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Melbourne has lead the way for house price growth in the September quarter, but regional towns Newcastle and Wollongong apartments are the top performers, according to the latest Bendigo Bank/ REIA Real Estate Market Facts Report.
Melbourne city house prices rose 7.3% for the September quarter to $590,000, a 15% increase compared to the September quarter of last year.
Sydney recorded a 4.2% increase for the quarter to $722,718, an 11.7% increase for the year.
“Not all of this quarter’s property buying activity was in Australia’s capital cities.  Australians are also enjoying great quality of life and attractive, affordable properties in many of our regions,” says Dennis Bice executive retail, Bendigo and Adelaide bank.
Newcastle apartments experienced an increase of 16.5% for the September quarter and Wollongong apartments increased 13.1%.
“It’s a similar story in Geelong which recorded house price increases of more than 15% compared with last year,” says Bice.
“In Bendigo, apartments recorded 11.3% growth for the quarter and in Cairns, apartments recorded a 10% increase.
“In other regional areas, prices for houses in South Australia’s Riverland were up 15% and in Mandurah, Western Australia, apartments picked up sharply to record 13% growth over the quarter,” says Bice.
Brisbane house prices increased 0.2% for the quarter to $442,125 and Hobart increased 1.4% to $352,000.
Perth experiences the biggest dip, down 3.8% for the quarter to $505,000.
The average median capital city house price in Australia for the September quarter rose 3% to $562,503, since the June quarter.
“For the next year we expect interest rates to stay relatively low and continue to assist the market," says REIA president Peter Bushby.
"We expect continued steady improvement in activity in most markets and generally a more positive year ahead provided there are no left-field global issues that emerge," says Bushby.
Median house prices up:
Sydney 4.2% to $722,718
Melbourne 7.3% to $590,000
Brisbane 0.2% to $442,125
Hobart 1.4% to $352,000
Median house prices down:
Adelaide 0.7% to $397,000
Perth 3.8% to $505,000
Canberra 0.1% to $510,000
Darwin 1.1% to $605,000
 
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Australian house prices on the rise: REIA

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Brookfield’s Portside Wharf development in Hamilton is proving to be a success with $83 million in sales – 130 apartments – secured since January.
The secured sales were in the completed Promenade building and the latest two releases Pinnacle and Link.
"Promenade was completed in late 2012 so purchasers have taken advantage of the completed building and the fact they can move into their new Portside Wharf home without any delay," says Portside Wharf project director Lee Butterworth.<img src="/images/stories/2013/12/11/portside-dec-11-one.jpg" alt="portside-dec-11-one" style="float: right;" height="300" width="200">
"The release of the Pinnacle building in April, and the Link building some months later, enticed new and incremental market segments into the precinct and in some cases market segments we have not seen buy at Portside before,” says Butterworth.
Promenade features 172 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across 15 levels and Pinnacle features 168 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, terrace homes and penthouses across 16 levels.
The four-level Link building features 31 one-bedroom apartments.
The final apartments at Promenade are priced from $515,000, Pinnacle apartments start from $435,000, while the remaining apartments at Link are selling from just $395,000.
"As the only absolute riverfront building at Portside Wharf, Pinnacle appeals to those wanting a premium location, spacious apartments and the fittings and finishes to match, while Link has a selection of quality one bedroom apartments, in a great location, but at a more entry level price point.
"Across all market segments, we are seeing increasing confidence in the property market, which is also helping to drive sales,” says Butterworth.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/three-bedroom-apartments-in-high-demand-at-brookfield-s-pinnacle/2013100165333" target="_blank">Three-bedroom apartments in the Pinnacle release were in such high demand</a>, a waiting list resulted in Brookfield releasing its final three-bedroom stock ahead of scheduled.
Portside Wharf residents will have access to restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques, a Dendy Cinema, Jetts Fitness and an IGA Supermarket.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/12/11/portside-dec-11-two.jpg" alt="portside-dec-11-two" height="282" width="470">
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Brookfield's Portside Wharf secures $83 million in 2013 sales

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Lend Lease has been given the green light for its proposed concept plans for the $709 million Haymarket redevelopment.
The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure has given the go ahead to the new neighbourhood between Chinatown and Darling Harbour, which will be a main component of the new Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP).
“This is a green light for planning and full steam ahead for the remaking of Haymarket as part of our magnificent world city,” says minister for planning and infrastructure Brad Hazzard.
“Haymarket will be the hip place to be – a lively new inner-city residential and business community with new public spaces for the broader community,” says Hazzard.
Lend Lease’s proposed plans include nearly 150,000 square metres of residential space – to accommodate around 1,360 new dwellings and 422 student accommodation units – and around 50,000 square metres of commercial and retail space.
A pedestrian boulevard, including street furniture and public art spaces, will also run through the precinct.
“This new vibrant neighbourhood will help meet local housing demand for residents and students wanting the best of urban life and also be enjoyed by visitors attending conventions in Darling Harbour, who want a Sydney experience,” says Hazzard.
The concept development application was on public exhibition from 27 March to May 10 and during this time received public submission identifying key issues, including overshadowing, privacy and view loss but the department assessed these impacts to be acceptable.
The precinct will create more than 2,000 construction jobs and more than 2,000 ongoing jobs.
Completion for the Haymarket redevelopment is to be staged up until the early 2020s.
Lend Lease has also lodged development applications for individual student accommodation, residential and commercial office projects within the neighbourhood.
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Lend Lease Haymarket redevelopment gets green light

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David Devine is continuing to grow Metro’s $1 billion development portfolio of more than 2,000 apartments in Brisbane with the acquisition of a Newstead site for around $10 million.
Located on Longland Street, the 4,191-square-metre site sits adjacent to the 6.4-hectare Gasworks development.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/12/10/2.jpg" width="470" height="264" alt="2">
Metro has plans to build two residential towers featuring more than 300 apartments, with an end value of $180 million.
The Newstead Towers will be Metro’s seventh project but its first venture into the suburb.
“Newstead is a vibrant suburb that has seen tremendous growth in the past 10 years,” says Metro managing director Luke Hartman.
“Commercial businesses, retailers and residents are increasingly attracted to the area due to its inner-city location; access to the airport, transport and major arterial roads; and its proximity to the shops, cafes and restaurants of the Emporium and James Street Precinct in Fortitude Valley.
“Buyers are increasingly looking for lifestyle properties in the inner city and we believe this property is in the perfect position to capitalise on this growing demand.
“The site is definitely one of the best infill development opportunities to become available in the current market and we are excited about all of the possibilities,” says Hartman.
Upon completion, the $1.1 billion Gasworks development by FKP will include seven buildings offering 17,000 square metres of retail, 103,500 square metres of commercial space and around 750 residential apartments.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/12/10/newstead-dec-10-flicker.jpg" width="470" height="264" alt="newstead-dec-10-flicker">
The Gasworks precinct is part of the $8 billion multi-staged Newstead Riverpark development with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/mirvac-secures-%24234-million-in-sales-at-waterfront-newstead-including-%2414-million-penthouse-sale/2013091164964">Waterfront precinct</a> by Mirvac.
“With the culmination of this linkage over coming years it is anticipated that residents and workers in the area will have access to the highest level of amenity and services on offer within Brisbane,” says Metro marketing director Ken Woodley.
The Newstead sale was negotiated by Regan Baker of Wright Property.
Metro will submit a development application in early 2014.
<a href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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David Devine's Metro adds new notch to its belt with Newstead acquistion

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A 1950s Canterbury home soared passed its reserve by 37% to take out this week’s most expensive sale, selling under the hammer for $5.76 million, according to RP Data.
Located on Rochester Road, the four-bedroom home sits on a large 3,276-square-metre site – an unusually big size for the tree-lined suburb.
The site was marketed as having redevelopment potential – STCA – and four parties took part in the bidding war with a developer snapping up the site.
Peter Vigano of Jellis Craig Hawthorn says the successful bidder plans to build four properties on the Canterbury site.
Vigano says blocks in Canterbury generally average around 700 square metres.
The vendors purchased the empty site in 1925 and built the family home in 1953.
The property was listed by <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/CANTERBURY-37-39-Rochester-Road/6325441/#.UqY_HoV4Il4" target="_blank">Peter Vigano and Sally Morrison of Jellis Craig Hawthorn.</a>
The median house price in <a href="/news">Canterbury</a> is $1.81 million, an 11.7% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
Most expensive sales:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/37_rochester_road_canterbury_vic_3126/10258367" target="_blank">37 Rochester Road, Canterbury, VIC, 3126,</a> four-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 7 by Jellis Craig Hawthorn for $5.76 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/367_cotham_road_kew_vic_3101/11350299" target="_blank">367 Cotham Road, Kew, VIC, 3101,</a> eight-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 7 by Abercromby's Real Estate for $5.6 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/13_craig_avenue_vaucluse_nsw_2030/7138646" target="_blank">13 Craig Avenue, Vaucluse, NSW, 2030,</a> five-bedroom house, sold on December 4 by Ray White Double Bay for $4.35 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/29_wilson_street_princes_hill_vic_3054/12650150" target="_blank">29 Wilson Street, Carlton North, VIC, 3054,</a> six-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 7 by Nelson Alexander Carlton for $3.85 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/26_brighton_boulevard_north_bondi_nsw_2026/4952415" target="_blank">26 Brighton Boulevard, North Bondi, NSW, 2026,</a> four-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 5 by Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay for $3.82 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/40_archer_street_toowong_qld_4066/7965579" target="_blank">40 Archer Street, Toowong, QLD, 4066,</a> six-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 5 by Place Estate Agents New Farm for $3.8 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/11_kent_avenue_brighton_vic_3186/10013945" target="_blank">11 Kent Avenue, Brighton, VIC, 3186,</a> four-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 7 by Nick Johnstone Real Estate Brighton for $3.77 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/7_pindari_avenue_castle_cove_nsw_2069/1774776" target="_blank">7 Pindari Avenue, Castle Cove, NSW, 2069,</a> five-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 8 by McGrath Estate Agents for $3.6 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/6_adolphus_street_balmain_nsw_2041/1250534" target="_blank">6 Adolphus Street, Balmain, NSW, 2041,</a> five-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 7 by Cobden &amp; Hayson Balmain for $3.45 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/15_mansfield_street_glebe_nsw_2037/2411492" target="_blank">15 Mansfield Street, Glebe, NSW, 2037,</a> six-bedroom house, sold at auction on December 7 by Cobden &amp; Hayson Balmain for $3.32 million
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Developer snaps up Canterbury home for 37% above reserve: RP Data

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Harry Triguboff’s Meriton has received the green light from the Planning Assessment Commission for its proposed Lane Cove residential apartments.
Construction can commence on the former Shell service station site in February, and has an expected completion date of 2015.
Located at 150 Epping Road, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/harry-triguboff-buys-lane-cove-service-station-with-tower-approval/2013051261299">development will feature the suburbs tallest residential tower</a> and will include a convenience store and onsite childcare.
Conybeare Morrison International architects won a local design competition with their artist’s impression inspired by the sandstone and native vegetation from nearby Lane Cove National Park.
Triguboff splashed $39 million earlier this year to secure the site from Bob Rose’s Rose Group.
The site is approved for a concept plan of approximately 440 apartments with buildings ranging from six to 20 storeys, with 645 car spaces, 1,500 square metres of commercial and retail space and a 1850-square-metre community centre.
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Triguboff gets green light for Lane Cove towers

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With only weeks until Christmas and New Years, vendors are making the last minute dash to sell their property with 3,031 auctions scheduled across the capital cities this week, according to RP Data.
A record number of auctions were held last week, up from 2,716 the previous week to 3,400 last week.
The national clearance rate also increased from 65.4% the previous week to 69% last week.
At the same time last year the clearance rate was substantially lower at 47.1% and 2,165 auctions held.
Melbourne was bustling last week with a revised 1,602 auctions held, up from 1,172 the previous week.
The preliminary clearance rate also increased from 65.1% the previous week to 69.2% last week.
At the same time last year the clearance rate was recorded at 53% from 986-recorded auctions.
Melbourne is scheduled to hold 1,457 auctions this week.
Sydney auctions increased from 1,060 the previous week to 1,333 last week.
The clearance rate slightly increased from 74% the previous week to 74.7% last week.
Sydney remains virtually unchanged this week, with 1,058 auctions scheduled.
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Last minute dash to sell during silly season: RP Data

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Budget airlines Tigerair Australia have announced a third base to open in Brisbane from 2014, which in turn will boost Queensland’s economy and tourism sector.
The base will also launch new routes, including Brisbane to Cairns, Darwin and Adelaide and is projected to provide 80,000 additional visitor seats annually into Queensland.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls says the announcement comes as the Newman Government is continuing to get the state back on track.
“The Tigerair base will provide more than 100 new jobs, from the flight and cabin crews to additional ground staff when it’s up and running in March next year, with Queensland to account for 59% of Tigerair’s capacity,” says Nicholls.
"The Newman Government’s strategic approach to attract new aviation routes and flights has been important in helping to restore Queensland’s pre-eminence as a tourist destination,” says Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey.
“We established the $8 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to secure new aviation business and routes into Queensland.
“Queensland’s leisure destinations of Mackay, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have featured on Tigerair Australia's flight schedule since the airline commenced in Australia in 2007.
“Coupled with the airlines announcement of Sydney-Proserpine service, today’s announcement will also bring a significant boost to the state’s $22 billion tourism industry – one of the four pillars of the economy,” says Stackey.
The Newman Government is hoping to double overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.
Two new A320 aircrafts will also be based in Brisbane.
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Tiger airways to open Brisbane base next year

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Sales momentum for Mirvac’s Ascot Vale development Enclave is in full force with the latest release snapped up in one day, totaling $17.6 million in sales.
The latest release was made up of 20 land lots and eight terraces.
Since launching seven months ago, all 135 lots released at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/mirvac-s-enclave-sells-out-first-three-releases-totalling-around-%24675-million/2013090864830">Enclave</a> have pre-sold totaling $79.9 million in sales.
“Based on strong sales activity thus far, it was no surprise that the November land and terrace release sold in just one day,” says Mirvac chief executive officer John Carfi.
“This is a vote of confidence in Mirvac and the quality of this inner-city residential offering that is proving to be attainable and attractive to buyers, in particular owner-occupiers from surrounding suburbs,” says Carfi.
Gresham Property executive director Stuart Skerman says sales are now passing 60% of the available product in just seven months.
“We’re anticipating strong demand for the remaining stages of the project,” says Skerman.
Located seven kilometres from the Melbourne CBD in the suburb of Ascot Vale, Enclave is a joint venture between Mirvac and Gresham.
Construction of the first stage of land and housing in the 10.423-hectare development commenced in June 2013.
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Demand continues for Mirvac's Enclave development with $79.9 million in sales 

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Three luxurious apartments priced between $4 million to $6 million have sold in the past three weeks in the Tony Owen-designed Eliza development.
“The deals show that the upper end of the Sydney apartment market has kicked into life,” says Irene Lau, Savills’ sales director.
The three full floor apartments are approximately 200 square metres in size, feature four bedrooms and a private lobby.
Irene Lau of Savills and Hamish Robertson of McGrath secured the sales.
Lau says Eliza has appealed to affluent buyers because of the rarity of full-floor apartments in an exclusive CBD location.
“Elizabeth Street is acknowledged as Sydney’s dress circle.
“It fronts Hyde Park and is surrounded by internationally-renowned restaurants, world class fashion boutiques, shopping and facilities.
“The added bonus for Eliza purchasers is that capital growth of such ‘blue chip’ buildings is more pronounced than for any other form of residential property,” says Lau.
Featuring a serpentine-sculpted Tony Owen-designed façade, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/tony-owen-designed-eliza-apartments-to-grace-hyde-park/2013092565252">Eliza</a> features 19 apartments across 17-storeys.
“We wanted to avoid the uniformity of most Sydney apartment developments so we engaged Tony Owen to design a building that shakes up prevailing architectural standards,” says Edward Doueihi of Ceerose.
“We believe Eliza will be the finest apartment building in the CBD, and we hope it emboldens other developers to be more adventurous with their architecture,” says Doueihi.
Level one to five features 10 half-floor two-bedroom apartments, which were all sold off the plan for around $2 million each.
The majority of early off-the-plan purchasers were owner-occupiers, including some expats who will use the apartment as their Sydney base.
The upper levels feature eight four-bedroom apartments, each occupying an entire floor and harbour views.
A three-level four-bedroom penthouse is also up for grabs for around $15 million.
The penthouse includes a rooftop level, boasting an infinity edge pool, limestone paving, hardwood timber decking and an outdoor kitchen and entertaining facilities.
Marketing of the penthouse won’t begin until Eliza is completed, which is scheduled for February next year.
<a href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
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Affluent buyers still splashing the cash in Sydney's luxurious Eliza development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nicola Trotman

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