very short time and are looking at potentially reducing the whole notion of having a property bubble in China by putting taxes and disincentives in place.
Sparkes says foreigners tend to go for brand new or off-the-plan because they can buy without having to seek pre-approval to buy.
“Sydney in particular is attractive because it’s perhaps perceived as a financial hub to South East Asia, as it’s only a two hour time difference between China and Australia, compared to other markets such as the UK and US,” says Sparkes.
Other facts include education and the quality of apartments Australia offers.
Viva by Crown is the fifth and final stage of Top Ryde City Living, with one-bedroom apartments priced from $495,000 and two-bedroom apartments priced from $790,000.
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China's cooling measures driving investors to Australian waters

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Stage two of the $100 million Kubix development in Knox will launch this weekend, accompanied by street food trucks by Mr. Burger and Yogurddiction.
Developed by Deal Corporation and designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, Kubix will feature 236 apartments across three buildings.
Some 80% of apartments in the $35 million stage one release have sold to a mix of owner-occupiers and investors.
Stage two will comprise of 88 one- and two-bedroom apartments across eight floors.
One-bedroom apartments range in size from 44 square metres to 51 square metres and two-bedroom apartments range in size from 72 square metres to 86 square metres.
Apartments range in price from $320,000 to $550,000.
Deal Corporation managing director David Kobritz says Kubix is a landmark development for the region, with demand for smaller apartments not being met by supply.
“The total number of apartments in Kubix will provide for just 1% of the potential population suited to apartment living, so we see it as a development perfectly timed for today’s new housing options,” says Kobritz.
Kobritz says over 2,000 households move out of Know every year and puts this down to a lack of diversity in housing options.
“Young professionals have also been attracted to Kubix as Eastlist has brought the city to the Knox region’s doorstep, profoundly changing how people in the area live, work and play,” says Kobritz.
Located on Burwood Highway in Wantirna South, the grand launch will take place on October 5 with food trucks set up on site from 1pm to 4pm.
Deal Corp will also launch its two-bedroom display apartment on the day.
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Knox's Kubix development to launch stage two this weekend with food trucks

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

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Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

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La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

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The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

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Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

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Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

Nicola Trotman

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