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With the election at our doorstep, property experts are weighing up election issues and what they mean for certain areas.
Kim Clarke, developer of Plantation Palms, says the abolition of the mining and carbon taxes could positively affect Mackay.
“We’ve witnessed a decline in the number of mining jobs over the past six months, and the Mackay economy is feeling the impact,” says Clarke.
“Abolishing both the mining and carbon taxes could completely turn this area on its head and result in increased investment in our community and economy.
“China and India need our coal, how can we operate as a world without coal?” says Clarke.
Clarke says there’s a lack of confidence in the Mackay area and although there’s stock, people aren’t buying.
Clarke says the drawing out of the election was one of the biggest mistakes the Labour government made as people always slow down before an election.
“Mining towns are small compared to Sydney and Melbourne and therefore anything that happens within the local papers, people think that’s happening.
“People just aren’t buying, once we have an election, people will become more certain and confidence will start to come back."
Clarke also emphasises the Australian dollar, although more so related to the RBA than the election.
“The dollar coming down is fabulous, it’s very very important for the mining industry, I’d like to see if come down even further.
“The mining industry has been having to suffer with a dollar at parity to the US dollar, a lower dollar means we’re more competitive with the rest of the world.
“The low dollar helps with tourism also, it stops Aussies getting more for their money overseas and it means foreigners get more for their money here,’” says Clarke.
Clarke says the mining industry boom is over, in terms of building new mines but mines will still work if they’re economical to produce.
“At the moment we’re going through a phase that will make the mines more productive by employing more productive people.
“Just like a shopping centre, they change shops around so they can get more traffic… we have to do the same with mines. We have to get smarter and do a better job” says Clarke.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Mackay </a>is $399,000, a 14.8% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Abolition of the mining and carbon taxes a positive for Mackay

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Caydon’s $200 million project and St Kilda’s tallest building, S.T.K., is already 50% sold, ahead of its official launch date later this month.
Located on St Kilda Road, the development will include 309 apartments and 19 townhouses upon completion.
The development is yet to be launched to the public but has secured sales through registrations of interest and previous purchasers of Caydon developments.
The 26-level building, made up of two structures within one façade, will house one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two-bedroom dual level rooftop terraces.
<img alt="s.t.k-sept-5-one" height="487" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/05/s.t.k-sept-5-one.jpg">
Two-bedroom townhouses will be located on Barkly Street.
One-bedroom apartments range in size from 50 square metres to 61 square metres and range in price from $380,000 to $527,000.
Two-bedroom apartments range in size from 64 square metres to 87 square metres and range in price from $560,000 to $842,000.
Townhouses on Barkly Street range in size from 68 square metres to 71 square metres and rooftop terrace townhouses range in size from 82 square metres to 100 square metres.
Townhouses range in price from $645,000 to $820,000.
Designed by Eades and Bergman, apartments will feature textured splashbacks, marble finishes, satin chrome fixtures and timber flooring.
Residents will have access to the S.T.K club, comprising of a 20-metre infinity edge pool, gym, steam room, yoga room, business lounge and a library.
“S.T.K’s appeal is its location and luxury build,” says Joe Russo, principal of Caydon.
“S.T.K offers an unrepeatable opportunity to live in this location and our architectural design makes the views a primary consideration with over 70% of apartments featuring incredible water and city views,” says Russo.
Caydon purchased the 2,827-square-metre site for $20.9 million.
Construction is scheduled to commence early next year with an expected completion date of late 2015.
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St Kilda's tallest building S.T.K apartments snapped up ahead of official launch

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Her Majestys boutique apartment complex in South Yarra officially launched over the weekend after a redesign hurdle put marketing on hold.
Developed by Bravo Properties Developer, the complex will feature 16 boutique apartments, including four penthouses.
Prices range for $875,000 to $2.45 million.
Chief executive and managing director of Bravo Properties Gary Ebeyan says the launch went well.
"We have three potential sales, two of them being penthouses.
"Most developments are 80% rented out, I think Her Majesty's is attracting people who want to have less people renting in the building.
"Majority of people looking at the development have been owner-occupier. I think there will be one, two or maybe three max who are investors," says Ebeyan.
The original design featured 10 apartments and didn’t proceed due to expensive amenities getting in the way of potential buyers.
“Buyers didn’t want to pay that much, so we redesigned to bring the prices down,” says Ebeyan.
“We adjusted to look after what the market wants,” says Ebeyan.
Located on Davis Avenue, apartments will feature terrazzo or parquetry flooring and almost three-metre high ceilings.
The kitchens will include a centrally located marble bench with European appliances.
Residences will have access to a fitness centre and spa.
Hacer Group were appointed as builders in October last year.
<a target="_blank" href="https://bravoproperties.com.au/hermajestys/">Her Majesty’s Apartments</a> were marketed in 2011 as being finished in October 2013.
Apartments are now scheduled for completion in November 2015.
South Yarra Real Estate have been appointed as selling agents.
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Her Majestys South Yarra relaunch after redesign hurdle

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Frasers Property’s Putney Hill community is benefiting from the extension of the NSW Government’s first-home buyer scheme, with over 50% of the newly released Jacara apartments being snapped up since late July.
The sales in the Cox Richardson-designed Jacara complex boosts the 13.9-hectare <a href="https://www.putneyhill.com.au/" target="_blank">Putney Hill</a> community now to 80% sold.
“People have taken notice of the NSW Government’s decision to extend the first-home owner scheme, and this combined with positive sentiment around record-low interest rates – along with the arrival of spring – has seen many young, yet discerning, families and individuals coming our way looking to enter the property market,” says Warwick Dowler, Frasers Property Australia project director.
The NSW first-home buyer scheme offers $15,000 to those purchasing or building a new home.
“We’re seeing real confidence from first-home buyers right now,” says Dowler.
Frasers Property is also offering purchasers an incentive package comprising of kitchen appliances of up to $10,000 in value.
“We are pleased to offer home buyers our Kitchen Connoisseurs incentive package, which when combined with the $15,000 grant, could result in up to $25,000 off the cost of a new home,” says Dowler.
“We have already seen a number of new home buyers take advantage of this offer, so given its popularity, we are not expecting Jacara Apartments to remain on the market for very long,” says Dowler.
Prices of <a href="/news">Jacara apartments </a>range from $405,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, $594,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and $1.09 million for a three-bedroom apartment.
Jacara Apartments will offer its new residents a leafy retreat with communal garden beds for growing vegetables and herbs, a putting green, an outdoor barbecue as well as a formal lounge and quiet areas.
Construction of Jacara apartments is planned for completion in 2015.
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Jacara Apartment Putney Hill sales boosted by NSW first-home buyer scheme

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A much-loved family home in Hamilton sold under the hammer on the weekend for $2.15 million.
Located at 28 Windermere Road, it was the first time the four-bedroom home was offered in 40 years.
Situated on 1,423 square metres, the property was marketed as being ripe for renovation.
Listing agent <a href="https://raywhiteascot.com.au/qld/hamilton/1008760/" target="_blank">Damon Warat of Ray White Ascot</a> said there were nine registered bidders at the August 31 auction.
“I imagine the buyer plans to restore it to its former glory,” says Warat.
The property last traded in 1973 for $39,500 - a 10% annual appreciation rate.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Hamilton</a> is $1.4 million, a 21% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Hamilton, Brisbane renovation gem sells under the hammer for $2.15 million

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Brookfield Residential Properties has appointed Brisbane-based iCreate Solutions to manage the digital marketing for its new Bluewater Estate in Cairns.
ICreate will target empty-nesters and families through an advertising campaign using print, radio, tv, social, outdoor and online channels.
The campaign – 20,000 reasons – will run throughout the year and include promotions and social media activity to target potential buyers.
“With more than 15 years experience working in the property development industry, we understand how consumers search for and assess property and have combined this knowledge with our skills in the digital space,” says iCreate Solutions director Sonia Keen.
“Being awarded this prestigious contract demonstrates Brookfield’s confidence in us to provide innovative and creative solutions that really speak to digitally-savvy buyers,” says Keen.
Brookfield’s 155-hectare master-planned community Bluewater Estate is located in Cairns’ Trinity Parkland and features rainforest, parkland and waterfront sites.
At the heart of the estate is the $4.5 million 108-berth marina, featuring a combination of 10-, 12-, 15- and 18-metre berths.
On completion, Bluewater will feature 900 homes.
The newest release Cascade was launched last week and comprises of 30 lots - 18 are already under contract.
The remaining lots in Cascade range from 473 square metres to 840 square metres and start from $161,000.
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Brookfield appoints iCreate Solutions to target potential purchases of Bluewater

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A four-bedroom tri-level home in Vaucluse is this week’s most expensive sale, selling under the hammer for $6.3 million, according to RP Data.
The property was <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/castlepeake-architects-designed-vaucluse-trophy-home-listed/2013080163717" target="_blank">listed with a $5.5 million plus price guide</a> for its August 30 auction.
Located at 18 Village High Road, the property is situated on 835 square metres and features courtyards, tropical gardens, a terrace and a pool.
Designed by Castlepeake Architects, the home features limestone floors, a kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, home theatre and a gymnasium.
The master bedroom boasts its own private terrace with views to the harbour.
The property also includes a private nanny’s quarters at the rear of the property designed by <a href="https://www.castlepeake.com.au/vaucluse.asp" target="_blank">architects Peter Tout and Brien Kwong</a>.
Listing agent Elliot Placks says the auction was packed and six registered bidders fought it out.
“The end buyer was a man from Chinese mainland. They [Chinese mainland buyers]  are being quite competitive at the moment, they’re buying a lot of property,” says Placks.
The property last sold in February 1998 for $2.32 million.
Elliot Placks and Ashley Bierman of <a href="https://rwdbgroup.com/nsw/vaucluse/1002809/" target="_blank">Ray White Double Bay had the listing.</a>
The median house price in <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="/news" target="_blank">Vaucluse</a> is $2,650,000, a 15.2% decline in the past five years according to RP Data.
The most expensive sales of the August 31 weekend:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/18_village_high_road_vaucluse_nsw_2030/7146520" target="_blank">18 Village High Road, Vaucluse, NSW, 2030</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on August 30 by Ray White Double Bay for $6.3 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/6_heymount_close_toorak_vic_3142/13582719" target="_blank">6 Heymount Close, Toorak, VIC, 3142</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 31 by Marshall White Real Estate for $4.05 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/4a_wallaroy_crescent_woollahra_nsw_2025/7743031" target="_blank">4A Wallaroy Crescent, Woollahra, NSW, 2025</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on August 30 by McGrath Estate Agents Eastern Suburbs for $3.5 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/134_kooyong_road_armadale_vic_3143/9317449" target="_blank">134 Kooyong Road, Armadale, VIC, 3143</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 31 by R T Edgar Toorak for $3.4 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/117_gordon_street_balwyn_vic_3103/9558635" target="_blank">117 Gordon Street, Balwyn, VIC, 3103</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 31 by R T Edgar Toorak for $3.245 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/60_roseville_avenue_roseville_nsw_2069/5961035" target="_blank">60 Roseville Avenue, Roseville, NSW, 2069</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 31 by Belle Property Killara for $2.965 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/124_raglan_street_mosman_nsw_2088/4501802" target="_blank">124 Raglan Street, Mosman, NSW, 2088</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 31 by Galetto Real Estate for $2.9 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/9_robson_road_kenthurst_nsw_2156/3297332" target="_blank">9 Robson Road, Kenthurst, NSW, 2156</a>, seven-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 31 by L J Hooker Dural for $2.74 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/30_head_street_brighton_vic_3186/10013279" target="_blank">30 Head Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 31 by Buxton Real Estate Brighton for $2.675 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/8_carpenter_street_colyton_nsw_2760/1897798" target="_blank">8 Carpenter Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 31 by Marshall White Brighton for $2.621 million
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Castlepeak Architects-designed Vaucluse home most expensive sale: RP Data

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Although the first week of the busy selling season is upon us, scheduled auctions across the capital cities are the lowest they’ve been in some time. It's a result of vendors seeking to avoid a clash with the federal election this weekend, with a total of 916 auctions scheduled this week, according to RP Data.
It’s less than half the volume of auctions held last week at a revised 1,985 and 1,572 the previous week.
However the preliminary clearance rate increased last week to 72.9%, up from 70% the previous week.
At the same time last year, there were 1,294 auctions and a clearance rate of 54%.
Sydney’s clearance rate increased from 75.3% the previous week to 81.2% last week, the highest rate recorded since the week ending January 31 in 2010.
Sydney auction volumes also increased last week to a revised 847, up from 557 the previous week.
At the same time last year, Sydney had 513 auctions and a clearance rate of 58%.
Melbourne’s clearance rate decreased last week to 73%, down from 76.2% the week before.
Melbourne auction volumes increased last week from 712 the previous week to 833 last week.
At the same time last year, Melbourne held 538 auctions and had a clearance rate of 57.4%.
Melbourne has 486 auctions scheduled this week and Sydney has 268.
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Scheduled auctions fail to bloom in the first week of spring: RP Data

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The number of days property is lingering on the market before sale is increasing in most capital cities around the nation, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Over the month of August, Brisbane increased the most, spending an average of 122 days on the market, the highest month since January at 128 days.
In July, Brisbane property was spending an average of 104 days on the market.
Perth property stayed on the market longer throughout August, increasing from an average of 77 days in July to an average of 90 days in August.
Melbourne property sold faster in the month of August than it did earlier this year, peaking in the month of January at an average of 112 days on the market.
Melbourne propertys average time on the market stayed relatively stable in August at 95 days, a slight increase from July at 93 days.
Sydney has remained the snappiest city for the second month in a row, with an average of 73 days on the market.
Sydney also peaked in January this year at an average of 93 days.
<img height="707" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/heat-chart-aug-28-one.jpg" alt="heat-chart-aug-28-one">
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Winter months see property linger on the market for longer: APM

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Little Projects has appointed Hickory Group to build their latest develop Central South Yarra, as the $220 million residential apartment complex reaches 80% in sales.
Located in the Forest Hill precinct, the 30-storey development will house 356 one- and two-bedroom apartments upon completion, and two penthouses.
One of the penthouses were snapped up for over $4 million.
The two bedrooms are priced from $600,000 with the two-bedroom with two bathroom apartments starting from $745,000.
They range in size from 62 square metres to 92 square metres.
The other penthouse is available from $2.75 million.
“The construction of Central signals the next step in our vision for South Yarra – a vibrant and enviable address with access to excellent transport connections, best cafes, eateries and shops at your doorstep,” says Little Projects managing director Michael Fox.
Architecturally designed by RotheLowman and with interiors by Plus Architecture, apartments feature large terrace balconies and kitchens with stone bench tops and Miele appliances.
Residents will have access to a rooftop retreat including a sky terrace, lounge, kitchen, dining room, swimming pool and gym.
“We pride ourselves on delivering high quality residential and mixed-use developments in prime inner-city locations. Central is a dynamic project that will transform this area,” says Fox.
Hickory Group has worked on a number of developments for Little Projects, including the soon to be complete <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/little-projects-ilk-south-yarra-development-weeks-away-from-completion/2013082864417">ILK</a>, also in South Yarra.
Central South Yarra has an expected completion date of mid-2015.
The median apartment price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">South Yarra</a> is $541,000, a 14.1% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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Little Project appoints Hickory Group to build 80% sold Central South Yarra

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>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

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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