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According to Domain's House Price Report for the June quarter prices on units fell across Australia with houses seeing similar results.
They found, all major capital cities saw unit prices fall across the June quarter; only Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart saw an increase in house prices during this period.
Price falls to date have been minimal from the pre-coronavirus March quarter to June. 
Significant government stimulus, mortgage holidays and low interest rates have supported home values, and kept distressed and urgent selling low. 
With lenders extending mortgage pauses for those under serious financial strain, and the JobKeeper subsidy being extended, the outlook for prices largely depends upon how well the economy is tracking when fiscal stimulus ends.
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“Nationally house prices have dropped by 2 per cent and unit prices by 2.2 per cent over the June quarter."
"This is the first quarter to show the impact of COVID-19, reversing upward price swings in Sydney and Melbourne."
"While most capital cities declined, the falls have been minimal to-date as unprecedented government stimulus, mortgage holidays, low stock levels and record low interest rates shield values from any significant declines, helping to retain stability in the housing market,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Unit prices fall nationally with houses hit slightly less: Domain

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Sydney’s house and unit price recovery halted over the June quarter, with prices down by almost $23,000 and just over $14,000 respectively.
The June quarter also marks the first time house prices have moderated since early 2019.
While Sydney property prices remain higher than in 2019, house and unit prices are $55,000 and $52,000 below the mid-2017 peak respectively, presenting an opportunity for prospective buyers.
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June 2020 QoQ change for Sydney house and unit prices
“Sydney’s house and unit price recovery was abruptly halted over the June quarter, down 2 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively. Houses have lost almost $23,000 and units just over $14,000 in the June quarter, the first quarter to show the impact of COVID-19. For houses, this is the first time prices have moderated since early 2019 and a year for units. Sydney was in an upswing prior to this interruption, highlighted by the strong annual growth, up by 10.5 per cent for houses and 7.3 per cent for units. House prices are $110,000 above the early 2019 trough but remain $55,000 below the mid-2017 peak. Unit prices are $50,000 above the mid-2019 trough but remain $52,000 below the mid-2017 peak.”
“Price falls to date have been minimal; significant government stimulus, mortgage holidays and low interest rates have helped to support home values. This is assisting many homeowners through economically challenging times and has kept distressed and urgent selling low. The risk to prices becomes greater once the stimulus measures cease and we face the fiscal cliff. While lenders have extended the mortgage pause for those under serious financial strain and the JobKeeper subsidy will be extended and tapered until the end of March next year, the outlook for prices largely depends upon how well the economy is tracking at the time stimulus ends.”
“The full impact of the economic shutdown was evident in the June quarter. Sales activity, listings and clearance rates fell in April but were rebounding by June. It is clear confidence has lifted from the April lows, sellers have returned, and more buyers think now is a good time to purchase - nationally rising to a six-month high, according to the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment. Buyer interest has renewed from the April lows - those with job security are being enticed by low mortgage rates, government financial incentives and taking advantage of improved affordability. Price expectations have changed rapidly in recent months, with more vendors adjusting asking prices downwards to seek a timely sale. In June, 15.2 per cent of sellers reduced asking prices, three times higher than the same time last year. The proportion of properties discounted is a leading indicator of price movement, evidence that further price weakness lies ahead,” said Domain Senior Research Analyst, Dr Nicola Powell.
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Sydney's property price recovery halted over the June quarter: Domain

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A property management agent from Melbourne’s northwest allegedly allowed rental homes to be used as cannabis grow houses has been arrested in a high-level drug investigation.
North West metro regional crime squad arrested five people this week who were accused of involvement in a major syndicate with interstate links.
As part of Operation Skyknight, warrants were executed on Wednesday morning in Roxburgh Park, Gladstone Park and Glenroy, as well as Bankstown in Sydney and Port Macquarie on the NSW coast.
Three men — a 22-year-old and 25-year-old from Roxburgh Park and a 68-year-old from Gladstone Park — were arrested and remanded in custody.
A further two men were charged on July 13 after separate police raids.
“Police are alleging that the 68-year-old male was using his position as a rental property manager to facilitate several crop houses across the northwestern suburbs,” Victoria Police said.
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Melbourne property management agent caught amid drug arrests

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Diversified property group Pellicano has expedited the next stage of construction at its Parkwest Estate in Bundamba due to strong sales, while announcing the commencement of construction of the next stage at Connexion Industrial Park in Darra, following leasing success in recent months.
Due to the final office/warehouse space selling out at Parkwest Estate, Pellicano will commence the next stage of the project 12 months ahead of schedule, which will deliver additional office warehouse units.
Meanwhile at Connexion, construction has commenced on a major refurbishment of a freestanding 10,600 sqm office/warehouse, and four new spec office/warehouses totalling 3,000 sqm.
Pellicano was buoyed by a deal struck at Connexion during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 7,500 sqm site being leased out to MACH1 Logistics in late March, spurring the company to prioritise the works on both sites.
Pellicano managing director Nando Pellicano believes recent activity at these projects, as well as its Industrial activity in Melbourne, is an early sign of how well the Industrial sector is holding up across the property market.
“We saw many companies facing challenges during lockdowns, restrictions and work-from- home guidelines, but we’ve still been able to put clients into new facilities, as the push to e- commerce and on-line expediates.
“Well-located industrial space has proven popular at a time where more and more consumers turn to shopping online.
“I think the popularity of these sites is driven in part by the flexibility we give our clients across the board – we work with them to ensure their facility is exactly what they need, and that they can make any necessary tweaks to ensure it’s a long-term prospect,” he said.
Works at the office/warehouse site at Connexion Industrial Park are due for completion in two stages, with the 10,600 sqm refurbishment available to occupy from fourth quarter of 2020, and the four spec units from early 2021, while the next stage of construction at Bundamba is due to commence in the coming months once detailed designs are finalised.
Pellicano’s current activity will take its total Industrial Holdings to over 600,000 sqm by the end of year with a vacancy rate of under 2.5 per cent.
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Pelicano announces construction across two Queensland projects

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The launch of a new luxury Terrace complex is set to ease pent up demand for high quality residences in the popular North Shore suburb of Willoughby.  
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Boasting a street address just metres from Quadrangle Shopping Village and minutes from the CBD and North Sydney, ‘The Terraces’ Willoughby comprises six luxury, three storey terraces, each with internal private lifts to secured basement parking below.  
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Set across 1,154 sqm at 7-9 Warners Avenue, the development is the first boutique residential project in Willoughby brought to market by North Shore-based property developers and fund managers WINIM. 
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Designed by award-winning architects Giles Tribe with Interiors by Rothelowman, construction is due to commence on the $17 million project in beginning of 2021 and occupation expected by end of first quarter, 2022. 
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The homes are a modern design of traditional Sydney harbour terraces with private liveable courtyards front and rear, each with direct street address and frontage. 
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Pricing ranges from $2,675,000 for a mid-row terrace, up to $3,000,000 for an end of row terrace, secure double-garage, with huge triple aspect wrap-around garden and additional oversized multi-purpose room.  
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New luxury complex The Terraces has launched in Willoughby

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In the past 12 months, Sydney’s North Shore has seen over $1 billion of sites sold as anticipated demand for apartments overtakes supply.
Developers have been focusing on high density opportunities in the Lower North Shore along the current North-West Sydney Metro station, which include suburbs such as North Sydney, Crows Nest, St Leonards, Chatswood and Macquarie Park.  
Major projects to be delivered include:
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<li>Mirvac - Nine's Willoughby site, 460 new dwellings</li>
<li>Podia – Recently purchased North Sydney Site - Planning proposal</li>
<li>Frasers – Masterplan approved Macquarie Park Ivanhoe Estate, 3,300 dwellings</li>
<li>Meriton – Macquarie Park up to 230 apartments</li>
<li>Aqualand, Develotek Partner for 600 apartments in Chatswood</li>
<li>Aqualand- North Sydney mixed-use development comprising 441 high-end apartments (under construction) </li>
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And now investors are scrambling for a piece of the action, with Roseville on the Upper North Shore smashing records this month, with 14 individual buyers snapping up 14 brand new luxury townhouses in just one weekend, with prices ranging from $2.5 million to $3.58 million with internal areas ranging from 122 – 173sqm internally. Interestingly the higher value townhouses in excess of $3m were the first to sell. 
Local developer Mayrin Group purchased the 6,778 square metre amalgamated site at 130-138 Archer Road and 10a, 12 and 14 Boundary Street in Roseville in 2017 from Savills Australia for north of $35 million.  
With an estimated end value in excess of $110 million, The Archwood Residences, designed by highly acclaimed architectural firm DKO is a limited collection of four bedroom townhouses with a stunning central garden retreat designed to include luxe lobbies, private lifts, marble bathrooms and natural stone kitchens.  
The homes feature fully integrated home automation systems, with the technological options including car licence plate recognition, biometric keyless entry and automated lighting and smart blinds. 
With only 20 townhouses released in Stage 1, 26 expressions of interest were received with a total of 14 lots sold on the day of the launch.
According to Stuart Cox, Director, Residential Site Sales at Savills Australia, Roseville remains one of the most hotly contested Upper North Shore suburbs, situated just 12 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD bound by Lindfield to the north, Castle Cove to the east, Chatswood to the south and Chatswood West to the west."
“Not only is this development of the highest calibre, it also boasts excellent access to public transport and is in the catchment area for Roseville Public School and Chatswood High School. Other private schools close by include Roseville College, Ravenswood School for Girls,  Pymble Ladies College, Knox Grammar School, Barker College and Abbotsleigh” he continued.
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The Archwood in Roseville is the North Shore's latest residential development

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Brookfield Properties and Oxford Investa Property Partners (OIPP) have revealed the first stage of the $200 million 388 George Street redevelopment.
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Prominently located on the corner of George and King Streets, 388 George Street is jointly owned by Brookfield and Oxford Properties, as owner of the OIPP portfolio, with the redevelopment built by premier builder, Multiplex. The project will deliver 38,364 square metres of A-Grade commercial office space and 2,680 square metres of prime retail space to the CBD core.
Stage One of this project has involved the delivery of an all-of-building refurbishment of the existing 28- storey office building, including a new tower lobby and end-of-trip (EOT) facilities while the second and final stage will see the delivery of a brand new five-storey, FJMT-designed mixed-use pavilion to complete the project.
The state-of-the-art EOT facilities will offer a range of convenient services for tenants including luxury towels, ironing and grooming stations and parking for 366 bikes. With user experience at the forefront of the design, EOT facilities at 388 George Street are located on level one rather than the basement and a dedicated lift provides exclusive and direct connectivity from the basement level cycle parking.
The transformational refurbishment of the existing A-Grade office tower has made outstanding use of the building’s existing infrastructure, with interconnecting stairs added, enhancing connectivity and collaboration for occupants. Upgrade works also included new ceilings, carpets, bathrooms, lift floor lobbies and on-floor amenities. Inter-floor connectivity has been achieved with the installation of staircases throughout the building’s existing five, four-level atriums.
The mixed-use pavilion, due for delivery later this year, will add an important new landmark to the CBD core, with five-storeys of commercial and retail space, a rooftop bar and flagship retail stores.
State-of-the-art design features of 388 George Street include a stone concierge desk carved from solid blocks of London White Marble, with each block weighing 200 kilograms.
Danny Poljak, Executive Vice President &amp; Co-Head of Brookfield Properties said, “We are thrilled to reach this exciting milestone at 388 George Street and transform another of the Sydney CBD’s established office buildings. Not only have we added significant value by upgrading the existing commercial tower and developing the new retail podium on a dormant part of the site, we have also enhanced the site’s connectivity to George and King streets.”
“The development will completely transform this busy city corner and integrate with the newly pedestrianised George Street with a through-site link planned in the next stage linking to King Street.”
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Nicole Quagliata, Fund Manager, OIPP said: “We are delighted to unveil the first stage of 388 George Street’s transformational refurbishment. The recently completed improvements establish the building as a leading contemporary workplace for our tenants, providing high quality amenity within a prominent Sydney CBD location. The new mixed-use podium with premium retail opportunities will bring new amenity to the revitalisation of this exceptional George Street location.
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Ian Lyon, Head of Development, Asia Pacific at Oxford Properties Group, said: “388 George Street is part of the continued improvement of the OIPP portfolio. We are immensely proud of what the team have delivered.”
The project, which is being delivered by construction partner Multiplex, created over 250 jobs during its construction.
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$200 million 388 George Street redevelopment revealed

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A $180 million proposal for a mixed-use tower in Liverpool has been given the green light by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.
Binah Developments’ 34-storey mixed-use proposal at 22-26 Elizabeth St will include a 113-room hotel, 179 residential apartments, a ground-level food and beverage area, rooftop restaurant and 5500 square metres of A-grade office space.   
“This development is one of $1 billion worth of major projects approved or under assessment, triggered by the rezoning of 25 hectares in the CBD in 2018 to allow mixed-use development,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.  
“The 34-storey tower will become the tallest in the Liverpool city centre, activate a busy main street and provide much-needed hotel accommodation, as well as significant commercial space in the fast-growing capital of South West Sydney.” 
Designed by Rothelowman Architects, construction is expected to start in 2022, providing 100 jobs during construction and an estimated 400 jobs once complete.   
“Building on our city’s great bones, Council’s detailed Public Domain Master Plan will guide the city centre’s transformation at street level, moving towards a greener and more attractive streetscape with wider footpaths, dedicated cycleways, more vegetation and public art among the many improvements to come.  "
“Council’s own $400 million Liverpool Civic Place mixed-use precinct on Scott Street, to be jointly developed by Council and Built, will anchor the southern end of the city centre and provide new public spaces, community facilities and job opportunities. "
“The early works DA for the FJMT architects-designed proposal has been approved and when complete the precinct will feature new Council offices, Council chambers, an early education centre, a new state-of-the-art city library, commercial and retail spaces, a hotel or student accommodation building and public parking,” Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said.   
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Mixed-use tower approved for Liverpool city centre 

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The first one-bedroom apartments in five years are set to hit the St Lucia market when residential development Vistas St Lucia launches this month
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Developer Barber Property Group's Managing Director Paul Barber said the company was anticipating strong demand from a wave of returning international students.
The 32-apartment complex includes nine one-bedroom apartments, fourteen two-bedroom apartments and nine three-bedroom apartments.
“We’re noticing a resurgence in demand for one-bedroom apartments, with a mix of downsizers and young professionals wanting to get into the blue-chip suburb, as well as demand continuing for larger two and three-bedroom properties,” Mr Barber said.
“Our recently completed projects in St Lucia have seen healthy results for investors, with 2019 project Eton Apartments being 100 per cent committed prior to completion, and now delivering a 7 per cent return.”
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Mr Barber said Vistas St Lucia was the company’s fourth development in the suburb since 2014 – the inner-west being a recent focus for the long-standing developer.
Barber Property partnered with award-winning CG Design Studio and Raymond Barber Architects.
“The design also takes advantage of the site’s premium location, with sweeping city views, floor plans that prioritise light and air flow, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces,” he concluded.
The project is currently under construction and is due for completion in December 2020. 
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New apartment complex set to hit the St Lucia market

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New data released by realestate.com.au reveals that enquiries for new developments have surged since the announcement of the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme in early June.
The REA Insights New Homes Snapshot for July report shows enquiries to developers nationally jumped by almost 63 per cent in the month of June, with land estate enquiries experiencing a 93 per cent lift over the month.
REA Group Executive Manager of Economic Research, Cameron Kusher, said the spike in June followed a bullish 53.9 per cent increase in May, suggesting the announcement of HomeBuilder led to a further surge in the already increasing interest in new properties.
“First home buyer activity increased 28.5 per cent in June when looking specifically at email enquiry on realestate.com.au, and it’s likely some of this activity was a result of the HomeBuilder stimulus announcement,” Kusher said.
“It’s no surprise that land estate new development is benefiting from HomeBuilder given the package is geared towards new builds, there are restrictions on construction timeframes that inhibit apartment development, and the Australian dream is to own a house.”
Dahua Group’s Marketing and Sales Manager, Michael Ching said there has been a notable enquiry increase in the Group’s Tarneit-based development, Orchard which was revealed as Victoria’s most popular house and land development.
“The interest and enquiries on Orchard Tarneit through realestate.com.au have been very strong over the last few months. As a maturing estate, Orchard Tarneit has a variety of land lots to offer including titled lots which fit perfectly into the HomeBuilder scheme,” Michael said.
“The announcement of the HomeBuilder scheme saw enquiries in Orchard Tarneit increase by 200% in June as compared to enquiries recorded in May. As a result, we have released more land lots to cater to the increased demand.”
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Enquiries for new developments surged in June following governments HomeBuilder scheme: realestate.com.au

The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

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The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

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Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

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Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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 41-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 41-storey tower, which has 229 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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

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