<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
CoreLogic announces the appointment of Shelley Horton as the new general manager of valuation solutions Australasia. Shelley will bring a new perspective to CoreLogic valuation partners as they navigate an evolving landscape of digital disruption and business transformation.
Shelley started her career as a registered property valuer, has held leadership roles at Genworth, and consulted on valuations operations and strategy to major CoreLogic banking clients. She has unparalleled experience across the real estate, valuation, banking and finance and mortgage insurance industries.
In her new role, Shelley will oversee all aspects of CoreLogic’s valuation solutions, including the panel management function, with the goal of further growing the leadership footprint in Australia and New Zealand by supporting valuation firms to address their day-to-day challenges. One of her main purposes will be to help the valuation industry in its goals to grow, manage risks, and optimise operational performance for our shared clients.
Shelley Horton said, “The valuation industry plays a key role supporting many important sectors of the economy and I am excited about partnering with the industry as it continues to evolve in the information age and to help drive innovation, efficiencies and sound risk management solutions that embrace the use of data, analytics and technology.”
In closing, CoreLogic General Manager, Industry Solutions James Vaughan said, “This is the start of an exciting new era for CoreLogic. We are really looking forward to embark on a journey with our valuation partners and empower them to fulfil their goals. Shelley has a great track record in working in complex multi stakeholder environments and driving outcomes through the power of innovation, data and collaboration.”
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Shelley Horton appointed as general manager of valuation solutions Australasia: CoreLogic

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Australian affordable build to rent developer, Assemble Communities, today announced that AustralianSuper has invested in the company.
Australia’s largest superannuation fund has purchased a 25 per cent share in the company and will have the opportunity to invest in Assemble Communities’ pipeline of projects.
This investment will enable the developer to grow its ‘rent with the option to buy’ property portfolio, known as the Assemble Model, which addresses housing affordability and access to homeownership.
Strategic investment company, MAKE Ventures, which acquired Assemble Communities in 2014, is co-investing up to $50 million and making available the majority of their project pipeline—in excess of 4,000 dwellings and 120,000 sqm of non-residential programming—to be delivered by Assemble Communities.
Assemble Communities Managing Director, Kris Daff, said this significant investment signals the company’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing options is attractive to institutional capital partners, and Assemble now has the ability to scale to meet market demand for affordable housing and build to rent opportunities.
AustralianSuper’s Head of Property, Bevan Towning, said he expected the investment will provide good long-term returns for members while also addressing a significant social issue.
“AustralianSuper is proud to be investing in an Australian company that is innovating in affordable housing,” Mr Towning said.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Assemble Communities has a growing pipeline of projects including 393 Macaulay Road, Kensington (currently under construction); and 15 Thompson Street, Kensington (with applications currently open)— both delivered under the Assemble Model. The future pipeline includes an additional site in Melbourne’s inner north, with the developer actively considering future sites.
Assemble Communities also completed 122 Roseneath Street, Clifton Hill in 2018.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

AustralianSuper purchased 25% share in Assemble Communities

<html><body>
The real estate sales and marketing company Oliver Hume has appointed Julian Coppini as chief executive officer to its project marketing division. 
Mr Coppini, 41, is currently chief operating officer of project marketing.
he first joined the company as chief financial officer in 2015. 
As chief executive officer – project marketing, Mr Coppini will be responsible for a team of more than 100 employees managing a portfolio of projects across Victoria and South East Queensland valued at more than $5 billion.
Oliver Hume currently manages sales and marketing for 40 projects on behalf of more than 20 developers across the country. 
Corporation group managing director Michael Duster said the appointment recognised Mr Coppini’s contribution to the business over the last five years.
“Julian has done an outstanding job since joining Oliver Hume in February 2015 and will be focused on leading the Project Marketing team as well as driving technology innovation in the company's systems, processes and workflows,” he said. 
“Julian has provided strong leadership over recent months as the business adjusted to the coronavirus crisis and is the right person to lead us into the future.” 
Oliver Hume specialises in the delivery of new residential property developments throughout Australia. For over 65 years, the company has been offering expert services to the development industry including project marketing, project and corporate advisory, property fund syndication, development site sales and acquisitions and property and asset management. 
Mr Coppini was appointed chief financial officer of the Oliver Hume group in early 2015 before being appointed chief operating officer of the company’s real estate agency business (Project Marketing division) in early 2016.
After graduating from RMIT with a bachelor of business, Julian commenced his career with leading accounting firm KPMG, where he spent seven years in the assurance division primarily focusing on the property industry.
He was appointed group financial controller of listed pharma group Sigma Pharmaceuticals in 2007 before being appointed in 2010 as chief financial officer of Australia’s largest privately owned construction development company, Grocon Pty Ltd.
</body></html>

Oliver Hume appoints Julian Coppini as project marketing division boss

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
HIA welcomes the release of crucial final touches to the Federal Government’s HomeBuilder scheme. 
The addition of this extra detail will clarify questions builders and home buyers have been asking since the scheme was announced on 4 June.
The HomeBuilder grant has already boosted interest in buying a new home or carrying out a renovation project. Builders are feeling positive about the next six months of activity and equally important is the potential the scheme has to generate activity in 2021. The new details will make this interest even stronger.
The Government has announced three key refinements to HomeBuilder:
<ul>
<li>allowing the necessary time for home buyers to arrange their finance approvals, building approvals and meet other legal requirements before work is required to commence, rather than the fixed three month timeframe initially announced; </li>
<li>clarification that a sales contract for a home purchased off the plan will be eligible in the same way as a building contract, and</li>
<li>aligning the process with the current timing of payments for first home owner grants for new homes. </li>
</ul>
These updates will give greater certainty to home buyers and their builders about what projects potentially qualify for the grant. 
Recognising that a fixed three month timeframe to commence building work did not reflect how dependent home builders are on other players, like the banks, the councils and building certifiers, is extremely important and a welcome update.
While the state and territory revenue offices now need to outline the final details of how applicants will apply for the grant and timing of payment, the new information clearly addresses key concerns HIA had raised with Government.
HIA has been working closely with state and territory revenue offices and we look forward to receiving these details soon, which will assist home buyers and builders begin taking full advantage of the grant. 
The HomeBuilder grant provides the incentive and the support needed to maintain housing activity in the second half of 2020.
Kristin Brookfield is the HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy
</body></html>

Final touches add certainty to HomeBuilder scheme: HIA's Kristin Brookfield

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Exclusive funds management company, CF Property Capital, has announced its Chiodo Diversified Property Fund has hit $50 million in funds under management (FUM), receiving a 5-crown rating from Financial Express.
With over 300 notable investors involved, CF Property Capital started raising funds in late 2016.
CF Property Capital’s Executive Director, Ilya Frolov said, “In the Investment Centre of the Money Management Fund Database, we’re the only 5-crown rated property fund (listed and direct) to be returning a positive return on investment this year."
“This year we’re planning to finalise and complete three projects, which means dividends back to our investors as well recycling the funds into new projects and developers,” says Frolov.
Despite Covid-19 affecting the industry and investor confidence, Ilya is expecting a rebound later this year.
“We’re seeing an impact that sits somewhere between 5 per cent per quarter that is locked down. If the lockdown is released and people can get back to some form of normality, the property prices will stay at the 5 per cent drop."
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
“We’re also looking at the immigration situation closely and travel restrictions, which are highly correlated with the demand for new and existing residential properties. Once international travel restrictions and immigration borders are open, we will most likely see a rebound to above pre-COVID-19 figures.”
Principal Paul Chiodo said CF Property Capital has proven itself to be a consistent and fruitful investment option compared to most alternatives, nationally.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

CF Property Capital receives 5-Crown rating forecasting market rebound

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Leading residential real estate group, McGrath Estate Agents, today announced the opening of a new office in Mansfield Victoria.
McGrath Mansfield will be led Kate McDougall and Allana Neely who were formerly at The Agency Victoria.
McGrath Mansfield will service a large area from Swanpool in the North, to Eildon in the South, Merton in the West to Mount Buller in the East. Key suburbs will include Mansfield, Jamieson, Barjarg, Piries, Merrijig, Tolmie and Ancona.
McGrath moved into Albury/Wodonga earlier this year.
Founder John McGrath has reinforced his view that regional areas in close proximity to large towns and cities will be particularly desirable as people reassess their lifestyle options.
“I believe the ability to work remotely and commute as needed is now a more acceptable part our everyday life and will no doubt impact property choices for many outside the traditional FIFO worker," McGrath said.
"We have long earmarked the growth of regional areas that are attractive for their lifestyle and affordability and anticipate a further migration trend post COVID-19.”
Mansfield Shire, situated in North East Victoria, is in close proximity to Melbourne and other regional centres (Shepparton, Wangaratta and Benalla) and easily accessed – 2.5 hours and 1 hour respectively.
It is equally close to the Albury airport with a two-hour drive that offers accessibility for both the modern commuter or tourist, attracted to its nearby lakes, national parks and ski fields.
Christopher Mourd, head of franchise network for McGrath Estate Agents said the opening was part of the overall strategy to service our clients effectively as they often make a migrational shift around future lifestyle and property choices.
 
</div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
 
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

McGrath open new office in Mansfield, Victoria

<html><body>
The Ray White Rural network has welcomed Chris Goscomb, the owner and one of the senior auctioneers at NASCO Auctioneers.
For Brisbane-based Chris Goscomb, the former stock and station agent from Gunnedah NSW, he was attracted to the broad reach and scale of the fast growing rural network with key business owners in every state and territory of Australia.  
We’ve been on a good healthy growth path over the past six years, Mr Goscomb said. “Customers come to us if they want to buy or sell all kinds of stuff like machinery, vehicles, trucks, boats, tractors, plant and equipment.”  
NASCO conducts monthly auctions in Brisbane with their vendors typically being local and state government departments, finance groups, corporations, agriculture, rental companies, earth-moving and civil companies.  
They prioritise online technology which enables buyers to bid anywhere in the world via their smart device. 
Ray White Rural Managing Director Stephen Nell said he was excited about the potential that NASCO Auctioneers offers the broader agricultural network. 
“NASCO will be natural extension of our business given our company sells a lot of rural property and clearing sales are quite often included in those listings. All our members will now have a referral to assist them when selling their clients farm machinery. For the disposal of fleet, agriculture and machinery items everyone outside of Queensland will know to go to NASCO."
</body></html>

Ray White Rural welcomes NASCO Auctioneers into the group

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The Burwood Brickworks residential community has reached a new milestone with all four apartment buildings currently under construction officially “topped out” this week.
Frasers Property Australia’s newest community in Melbourne’s east is currently  three weeks ahead of schedule.
Sarah Bloom, General Manager Residential Victoria for Frasers Property Australia says the topping out milestone is great news for residents eager to move in.
“It’s fantastic to see the progress of all four apartment buildings and it means we will welcome the first of our new apartment residents by Christmas,” Ms Bloom says.
The buildings comprise 267 apartments in total and are being constructed by Hacer Group. Hacer Group will now complete the interior of the buildings with the first apartments expected to be completed in December.
The apartments have proven popular with buyers at the mixed-use community, with just two apartments remaining for sale. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
To date, the apartments have attracted a range of buyers from first-home buyers, to empty-nesters, families and investors. 
The two apartments still for sale are premium two-bedroom apartments and include two bathrooms, two car spaces and north-facing views of the Urban Plaza and village green, priced at $745,000. 
The next and final apartment precinct at Burwood Brickworks is currently in planning stages.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Burwood Brickworks tops out ahead of schedule

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Residential construction plays a vital role in supporting jobs both on and off building sites across Australia.
It has the second largest economic multiplier of the 114 industries that make up the Australian economy, according to new analysis.
Nine jobs are supported across the economy for every $1 million spent on residential construction, the report, Building Jobs: How Residential Construction Drives the Economy, found.
The data came from the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’s (NHFIC) research unit which found residential construction contributes around five per cent to annual gross domestic product (GDP) accounting for about 134,000 jobs.
Of the total of nine jobs, around four can be considered on-site jobs, while the remaining five can be considered off-site, people who supply materials and other off-site services.
<div class="page" title="Page 7">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
The average cost of building a home in Australia is around $320,000.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Commenting on the research, NHFIC CEO Nathan Dal Bon said this meant that every new home built generated an average of three jobs throughout a range of industries, based on the average dwelling construction cost.
“Understanding how residential construction activity may affect jobs and flow through to the broader economy is increasingly important and timely, given the impact of COVID-19,” Mr Dal Bon said.
It comes at a time when data shows substantial job losses have already occurred in the construction industry following the onset of COVID-19.
Recent ABS payroll data showed that employment fell by 5.8 percent between March and May.
The NHFIC’s research unit, established this year by the Federal Government, has dual roles. It is to undertake independent housing related research and also to monitor housing demand, supply and affordability across Australia.
The Building Jobs report, which draws on the most recent available data from the 2017-18 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) input-output tables released last month, found that $1 million of output in residential construction supports around $2.9 million of industry output and consumption across the broader economy.
Relative to other industries, residential construction activity has strong economy spillovers in terms of economic output and jobs, particularly when there is spare capacity. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/6/19/4_Construction.png" alt="">
The employment impact on construction services such as plumbing, electrical, bricklaying and carpentry is almost four times that of any other industry connected to the residential construction industry, the report found.
Recent insights from internal discussions within the Reserve Bank of Australia highlighted its such a vitally important industry in the Australian economy in terms of its contribution to jobs and economic growth.
<div class="page" title="Page 86">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Demand for new housing remains weak. 
Builders of detached housing expect the recent weak demand to weigh on construction activity and cash flow beyond their current pipeline of around four to nine months.
The pipeline of residential construction work in the major east coast markets is at the longer end of this range, the RBA noted.
Builders and developers report that domestic banks and non‐bank financiers have become more conservative in their lending. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
It assumed 20 per cent of the labour force in the construction sector will be unable to work at some point in the June and September quarters.
The RBA economist Richard Evans anticipated the negative confidence shock higher than that experienced in the global financial crisis.
There was a late April RBA memo indicating demand for new housing had declined substantially since mid-March and was expected to decrease further.
"There have been sharp falls in sales, enquiries and foot traffic following the introduction of stricter containment measures," it noted.
There were increases in contract cancellation rates, particularly for new detached houses and greenfield land, so financial risks had increased for builders and developer as a result of the decline in demand for new housing.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Residential construction is vital to the Economy: NHFIC

<html><body>
Ray White Group managing director Dan White and Loan Market executive Chairman Sam White took to the virtual stage last night to explain why current market activity should give customers confidence to sell now rather than wait.     The webinar, that has been watched by more than 3,000 viewers, followed on from the success of the most recent Landlord Information Webinar and addressed property owners looking to sell in the next year.   “At a time when there’s so much conflicting commentary and confusion about the state and outlook of the property market, we wanted to talk directly to our customers about what’s happening now,” Mr Dan White said.  " “The one thing we have been reminded about over the past few months is the deep resilience of the Australian property market and the great love Australians have for it."   “People looking to sell need to know that the real estate industry has remained very active despite restrictions starting two to three months ago."
“During April and May, we served nearly 9,000 Australian families and businesses, representing over $4.4 billion of property. We also conducted 1,025 online auctions, with a better auction day clearance rate than the same months last year – prices also remained strong."   “When you look at our suite of office sites, they’ve had 9,640,000 – more than a third of the Australian population – visit, and that’s up 24 per cent on last year."    “The competition for property is as strong as ever – and with demand very much outstripping supply right now – there’s never been a better time to list your property." “Addressing the question of whether to sell now or wait, given the conditions we're seeing now and the potential risks in the market later this year, it seems hard to see why anyone would wait."
<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/2020/6/19/27_Webinar%20Ray%20White.jpg" alt="">   Loan Market Executive Chairman Sam White said buyers were confident and that was driven by the finance market and the support given to buyers from Australian banks.    “Banks and other major lenders have generally been very aggressive in trying to attract customers. We’ve seen this through very low-interest rates and specials, as well as banks offering customers cash incentives to refinance existing loans to them,” he said."   “Interest rates are at historical lows. For owner-occupied loans, we’ve seen variable rates from 2.63 per cent."
“Fixed rates are even lower, with rates starting from 2.09 per cent, a figure you can lock in for two years. It's important you understand all the conditions that go with a fixed rate as restrictions may exist on your ability to make additional payments, as an example."   “Longer-term, there seems broad agreement that Australia’s fundamentals post-COVID-19 should remain strong. Property investment has, and will always be, a long-term investment.”
</body></html>

Ray White believe the time to sell is now

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]

Staff reporter

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News