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Two mortgagee homes in Strathfield South have sold in one line for $1.8 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield+south-133706610">2 Williams Street</a>, the two brick homes have an access gate between them and are now under offer, according to realestate.com.au.
The three-bedrooms, two-bathroom front home is in original condition, offering a sunroom at the rear. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-04%20at%204.58.02%20pm.png" alt="">
Facing Water Street, the recently renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at the rear features a lock up garage or fourth bedroom, modern kitchen and a huge entertainment deck. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-04%20at%204.58.08%20pm.png" alt="">
Totaling 653 sqm, the two sites offer the flexibility to occupy or rent out now and develop later. 
The average sales price for Strathfield South is $1,218,250, according to CoreLogic data.
The listing is held by Ray White's Peter Tsekenis and Elia Economou. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Two Strathfield South mortgagee homes on one title sold

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Two mortgagee homes in Strathfield South are being sold in one line, with the auction taking place June 27. 
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield+south-133706610">2 Williams Street</a>, the two brick homes have an access gate between them and are now under offer, according to realestate.com.au. 
The three-bedrooms, two-bathroom front home is in original condition, offering a sunroom at the rear. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-04%20at%204.58.02%20pm.png" alt="">
Facing Water Street, the recently renovated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at the rear features a lock up garage or fourth bedroom, modern kitchen and a huge entertainment deck. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-06-04%20at%204.58.08%20pm.png" alt="">
Totaling 653 sqm, the two sites offer the flexibility to occupy or rent out now and develop later. 
The average sales price for Strathfield South is $1,218,250, according to CoreLogic data.
The listing is held by Ray White's Peter Tsekenis and Elia Economou. 
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Two Strathfield South mortgagee homes on one title under offer

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The development industry and councils will now have access to a new Planning Delivery Unit (PDU) that will work with NSW Government agencies to unblock planning projects stuck in the system. 
NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the PDU will focus on resolving issues in major development applications (Das), State Significant Developments and planning proposals so that decisions can be made faster. 
“An efficient planning system has proven vital in our work to get the State back on the road to recovery post-pandemic,” Mr Stokes said. 
“The new PDU is the new central point of escalation, complementing our Planning System Acceleration Program, and keeping transparency, timeliness and certainty at the heart of our system.” 
The PDU is led by former Liverpool City Council CEO Kiersten Fishburn and will comprise a team of up to 30 staff, including a number of senior specialist case managers. 
In addition to helping to progress individual proposals, Minister Stokes has set the PDU an initial four projects to prioritise in the next eight weeks that will create opportunities for more than 66,500 new jobs and 50,000 new homes across Greater Sydney.  
The four priority projects include: 
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<li>·       The Parramatta Road Corridor Strategy: This strategy will allow planning proposals and development applications to begin being lodged that will deliver up to 27,000 new homes and 50,000 jobs along Parramatta Road. </li>
<li>·       St Leonards Crows Nest 2036 Plan: Finalising this plan, after two years in draft form, will allow the new Metro Station at Crows Nest to progress and unlock an extra 6,800 homes, 16,500 jobs and significant new green space.</li>
<li>·       Glenfield Precinct: Resolving the re-imagining of the Hurlstone Agricultural College site will allow a new mixed-use precinct to be developed, with a sporting hub, enhanced local centres, and up to 7,000 new homes.  </li>
<li>·       Marsden Park North (and West Schofields) Precinct: Finalising this Voluntary Planning Agreement will unlock up to 10,000 new homes, and see 18 new playing fields and local parks delivered as well as improved road and pedestrian connections across both precincts.  </li>
</ul>
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the PDU will also prioritise project delivery in regional NSW by directing planning panels to determine projects, where necessary, if a decision has not been made within 120 days.  
“Now is the time for us to all work together to make decisions quickly and decisively to help create more opportunities for jobs and investment, right across the State,” Mr Perrottet said. 
“The PDU is another great example of how we need to do things differently in a post-COVID world and as we move from the response to recovery phase we need to look at fresh ways to get our State’s economy back up and running.” 
For more information visit: <a href="http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Planning-Delivery-Unit" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Planning-Delivery-Unit&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593634941592000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEJmFsze2NwaADz-xLFsFErmaP4WQ">www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Planning-Delivery-Unit</a>. 
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Where Sydney's next 50,000 homes are set to be built

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A mortgagee home in Gosnells has been listed for sale for $215,000.
The Wheatley Street property features three-bedrooms, one-bathroom, and a study.
The 294 square metre block also includes a stand alone carport. 
The property was previous sold for $82,000 in 1989. 
The median house price in Gosnells in $275,000.
A similar three-bedroom, one-bathroom house on Evelyn Street was sold by private treaty for $260,000 on June 15, 2020 while another on Morris Court sold for $245,000 on May 3, 2020. 
LJ Hooker estate agent Rick Rispoli has the listing.
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Gosnells, WA mortgagee residence listed for $215,000

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Renovation is a hot topic at the moment through the northern corridor and southern Logan suburbs, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggests in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
"Particularly for home occupiers who have experienced a reduction in work, COVID-19 has presented an opportunity for some to finally get around to those renovation works or cosmetic improvements that have been put on the back burner for the past three, five or maybe even ten years," the valuation firm said. 
The report notes so far, suburbs such as Upper Coomera, Ormeau and Beenleigh have seen a rise in the number of houses currently undergoing or recently having completed renovations or minor cosmetic work, some with the intention of increasing their equity, others erring on the side of over capitalisation.
A renovated family home located in the heart of Upper Coomera was sold for $470,000 in May. 
The house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-upper+coomera-133278734" target="_blank">13 Manassa Street </a>(pictured below) comes with four bedrooms, modern kitchen, outdoor alfresco area and double garage. 
It is situated within close proximity to the new Westfield and theme parks. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/upper%20coomera.jpg" alt="">
 
"Over-capitalisation isn’t a worry to some, particularly rural residential property owners in the south and south-west Logan areas, as some people would prefer to invest their spare cash into their current property and avoid the hassle of moving house due to upgrading and relocating," the valuation firm said. 
A current listing is a four bedroom house on 2 hectares located in South Maclean. 
The family home at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-south+maclean-133825702" target="_blank"> 218 Pennine Drive</a> (pictured below) comes with renovated kitchen, large family room and outdoor living areas.
It also features animal shelters, storage shed, and colour bond shed with workshop. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/south%20maclean%201.jpg" alt="">
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"Over the past two months, we have seen owners begin to undertake small scale projects such as retaining walls, concreting, new sheds and landscaping and even renovation or extension projects amounting to up to $325,000 and everything in between.
"While we have so far noticed only a small increase in current or recently completed renovation projects, this is a popular topic and people are spending more time at home at the moment, so this trend is likely to increase," the valuation firm added. 
Buyers are quite cautious at the moment and properties requiring work sell for a significantly discounted price, so while the market might present some opportunities to pick up a discounted renovator, as a buyer, caution is to be exercised as the future of the property market and economy remains uncertain, the report noted. 
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North Gold Coast sees a rise in home cosmetic improvements: HTW residential 

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In the Gold Coast north-east area from Southport to Hope Island and out to the M1, home renovation works appear to be on the rise, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggests in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
The report notes investors conducting any more than cosmetic works such as painting and floor coverings are rarely seen, resulting in the owner-occupiers conducting the majority of renovation works.
"These owner-occupiers are opting to renovate rather than relocate, with the supplementary aim of manufacturing equity within their property," the valuation firm said. 
The central and north location is an established area and discussions with home owners conducting renovation works is that they like the area in which they live and for the cost of relocation, the decision to renovate or extend their existing dwelling is a more desirable option.
Furthermore, in areas such as Southport and Labrador, the option to increase income through granny flat extensions or to build in self-contained flats underneath high set homes is also being exercised due to the opportunity of an increased yield on the property, the report noted. 
A renovated ground floor apartment in Southport has recently been sold for $230,000.
The apartment at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-southport-133556622" target="_blank"> 3/3-5 Norman Street </a>(pictured below) comprises one bedroom, one bathroom, separate laundry and updated kitchen. 
It is situated within a managed complex with in ground pool and spa. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/southport.jpg" alt="">
A new listing is a large renovated duplex in Labrador priced at $775,000.
The six bedroom, four bathroom home is situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-labrador-133806574" target="_blank">1&amp;2/248 Central Street </a>(pictured below).
It comes with renovated kitchen, courtyard and parking space for 6 cars. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/labrator.jpg" alt="">
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At present, due to COVID-19, the current economic climate appears to be uncertain with limited quality properties on the market and owner-occupiers choosing to use their spare time to improve their homes, in which they are spending more time.
"However, we do caution renovators not to over capitalise as cost does not necessarily equal value. Be mindful of the median price point in your area as well as what drives purchasing decisions for the broader market," the valuation firm said. 
"For example, installing a $10,000 water feature in a $400,000 house may not equate to a good return on investment if you plan to sell the property in the short to medium term.
"A recommended exercise is to outline your renovation plans and then look, with an unbiased opinion, at recent sales in the area similar to your proposed plans in order to justify the expense you are considering." 
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Home renovation works on the rise in Gold Coast North East: HTW residential 

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Whilst there is still a degree of uncertainty in the market, a growing number of home owners in the central Gold Coast area are preferring to wait out this period before putting their property up for sale, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggest in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month’s HTW report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
"The lockdown has certainly provided us with a great opportunity to take care of any maintenance issues and even make some cosmetic improvements to our property investments," the valuation firm said. 
The report notes to date it has been the budget-conscious owner- occupier looking to take this time to complete some renovation work.
 Many of these owner-occupiers are only completing small scale DIY cosmetic work (ie. new paintwork, general repairs) and are not looking to spend too much money on trades.
Owner-occupiers who are carrying out larger scale renovation works on their properties at the moment are generally people with building skills or who work in the construction industry.
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"Local agents actively selling in the central Gold Coast area have reported that even though stock levels are low and demand levels have remained fairly steady, properties are generally taking longer to sell now.
"They advise that buyers are becoming more discerning as there is less urgency in the marketplace at the moment compared with last year," the valuation firm said. 
Interestingly, the overall presentation of a property is becoming more of a critical issue, the report noted.  
"Some agents in Broadbeach Waters recently noted that if the property is not well presented or has some outstanding repair issues, it could result in a significantly discounted sale price, so there may not be a better time to get those odd jobs done around the house!" the valuation firm said. 
A renovated unit located in the heart of Broadbeach has recently been sold for $680,000.
The beachside home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-broadbeach-133595050" target="_blank">1/20 Britannia Avenue </a>(pictured below) comes with open plan living and dining, three bedrooms, chef's kitchen and lock up garage. 
It also features private courtyard, additional undercover car space and separate toilet. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/broadbeach%201.jpg" alt="">
A current listing is a three bedroom house in Broadbeach Waters priced at $1.1 million. 
The waterfront home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-133635442" target="_blank">4 Alvarado Court</a> (pictured below) has been renovated. 
It features open plan living, kitchen with granite island bench, entertainment deck and zen garden. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/22/broadbeach%20waters.jpg" alt="">
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Central Gold Coast sees small scale renovation work during COVID-19: HTW residential 

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Western Australia is the most affordable state to live in for the eleventh quarter in a row, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Australia report. 
REIWA president Damian Collins said the report findings revealed affordability in WA's housing and rental market were still at their best levels. 
“The March quarter was an unusual one for the entire nation due to COVID-19, however it’s pleasing to see that WA has remained the most affordable state, while seeing prices and rents holding and not falling significantly, as was predicted by many early on,” Mr Collins said. 
According to the report, tenants in WA were only required to use 16.6 per cent of their family income to pay their rent in the March quarter.  
"This is significantly below other states where it reached as high as 30.5 per cent.” Mr Collins said. 
The proportion of family income required to meet home loan repayments was 25 per cent in WA over the same period, significantly less than NSW where homeowners still pay an average of 42.5 per cent of their family income on home loan repayments. 
However, affordability improved across the nation overall as red-hot markets in Sydney and Melbourne cool. 
“While the dream of home ownership remains a challenge on the East Coast, it’s very much alive and well in WA, as our rents and home values are the most affordable of all the states,” Mr Collins said. 
 
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Western Australia retains top spot as most affordable state; REIWA

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The global recession, sparked by record job losses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, will hurt demand for office real estate, with occupancy and rental rates to come under pressure, according to the latest findings from S&amp;P Global Ratings.
“Rent collection for office properties has remained high but we expect landlords to share some of the pain as tenants' capacity to pay rent is impaired” the firm said.
According to the June report, office real estate investment trusts (REITs) entered this recession in relatively good shape -Low vacancy rates and steady rent growth, and long-term leases and staggered lease maturity schedules, should help mitigate the impact of the recession.
“We expect COVID-19 to accelerate the adoption of remote working and lead to a gradual reduction in the office footprint” the firm added.
The sustainability of co-working concepts could also add pressure to the office sector, particularly in gateway markets.
“We expect negative ratings bias to grow over the next year, although down grade risks are mitigated by adequate cushion under credit metrics, relatively good balance sheets, and solid liquidity” the firm concluded.
 
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COVID-19 accelerates structural shifts in real estate and REITs: S&P Global Ratings 

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House prices have increased, according to the latest edition of Real Estate Market Facts, published by the REIA.
“During the March quarter 2020, the weighted average median price for houses for the eight capital cities increased to $786,923, with Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Darwin all having increases,” said Mr Adrian Kelly, president, REIA.
“The weighted average median price for other dwellings increased to $602,293 over the quarter, with prices increasing in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide but decreasing in Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin.”
Mr Kelly said the March 2020 quarterly change in median prices was the largest March quarter increase since 2017 which was the beginning of the housing boom of 2017/18.
“Over the quarter, the median rent for three-bedroom houses increased in all capital cities except for Brisbane and Perth, which remained steady and Darwin, which decreased,” said Mr Kelly.
 “The median rent for two-bedroom other dwellings increased in all capital cities except Darwin, which had a 2.4% decrease. 
“The weighted average vacancy rate for the eight capital cities decreased to 2.5% during the March quarter, which shows a tightening in the market compared to last quarter.
“However, this is prior to markets showing the impact of COVID-19.”
Mr Kelly said with the new lending to household data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, lending to households for investment in dwellings decreased 16.3% over the quarter and decreased 13.1% for owner occupiers.
“The decrease is usual for the March quarter and has been occurring for the past 10 years,” said Mr Kelly.
“Our next report will reflect the impacts of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the sales and rental markets.”
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House prices on the bounce back: REIA

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

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