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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

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

Nicola Trotman

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