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Record apartment prices are being set all over Sydney, the latest in the Sutherland Shire.
It was a sub-penthouse at Cronulla that sold mid-week off the plan for $5.7 million through David Highland at Highland Property.
The 155 sqm apartment in the soon to be developed, Pinnacle on McDonald Street was bought by a local buyer.
It comprises three bedrooms plus media room with a balcony that offers views across the ocean from Jibbon Beach to Boat Harbour.
David Highland says it broke the Sutherland Shire record both in price and sqm rates. 
It topped the Shire's previous record, a $5.51 million off-market sale of a four bedroom penthouse. 
“We’ve had a lot of interest prior to marketing, particularly from local buyers”, he said. 
“The location and finishes are second to none, and the fact that each apartment has its own level with elevator access, offers a unique selling point.” 
The Innovative Architects designed development is made up of six whole floor apartments with direct access to The Esplanade.
Each of the apartments were finished with interiors from EB Interior Design.
Construction completion is due in 2018.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Record apartment prices hit Sydney's Sutherland Shire

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New South Wales has modernised its strata laws to reflect the realities of 21st Century living.
The laws come into effect on 30 November 2016, and are expected to set the pace of change for the industry as a whole, according to property services company, PICA.
Among the new legislation are relaxed requirements for attending general and committee meetings and voting.
Owners can now use conference calls and video conferencing to participate in meetings, removing the need for proxies.
Greg Nash, managing director and group CEO, PICA, said, investor owners who don’t live in or near their property will now be able to participate in meetings more easily without the expense and inconvenience of travel. They can keep a better eye on their investment and be more involved in decision-making.
“For strata managers being able to use modern technology to communicate will increase productivity and efficiency, enabling urgent matters to be addressed offsite if necessary," he said.
"Plus, the challenges of coordinating schedules become less of an issue since investors no longer have to travel for meetings."
The new legislation also changes how meeting notifications are sent. Currently, meeting notices must be sent via post or, if there is already a by-law in place, they may be sent by email. The postal address must be located in Australia, making foreign investment tricky. When the new legislation takes effect, by-laws will no longer be necessary for meeting notices to be sent by email. This makes it simpler for people to keep track of notices.
Greg Nash said some people still prefer post and that will remain an option.
"These new laws are simply taking advantage of the way communications technology can streamline processes. Most people prefer to communicate via email for greater convenience,” he said.
"The need to accommodate the varying ways people prefer to attend meetings means strata management companies may need to invest in new technology. This could include video conferencing or unified communications solutions, for example.
"PICA has invested heavily in a property services online platform that offers options for people to communicate in the way that suits them. It also includes a self-service capability so that owners no longer have to contact the strata manager to keep informed of repairs and maintenance progress.
“The new NSW legislation sets the pace of change for the industry in a positive way. It raises the professionalism of strata managers and makes it easier for them to look after owners’ interests. The NSW approach is really just the first step; it’s a blueprint for the future.”
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Property 101: New NSW strata laws will set the pace of change for the property industry

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A North Sydney mansion has been listed for sale with a price tag of $6,888,000.
The five bedroom, four bathroom Victorian house known as ‘<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+sydney-124189926" target="_blank">Heatherlie</a>’ has secure parking for three cars and features wrap around balconies.
Sandstone entrance leads to the house and its library, rumpus room and media room, atrium glass ceilings and views of Sydney Harbour and Fort Denison.
The property is offered by Knox Family Real Estate.
The median house price in North Sydney is $1.9 million, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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Heatherlie mansion in North Sydney listed with $6,888,000 price tag

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The former Sydney madam Jamelie Lahood, who is behind in her Australian Tax Office (ATO) payments, is selling her Yowie Bay property.
It is part of an impressive property portfolio that peaked at $10 million plus. 
The Yowie Bay title comes with a February 2016 caveat from the ATO indicating she is working with the tax commissioner on her repayments.
The title also comes with a July 2016 caveat after she borrowed money from Fadi Ibrahim. 
She paid $3 million in 2011 for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-yowie+bay-124089490" target="_blank">the five bedroom Yowie Bay waterfront</a>.
Set on 1,151 square metres, the double brick residence is surrounded by glass wrapped walls which offer views over the Port Hacking River.
 <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/2016/11/29/yowie-one.jpg" alt="">
The alfresco dining area overlooks the in-ground pool and jacuzzi.
McGrath Brighton le Sands agents Bill Tsounias and Trent Tarbey have the listing.
<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/2016/11/29/yowie-two.jpg" alt="">
Her three bedroom Dural invstment has been recently sold for $2,777,000 having paid $465,000 in 1995.
A commercial space in Parramatta has been offloaded at $1.25 million.
One of her Merrylands properties is on the market for $975,000 after her $315,000 purchase in 1998.
The portfolio inludes a four bedroom Gladesville knockdown that cost $2.85 million and a $1.6 million four bedder in Helensvale that she bought last year.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.
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Madam Jamelie Lahood lists in Yowie Bay

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Major improvement works are planned for Victoria Park in inner Sydney next year.
The 9.2 hectare park, on the corner of Parramatta and City roads will receive an upgrade with more trees, plants, lighting and seating.
There will also be new table tennis tables and netball courts.
Northam Lake in the centre of the park will receive new stormwater filters and more wetland plants to improve water quality, while new paths will encourage more people to walk and spend time in the park.
“Victoria Park is an escape for more than 50,000 University of Sydney students – from my days going to the park after work at Fisher Library through to today’s students,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“It’s an important walking route for people who live in Camperdown, Glebe, Darlington and Chippendale and home to a mix of mature exotic and native trees.”
The improvement works, to start in January, include:
<ul>
<li>Path lighting to improve night-time safety and lighting for major events</li>
<li>New plants, paving and signs along City Road</li>
<li>New seats, bubblers and park signs</li>
<li>New table tennis tables and practice netball courts</li>
<li>Pollutant traps to filter stormwater flowing into Northam Lake</li>
<li>More wetland plants to improve water quality</li>
<li>A new perimeter loop path and an improved entry to Sydney University.</li>
</ul>
The park is a popular walking route and also hosts events, including the Mardi Gras Fair Day, Yabun Festival, Picnic in the Park and Soulfest.
<img src="/images/2016/11/22/Victoria%20Park%20artist%20impression%202.jpg" alt="">
Gazetted as a park in 1870, Victoria Park has a popular swimming pool and heritage items, including the Gardener’s Lodge, entry gates, piers, sandstone hob and palisade boundary fence.
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Major improvements planned for Victoria Park, Sydney 

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Savills will auction five land lots at Lindfield onsite on December 11.
The lots form part Eton Estate which comprises a total of 10 land lots.
The five remaining lots will be auctioned at a later date.
Located at 101 Eton Road, Lindfield, the lots range in size from 831 square metres to 880 square metres with a price guide starting around $1,890,000 plus.
Savills selling agent David Poppleton noted in the first week of launching there had been more than 150 enquiries.
With a median house price of $2,500,000, according to CoreLogic, Lindfield has witnessed significant growth in recent years.
Since 2011, Lindfield has seen a cumulative capital growth in median house prices of 52.6% compared to the wider Ku-Ring-Gai market at 47%.
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Five land lots for sale in Lindfield through Savills

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Durack has been ranked among the fastest Queensland locations to sell a house, according to a recent market report from Investar.
The property investment firm suggest vendors at Durack can expect their home to be on the market for 66 days before being sold.
This is followed by Birtinya at 68 days and Caloundra at 70 days.
<table border="1" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Dwelling type</td>
<td>Bedrooms</td>
<td>Days on market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Durack</td>
<td>4077</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Birtinya</td>
<td>4575</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caloundra</td>
<td>4551</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Algester</td>
<td>4115</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Newmarket</td>
<td>4051</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>71</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
This list was produced using live on the market sales listing data.
It is also calculated at both a dwelling type and bedroom number level. It is designed to identify the fastest moving suburbs based on the average days a listing spends on the market at a suburb and property type level.
Low average days on market indicates that the market is turning over stock quickly, which may signal that demand is stronger than supply.
Houses for sale at Durack at the median price of $392,000 include a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-durack-123066002" target="_blank">113 Durrang St</a> (above) that is for sale for $410,000.
Similarly a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-durack-123571182" target="_blank">8 Thistlebank St</a> (below) is for sale for $415,000.
<img src="/images/2016/10/07/8%20Thistlebank%20St%20.jpg" alt="">
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Durack is Queensland's fastest location to sell a house: Investar

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Registered overseas student training organization, City Institute, has secured office space in a heritage listed building in the Sydney CBD through Ray White Commercial.
City Institute has leased an approximately 236 sqm office tenancy at Level 2, 531 George Street, Sydney, the former Taito House building.
It was in an off market deal negotiated by Ray White Commercial South Sydney’s John Skufris on behalf of a private owner.
City Institute has previously occupied a tenancy on nearby Market St.
The Group also has other sites in the Sydney CBD and on the northern beaches.
531 George Street is a four level brick property constructed in Victorian free gothic style situated in the Southern CBD.
The building is now also occupied by the Albion Place Hotel.
Mr. Skufris said 531 George Street is situated about 100 metres from Town Hall station next to Meriton Tower "offering an existing fit out conducive to the tenant’s proposed use”.
City Institute has taken out a five-year lease at an initial gross rental of $120,360 per annum.
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City Institute secures office space in Taito House building in Sydney

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Clarence Property has bought their first industrial investment for $10.3 million in the Australia Trade Coast precinct in Murarrie near Brisbane.
Located within a five kilometre radius of both the international and domestic airports, 45 Alexandra Place is a modern industrial facikity.
Built in 2007, the property is spread over five units with 6,185 sqm of gross floor space. 
It comes with a yield of 7.5 percent with blue chip tenants such as Australia Post and TAB ensuring a sold income stream.
Clarence Property, a diversified funds manager with a portfolio of over $500 million in assets, have been looking at getting into the industrial market, according to John Slater, Colliers International director of industrial.
“Clarence Property have been looking at getting into the industrial market, and approached us with a buyer mandate to add to their Westlawn Property Trust which currently has over $200 million in assets.
“We went out to market targeting properties that fitted their requirements," John said.
"There is a lot of money in the market currently to buy, but a real shortage of appropriate assets to reinvest into.
“We approached OzProp Capital Pty Ltd with the opportunity, and in the end negotiated the price that they were happy with.
“This A Grade asset ticked all the boxes in terms of value, location and the fact it was multi tenanted, which spread the risk of lease expiries.
“The building has a very unique aspect, consisting of a corporate façade and high quality offices at the front, with warehouse and roller door access positioned at the back.
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Clarence Property $10.3m industrial investment in Murarrie

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Sydney's Clarence Street is in high demand with the former AMPCo Housing building refurbishment nearing completion.
The five storey secure office building at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-nsw-sydney-501938454" target="_blank">277 Clarence Street</a> provides whole floor tenancies from around 165 sqm.
Ray White Commercial South Sydney agent John Skufris is marketing the property.
"There are now just two whole floors remaining for lease at 277 Clarence Street offering good natural light from two sides and polished original timber floors throughout from $131,670 per annum," he said.
Laing &amp; Simmons CBD/Surry Hills are one of the latest to relocate to the building.
Principal Dean Applegate said that it was a good value opportunity.
"With current appetite for new super prime commercial floor space in the city, there has been some good value opportunities emerge such as 277 Clarence Street," Dean Applegate said.
"Accordingly, we have managed to secure the entire ground floor tenancy and injected a large amount of capital into the fit out which is fresh and also sympathetic to the character of the building.
"We have created a comfortable open plan environment from which we can provide the best possible level of service."
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Clarence Street suites in demand

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Joel Robinson

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X8K0Bozug7A?si=Puwc6vx_ZO0qQZF8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

First look: Scion plots Castle Hill apartment development near Hills Showground Metro Station

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its scaled-back plans for a pair of towers rising up to 49 storeys directly opposite Bella Vista Metro Station.

The builder-developer will deliver 674 apartments and a new mixed-use hub at the gateway to the station precinct.

The State Significant Development Application has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for the 6,979 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-11-mawson-avenue-bella-vista-nsw-2153">9-11 Mawson Avenue</a>, with the apartments sitting above a mixed-use podium. Initial plans were for closer to 900 apartments across two 40-storey towers.

Located around 30 metres from the Bella Vista Metro Station entrance, the development is intended to act as a catalyst for the long-planned Bella Vista Station Precinct, transforming a vacant site into a transit-oriented residential and commercial destination.

Planning documents describe the project as delivering "a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c08216-589e-490d-ad08-2d88b6fa62d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20podium.png?VersionId=3TnwjjQCNwTsmyQRaWnFrLTSAF0CJeka" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the project comprises 674 apartments, including 102 affordable housing dwellings representing 15 per cent of the residential floor space. The housing mix spans studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of townhouse-style residences integrated into the podium levels. The development also includes specialist disability accommodation and an elevated provision of adaptable and liveable housing.

The mixed-use podium has been designed to create an active urban centre around the Metro station, incorporating a 1,423 sqm supermarket, a 3,029 sqm gym, specialty retail spaces, a 100-place childcare centre and a publicly accessible "city room" community space. A secondary laneway, active frontages and landscaped public areas are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and strengthen links between the station precinct and surrounding neighbourhood.

In the project's design report, Turner said the proposal responds to Bella Vista's emerging role as a higher-density centre within Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

"The project transforms a strategically located site into a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting," the report states.

"Active frontages, a publicly accessible city room, a secondary laneway and a mix of uses including a local supermarket, child care centre and gym create a more complete and socially useful urban environment for residents, workers and the wider community."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fde6220-82de-4f6a-9b63-d0fd8157acc9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20da.png?VersionId=7hEmuSutH8plTd_RqqdmPu055F6qe554" />

Urban Property Group has been one of the busiest developers across Greater Sydney this year.

The developer is progressing around 1,000 apartments across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-urban-property-group-plans-next-major-wollongong-tower">two projects in Wollongong</a>, with several thousand more homes in the pipeline across Newcastle, Castle Hill, Little Bay and Penrith.

Staff reporter

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