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A lack of a park or garden may be present, but developers are finding ways to add green features to their developments in high-density environments. 
The Block in Melbourne’s inner city suburb South Melbourne is the latest development to throw its support behind a greener environment and is incorporating vertical gardens on its exterior.
The supplier of the vertical gardens (pictured below) is Florafelt.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/blockjuly10one.jpg" width="470" height="350" alt="blockjuly10one">
The nylon felt is stapled to a plastic sign board and plant roots grow into the moist felt.
In the neighbouring suburb of Southbank, the apartment complex <a href="https://www.triptychliving.com/project-features/facade/" target="_blank">Triptych</a> boasts a 187-square-metre living wall, rising from level two to six above the Kavanagh Street entrance.
The wall includes 43 species of plants and grasses, selected to withstand the unpredictable Melbourne climate.
The gardens were grown off-site by gardening firm Fytogreen.
The inside lobbies of Triptych also feature vertical gardens.
<a href="https://www.elmapartments.com.au/home" target="_blank">Elm</a> Apartments on Dorcas Street in Southbank feature two vertical gardens with a combined total of 40 square metres.
The external garden comprises 20 species and the internal vertical garden features 17 special.
Another Southbank building to be a green building is <a href="https://www.habitatsouthbank.com.au/" target="_blank">Habitat</a>, featuring a three-storey vertical garden.
Habitat will include a total of 47 apartments across levels five to 33 and is a joint venture between Vicland developers and Rothelowman architects.
The largest vertical garden on a development in the southern hemisphere will be at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/platinum-at-southbank-secures-200-odd-sales-ahead-of-official-launch-platinum-salvoproperty/2013052361602">Platinum</a> in Southbank.
Rising from its third level, the seven-storey vertical garden will both conceal and naturally ventilate parking for 265 cars and storage units.
Tract Landscaping have designed a vertical garden for apartments and townhouses in <a href="https://www.clarasouthyarra.com.au/theapartments/pages/park-garden_verticalgardens" target="_blank">Clara</a>, South Yarra.
The garden wall acts as a backdrop to the courtyards and stretches around to the entrance.
Clara is a collaboration between R. Corporation, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, Tract Landscaping and Jodhi Meares.
Property Observer has reported on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/hanging-gardens-of-the-world/2011062350586" target="_blank">vertical gardens worldwide</a> and <a href="/news">One Central Park development's hanging gardens</a> in Sydney.
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Melbourne gets more high rise garden walls with Florafelt greening The Block Sky High

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Construction on Mirvac’s Yarra Point tower in the waterfront precinct Yarra’s Edge is now complete, with 90% of residential apartments sold totalling over $150 million in sales.
The 31-level tower consists of 201 apartments in the sixth apartment tower within the Yarra Edge precinct.
A limited number of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and Sky Residences remain, starting from $595,000 to $1.4 million.
“We are pleased to announce that construction is complete at our luxurious waterfront address, a continuation of Yarra Point’s success story to date,” says John Carfi, chief executive officer of Mirvac Residential.
Construction on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/docklands-development-yarra-point-three-quarters-sold-as-mirvac-says-the-price-is-right/2011110252174" target="_blank">$191 million development</a> was completed a month ahead of schedule.
“We expect to see this momentum at Yarra Point to continue over the coming months now that our prospective purchasers can see for themselves the degree of space, quality and craftsmanship in our remaining apartments,” says Carfi.
The tower features one, two and three-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 55 square metres to 214 square metres.
The tower features a two-level lobby - acting as an extension of the outdoors - with mature trees, succulents and bluestone.
Residents will also have use of a 300-square-metre rooftop garden, lounge, gymnasium and a business centre.
Property Observer recently <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/mirvac-s-yarra-point-comes-alive-with-oly-san-francisco-mirvac/2013052661437" target="_blank">reported</a> on the styling of a 31st floor sky residence with furnishings from Oly San Francisco.
Construction has commenced on Mirvac’s seventh residential tower at the waterfront precinct, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/half-of-apartments-in-mirvacs-array-development-in-docklands-sold/2013021459351" target="_blank">Array</a>.
The $218 million Array development offers a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and is now 65% sold.
Marketing of the 39-storey development commenced in September 2012, with apartments priced from $520,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $7 million for a penthouse.
The development is due to be completed in 2016, with first settlements occurring in mid-2015.
Mirvac have also launched a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/nothing-backward-about-mirvac-s-black-label-loyalty-offering-at-array/2013030359620" target="_blank">project-specific brand loyalty-royalty scheme</a> for their returning or new clientele.
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Mirvac's Yarra Point tower 90% sold as construction completed

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One of the latest developments to hit Essendon is BPM’s $50 million Collins and Queen development.
Located on the corner of Collins and Queen Street, the development offers 111 apartments across two buildings.
Rothelowman is behind the architectural design of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.collinsandqueen.com.au/index">Collins and Queen</a>, offering a balance between slick and raw, rough and refined, urban and sophisticated.
The apartment interiors will feature rustic, natural materials to create an elegant industrial feel.
One-bedroom apartments start from $325,000 and two-bedroom apartments start from $489,000.
One and two-bedroom apartments range in size from 52 square metres to 84 square metres.
There is no price indication yet for the three-bedders.
Residents will have access to a communal garden, designed by Zenith Concepts and a Bocce court.
Stage one – featuring 63 apartments – launched two weeks ago and 30 apartments have since sold.
The median apartment price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Essendon</a> is $420,000, with a 32.3% increase in the past five years, according to RP Data.
Construction is scheduled to start early next year with completion scheduled for the second half of 2015.
You can watch the Collins and Queen video here:
{qtube vid:=y5-cfIzZffY}
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Collins and Queen development launches in Essendon

An original circa 1920s Queenslander - once the wedding gift for a local landowner&#39;s daughter - has been listed for sale.

The home last sold in August 2010 for $1,775,000 and prior to that, in February 2003 for $1,295,000.

The 2,023 square metre property at 47 Ruthven Street in Corinda features five bedrooms, three bathrooms, tennis court and a swimming pool.

It boasts original features including stained glass windows, bay seat windows and a large wrap-around-verandah.

Listing agent McGrath Estate Agents says there has been a much&nbsp;interest in the property.

As for&nbsp;price indication, they offer the proforma response that it will be a reflection of the market audience.

The median house price in <a href="/news">Corinda</a> is $529,000 with an annual reduction of 15%, according to RP Data.

A wedding gift Corinda Queenslander trophy home listing

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Australand’s latest release in the masterplanned community Discovery Point is proving popular, with 75% of apartments now sold in the latest building Summit.
Discovery Point is located 10 kilometres from the Sydney CBD in Wolli Creek.
The 21-level residential building Summit (pictured above) features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and will sit above a retail precinct and piazza-style village squire.
One-bedroom apartments are now completely sold out.
Two-bedroom apartments are available from $615,000 to $810,000.
Three-bedroom apartments are available from $815,000 to $1,235,000.
“The outstanding sales to date are a clear reflection of the strong demand that we continue to experience at Discovery Point,” says Australand New South Wales residential division general manager Nigel Edgar.
“Buyers are responding in great numbers to the well-designed apartments in a friendly well positioned community they can call home.
“The popularity of Summit is heightened by the impressive views if offers over the community’s parklands, across the river to the Sydney city skyline and out to Botany Bay,” says Edgar.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/sydney-discovery-point-development-launches-fifth-stage-after-previous-successes/2011102351974" target="_blank">first five stages of Discovery Point are completely sold out</a>, with apartments still available in the Watervue release.
Upon completion, Discovery Point will include 1,800 apartments.
Property Observer <a href="/news">reported</a> on the recent marketing campaign for Summit, which presented their offerings to an international audience through easy Chinese translation.
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Strong sales at Summit at Discovery Point

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Langton, a six-bedroom Queenslander style home in Greenslopes is on the market for the first time in 50 years.
Featuring a steeply pitched roof, classic wrap-around verandah and decorative gables, Langton is an example of a bygone era.
Langton is perched atop one of Greenslopes' highest hills at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-greenslopes-114147583" target="_blank"> 8-12 Henzell Terrace</a>, only six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.
Situated on 1,821 square metres, the property features three bathrooms and has recently been divided into three flats.
The property boasts original brick open fireplace, bay windows seats, ornate ceilings and floor to ceiling stained glass windows.
The potential buyer has the option to restore Langton back into a family residence.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Greenslopes</a> is $577,500, according to RP Data.
The most expensive sale in Greenslopes was for a four-bedroom home at 5 Soden Street in December 2012.
Located on 1,012 square metres, the property sold for $2,775,000.
The most expensive sale on Henzell Terrace was a five-bedroom 1920 home at 18 Henzell Terrace, which sold in August 2006 for $1.32 million having been purchased in 1988 for $270,000.
Langton is due to go under the hammer on July 21 through <a href="https://spinksco.com.au/property-listings/8-12-henzell-terrace-greenslopes" target="_blank">Rachel Spinks of Spinks and Co Residential Consultancy.</a>
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Greenslopes Queenslander home, Langton listed for first time in 50 years

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A rural retreat with landscaped rose gardens in Point Leo was this week’s most expensive sale, selling for $3,657,000 on July 4, according to RP Data.
Located at 3785 Frankston Flinders Road, the limestone and timber residence includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The master wing boasts a private lounge, ensuite, gymnasium and dressing room.
The property also features barrel-vaulted ceilings, a Tuscan-inspired alfresco courtyard and an outdoor kitchen.
The 10.61-hectare property boasts a boutique orchard and a tennis court with a summerhouse and offers views across Western Port Bay to Phillip Island.
The home was built in the mid-1980s and was purchased by the Hannan family in 1998 who expanded and opened the house through renovations. The property last traded at $830,000.
It was listed in April last year for $4 million.
The property was listed with Meg Pell of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1820879&amp;agentID=2448&amp;realestate=3785_Frankston_Flinders_Road_POINT_LEO_VIC_3916&amp;propertyStatus=SoldRented&amp;showGoBack=true">R T Edgar Flinders</a>.
The top 10 most expensive sales of the week are:
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/3785_frankston-flinders_road_point_leo_vic_3916/12541585">3785 Frankston-Flinders Road, Point Leo, VIC, 3916</a>, three-bedroom house, sold on July 4 by R T Edgar Flinders for $3.657 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/1403/61-69_macquarie_street_sydney_nsw_2000/6611387">1403/61 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold on July 4 by Morton &amp; Morton Sydney for $3.6 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/2/39-43a_milson_road_cremorne_point_nsw_2090/2004415">2/39 Milson Road, Cremorne Point, NSW, 2090</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold on July 3 by L J Hooker Mosman/Neutral Bay for $3.2 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/105_ocean_street_woollahra_nsw_2025/7740592">105 Ocean Street, Woollahra, NSW, 2025</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on July 5 by GoodyerDonnelley Real Estate for $2.92 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/5_kidston_street_ascot_qld_4007/2681419">5 Kidston Street, Ascot, QLD, 4007</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on July 6 by Ray White Ascot for $2.56 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/59_kangaroo_point_road_kangaroo_point_nsw_2224/3186739">59 Kangaroo Point Road, Kangaroo Point, NSW, 2224</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on July 2 by Fans Realty for $2.5 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/7b_park_lane_claremont_wa_6010/15921585">7b Park Lane, Claremont, WA, 6010</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on July 6 by Vitale Fine Properties Peppermint Grove for $2.5 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/4/11_elamang_avenue_kirribilli_nsw_2061/3433017">4/11 Elamang Avenue, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061</a>, two-bedroom unit, sold at auction on July 6 by Ray White Lower North Shore for $2.3 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/31a_links_road_bowral_nsw_2576/1571506">31a Links Road, Bowral, NSW, 2576</a>, six-bedroom house, sold on July 5 by Campbell Jones Property Bowral for $2.2 million
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/18_carranya_road_riverview_nsw_2066/5864058">18 Carranya Road, Riverview, NSW, 2066</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on July 6 by Belle Property Lane Cove for $2.185 million
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Point Leo rural retreat most expensive sale of the week: RP Data

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Construction has officially begun on Anka Property Group’s $200 million Union Balmain development in Sydney’s Rozelle.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/anka-s-union-balmain-sells-60-of-apartments-at-launch/2013041060285" target="_blank">launch kicked off in April this year </a>and the 202-apartment development is now 80% sold, according to Ben Stewart of CBRE.
Anka has joined forces with architects Turner Studio and interior designers SJB with plans to deliver a five-star, green star development, in the hopes of minimising its carbon footprint.
One-bedroom apartments range in size from 58 square metres to 113 square metres and have a starting price of $625,000.
Two-bedroom apartments range in size from 86 square metres to 147 square metres and start from $860,000.
Three-bedroom apartments range in size from 115 to 249 square metres and start from $1,095,000.
The three-building, six-storey complex will feature a residents-only rooftop park with a communal vegetable garden and BBQ areas.
The development has an expected completion date of early 2015.
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Construction begins on the now 80% sold Union Balmain

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Sydney couple Madi and Jarrod’s apartment in The Block Sky High is the latest to kick start its marketing campaign.
The South Melbourne property is listed through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.bigginscott.com.au/property/details/11671">Biggin and Scott Richmond</a>.
“We are very confident that Madi and Jarrod will go very well,” says listing agent Russell Cambridge.
“Their apartment has all the same benefits as the top floor, a great outlook, views and heaps of light.”
The Park Street apartment features three bedrooms and five-bathrooms – including his and hers in the master suite.
The couple won the spare bedroom and ensuite room week, scoring 29-and-a-half out of 30 for their “bright citrus Scandinavian modern fresh” palette.
The potential buyer will also have use of the communal rooftop terrace, including BBQs and an outdoor cinema.
Cambridge says he has been pleasantly surprised as there have been a couple of strong enquiries, particularly from the empty nester age group.
In terms of price guide, Cambridge said it was too hard to tell at this point.
“It’s The Block, anything can happen,” says Cambridge.
The Block Sky High <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/the-block-trophy-penthouse-listed-for-%2413-million-plus/2013062762725">penthouse is listed for $1.3 million plus</a> and<a target="_blank" href="/news"> level one</a> is advised as $1.2 million plus.
Biggin and Scott are using the marketing campaign and exposure of the show to shine light on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.heartkids.org.au/">Heart Kids charity.</a>
“We believe this is a great opportunity to give our wonderful charity Heart Kids exposure through the show.
“We are co-branding ourselves with Heart Kids on most of our marketing,” says Cambridge.
Russell Cambridge and Sam Davenport have the listing.
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The Block Madi and Jarrod's apartment attracting strong interest

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Guillaume Brahimi will be closing the doors to his top-tier restaurant Bennelong at the iconic Sydney Opera House at the end of year.
The shift comes as Brahimi’s lease expires at the end of the year and he did not submit a tender by Tuesday night due to apparent conflicting directions.
The French-born chef has owned and run the Bennelong site for 12 years and planned to submit a tender, until he saw the Opera House Trust was looking for a “welcoming food and beverage venue” to be open seven days a week.
Although Brahimi operates bistros in Perth and Melbourne, his Bennelong restaurant is a fine dining venue.
Guillaume at Bennelong serves contemporary Australian cuisine with a classical French influence.
“That’s not what I do,” Brahimi said to The Australian Financial Review.
“It’s an iconic spot, the Opera House deserves a fine dining restaurant.
“We worked hard for 12 years to create a special experience, Bennelong for me, is a fine dining venue,” says Brahimi.
Brahimi secured the contract to run the Bennelong restaurant in 2001 and gave it a major overhaul.
Sydney Opera House commercial director David Watson says the trust is required to conduct a public tender for their expiring food and beverage contracts in line with the NSW Government procurement policy.
Watson says it’s also an opportunity to ensure greater diversity, more price points and dining experiences that are open more often to cater to the 8.2 million visitors annually.
Brahimi said his future plans would be announced in the coming months.
Brahimi lives by the Sydney Habour with his wife and children.
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Guillaume Brahimi to close doors at Bennelong as Opera House seeks bistro-style cafe and restaurant

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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