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ASX-listed Spirit Telecom Limited said it has launched its superfast Internet product Spirit 400 in Melbourne apartment development Freshwater Place, a first in Australia.
With 240 of the 530 apartments already Spirit customers with access to plans of up to 100/100Mbps, the Internet service provider has now upgraded the speed to include both the 200/200Mbps and the superfast 400/400Mbps plans.
Situated on the banks of the Yarra River, opposite the Melbourne CBD, Freshwater Place includes both residential and short-stay accommodation.
Managing director of Spirit Telecom, Geoff Neate, said, “Freshwater Place was one of our first residential buildings to have our Ultra-Fast ‘UFI’ product, back in 2013. They were at the forefront then and they have now been upgraded to enable us to launch a 400/400 product, leapfrogging the market yet again."
Spirit specialises in fibre-based broadband services.
“Since we first enabled Freshwater we have seen the market's appetite for superfast Internet surge, with the growth of phones and tablets streaming music video and catch-up TV to multiple devices at any given time.
“Trends around the world tell us that people want more from their Internet. For example, countries like Japan offer speeds up to 2Gbps," he said.
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Melbourne apartment complex upgrades to superfast Spirit Internet

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A 'small footprint' residential development in Melbourne's inner city suburb of Clifton Hill has notched up brisk sales at registration day, with 53 of 65 available apartments and townhouses sold.
Developed by Wulff Projects, Icon Co. and Assemble, 122 Roseneath St. took a different approach to building in that it sought feedback from prospective buyers at various stages of design prior to construction.
The developers wanted a chance to communicate the social and environmental values that underpin the project, according to a media release.
A high proportion, 96 percent, of buyers at 122 Roseneath St. are owner-occupiers. The developers estimate that 40 percent of all purchasers were first-home buyers, and that 38 percent came from Clifton Hill or surrounding suburbs.
The proportion of first home buyers reflects the affordability of the project, where the median house price is $1.161 million (Domain), claims the media release.
Selling agent Roland Paterson of Nelson Alexander said it was unprecedented for an off-the-plan project.
“Selling almost all the available dwellings is an unprecedented result for an off-the-plan development that has attracted 96 per cent local owner-occupiers,” he said.
All three directors of project architect Assemble – Quino Holland, Ben Keck and Pino Demaio – purchased a home at 122 Roseneath St.
“The participation and feedback throughout the design presentations allowed us to tailor the design and give buyers the confidence to commit to the project,” says Adam Wulff, director of Wulff Projects.
The consultations and feedback led to a communal room, a communal laundry and the provision of an embedded energy network.
Melina Chan, who works in community development, says she has invested in 122 Roseneath St because she couldn’t find anything else in Melbourne quite like it.
Chan says she was looking for a development that prioritised “the wellbeing of the planet” and medium-density housing that minimises travel to places of employment and cultural amenities.
For Marion Arnott, who has three school-going sons, it was a townhouse with a rooftop deck and outdoor area. Arnott says 122 Roseneath St. was an affordable option.
Downsizers Pam and Ray Walford said they were attracted to the aspects of small-footprint living at 122 Roseneath St.
“The location is closer to where our two sons live than where we presently live, and close to major bicycle trails,” Ray Walford says. The Walfords have purchased a two-bedroom apartment.
There are still 10 homes available at 122 Roseneath St, including two one-bedroom apartments and eight townhouses.
In fact, seven of the development partners have bought homes at 122 Roseneath St.
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'Small footprint' project in Melbourne notches brisk sales

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In the Mount Gambier area in the south east of South Australia, $500,000 provides an opportunity to purchase a property within most areas, say valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July 2016 residential market report.
Few dwellings sell for more than $500,000 and demand for property tends to reduce significantly when the market value is greater than $500,000. Properties in this market range typically are owner occupied and are not transferred on the market often, with only eight sales occurring since the beginning of 2015.
"When compared to other regional areas and cities, $500,000 in Mount Gambier is good value for money. This figure will generally get you a modern four-bedroom, two-bathroom residential dwelling situated on a large allotment, similar to the property below," write HTW in their report. 
A property such as the one below at 14 Buffalo Cresent will provide a good quality fit-out with above average fixtures and features.
<img src="/images/2016/04/Mt%20Gambier-first.png" alt=""> 
A 2016, four-bedroom, two-bathroom modern dwelling on an 837 square metre allotment located in a modern residential division with good quality houses surrounding it.
At $500,000 the best performing property is typically a centrally located character dwelling situated on a generous size allotment, similar to the recent sale below. These properties are tightly held and few transact on the market each year.
<img src="/images/2016/07/18/Mt%20Gambier-2nd.png" alt="">
A circa 1925, four-bedroom, two-bathroom, renovated character dwelling on a 1,161 square metre allotment, located in a sought after area surrounded by similar quality homes.
The price point of $500,000 for an investment property in Mount Gambier is quite high. In that particular price bracket an investor could purchase just about anywhere in town and get a rental return of approximately $400 a week for a 3- to 4-bedroom dwelling. There is a price limit that properties tend to be rented for, which does limit the return that can be achieved from higher value properties.
"In our opinion, the money would be best used to purchase two modern residential units which are centrally located within the town as opposed to a house. Most modern residential units sell for between $200,000 and $300,000 and they would generate a rental return of approximately $250 to $300 each per week, which provides a greater percentage return then if an investor were to purchase only one higher valued dwelling."
Outside Mount Gambier, an investment property may be a modern dwelling on the coast which could also be rented out as short term holiday accommodation. Houses that have sold around $500,000 in coastal towns within the region generally include coastal views.
 <img src="/images/2016/07/19/Mt%20Gambier-new.png" alt="">
A 2009, 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom two storey dwelling on a 645 square metre allotment, located on the beach front esplanade and surrounded by good quality houses.
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/Mt%20Gambier-new2.png" alt="">
A circa 1970, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom two storey dwelling on a 1,043 square metre allotment, located on the Esplanade with good ocean views. As seen in the graph below, not many units reach higher than $350,000. The most common price range for a unit in Mount Gambier is $150,000 to $199,000 and most modern units generally range between $200,000 and $300,000.
<img src="/images/2016/07/19/Mt%20Gambier-graphic.png" alt="">
"With a price point of $500,000 there is likely to be little growth within the next few years. The region has seen little growth in recent years and that trend is likely to continue until significant employment and population growth is seen in the area. This price would generate a good rental return however the value of the property is unlikely to increase in the short term," HTW concludes.
 
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Mount Gambier in SA offers better property value for $500,000 than other regional areas: HTW 

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A Woolworths-anchored shopping centre in Queensland's Logan City has been snapped up for $38.25 million by an Asian investor, while another in Brisbane's Banyo is up for sale.
The newly developed Woolworths Cornubia is 30 km south-east of the Brisbane CBD and 45 km north-west of the Gold Coast.
The deal translated to a net yield of 6 percent.
CBRE’s Peter Rossi and Michael Hedger brokered the deal, which was settled through an expressions of interest campaign.
“In the current market conditions, there has been a flight to quality for retail assets,” Rossi said.
“New Coles and Woolworths centres are being well received and are achieving tight yields at or better than 6%.”
The property comprises the new 5,309 sqm neighbourhood shopping centre along with a 1,393 sqm medical/professional centre. Woolworths is the anchor tenant, alongside 13 retail tenancies, with the adjoining complex comprising a major medical centre/pharmacy and four professional suites.
Woolworths accounts for circa 55% of the income stream.
The centre was acquired by an investor with existing retail interests in Brisbane.
The transaction follows another Woolworths’ sale in South East Queensland's Everton Park. The Woolworths and Masters centre was acquired for $70 million by Singaporean real estate investment managers Rockworth Capital Partners.
The next test of Queensland's retail market involves another Woolworths-anchored shopping centre in Banyo.
<img src="/images/2016/07/22/woolies-2nd-small.jpg" alt="" width="641" height="427">
The site was acquired from Woolworths by building company Adco, which then developed the neighbourhood centre based on a 20-year lease to the supermarket giant.
The sale campaign is through CBRE’s Joe Tynan and Justin Dowers.
The centre offers a fully leased net annual rental of circa $2.07 million.
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Woolworths centre in Queensland's Logan City snapped up for $38.25 million by Asian investor

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The median sale price in Perth has decreased from $550,000 in July 2015 to $530,000 at present, hence the lazy half million dollars goes a little bit further than it did 12 months earlier, say valuation firm Herron Todd White in their July 2016 residential market report.
"Given the subdued nature of the residential property market, there are many areas with good growth prospects where you will get change out of your half a million, or enter into highly desirable suburbs that were previously out of reach," says the report.
From an investment point of view, the suburbs of Armadale and Kelmscott stand out. These areas saw a flurry of demand from investors several years ago and rents remain quite solid. The volume of new product under development has declined significantly, while the population of the area continues to grow due to being more affordable than other areas closer to the CBD. Hence a villa with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms which could have cost $330,000 three years ago, is now able to be purchased well below $300,000, while still achieving a rental of $330 per week.
For those of you who are good with a hammer and a paint brush, areas such as Greenwood and Kingsley in the northern suburbs are ripe for the picking. In these areas just 18 kilometres from the Perth CBD, the lazy half a million will snap up a 735 square metre block with a 1970s 3-bedroom house thrown in for good measure, while just a good stone’s throw away, 424 square metre blocks are currently being advertised for $429,000. The area is very popular with families, has arterial transport links on both sides and is only five kilometres from the coast.
Similarly, suburbs such as Ferndale, located just 14 kilometres from the Perth CBD offer 700 square metre allotments with circa 1970 built dwellings for well under $500,000; in fact the median sale price has decreased by some 6.8% over the previous 12 months to $468,000.
Several prominent schools are located in nearby suburbs and the Carousel Shopping Centre in neighbouring Cannington is set to undertake an expansion of some 50,000 square metres of retail space to claim the crown of the largest shopping centre complex in Perth.
In the apartment market, things are a little harder to interpret. Developer asking prices are often very different to contract prices and many re-sales are occurring well below purchase prices from two or three years ago. However, this may provide an opportunity for first home buyers to find well priced, well located apartments that have been overlooked by a somewhat dismissive or lacklustre investor-driven sector. Many opportunities are available in the Perth CBD, with 2-bedroom 2-bathroom apartments available well below $500,000 and one-bedroom apartments available well below $400,000.
"When we discussed where we would spend our lazy half a million twelve months ago, we decided the best bet was to sit on our hands and wait for the market to adjust to the rapidly declining confidence in the residential market.
"We are somewhat happy to say that our advice was sound and comparatively the lazy half a million goes a fair bit further today. We consider that the market is nearing the bottom end of the cycle and the challenge now is whether to try to pick the bottom of the market or simply to take advantage of the incredibly competitive cost of borrowing currently available," write HTW.
"Either way, for the astute investor, we think it’s getting very close to decision making time.
"Will the market continue to trend south or are the positives starting to outweigh the negatives? The big unknown at the time of writing is the market reaction to Brexit and how such a proposal will affect local consumer confidence. I guess we’ll be able to judge that in 2017!"
Property Observer found a recently sold three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-armadale-122241722" target="_blank">3/40 Dale Road, Armadale, WA 6112</a> for $279,000.
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With falling median property prices, Perth offers more bang for buck for $500,000: HTW 

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The residential market in Melbourne and inner eastern suburbs has remained steady over the 2015/16 financial year, however, recent restrictions on money leaving China and foreign investors borrowing in Australia has created some uncertainty, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's July 2016 residential market report.
CBD, City Fringe and Inner to Middle Eastern suburbs
With some banks stopping lending to foreign borrowers, the apartment market has begun to flatten and there are concerns about oversupply with an excess of 10,000 apartments to be completed within the city of Melbourne in 2016/17, it says.
The report explores what a first home buyer or investor can buy for half-a-million dollars.
"$500,000 will not buy you a lot of housing within the CBD or the inner east, however, there are some options. $500,000 in the Melbourne CBD can get you a two-bedroom one-bathroom apartment with a car space," says HTW.
A little further out in the city fringe, you can comfortably get a one-bedroom one-bathroom apartment with a car space for under $500,000. Further out, for under $600,000 you can get a good sized two to three-bedroom unit in Box Hill or Blackburn in Melbourne’s middle east.
"We have been unable to find a single sale of a detached dwelling in the Inner to middle east under $500,000. It is unlikely that these types of properties will still be available at this price point in the short to medium term."
A rental return between 4 percent and 5 percent is likely for CBD and between 3% and 4 percent in the inner to middle eastern suburbs.
As an example of a recent sale in the sub-$500,000 range, a one-bedroom apartment (picture below) at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-120871301" target="_blank">1710/83 Queens Road Melbourne</a> sold for $475,000. 
<img src="/images/HTW-Melb.png" alt=""> 
 
 
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Inner city Melbourne doesn't offer much in $500,000 property range: HTW

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What can you get for $500,000 in Sydney when the median dwelling price is at $782,000 (CoreLogic, May 2016) with a 13.1 percent positive increase in year on year values?
According to property valuation firm Herron Todd White’s residential market report for July, if you have an open mind and are willing to compromise on at least one of the factors of floor space, distance to CBD or age of improvements, there are options throughout the greater metropolitan area. 
North Sydney 
In the northern suburbs of Sydney, $500,000 doesn’t buy you much at all. With that threshold limit, compared with the CoreLogic unit median price of $662,000, you have the options of a semi-modern one-bedroom unit with one car space in Waitara, a 1970s one-bedroom unit with one car space in Lane Cove, or if there is some stretch available, a smaller semi modern studio in St Leonards without a car space. Further up towards the beaches you can still only just get a 1-bedroom unit but the closer you get to the city, the more likely you’ll have to contend with an older complex, dated inclusions, main road frontage and no car parking. 
This price bracket is generally made up of investors and first home buyers, both of which are sensitive to price and interest rate movements. The current cash rate as at June on hold at 1.75% may impact the market but we believe current regulations on investment loans will play a larger role in how this market performs overall.
As an illustration, Property Observer found a one-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-waitara-121952018" target="_blank">2402/32 Orara Street Waitara NSW 2077</a> that sold for $490,000.
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For $500,000, you can still buy a one-bedroom unit in northern Sydney: HTW 

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The south-west property market over the past 12 months has seen the opportunities to buy into the market for sub-$500,000 diminish, according to property valuation firm Herron Todd White’s residential market report for July. 
The Fairfield sub-$500,000 market is now predominantly made up of dated 1960s and 1970s low rise two-bedroom, one-bathroom units, many requiring refurbishment or works to common property. 
Rarely available are units in modern developments and at this price point, a 2000s built two-bedroom, 1/2-bathroom unit in a large high rise complex may be available but the limited access to sunlight and privacy from the balcony will need to be considered. 
The Liverpool sub-$500,000 market is mainly focused on the unit market which is centred on the CBD of this regional town. This is by far the best performing unit market for both quality of product and city centre location within the south west region. If you look towards the future, the Liverpool city hub will be the central focus point for living, working and entertainment in the south west region with the ease of access to the shopping centre, train station and schools major attractions for both owner occupiers and tenants. 
This time 12 months ago we spoke about the potential to enter the sub-$500,000 in suburbs such as Ashcroft, Busby, Miller and Cartwright. In the past six months this market has quickly evaporated. 
There is minimal evidence of such sales now and if they do appear, they are mainly near land value with the improvements usually presented in very poor condition and in need of a considerable amount of capital outlay to occupy. 
Further afield, Campbelltown, some 55 kilometres from the CBD, still offers plenty of opportunities to enter the sub-$500,000 for both dwellings and units. Suburbs such as Ambarvale, Airds, Bradbury and Englorie Park offer an abundance of choice from 1970s 2-bedroom low rise units to 1990s 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom homes on sub-500 square metre parcels. These areas can only benefit from future urban sprawl. 
To illustrate the point, Property Observer found a two-bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-nsw-campbelltown-122395302" target="_blank">14/10-18 Allman Street Campbelltown</a>, (above) which was sold for $436,000. The median price for units in the suburb was $410,000 while for houses it was $580,000, according to CoreLogic.
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In south-west Sydney, choices diminish for property below $500,000: HTW

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What will $500,000 buy you in Newcastle if you are an investor or a home buyer? Property valuation firm Herron Todd White has sought to answer this question in its July 2016 residential market report.
"The past year has seen an influx of Sydney and overseas buyers calling Newcastle home, well at least, the address is here. For whatever purpose, whether it be an investment, to reside in or just a place to park money for a bit, the activity has driven prices up in this once coal driven city," write HTW.
The first home owner market is still thriving with young Australians continuing to pursue the dream of owning their own home and with government incentives still available for home and land packages, Morisset ticks a lot of the boxes - close to the M1 for Sydney commuters, within half an hour of major shopping at Tuggerah and Glendale, an array of builders and still under the $500,000 mark. The downside is that blocks are smaller than average, and you’ll get to meet you neighbours regularly when you’re hanging out the washing, so ideal for young families.
Closer to Newcastle and if investment or down sizing is the intention, then look no further than Mayfield. Mayfield has that inner city vibe without the inner city price tag. A neat and tidy three-bedroom, two-bathroom home fetches a modest sale that is close to amenities and transport. If you play your cards right, you could even have enough change for a cup of fancy coffee at one of the new cafes on the main drag. In some cases you could even get some cake to go with it.
One of Lake Macquarie’s hidden gems is Jewells. A purpose-built suburb in the 1970s, most homes are brick and sturdy due to the design covenants enforced at the time of construction. What that means now is that a solid family home is pretty much ready to move into after a lick of paint and a trailer load of agapanthus from nearby Bunnings.
"Jewells has seen growth of around 26.3% in the past year, so you need to be quick because that ship has almost left the dock. If investment is your goal, then land is a quick way to make a profit. You could even buy two blocks and on sell if you don’t intend to build."
There are parts of Nelson Bay that are worth considering - West Wallsend, Gillieston Heights and Cessnock are all on target for further investigation and due diligence, the HTW report noted.
"So wind your windows down, take a drive, absorb the vista and get your cheque book ready. Happy hunting!"
As an illustration, Property Observer found a recently sold three-bedroom house in Morisset at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-morisset-122097614" target="_blank">55 Pulbah Street</a> for $390,000.
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Newcastle ticks many boxes for aspiring home owners in $500,000 range despite influx: HTW 

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NSW's Southern Highlands and Tablelands offer a range of choices to investors and FHBs in the under or up to $500,000 property market, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's July residential market review.
Southern Highlands
The market in the Southern Highlands for $500,000 is limited generally to new units in the townships of Bowral and Moss Vale and 10 to 15-year-old houses in the established subdivisions on the periphery of town.
Around the $500,000 mark will buy a new two- or three-bedroom unit in the township of Bowral or Moss Vale or a ten to 15-year-old project home needing some work in East Bowral or Moss Vale. Rentals are in the $500 to $550 per week range providing a good return. In Mittagong, a smaller project style home can be purchased for $500,000 in newer subdivisions on the outskirts of the township.
Property Observer found a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-moss+vale-121827434" target="_blank">27 Hoskins Street, Moss Vale, NSW 2577</a> (above) for $427,000, according to RP Data.
<div>
Southern Tablelands
</div>
The Southern Tablelands still offers choice and affordability to potential investors with lower price entry levels than the Highlands.
Depending on the dwelling, land size and quality of the home, between $475,000 and $500,000 will buy a new or modern home that will rent for between $470 and $500 per week. For capital growth, an investor could purchase an older style dwelling for between $350,000 and $400,000 and renovate.
"We have noticed over the past 12 months that out of town investors attracted to the region are purchasing multiple residential units or townhouse villa properties for between $200,000 and $250,000. These rent for between $220 and $300 per week providing a premium return when compared to traditional capital city rental returns," says the HTW report.
"This market continues to show good capital growth."
Rental levels in Goulburn are steady. Compared to 2015, the market has generally seen an uptick of around 15% in the Highlands and around 10% in the Tablelands.
"From our suggestions and focus in July 2015, we would consider reinvesting into these properties. Value and rental markets have improved in our region."
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NSW's Highlands and Tablelands offer good capital growth in $500,000 property market: HTW

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.

Joel Robinson

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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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

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The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

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Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

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“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

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Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

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Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Prateek Chatterjee

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