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With reports being released that the dream of homeownership is no longer a reality for many Australians - Landchecker is here to help.

The report by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia states that the current planning restrictions and inconsistencies are contributing to the housing affordability problems we face.

The report stated that housing affordability is likely to be an issue for the next 40 years and the unfortunate reality is that this will mean more people enter retirement without ever owning their own home.

The paper makes recommendations such as relaxing planning restrictions and making them more consistent. Changing tenancy law to provide more clarity for long-term renters. A move towards making land tax annual rather than transaction taxes and taxing a larger proportion of capital gains.

How Landchecker can help curb planning restrictions is allowing you to view all restrictions and overlays that apply to the properties in your prefered suburb on our easy to use interactive map. Viewing restrictions upfront allows you to accurately pick areas that are best fit for your development needs.

Landchecker is a free easy to use tool which also provides live updates on any changes to council overlays being made to your saved searches, so you can keep up to date on restrictions.

Recently, Landchecker also launched Property Matchmaker which is a new tool connecting buyers and sellers with off-market opportunities, this allows people to make the most informed decisions possible when searching and buying their dream home.

Find out all the information about your property now at <a href="https://landchecker.com.au/">https://landchecker.com.au/</a>
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Home ownership continues to be tough - Landchecker makes sure you get it right

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Footscray is to host a new master planned mixed use development adjacent to the heart of Footscray.

Any prospective investor or owner occupier can now secure their space within Cowper Residences, which will be released for sale this month. With Footscray the epicentre of Melbourne's inner west, the wider region is currently subject to $26 billion worth of investment committed to infrastructure and associated projects.

Footscray built form progression is in lockstep with its social transformation. Only 4km from Melbourne's CBD, Footscray now boasts its own evolving cosmopolitan café and shopping precincts.

According to advisory Urbis, the young and fast-growing population in Melbourne's west is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. Over the past 10 years, the median price of apartments in the historical suburb has increased by 7.9 per cent per annum and has experienced the highest annual price growth compared to a selection of suburbs of similar distance to CBD.

In response, Cowper Residences has been positioned in order to attract interest from both astute investors and owner occupiers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image136_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cowper Village offers a choice of living options"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image136_1.jpg?itok=5wB1S2T7" title="Cowper Village offers a choice of living options" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cowper Residences offers a choice of living options</figcaption></figure>It's Cowper Residences' unique location within the Footscray context that has led to the diverse range of living options within the project.

Nestled between established low rise housing and the Footscray CBD, Cowper Residences allows for a diversified built form and unfettered views toward Docklands, the CBD and beyond. The low to medium density site offers proximity to the city coupled with spacious, quality designs which offer contemporary living and balance with its surrounds.

The development’s first two precincts to market will allow purchasers to choose between sixteen terrace homes, ten SOHOs (Single Office/Home Offices) and 63 traditional apartments.

Cowper Village is the work of ClarkeHopkinsClarke, who have a rich history of creating vibrant, integrated living and community spaces. ClarkeHopkinsClarke partner Toby Lauchlan describes Cowper Residences from the architect's perspective:

<blockquote>
When we saw the site, we immediately recognised it as a standout in Footscray. Centrally located, it’s close to the station and all of the vibrant, lifestyle offerings of this colourful suburb, but rests on a quiet, tree-lined residential street giving it real sense of tranquility.

Cowper Residences has also been designed to capture city views which won’t be built out – a rarity this close to the CBD.

The mix of housing types throughout the precincts allowed us to really diversify the design, with each form appealing to the types of people who will want to reside there.
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image135_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Expansive views come with Cowper Village"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="330" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image135_0.jpg?itok=6xO_OqWX" title="Expansive views come with Cowper Village" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Expansive views are par for Cowper Residences</figcaption></figure>A strong sense of place and community is at the heart of Cowper Residences, with each precinct interlinked by landscaped gardens and internal laneways. Amenities across the development include a café, gym and rooftop terrace and a communal courtyard.

Terrace homes have been designed higher and larger than the norm, with some offering city views; all have a high level of finishes and mix of materials. Each terrace includes two balconies and a private courtyard and are catered toward family living.

SOHOs maintain a loft-style configuration, complete with exposed brickwork and high ceilings. Expected to appeal to young professionals, the SOHOs provide an environment which enables flexible work patterns. 
The small-scale, low density apartment block offers investors and first home buyers the opportunity to enter the Footscray market within the confines of a boutique setting. Spanning six levels and featuring one and two bedroom apartments, the spacious apartments all maintain access to a rooftop terrace.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image137_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Second level views over established low rise living"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="315" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image137_2.jpg?itok=dKzu--Te" title="Second level views over established low rise living" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Second level views over established low rise living</figcaption></figure>Selling agent, F.R. Chee of CT Real Estate, says that while Footscray is still considered affordable, continued gentrification of the area indicates that this may quickly change.

<blockquote>
Currently Footscray is an affordable suburb undergoing the process of gentrification, similar to what we’ve seen in Brunswick and Collingwood where there is now a substantially higher median sale price.

Market growth is also being driven by the high proportion of students and young professionals moving to the area due to its affordability and proximity to the city. Almost 40 per cent of the suburb’s population is aged between 20-34 years.

Cowper Residences’ position and housing mix makes for a unique investment opportunity in one of Footscray’s most premium locations. We are expecting strong sales across the campaign.

With central Footscray set to be transformed, it truly presents one of the last great investment opportunities in Melbourne’s inner ring suburbs.
</blockquote>

Cowper Residences is currently taking registrations of interest, with prospective buyers urged to register their details on <a href="http://www.cowperresidences.com.au?utm_source=urban_melbourne&amp;utm_medium=article_link">www.cowperresidences.com.au</a> and act fast in order to take advantage of off-the-plan stamp duty concessions before 1 July 2017.
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Footscray's Cowper Residences set to cater for all buyers

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In light of the recent release of the Victorian State Government’s Better Apartments Design Standards, architects, designers, builders and the industry as a whole will look to reconfigure apartment design, in order to conform to new government regulations.

Among changes to standards, the guidelines dictate that apartments will have to provide for daylight access, outlook and privacy through building setbacks. A functional layout will see the dimension of bedrooms and living areas provide space and functional internal areas. Apartment room-depth-to-ceiling-height ratio of habitable rooms, such as living areas and bedrooms, must also provide adequate daylight according to the guidelines.

Architects and engineers will have to ensure that habitable rooms have adequate daylight from a window in an external wall. Functional and accessible internal as well as external apartment storage space is also a crucial feature of the new guidelines.

Noise impacts, energy efficiency, solar access to communal open space, natural ventilation, private and communal open space, landscaping, accessibility, safe building entries and circulation, waste and recycling facilities and integrated water management systems must all be considered in apartment design with the implementation of the new regulations.

On the implications of the Better Apartments Design Standards, Michele Pasca di Magliano at Zaha Hadid Architects commented that the regulations present a “difficult challenge with no easy fix”.

Magliano is the Project Director of 600 Collins Street, a $300 million mixed-use high-rise project, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects that will see the legendary Pritzer Laureate’s legacy live on in a stunning new structure.

“The 600 Collins planning application was granted in June 2016, before the Better Standards were introduced. In general standards aim to raise the average level but risk diminishing opportunities for innovation and we can't restrict architects to design by the book without really challenging the quality of the designs and architectural envelopes which become such an important presence”.

The 54-storey tower project will house 420 apartments.

The regulations may also impact the construction industry. George Argyrou, Managing director at the Melbourne-based construction firm Hickory, believes that the prefabricated building industry offers improved solutions to accommodate the new guidelines compared to traditional modular construction. Hickory has undertaken major construction works on Australia’s tallest prefabricated structure, the La Trobe Tower.

“The increased standards will change the way apartments are designed and improve liveability and sustainability.”

According to Argyrou, Hickory Building Systems offer greater flexibility than other modular systems, and enables innovative apartment design.

“The beauty of the HBS method is that there are no fixed module sizes or standardised design elements – everything is flexible and we build to the project’s specification, rather than trying to mould the project to meet ours. In this way we don’t anticipate that Hickory’s prefabricated projects will be overly affected by any design changes that are implemented across the industry, as we already build each project on a case-by-case basis.”

While the Better Apartments Design Standards may not impact prefabrication practices, other construction companies may have to readjust in the wake of the regulations.

“Hickory can’t speak for other prefab and modular builders, who through the nature of their systems often have to build to strict parameters and standard sizes. These suppliers may find that they need to adjust their designs and manufacturing practices to meet the new standards. With HBS, our system is a bespoke construction method that uses interchangeable, flexible componentry,” says Argyrou.

Both Magliano and Argyrou feature as speakers at the upcoming high-rise construction and design industry Summit, the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit</a>, which presents delegates and industry players with an invaluable opportunity to explore best practice solutions to apartment design with expert speaker input.

George Argyrou will discuss prefabricated construction processes in the ground-breaking La Trobe Tower project as well as why system flexibility and continuous innovation is imperative to implementing prefabrication on a larger scale.

Michele Pasca di Magliano will profile Zaha Hadid Architect’s spatial and urban approach to high-rise design at the Summit as well as examining skyscrapers as catalysts for social interaction.  

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Better Apartments at the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit 2017

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As high-rise buildings continue to be designed at taller heights than ever before, skyscraper design must grapple with the efficiency, safety and sustainability of vertical transport systems. To address these challenges, new technologies are emerging and redefining the tall tower construction landscape with improved state-of-the-art vertical transportation solutions.

Vertical transportation technologies present a major revolutionising force in high-rise construction. A growing number of design possibilities are made available through the development of more refined, intelligent lift systems that can transform high-rise building functionality and sustainability.

Vertical transport giants Schindler, Kone and Thyssenkrupp are opening the doors to a wide plethora of design possibilities. The building industry will see a wholesale modernisation and expansion of design possibilities through increased architectural flexibility. The <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit</a> will profile the latest developments in high-rise transportation solutions in the tall building landscape with input from leading experts in the field.

Currently constructing one of the largest elevator projects ever awarded in Australia at Sydney’s Barangagroo, Schindler Australia will give insight into cutting-edge technology advancements happening in the vertical transportation space at the Summit. The Barangagroo development features the Schindler 7000 high-rise elevators and the Schindler 5500 modular passenger elevators. Both incorporate Schindler’s innovative PORT Technology Destination Control.

The PORT Technology optimises traffic flow by offering personalised service and control to passengers. It can be programmed to analyse, predict and meet individual needs whilst substantially minimising energy consumption in buildings thanks to a reduced number of elevator trips when in standby mode.

Kone’s composite material lightweight rope and Thyssenkrupp’s “rope-less” MULTI technology also advances progress in vertical transportation systems and increases feasible building heights.

The MULTI utilises linear motor technology to move multiple cars in a single shaft both vertically and horizontally. The increased availability and efficiency of elevators benefits passengers directly through reduced wait times and increased capacity. Building design radically improves through reduced transport weight and mass as well as the flexibility to travel both vertically and horizontally. To top it all off, a smaller carbon footprint renders these new transportation solutions sustainable.

Intelligent lift systems ease traffic and are a time saving and sustainable alternative to traditional vertical transportation in high-rise buildings which have long presented challenges in the development of new tall tower design.

Densely populated urban centres and city dwellers will benefit profoundly from new advancements in high-speed, high-rise vertical transportation, a crucial component of the future of skyscraper design.  

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit</a>, to be held on the 28th and 29th of March 2017 at the Melbourne Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre.
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Optimised traffic in high-rise through intelligent vertical transportation

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With the recent approval of the Victorian Government of a $43 million Richmond Vertical Secondary School project in Melbourne, construction of vertical schools is proliferating across the country.

Benefits of vertical schools range from the ability of students to access a greater variety of facilities and proximity near transport networks, as well as an increased capacity for a high concentration of students.

This comes off the back of the recognition of the South Melbourne Primary School project, currently underway on Ferrars Street, awarded the Future Project of the Year Award at the 2016 World Architecture Festival in Berlin.

The vertical government primary school is set to accommodate up to 525 students upon completion. The Fishermans Bend community will also see integrated community facilities on site including a community learning centre. It is the first vertical school in Victoria but mirrors trends taking off across the country.

Among other vertical campuses on the horizon around Australia, a vertical school has already been completed in Perth’s CBD and the NSW government has committed to four new vertical schools.

While vertical schools have long been a feature internationally, they challenge traditional models of learning and education in Australia. Looking towards the future of integration between learning environments and high-rise urban construction, the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a> will feature an in-depth exploration of the issue.

Education Specialist Peter Lippman will interrogate the issue of whether vertical schools are merely a passing trend or rather a representation of a greater paradigm shift in the Australian context.

With a career based in researching, writing about, designing and creating activity-based learning environments for the future, Mr Lippman is the founder of Places Created for Learning, an evidence-based design practice. PCL specialises in creating activity-based learning environments, consulting with schools and design firms nationally and internationally.

Mr Lippman will examine the key educational affordances and constraints for building vertical schools. Finally, the Summit will highlight key lessons learned historically and internationally from vertical high-rise schools.

Urban.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Vertical Schools to feature at Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017

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With the release of Infrastructure Victoria’s first ever 30-year infrastructure strategy, the state is set to discuss the draft’s proposed developments and projects before the review of the final strategy in parliament in late 2016.

The blueprint aims to address areas in need of improvement including congestion and housing. It also seeks to provide infrastructure to increase Victorian’s access to essential services such as jobs and education in order to build and sustain the state’s businesses, industries and communities.

The draft outlines a number of initiatives to be delivered over the next three decades to shape the best possible outcomes for the state in years to come. Initiatives range from construction projects to regulatory measures concerning transport pricing and affordable housing.

The 30-year strategy will allow the state to prepare for population change, reduce disadvantage, connect people to jobs and increase workplace participation to offset an ageing population. Moreover, it is expected to drive productivity, support the economy and look at strategies to produce and consume resources in an environmentally friendly manner.

As Australia faces rapid changes with an ever growing population and urban density on the rise, inevitable questions of living conditions, urban sprawl and property demand emerge.

Viable solutions to accommodate population growth and combat urban sprawl lie in the realm of the city’s building and construction future. Solutions include urban planning, green solutions, liveability, tall building design and high-rise engineering.

In March 2017 Melbourne will play host to the first ever Smart Skyscrapers Summit. Apartments.com.au is an official media partner to the premiere event, attracting tower construction experts from around the world who will come together to shape the future of the Australian skyline in years to come through smart, sustainable innovations.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png" rel="gallery-all" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="535" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mediabanner-topics.png?itok=SdB5xy04" title="www.skyscrapersconference.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>www.skyscrapersconference.com.au</figcaption></figure>​A riveting agenda is on the cards for Summit delegates who will hear from a wide selection of international and local professionals illuminating cutting edge advances and developments in skyscraper building and design. Looking to local case studies and those from abroad, speakers will pave the way for improvements in current practice within Australian high-rise construction.

A range of Australia’s tallest and most futuristic towers will be profiled at the Summit with the opportunity to hear from principal designers, architects, engineers and consultants involved in skyscraper projects across the country.

Australia 108, soon to be the tallest skyscraper in Australia and 323 La Trobe Street, Australia’s tallest prefabricated building, will be profiled at this immersive two-day event held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Apartments.com.au is a media partner of the <a href="http://www.skyscrapersconference.com.au/">Australian Smart Skyscrapers Summit 2017</a>.
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Melbourne to host the Australian Smart Skyscraper Summit in March 2017

Development approval has been granted for Crescent, a boutique waterfront project on one of Palm Beach's most coveted and rarely developed streets.

Launched to market this month, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crescent-palm-beach-34-36-murlong-crescent-palm-beach-qld-4221">Crescent</a> will occupy four combined lots with frontage to both Murlong Crescent and Tallebudgera Drive. The project is among the first new developments to get a green light on the creekside strip, home to only 21 tightly-held properties.

“Murlong Crescent is one of those streets that people discover and never want to leave,” said Andrew Erwin of NPA Projects, who is leading sales and marketing.

“The lifestyle here is genuinely hard to find anywhere else on the Gold Coast.”

Designed by Queensland firm ᴮʸculprit and developed by DCS Property Group, Crescent offers two and three-bedroom residences across four levels, ranging from 119 to 283 sqm and priced from $2.5 million. Builder SNBX Constructions has been appointed, with completion expected in mid to late 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366218]

Residences face north to Tallebudgera Creek, with views that extend to Burleigh Headland. Upper levels also capture canal and hinterland views to the west.

“The creek is tidal, so it changes constantly. The colour, the light, the mood of it,” Erwin said.

“That view over the creek to Burleigh Headland is only possibly from this location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366213]

Crescent devotes two levels, spanning more than 1,100 sqm, to resident amenity.&nbsp; On Level 1, a gym, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, hot spa, cold plunge, and ice bath make up the private wellness retreat. Entertaining and recreation converge on the rooftop with a resort- style pool and sundeck, alfresco BBQ and dining areas, pizza oven, yoga lawn, fire pit, as well as a herb and zen garden. Residents can also jog or walk along a dedicated loop with views over Tallebudgera Creek.

“The amenity here is genuinely out of proportion to the size of the building,” Erwin said.

“Every resident, regardless of which apartment they choose, gets access to the kind of amenity normally associated with luxury resorts.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366257]

Residences feature natural stone and timber finishes throughout, brushed brass tapware, and New Zealand wool carpet to bedrooms. Two basement levels provide secure parking, with provision for electric vehicle charging.

Beyond calm water swimming, paddling and boating, residents follow the foreshore path to Tallebudgera Beach, local cafes, and Tallebudgera Surf Club, while across the bridge is Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Beach and the vibrant James Street dining and retail hub.

Palm Beach has been among the Gold Coast’s strongest performing suburbs over the past five years, with median house prices having risen by more than 91 per cent and unit values more than doubling in the same period.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151399]

Joel Robinson

Crescent Palm Beach approved as sales launch

The Albanese and ACT Governments have struck a deal to unlock nearly 5,000 new homes across Canberra, with more than 1,700 earmarked exclusively for first home buyers.

The agreement marks the second formal partnership under the Federal Government’s election commitment to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first home buyers nationally, working alongside state and territory governments and industry.

At the centre of the deal is a $250 million funding injection from the Albanese Government, targeting enabling infrastructure to bring forward new housing supply across a number of key precincts in the ACT.

That includes funding to unlock 75 homes in the Kingston precinct, support new development in Weston Creek, and deliver estate works across the territory that will facilitate more than 500 homes by 2034. Additional investment will go towards relocating powerlines, water infrastructure in Molonglo Valley, and further expansion of the Ginninderry regeneration precinct.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the agreement was about making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in a housing environment that continues to challenge affordability.

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home,” O’Neil said.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

The announcement builds on more than $800 million already committed to housing in the ACT since 2022, according to Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, who said the latest funding would help ensure national housing programs are translating into real supply on the ground.

“We’re working closely with the ACT Government to unlock land and invest in the infrastructure needed to get these homes built sooner,” she said.

For the ACT Government, the agreement aligns with its broader target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the role of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment in accelerating delivery.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level,” Barr said.

The deal sits within the Federal Government’s broader $45 billion housing agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, and incentives aimed at increasing construction capacity and reducing barriers to development.

Canberra set for 4,900 new homes under Federal housing deal

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> continues to be a hive of activity for developers following the opening of the Crows Nest Metro station nearly two years ago.

The latest Transport Oriented Development plans are located directly across the road from the station, which sees around 6,000 commuters pass through during the morning peak.

A new State Significant Development Application, filed by an entity linked to Colin Rahim and Pierre Sukkar, directors at builder Growthbuilt and emerging developer Prosper, proposes a 40-storey mixed-use tower with 254 apartments on a 2,127 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/402-420-pacific-highway-crows-nest-nsw-2065">402–420 Pacific Highway</a>.

<img alt="Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcc2264f-d701-4493-88e8-d2286770ed20" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%209.19.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZayWJRJQvrngii1roqjR85EvTTmGXq6E" />

The development will comprise 40 one-bedroom apartments, 105 two-bedroom apartments, half of which will include an additional study, 101 three-bedroom apartments, and eight four-bedroom penthouses. These will sit above a four-storey podium, with four levels of basement parking providing 148 spaces.

fjcstudio has designed the building, which it says “embodies the principles of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) by promoting higher-density, mixed-use urban living in close proximity to the Crows Nest Metro Station, consistent with the Crows Nest Precinct Design Guide.”

The practice adds that the development supports economic activity, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and enhances the public realm through active ground-floor uses, public domain upgrades, improved permeability, and fine-grain street activation.

“The proposal aligns with the Precinct Vision by contributing to a vibrant mixed commercial and residential centre that integrates housing, jobs, and services while strengthening the local village character of Crows Nest.”

<img alt="Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d87ca5b0-d7d7-4721-b332-8c046afb4577" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%209.08.01%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZCkGc4neaSZc6EHnsP2d2V0ZhRS2_BCz" />

Crows Nest has become one of the most sought-after suburbs for both apartment developers and buyers since the Metro opened in 2024. Developer Third.i quickly sold out half of the apartments at Elevate Hume Place, located directly above the station.

Deicorp recently launched its debut Lower North Shore project, Falcon &amp; Alexander, while Abadeen and Lindsay Bennelong have completed boutique developments in the suburb.

Prosper is also active in Crows Nest, having recently launched Kora, a boutique development of just 10 apartments on Willoughby Road. Its development pipeline has expanded significantly in recent years, following the completion of its luxury Bellevue Hill project, Splendour, in 2024. The group also has plans for a boutique development on Cowan Road in St Ives, as well as a 55-apartment project in Drummoyne.

&nbsp;

First look: Crows Nest Metro apartments pitched by Prosper

Private equity real estate firm Conquest is upsizing plans for its recently acquired Quadrangle Shopping Centre in Sydney’s Castlecrag.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="581d49cf-7f03-4d17-a864-88700bf1fef1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%208.24.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=K1U7nXEFcwuYHEKJwEKlnmtggRb2XjDQ" />

fjcstudio has designed the shop-top housing development, which it says will “deliver a more efficient and future-focused design outcome.”

“The site occupies a strategically significant position within the Castlecrag Local Centre, situated along Edinburgh Road and surrounded by established low-density residential areas and natural bushland,” the studio said.

“The proposal responds to this context through a carefully considered design that integrates built form, landscape, and public domain improvements, while respecting the suburb’s strong landscape and heritage identity.”

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c170ad2-0a65-43a3-a5de-8bea82b69b11" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-21%20at%208.25.38%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqsRHFKAlG7kH4t4Q9rkFWTMpmEbKmI8" />

The architects say the increased height and density are consistent with the NSW Housing SEPP objectives, supporting greater housing diversity and affordability while achieving high standards of architectural and environmental performance.

The proposal also references the draft Willoughby Local Centres Strategy 2036, which aims to promote a network of thriving, attractive and distinctive village centres across the local government area.

“The current trend shows that Castlecrag’s population is set to increase significantly over the coming years. The site falls within the study area for Castlecrag and is in an ideal location for higher density to meet anticipated urban strategy targets at both a state and local level. Aligning with metropolitan strategies, the proposed development will contribute to a more walkable local centre and help meet demand for an additional 1,500 dwellings across Willoughby’s local centres by 2036.”

Of the roughly 1,000 homes in Castlecrag, only around 11 are apartments, according to the latest ABS Census data.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

First look: Conquest targets higher density at Castlecrag shopping centre site

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has announced that its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1054-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a> residential, resort and golf project has secured $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks since the opening of its display home, underscoring the appetite for premium lifestyle property in the Hunter Valley countryside.

The sales milestone has been driven by a diverse mix of buyers, including owner-occupiers and investors from Sydney, Newcastle and the local Hunter region, purchasing both land-only lots and house and land packages across the development.

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e173edc9-e60e-4f19-a060-9dc4421a3233" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/LovedaleFarm_20250215-1.jpg?VersionId=1LY6CvOaD.Dzrt8tWpWxXtPyfchixNIo" />

&nbsp;

The result builds on the momentum generated at the display home opening on 22 March, which attracted more than 460 attendees.

With house and land pricing from $1.14 million, Lovedale Farm continues to attract strong interest from buyers seeking a premium lifestyle offering at a compelling price point. The development’s vision, a championship golf course, future epicurean village and access to the Hunter Valley’s celebrated wine country, has resonated with a broad buyer profile, from first-time investors to those looking to make the move and call the Hunter Valley home.

<img alt="Lovedale Farm records $21.4 million in sales in three weeks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b358e789-e1eb-40ed-8105-ed5c8297136f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--6.jpg?VersionId=6GUO8TNnxuELONrsM6n9imDB6oc82Bor" />

Jim Hunter, Managing Director of Capital Corporation said the response since opening the display home has been encouraging.

"To reach $24.6 million in sales in just three weeks speaks to the genuine demand for a lifestyle community of this calibre in the Hunter Valley," Hunter says.

"We’re seeing buyers from across the region and beyond, including investors who recognise the long-term value, and owner-occupiers who simply want to live somewhere truly special.

“Lovedale Farm is two decades in the making, and the market’s response is everything we hoped for. We’re excited to see these first buyers become part of the Lovedale Farm story from the very beginning."

<img alt="Lovedale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d985cf-2ac2-400b-ac02-4401f3421ac7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/20260321LovedaleFarmDisplayHomeOpening--5.jpg?VersionId=3866bPoqpLZsm.3ACg9EafAr1W3miC_f" />

&nbsp;

Spanning 240 hectares on Wine Country Drive in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale</a>, the $1 billion development is expected to deliver around 1,250 jobs during construction and inject more than $300 million into the local economy. The first 200 homes and championship 18-hole golf course are anticipated for completion in late 2027.

Capital Corporation has also lodged development plans for the Lovedale Farm clubhouse, set to become a vibrant hub for residents and the wider Hunter Valley community. Further releases are planned for later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14476]

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