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A survey from RateCity.com.au revealed that 42 per cent of Australians are more proactive about how they manage their money since COVID-19.
Young Australians felt especially money-conscious with 61 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds saying they felt more proactive about managing their money following the pandemic.
The results support recent APRA and RBA findings that Australians are saving, not splurging during COVID-19.
APRA figures from earlier this year show Australians have an extra $64.41 billion more deposits in the bank compared to the start of COVID-19.
Many Australians have used their time in lockdown to clear credit card bills, refinance their home loans and build up a savings buffer, RateCity research director Sally Tindall said.
“For a lot of young Australians, their travel plans have gone up in smoke, their night life has been reigned in and, as a result, they’ve got spare cash to put towards their first car or home.”
RateCity’s tips to be more proactive include setting savings goals, checking rates and clearing high interest debts.
As reductions to JobSeeker and JobKeeper are set to squeeze millions of household budgets, people are advised to get their finances in order now.
“If that’s you, it’s worth talking to a financial counsellor to get your finances into the best shape possible as your income drops,” Tindall said. 
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Young Aussies are saving not splurging during COVID: RateCity

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Conventional transport infrastructure planning has been based on wholesale commuting to and from the city centre. 
Long-term planning has delivered mass transit systems to cater for high-patronage, hub-and-spoke transport systems. Unfortunately, this has left many city residents <a href="https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-08/Australian%20Infrastructure%20Audit%202019%20-%205.%20Transport.pdf">without basic access to public transport services</a>. And we could never have planned for the impacts of COVID-19.
Our previous plans were based on the best available data at the time. Today, these plans must be critically reviewed using new data that properly represent the world and our transport needs as they are now.
 
Important facts to keep in mind
1: Fewer people commute to work.
The <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-could-spark-a-revolution-in-working-from-home-are-we-ready-133070">work-from-home transition</a> is well under way. Our current transport networks (except for <a href="https://covid19.apple.com/mobility">roads</a>, which have rebounded to traffic equal to or above pre-pandemic levels in some cities) are operating far below previous levels, even allowing for social distancing. This may not be the best time to break ground on major infrastructure projects planned under previous assumptions of population and demand growth.
2: Disadvantaged populations lack access to opportunities.
Public transport is key to enabling everyone in a population to be a productive member of society. Many disadvantaged groups cannot drive or afford car ownership. However, they also <a href="https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/publications/outer-urban-public-transport-improving-accessibility-lower-density-areas">lack access to public transport</a>, particularly in the outer suburbs.
Unfortunately, coronavirus impacts will <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-coronavirus-will-deepen-the-inequality-of-our-suburbs-143432">hit the disadvantaged the hardest</a>. If we want everyone to be able to participate in the economic recovery, we need to promote basic levels of access regardless of an individual’s circumstance.
 
3: Population growth will not meet projections.
Migration bans will greatly reduce short-term growth. Current projections show a population <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-4-million-less-than-projected-how-coronavirus-could-hit-australias-population-in-the-next-20-years-143544">up to 4% smaller in 2040</a> than it would have been in a non-COVID world. This will further decrease demand for urban transit services as well as demand across many sectors of our society. These trends are important because much of our planning is based around these population growth metrics.
However, our suburbs still lack basic public transport services. If we want to increase patronage, we need to bring services to more people by improving coverage of our <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-need-to-give-up-on-crowded-cities-we-can-make-density-so-much-better-131304">sprawling, low-density cities</a>.
<a href="https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/publications/outer-urban-public-transport-improving-accessibility-lower-density-areas">Over 80% of the population</a> of our biggest cities live in the outer and middle suburbs, yet this massive majority have limited to no basic public transport service. Across our five largest cities, Infrastructure Australia <a href="https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/publications/outer-urban-public-transport-improving-accessibility-lower-density-areas">reports</a>, “public transport disadvantage in outer suburbs is significant”.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/353993/original/file-20200821-18-1ctpvl6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Populations living in inner, middle and outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide"> Estimated resident population by suburban classification, as count and proportion of city population. <a class="source" href="https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/publications/outer-urban-public-transport-improving-accessibility-lower-density-areas">Infrastructure Australia: Outer Urban Public Transport: Improving accessibility in lower-density areas</a>
Households’ <a href="https://theconversation.com/rapid-growth-is-widening-melbournes-social-and-economic-divide-117244">access to jobs and services gets much worse</a> with increasing distance from the city centre. Development of suburban and regional <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-mobility-as-a-service-maas-to-solve-our-transport-woes-some-things-need-to-change-105119">mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) offerings</a> could promote better access in these “harder to serve” areas.
Moving the country forward
Job creation will be an important aspect of economic recovery. Yet too often we look to large construction projects as the answer. There is plenty of other job-creating work to be done in our communities.
We could, for example, increase the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-and-walking-can-help-drive-australias-recovery-but-not-with-less-than-2-of-transport-budgets-142176">miserly funding</a> for our piecemeal walking and cycling networks.
We could also <a href="https://theconversation.com/1-million-rides-and-counting-on-demand-services-bring-public-transport-to-the-suburbs-132355">expand on-demand services</a> to suburban and rural residents who lack basic public transport access. On-demand transit does not follow fixed routes or timetables. Riders book a trip for a cost similar to a bus fare.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/362371/original/file-20201008-14-1j0ilu4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="Passenger waiting to board a Bridj on-demand bus service."> Bridj is one of the operators that is expanding on-demand services in Sydney and other cities. <a class="source" href="https://www.facebook.com/TakeBridj/photos/a.1412498639012150/2080642258864448/">Bridj Transit Systems/Facebook</a>
These options will <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-the-sums-bicycle-friendly-changes-are-good-business-58213">encourage local spending to support small businesses</a>. These are an important piece of our social fabric and improve <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-reminds-us-how-liveable-neighbourhoods-matter-for-our-well-being-135806">livability in our communities</a>.
We need to look locally
A focus on localised investment in the many neglected communities across the country will deliver major benefits. Money already committed to large projects that are under way represents sunk costs that may be too deep to renegotiate. However, future plans using public funds must be re-examined.
Investments should target disadvantaged groups and broaden access to transport networks, encouraging new potential users. For many, assistance in gaining access to the necessities of life will be invaluable during the coming economic recovery. Guaranteed access to groceries, medical services, work opportunities and <a href="https://theconversation.com/parks-and-green-spaces-are-important-for-our-mental-health-but-we-need-to-make-sure-that-everyone-can-benefit-142322">recreational activities</a> must not be reserved for the elite.
We need better localised public transport and we need it for the majority of citizens, not just those who live in the inner suburbs of our capital cities. Most regional populations lack even rudimentary public transport coverage at reasonable frequency.
Increasing services in these areas will create valuable jobs that will stick around, unlike large one-off construction projects. The money will stay local, going into the pockets of operators who live and work in their own community.
While our long-term planning is not to blame for our current situation, we need to develop for the future, not the past. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/westconnex-audit-offers-another-17b-lesson-in-how-not-to-fund-infrastructure-73206">financial costs</a> of building and maintaining our current infrastructure are not going away. However, we can no longer refuse to invest in many of our underserved communities.
It is time to ensure everyone, regardless of their income or where they grow up, has the basic services they need to be a productive member of society.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/144802/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/benjamin-kaufman-611843">Benjamin Kaufman</a>, PhD Candidate, Cities Research Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-impacts-demand-a-change-of-plan-funding-a-shift-from-commuting-to-living-locally-144802">original article</a>.
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COVID impacts demand a change of plan: funding a shift from commuting to living locally

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Geelong has managed not to enter into the new restrictions currently being enforced across Melbourne which has required all hospitality to once again shut up shop and everyone to stay at home unless they’re heading to an essential service, according to the August Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm presented an 'investor playbook' of real estate performance within each service area.
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It’s unknown whether or not Geelong will also have to re-introduce these restrictions as Victorian cases soar higher by the hundreds every day, the report notes. 
"Once again, the level of uncertainty we are currently facing is extremely high and it has caused many to take a more conservative approach to the property market over the past few months, holding off on making any investment purchase," the valuation firm said. 
On a positive note, as Geelong has not slipped back into harsher COVID-19 restrictions, the economy continues to rebuild and this can only rub off positively on the property market. 
After months of waiting, many may now launch into that investment purchase they have been holding off on from prior months.
Geelong remains a seriously sought-after region as it continues to expand in just about every facet with affordability compared to Melbourne being the number one driving force. 
"You can most definitely get much more bang for your buck sifting through Geelong’s property market compared to Melbourne’s and this is highly attractive to many possible investors such as first home buyers or those looking to upgrade or upsize their current home. 
"It’s a very active region for all types of investors and for good reason," the valuation firm said. 
A renovated four bedroom house in Belmont has recently been sold for $912,500. 
The home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-belmont-134284594" target="_blank"> 8 Downshire Road</a> (pictured below) comprises four bedrooms, two living zones and self contained bungalow. 
The property was last sold for $470,000 in 2013. 
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A current listing a Geelong two bedroom apartment with views across Corio Bay. 
The north-facing apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-geelong-133509942" target="_blank">1402/18 Cavendish Street </a>(pictured below) has been listed with $829,900 hopes. 
It comes with living room with double glazed windows, kitchen with dishwasher and single car space plus lockable storage area.
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Geelong remains sought-after among investors: HTW residential 

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The investor market in Mount Gambier is currently strong with a mix of both local and out of town investors, according to the August Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at investor markets across the nation. 
The report suggests properties in Mount Gambier are generally cheaper compared to say Adelaide or Melbourne. Paired with low interest rates and returns of approximately six to seven per cent, there is a much better return for property.
"After speaking with local agents, it is clear that the market in Mount Gambier has not slowed due to the effects of Coronavirus and while it was expected that rental prices would drop due to the increasing supply of short term rentals being listed as long term rentals, this has not deterred investors," the valuation firm said. 
Houses have been hitting the market and some are receiving offers within 48 hours, often at the asking price or higher, with many going to the highest and best offer.
Investors are generally after houses that present well and are low maintenance, within the price range of $200,000 to $350,000. The return for anything above this will likely not be as strong, the report noted. 
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The government’s incentive to build has definitely spurred the market, with over 20 land sales in the popular Springview Drive division within the past couple of weeks, however this hasn’t been a huge benefit to investors as they cannot simply build and rent these houses out straight away on completion of the build.
"Within the Mount Gambier region, typical investors tend to invest in a mixture of units and detached houses, which are likely to be in the $150,000 to $250,000 price range.
"For depreciation benefits they also invest in new houses, ranging from $250,000 to $350,000," the valuation firm said. 
A division popular with investors in Mount Gambier is the O’Leary Road division . An example of a recent sale within the division is below. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-133040070" target="_blank">3/20 O'Leary Road</a> (pictured below) is a small three-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling with a single garage under the main roof, on an allotment of approximately 450 square metres. This property previously achieved a rental of $340 per week or a gross yield of 6.8 per cent.
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In recent years the South Australian Housing Trust has also been selling off their unwanted Commission housing.
 Typically these are older stone dwellings constructed in the 1950s and 1960s offering three bedrooms, lounge, bathroom and laundry area. These Commission homes are typically good value and show a good return.
A semi-detached three-bedroom duplex at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-132470002" target="_blank">13 Schinkel Street </a>(pictured below) can be purchased for $100,000 to $130,000, with an achievable rental for these dwellings being around $190 to $200 per week.
This provides a gross yield of approximately ten per cent. The capital growth would not necessarily be good, and the quality of tenant may also be an issue, but the return is pretty competitive.
The property below sold for $109,000 and achieves a rental of $195 per week. This is a yield of 9.3 per cent.
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"It is expected that the investment market will remain strong within Mount Gambier for quite some time. 
"With low interest rates, it is more beneficial for an investor to invest in property and achieve a good return for good value, rather than keep their money in the bank." 
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Mount Gambier investor market remains strong: HTW residential 

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Jinding Developments have commenced construction on a new master-planned community in Armstrong Creek, in partnership with Yolk Property Group and landowners, the Harkness family.
Its pricing starts from just $180,000 and maxes out at $314,000, with sizing between 221sqm to over 550sqm.  
According to Jinding’s Liz Ronson, Harriott’s urban design, fantastic amenities and natural environment have been proven by the community’s strong sales.
The announcement follows the start of the City of Greater Geelong’s $4 million upgrade works on the wetlands.
The project, <a href="/new-townhouses/harriott-townhomes-armstrong-creek">Harriott at Armstrong Creek</a>, will deliver a sustainable community nestled next to Sparrovale Wetlands, located 10 kilometres from Geelong.
The first 81 blocks of the 659-lot community are expected to be delivered by mid 2021.
It aims to cater to <a href="/news/new-housing-development-aims-to-cater-to-significant-population-growth-anticipated-for-geelong">significant population growth</a> anticipated for Geelong.
The community’s future offerings will include 140ha of open space, central parklands and regional sporting facilities.
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Construction begins on master-planned community in Geelong's Armstrong Creek

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A $320 million commercial project Parramatta, 32 Smith Street, ‘topped out’ by Fender Katsalidis and the GPT Group.
The 25-storey office building, which will see QBE become the anchor tenant, is set to become one of the most sustainable commercial office towers in the Parramatta CBD.
Fender Katsalidis director Mark Curzon said the construction milestone of the 26,500sqm sculptural tower, <a href="/news/32-smith-streets-construction-continues-the-rise-of-parramatta?utm_source=PropertyObserver%20" target="_blank">which commenced last year</a>, was a significant step.
“This is an important gateway building for the emerging city and new civic space, delivering a world-class, cutting-edge, workplace environment, through its urban, sustainability and design philosophy-based solutions," Mr Curzon added.
The tower includes landscaped extern roof terraces, balconies throughout and a publicly accessible urban room.
32 Smith Street is on track for completion in late-2020.
Fender Katsalidis is well known for their design of the Australia 108 tower, which pays homage to the Australian flag with a rotated golden structure protruding from the building.
Other projects designed by the team include Royal Fund’s <a href="/new-apartments/camberwell-house-699-burke-road-camberwell">residential project Bijou </a>in Victoria’s Camberwell and <a href="/buildings/derby-place-369-high-street-kew?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Crema Group’s Derby Place</a> in Kew.
The topping out at 32 Smith Street follows the architects’ recent appointment to design the $2.5 billion Central Place Sydney project.
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$320 million Parramatta commercial tower tops out

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Rugby league star Ryan James is selling his Gold Coast investment property ahead of his move to Canberra for the 2021 season.
The Gold Coast Titans captain bought the property just over a year and a half ago and planned to keep it as an investment but has since decided to sell.
He says his upcoming move to Canberra to play with the Raiders is one of the reasons for selling, the other being the strong Gold Coast market.
The property includes three units, two upstairs with two bedrooms and one downstairs with four, listing agent Kasey Pereira from Real Specialists says.
He noted that it has also been completely renovated.
The property is listed with an asking range of $1.25 million to $1.35 million.
Mr Pereira said it will likely attract investors looking for a strong rental return of roughly $1500 a week.
James says he completely transformed the property, with the largest changes he made located iny the downstairs unit where he added two extra bedrooms, plus a brand new kitchen and living room.
He says he has no plans to sell his home on the Gold Coast.
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Titans captain Ryan James lists Gold Coast investment property

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Lendlease, with backing from Aware Super, has plans for a $1 billion build-to-rent project in New York's Brooklyn.
Lendlease paid $US100 million ($138 million) for its 90 per cent stake in the development project.
It will be about 800 apartments, some 30 percent earmarked for affordable housing under a New York City program.
The property, 1 Java Street, spans a full city block on the Greenpoint waterfront along the East River.
Sold by David Zalaznick’s JZ Capital Partners, it ranks as one of the biggest land purchases in New York City during the pandemic.
The ASX listed global player had signalled it would significantly ramp up its real estate development activities around the world.
It already has major urbanisation projects across the US, including a build-to-rent development also backed by Aware Super in Chicago.
There is also a plan for housing development on Google-held land in Silicon Valley.
It takes its US development pipeline to over $30 billion of current and future projects, Denis Hickey, chief executive for Lendlease’s Americas business advised.
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Aware is the rebadged Australian super fund, First State Super.
Lendlease takes control of the Java Street site from London-listed investment house JZ Capital Partners and development vehicle RedSky, which will retain 10 per cent.
 
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Lendlease plans $1 billion Brooklyn, New York build-to-rent project

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The NSW Productivity Commission has been called out to stop using planning as a scapegoat for failures in the housing markets.
Planning Institute Australia called out the Commission, asking them to work on better understanding the value provided by the planning profession.
In a submission to the commission’s green paper, PIA urged the Commission to reconsider its portrayal of planning systems and address the benefits of strategic planning processes.
Functioning cities require a functioning planning system, said PIA NSW president Juliet Grant.
“PIA supports sensible planning reform, but the planning profession should not be used as a scapegoat for failures of our economy to deliver on the promise of housing affordability”, she said.
The institute accused the green paper of developing a false narrative which blamed planning processes for high house prices.
“PIA members know that planning contributes to the economic strength of our state by making sure people live close to jobs and services,” Grant noted.
In their submission, PIA highlighted planning’s delivery of a strong housing supply pipeline through consistently high rates of project approvals.
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NSW Productivity Commission called out by Planning Institute Australia

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Fawkner House, a collection of nine large-scale dwellings created in Melbourne’s South Yarra, has listed its limited remaining residences.
Located in the Domain precinct, <a href="/news/beulah-international-hits-the-hyper-luxury-heights-in-kew" target="_blank">Fawkner House</a> is nestled between Walsh and Marne Streets at 146 Toorak Road West.
The home offerings were designed by architect Rob Mills, offering progressive design, large-scale residences and penthouses and commanding views over Fawkner Park.
“It's the height of the land, and with that comes light, space, better quality of air, opportunity for phenomenal views. It’s all those wonderful ingredients that makes something special”, Mills said.
Developed by <a href="/developers/beulah">Beulah</a>, the home takes inspiration from Le Corbusier’s 1954 chapel Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France.
The remaining three and four-bedroom residences are listed with prices starting from $5.49 million.
The top-level of the residence is split between two grand penthouses, while the basement includes private garages for each residence.
Its other offerings include curved wall features, natural stone and custom oak joinery.
Construction for the project remains on track for completion in early 2021.
Other projects in the pipeline from the developer includes <a href="/news/beulah-international-submits-planning-application-for-southbank-by-beulah?utm_source=PropertyObserver%20" target="_blank">Southbank by Beulah</a>, which is set to become Australia’s tallest tower.
The Victorian Government gave the green light to the $2 billion project in March 2020, which will feature two twisting terraces called the ‘green spine’.
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South Yarra's Fawkner House lists remaining trophy homes

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

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Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

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One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

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There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

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A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

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"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

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The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

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The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

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Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

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While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

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That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

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Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

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The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

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The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

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What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

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Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

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ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

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For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

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Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

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Staff reporter

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