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Ever since the global financial crisis hit there has been an upsurge in self-managed super funds (SMSFs), as many managed super funds recorded big losses, along with people's hard-earned retirement savings.
Super funds invest in income-bearing vehicles with the goal of producing investments that their members or beneficiaries can retire comfortably on, however they tend to charge fees and make the investment decisions. While many may not know it, these same goals can be achieved (and sometimes more effectively) by managing one’s own super fund.
Managing one’s own super fund allows the beneficiary to take control of where funds are invested, be it in managed funds, share-related investments, bank or term deposits or property, making self-managed super funds the ideal vehicle to build retirement wealth, especially through property.
Property investing is the backbone of most successful funds, and when it comes to managing your own super fund, the same holds true. Making it even more attractive is the fact your personal SMSF can invest in both residential property and in commercial property – even the premises that house your own business.
For those who need assistance to set up or manage their own SMSF, there are numerous services and consultants that can help with establishing and auditing an SMSF. These range from online services and financial advisories to specialist firms.
Most people’s real wealth is created directly or indirectly through or via property.  So why put your hard-earned cash under someone else’s control when we can help you set up a SMSF and  put your hard-earned cash in solid foundations of bricks and mortar?
With one in five Australian households owning an investment property, it’s surprising that less than 4% have used their superannuation to buy one. This means that many people are missing out on the great opportunity to invest in direct property using their super fund. Imagine selling your investment property in retirement, say in 10, 20 or 30 years’ time, and not having to pay any capital gains tax.
Superannuation is an effective way for Australians to invest, and it is taxed at 15% only. Capital gains tax is 10% if the investment is held for more than 12 months or nothing  if sold in pension phase. There is nothing outside of superannuation that can compete with this favourable environment. On the back of these parameters, a superannuation strategy with property becomes one of the best investment options available to Australian’s today.
 
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Properties held in super could have strong cashflow models because up to four members can pool their employer contributions into the one investment fund.
No doubt, property investing in personal names outside of super is already a lucrative strategy, however doing the same with a SMSF is like turbo-charging your investment. SMSF loans are paid down much faster, there is almost no drag on returns the investment can also be leveraged to maximise future upside value.
While saving on fees that usually apply to managed funds is an obvious benefit, it’s the ability to control the investments in one’s SMSF that has motivated many Australians to take charge of their own super fund. With your own SMSF, you will have full control and flexibility with regard to your investment choices. And, additional contributions to one’s SMSF such as wage sacrifice will reduce tax payable on income and increase the investment power of the fund.
Generally, there is no set minimum balance that a super fund needs to have in order to be self managed, but one rule of thumb is that your balance should be greater than $50 000 to $100 000. In other words, the cost of managing, auditing and administrating a SMSF should be in proportion to the balance.
Establishing a SMSF can be a great vehicle to build a property portfolio that enjoys considerably lower taxation while offering greater flexibility and the scope to create wealth for retirement on solid foundations.
Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
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Self-managed super the ideal vehicle to build wealth through property investment

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More and more parents are helping their children get a kick start in the property market. This trend threatens to continue the upward trajectory of the market and make it almost impossible for average income earners – especially younger property seekers to buy their own homes with a kick start.
Late in 2013, I saw stories of parents buying their children properties outright. When asked why, they responded that the market will only get worse. If they don’t buy now, their child may never be able to afford their own house.
A property lawyer’s reasons for buying an apartment for his son’s sixth birthday were similar; even though the market is hot at the moment, there is a strong belief that the market will become ever more pricey.
Considered from another angle though; doesn’t this belief and such actions further drive up the market? If this trend continues, it is conceivable that only the children of high-income earners will be able to enter the market in areas of close proximity to the city.
The upward trajectory is not the only force behind this trend; the NSW government’s scrapping of the first home owner’s grant in favour of the first home – new home grant has also made it difficult for average income earners to enter the market around existing infrastructure.
Under the new scheme, grants are given to purchasers of new properties and those buying plots of land with the intention of building. The intention has been to promote investment in new developments. Since foreign investors are legally only able to purchase new developments, the competition is high. Many first home buyers are subsequently being forced out of the market.
Aside from buying the property outright or jointly, parents are helping in several ways. Some buy the house and rent it out to their children, who then effectively pay the mortgage repayments. Others help by providing guarantor support with either their home or help with the deposit.
I’d recommend entering into a written loan agreement to be protected via a second mortgage or caveat, so that in the event their child’s relationship with their spouse/partner breaks down, there is some protection for them.
Many others help by gifting or loaning their children the money for a deposit. Again, for protection, I’d recommend entering a binding financial agreement to ensure the gift or loan is repaid if the relationship fails.
What happens to those without parental support? If this trend continues, as it probably will, average income earners in search of their first home will struggle. They will most likely have to look to areas outside of Sydney, and continue to be pushed away from areas of employment and convenience.
Robert Projeski is the founder and managing director of <a href="https://www.amo.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>, winner of over 12 industry awards.
                                  
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How Baby Boomers support is becoming their baby’s boon

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With the property market back on the rise and investors coming back in droves, it is important for first time and seasoned investors to know what to look for in an investment property.
<img alt="numberonejuly11" src="/images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberonejuly11.jpg" width="30" height="38" style="float: left;">Do your research and know what types of locations are suitable for budget and your strategy. There are some excellent online resources to showing average rental returns, property values and sales history for most areas in Australia.
<img alt="numbertwojuly11" src="/images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numbertwojuly11.jpg" width="30" height="35" style="float: left;">
The best buy is often considered the ‘two plus two dwelling’: two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Despite one-bedroom properties selling and renting quicker, two bedroom dwellings have double the capacity, making rental rises easier to afford.
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The money that you put into fixing up a property to attract renters may be your biggest downfall. Be careful if the property is going to take too much of your time and money.
<img alt="numberfourjuly11" src="/images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberfourjuly11.jpg" width="30" height="39" style="float: left;">
The surrounding lifestyle is always important. Spend some time in the area to make sure that you can afford to charge where people will pay a premium. Also look at nearby schools, shopping, transport and employment.
<img alt="numberfivejuly11" src="/images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberfivejuly11.jpg" width="30" height="33" style="float: left;">Speak to as many local agents as possible. Talking to a number of real estate agents in an area can give you an overall picture of the area, help you understand the growth potentials relating to the local economy and what areas potentially to avoid.
<img alt="numbersixjuly11" src="/images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numbersixjuly11.jpg" width="30" height="35" style="float: left;">
However, sometimes the areas they tell you to avoid can still be good to invest in.
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Your renters are the source of your revenue and while higher rent may be ideal, remember that renters are primarily renters, meaning they will always be looking for lower rates in lifestyle centric areas.
<img alt="numbereightjuly11" src="/images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numbereightjuly11.jpg" width="30" height="32" style="float: left;">
With today’s uncertain economic climate it is important to have a backup plan or even an escape plan with the economy goes array.
 
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 Robert Projeski is the founder and managing director of <a href="https://www.amo.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>, winner of over 12 industry awards. He is considered a leading property finance expert in Australia.
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Eight tips for choosing an investment property: Robert Projeski

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Granny flats are becoming more and more popular in Australian backyards with clever investors tapping into an income stream which, in the right circumstances, can offer financial freedom.  
When planning a renovation to add value, most Australians will invest in a nice big deck, balconies or a swimming pool. Home owners and investors often overlook the humble granny flat as a means of gaining a real return in the backyard of their primary residence or in their investment property.  
The often overlooked granny flat can be a very lucrative option for both rental yield and overall property value for those who own an existing property with the necessary lot size of 450m2.  
Laws have changed in NSW, making it easier to gain approval to build a granny flat. Granny flats come under the NSW government affordable housing scheme, meaning many existing regulations that often act as a disincentive to build do not apply.  Now minimum rules and planning laws are applicable for granny flats up to 60m2.  
There have also been some recent changes to legislation that make the granny flat a more viable investment. Home owners and investors can now lease their granny flats to a non-dependent. Prior to these changes it was only a dependent relative that could occupy this space.  
The regulations of granny flats varies from state to state and council to council, but the general regulations dictate that there can only be one flat per house on the property and the living space of the flat cannot exceed 60m2 in NSW, Victoria and WA and 70m2 in Queensland.  
There are regulations regarding the height of the flat and distance from the flat to the boundaries of the property; however, these vary and differ so much between councils that you should look into your local council guidelines before making any decisions. Queensland also has regulations for requiring water tanks and only having a certain percentage of the property covered by permanent roofing.  
As an example, in many Sydney suburbs this strategy is really starting to take off.  
A property which recently added a granny flat in addition to the house was able to achieve a consolidated income of $900 per week.  
The standalone house was only able to achieve $500 per week and with the cost to add this secondary dwelling at approximately $100,000, an income of $400 per week for the granny flat represents a return on investment of over 20%.
The granny flat not only poses great benefits as far as rental yield. The value of this asset would have increased due to the yield on the combined property. Now that’s unearthing a gem in your backyard whichever way you look at it.  
A 'what if' scenario should always be completed when considering any investment.  Speak to the experts to see what rules, regulations apply and your local property manager regarding demand for this type of investment.
Robert Projeski is the founder and managing director of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amo.com.au/" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>, winner of over 12 industry awards. He is considered a leading property finance expert in Australia.
This article was originally published on Property Observer on May 21, 2013.
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Don't overlook the potential of a granny flat: Robert Projeski

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The property outlook for 2013 is looking very positive for seasoned investors to further their success, with some areas offering great opportunities to piggyback the demand for housing brought about by the resources boom.
Liquidity is now present and interest rates are at their lowest level in years, and may fall even further.  
These conditions present a huge opportunity for people with the financial insulation and capability required to capitalise and take advantage of areas which have a booming mining industry nearby.  
Undoubtedly, it is vitally important to do your research, and do it properly. There are obviously different types of <a target="_blank" href="tags/mining">mining</a> areas you need to consider: large, well-established regions, or smaller, isolated communities.
The questions to ask yourself before investing in booming mining regions include:
·         How many mines or companies are investing in the area?
·         What stage of development is the mine?
·         What is the mine's expected lifespan?
·         What is the location’s current and expected population?
·         Is there likely to be more growth?
·         Are there more jobs being created?  
All investments have an element of risk. Firstly, let’s have a top line look at different types of areas and their level of risk. From this information you can categorise the area suited to your risk profile.  
The higher risk options are the mining towns, where the economy relies solely on mining projects. There will often only be one mining company in the area. These areas are seeing extremely good returns with high rents and good occupancy due to the requirement for staff, on-site personnel, and fly-in-fly-out workers. If you can source a property and are willing to take the risk this could pay off substantially.  
If you think you’ll lose too much sleep and be worried about the lifespan of these areas, you may be more suited to areas which are a lot larger and often have multiple companies and types of resources. As examples coal, iron ore, natural gas and the buzzword at the moment, coal-seam gas.
Lastly, this is what you would call the low risk category for these types of investment areas which don’t have a sole dependency on the mining industry. Although there is still a strong mining presence in the region, which are being built for the longer term but they also have a strong local economy. There are some great areas that fit this bill.  
Gather all the information you can and investigate what stage of the project's lifespan the mining investment is at.
You really need to understand what is in front of you if you make this investment choice. Will the benefits for your property not only be in the short-term but mid- to long-term also? Remember, past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future growth and ensure that you understand the data being used and that is not skewed as a result of distortions in that market.  
The key to success in this instance is to do as much well-thought-out research as you can and it is also a good idea to calculate some ‘what if’ scenarios on the local economy from your investigations.
Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
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The resources boom is a huge opportunity for property investors: Robert Projeski

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Some experts are saying that inflation is not an issue at present, meaning that rates can stay lower for longer. The financial markets are saying there is a 36% chance of a rate cut in February. This could mean we sit on the 3% cash rate for some time. There are some who believe we can go lower and now is the time to do so. 


Interest rates have more room to move, and we can get the economy going sooner rather than later with a rate cut early in the year.



Seeing that the December interest rate cut had little impact that was hoped for by the RBA and industry alike, a February or March cut of 0.25 percentage points is in my view required to generate the desired impact.



Cut the rate now by 0.25 percentage points to  keep the momentum required to stimulate activity to stabilise the economy.



Since 1990, when the cash rate was just 3% and the average standard variable mortgage had a rate of 5.8%, I believe there is plenty of room to move in terms of interest yet and that the economy is fairly stable overall, with reasonably low unemployment, a sturdy mineral sector and strong neighbouring economies such as China.



I think that a little slowing in retail spending does not necessarily spell gloom. However, a 0.25-percentage-point cut now would have had more of a result that the RBA is looking for. I see it as possible that we could be seeing an interest rate as low as 2.5% by the end of the year.
 Robert Projeski is the founder and managing director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amo.com.au">Australian Mortgage Options</a>, winner of over 12 industry awards. He is considered a leading property finance expert in Australia. 
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RBA should cut rates tomorrow to get the economy going

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With lower interest rates, and property prices stabilising throughout 2012, the year ahead will afford investors the opportunity to purchase property with less money out of their pockets. There is also the potential for their investments to be cashflow positive. 
Liquidity is bouncing back. I think we’ve seen the worst of the liquidity crisis brought on by the GFC. With the combination of available funding and falling interest rates, Australians will be able to easily invest and reap the rewards of investing in the security of bricks and mortar. 
Another trend to look for in 2013 is the increased use of vehicles such as self-managed super funds to invest in property. With the downturn in the stock market, there has been predominantly negative growth across balanced funds in the past five years. After account keeping fees and running costs, portfolio values have gone sideways or decreased in value. 
A lot of people are pulling their money out of these balanced funds and moving them into a SMSF. They do this one of two ways. The first way is to simply transfer their funds into cash in their SMSF. However, smarter investors are using this cash and gearing it up. Prior to 2007, an owner of a SMSF could not borrow money to purchase property as part of their portfolio. Now that the government has changed the legislation governing SMSFs, things are starting to change. 
People are beginning to understand how they can use their SMSF to grow their portfolio exponentially. As an example, putting in $100,000 and gearing up $400,000 and they are growing a $500,000 portfolio. This is a great outcome for investors, not only the growth on the larger but when they sell the property at 60, there is also no capital gains tax. 
These types of strategies, along with improved affordability and liquidity, will really drive the next upward swing in the property market, and in my opinion I can see 2013 being a good year for property investors and probably the best for almost a decade. 
When talking with potential investors, I like to use a graphic example which I call the property cycle clock. The 12 o’clock position indicates the peak of the market where property prices are highest. The 6 o’clock position is where the property market is at the bottom of the curve. I believe the property market is sitting around 6.30 to 7 o’clock. Cities such as Sydney are sitting around 7 whilst cities such as Brisbane and the Gold Coast are at around 6 o’clock. In 2013, we will start to see momentum building and confidence coming back into the market. 
In the next 12 months we’ll start to see the upswing. This phenomenon starts when smart investors re-enter the property market. As they have invested early in the cycle and in a favourable climate, they start to talk to their peers about their purchase. This in turn drives chatter amongst groups of people, which in turn drives property sales. Your friends buy in, the taxi driver buys in and soon, everyone is back in the market. 
This combined with the funds being more available we really are in the box seat when it comes to property. I have been doing this for over 25 years and I haven’t seen it this good. 
Now onto hot areas, as I see it over the next year. The Sydney market is ready for an upward swing, in particular the more affordable outer western suburbs and other fringe areas. 
The mining boom area has created real opportunities.  They have barely scratched the surface and are yet to really get down and dirty, quite literally as the potential upside will be there for generations to come. The boom will attract better infrastructure and services to the area, which is a major attraction for buyers purchasing investment property. 
Locations where Coal Seam gas exploration is underway is something investors should take into consideration. There is significant exploration underway in many areas, once this has evolved and gas starts to come on line, this will act as a trigger for infrastructure growth. Investors who buy in now will reap the rewards for years to come. 
Parts of Queensland will also present an exciting investment opportunity. Pockets of Queensland will show strong growth. Resources such as natural gas and aluminum are boosting this already robust economy. 
Brisbane has come off the boil a little. Some people who buy now will see the upside. I think this area is sitting close to the bottom of the property cycle clock. 
All in all, the main thing is to look at the supply, demand, affordability and liquidity in the property market.  As your profit is in your buying, the big winners will be the investors who get in while the property market is at the bottom.  As I am already seeing things start to pickup, I think 2013 will be the year of the savvy property investor. 
Robert Projeski is the founder and managing director of <a href="https://www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>, winner of over 12 industry awards. He is considered a leading property finance expert in Australia. 
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Why 2013 could be the best year in almost a decade for property investors

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The RBA is in a position to cut rates a further 0.25 percentage points by Christmas.
A cut today would give ample lead time to have a real impact on Christmas spending.
The RBA has adjusted the rate at each November announcement since 2006. You could say they should keep with tradition for another change in 2012.
There has to be another rate cut this year, even with inflation at 2%. This cut is necessary in order to maintain consumer confidence leading into the Christmas retail period.
GDP growth at 3.7% last quarter is down from the previous quarter. Consumer confidence has been on the slide for some time now, and there is some uncertainty now coming out of China, which has been our paymaster during the mining boom.
Another indicator is the jobs market, which is expected to worsen in towards the end of the year. This would also put pressure on the RBA.
We’ve seen many large-scale restructures and layoffs. The official unemployment rate has moved from 5.1% in August to 5.4% in September. This is not great news for the economy but is welcomed by property investors, as the RBA should give mortgage holders a break.
It is clear that the RBA and banks need to lower interest rates to stimulate confidence. With lower interest rates and house prices at present representing real value this will drive property sales, which will have a positive effect on the broader economy. In addition, a rate cut will also act as an incentive for investors to re-engage with the Australian property market.
Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
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The RBA should cut the cash rate today to give mortgage holders a break

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The decision by the RBA board to keep the cash interest rate at 3.5% has not come as a big surprise. 
While many home buyers had hoped for further relief in terms of repayments, the global economic climate and our own markets here had suggested that there would not be a further cut just yet. 
On reflection, we have seen moderate growth in China, some growth in the US and some reassuring movements in the European financial markets, which would stand to reason not to cut the rate further. 
While our labour market remained strong – even recording a slight growth despite job cuts in some industries – and business credit on the increase, the RBA’s decision to keep the interest rate steady is understandable. 
Home owners who had hope for another cut should look at refinancing as an option, especially if their property is financed with a fixed-rate loan. Bear in mind the availability of more flexible loans that allow switching back and forth between fixed and variable rates. These loans may be the best suited in order to make the most of the already low rate and be able to make the most of any future cuts.
 Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
{module Have you changed lenders in the last six years?}
{module What do you intend to do given the current interest rate fluctuations?} 
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Mortgage holders who had hoped for RBA cash rate cut should consider refinancing

The final apartments in the most recently completed new development in Balwyn present some of the largest and most exclusive ever delivered in one of Melbourne’s most established and character-rich neighbourhoods.

Boutique developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wulff-projects">Wulff Projects</a>,&nbsp;alongside partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pga-group">PGA Group</a>, has just finished <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/threadneedle-balwyn-1-5-threadneedle-street-balwyn-vic-3103">Threadneedle</a>, 17 home-sized residences designed completely for the owner-occupier.

Named after its location on Threadneedle Street, the new project has been shaped by the heritage fabric of Balwyn. It offers two low-rise buildings of eight and nine apartments respectively, designed to emulate traditional standalone homes.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355582]

John Scaramuzzino, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, explains the design intention.

“Given the quiet residential character of the street with many homes dating back to the 1930s and 1940s, we approached Threadneedle wanting to appear less as a collection of apartments and more as a traditional residence. This led to creating not one but two buildings that could “breathe” with larger garden-based apartments functioning more like small homes.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355605]

The north-facing residences are nestled among extensive landscaped gardens by Ben Scott Garden Design, with over one-third of the site dedicated to greenery. The resulting setting is one of calm seclusion, where architecture and landscape work in tandem to offer immediate liveability.

With construction now complete, the final apartments include a top-floor, single-level penthouse residence priced from $2.8 million. This home offers three bedrooms, a dedicated study, two bathrooms plus powder room, and three car spaces with an oversized storage room.&nbsp;

Interiors prioritise spatial comfort and natural light, with three-metre-high ceilings, oversized internal doors and a full-width terrace oriented to the north, east and west.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355604]

Floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows ensure thermal performance across seasons, supported by automated external blinds, zoned heating and cooling, and a fireplace for added ambiance.

Each apartment has been individually designed to maximise privacy and garden outlooks. Kitchens combine refined finishes with practical considerations: stone benchtops, butler’s pantry, full-height joinery and concealed rangehoods.&nbsp;

The inclusion of dedicated home offices responds to contemporary living patterns, while bathrooms feature sculptural bathtubs and brushed nickel fixtures.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355590]

Threadneedle also integrates best-practice sustainability measures, achieving a 7 Star average NatHERS rating. Initiatives include solar PV systems, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and irrigation, and high-performing building insulation. These elements enhance daily comfort while reducing ongoing maintenance and energy demand.

"We believe Threadneedle sets a new standard of design excellence and building quality for Balwyn,"&nbsp;Scaramuzzino added.

"It’s an architectural response we’re particularly proud of, and one we’re sure residents will be equally proud to call home."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27816]

Staff Writer

Final homes remaining as Threadneedle, Balwyn completes construction

Joel Robinson

Sydney's top 15 new apartments developments set to launch in 2026

Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

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Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

Robert Projeski

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