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Alastair and Laurence sit down and discuss some of the larger news events this week - Suncorp signing up into a large development in Brisbane, Tullawong at the end of Sydney's new metro line going from strength to strength, Melbourne Airport's master plan release and the Victorian opposition are on a roll with public transport announcements in the lead up to the November 2018 election.

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urban.com.au

Weekly Podcast: Episode 24 - Suncorp in Brisbane, Tullawong, Baxter and Melbourne Airport

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State Government budget weeks are upon us again with QLD releasing its 2018-2019 budget this week and New South Wales delivering theirs next week.

Also - could you ever imagine a new tall residential proposal in the middle suburbs would have a whopping 43% of its units configured as 3 bedroom?

LongRiver Group's done just that in Melbourne's Box Hill at <a href="/news/longriver-groups-three-bedroom-surprise-for-their-third-box-hill-skyscraper">843 Whitehorse Road</a>.

And finally there's Australia's future top 10 tallest skyscrapers. Read more about them <a href="/news/top-10-future-tallest-buildings-in-australia">here</a>.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 18 - Queensland and NSW Budgets, LongRiver Group's Box Hill project, and Australia's future tallest skyscrapers

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This week Alastair sits down with Jo Garretty, Managing Director at Salt3 to talk traffic and waste management.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 17 - Jo Garretty from Salt3 discusses traffic and waste management

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You might have seen the proposal to build Melbourne's next tallest tower on the tiny triangle site fronting Victoria and La Trobe Street - well, Laurence sits down with Dylan Brady from deciBel Architecture to get the low-down... and he finds there's a lot more to this tower than just its height.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 16 - deciBel Architecture's Dylan Brady talks Magic Tower

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This week Laurence and Alastair discuss some of the news events of the week finishing up with the Federal Government's budget.

These include the flipping of the 55 Clarke Street site on Southbank, Probuild winning the contract for Stage 1 of Caydon's Malt District development in Cremorne, and the Woods Bagot and Hayball designed Carlton Connect project for the University of Melbourne.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 14 - Federal Budget Week 2018

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Laurence &amp; Alastair chew the fat on the Victorian Budget, released on the 1st of May 2018.

They're interested and keen to see more information on the plans for the apartment building exteriors standards. Dandenong's new stadium proposal gets a look in and they both lament the amount of road funding vis-a-vis new metropolitan public transport initiatives.

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Weekly Podcast: Episode 13 - Victorian Budget 2018

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Before you can begin your first house hunt, it’s crucial to get your finances in order. This means visiting a number of different brokers and determining the best home loan structure for you. You’ll want to get a number of quotes and compare home loans. Loans vary in a number of ways. But one thing is certain; unless you’re relying on the bank of mum and dad, or you’ve inherited some serious cash, almost everyone buying their first home needs to take out a loan of some form. Here is the breakdown of the different loans on offer, and what you need to know when choosing a home loan to get into your first home sooner.

<h2>1. Principal and interest loans</h2>

Principal and interest loans are by far the most popular. This is where you make regular payments against the principal, or the amount borrowed, and also pay interest. While you end up paying a lot more than the cost of the home, you have the ability to move in sooner. The loan is paid off over an agreed upon term, which may be anywhere up to 30 years.

There are then a number of different features that you can get with your principal and interest loan, including redraw facilities or offset accounts. These additional features will bump up the price.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/choosing-the-right-home-loan-02.jpg">

<h2>2. Interest-only loans</h2>

Interest-only loans involve a period of time where the borrower only has to pay off the interest on the loan, rather than the principal and the interest. Essentially, they are not paying off any of their original amount borrowed. This might seem counter intuitive, but most borrowers who opt for this choice will set up an offset account where they can choose to make extra repayments.

The problem with this strategy is that once the initial interest only period ends, after five years or so, then the borrowers have five years less to pay off the entirety of their loan, as well as continue paying interest. The repayments therefore end up being higher than if they had originally taken out a principal and interest loan.

To compare home loans across principal and interest or interest only, visit your local lender.

<h2>3. Variable interest rate loans</h2>

Lenders offer three key options when it comes to how they will accrue interest on your loan. A variable rate means that your interest rate will rise and fall as the market does. Securing a variable rate when interest rates are at a low point would be a strange choice, because they are likely to only go up.

<h2>4. Fixed interest rate loans</h2>

Fixed rate interest means that your interest rate is fixed, at a predetermined amount. Despite the market, your loan interest won’t budge. It is worth noting however, that these fixed rates are often only valid for part of the loan term, such as five years. After that, it may revert to a variable loan.

The problem with some fixed rate loans is that there are limitations on how many repayments you can make. Or perhaps there may be a higher fee if you wanted to relocate. After all, if you can pay off your loan too quickly, then the lender won’t be making interest off of you.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/choosing-the-right-home-loan-03.jpg">

<h2>5. Split interest rate loans</h2>

A split loan, where part of the loan is variable and part of it is fixed, allows the best of both worlds. You can often make extra repayments on the variable portion of the loan while still having the security of a fixed rate, just in case. You can compare home loans in all their pros and cons with your local broker.

<h2>6. Added features</h2>

As mentioned earlier, additional features tacked onto your loan can up some of the costs involved. But, it can be worth knowing about these features to determine if they could be the right choice for your loan.

An offset account is a savings account linked to your home loan. If there’s $20,000 in your savings account, then you only pay interest on your loan minus that $20,000. The more money is in that savings account, the more it will pay off. Alternatively, if you’re tempted to dip into your savings every now and then, this will not be a good option.

A redraw facility means that you can pay extra money into your loan, and then redraw that later if needed. This feature usually involves strict conditions or fees to redraw. Be sure to quiz your lender on the terms and conditions.

Line of credit loans are when you determine a credit limit, for example of $500,000. You can then spend up to that limit. Most often, wages go in in and living expenses come out of this account. As you repay the loan, the credit limit amount remains the same. This means that you can continually keep borrowing and paying off the loan, until the specified end date. These loans are not to be misused; they should be approached with caution and strict financial discipline.

 

Remember, going to a specialist broker to help you determine what you need to know when choosing a home loan. Amid application fees, valuation fees, monthly fees and trying to compare home loans, it takes a professional to be able to match you to a life-long financial fit.
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How To Choose The Right Home Loan

Melbourne living is desirable, to say the least. After being voted the World&rsquo;s Most Liveable City seven years in a row, it&rsquo;s a hotspot for developers, investors, and buyers alike. However,&nbsp;<a href="/news/top-20-melbourne-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">many suburbs in Melbourne have skyrocketed</a> past the budget limit for many buyers, who are left wondering how choosing the best suburb within their reach while still getting a taste of that popular Melbourne lifestyle is even possible.

The good news is that there are plenty of suburbs that haven&rsquo;t yet hit their peak. We&rsquo;ve collated the best suburbs to settle down in Melbourne, no matter whether you&rsquo;re a young professional, student, or are looking to start a family.

<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/i-m-relieved-melbourne-is-no-longer-the-world-s-most-liveable-city-20180814-p4zxfp">The Age&rsquo;s liveability report</a>&nbsp;notes a significant shift in the Melbourne market:&nbsp;the city is realigning from favouring the south to instead favouring the north. Whereas Melbourne&rsquo;s leafy, upmarket east has long been the centre of the real estate industry, more and savvier buyers are looking to the up and coming west for the new best suburbs.&nbsp;

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-abbotsford.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-abbotsford.jpg?itok=WzitTJys" title=" Wikimedia Commons" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Sophia Mundi Steiner School Campus at the Abbotsford Convent Site, looking towards the Melbourne Central Business District | photo by Rjob, source: Wikimedia Commons</figcaption>
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Jumping over 100 spots in the past year, <a href="/news/keilor-roads-last-car-dealership-goes-to-apartments-and-goes-super-green">Keilor Park</a>&nbsp;has been one of the best growth suburbs.&nbsp;As well as the nearby botanic gardens, it has seen a boost in cafe culture. With a median property price of around $730,000, it&rsquo;s on the list of many house hunters for good reason. Another star performer was Gladstone West, leaping over 60 points following from new development in the area improving transport and amenities.

The trendy inner north is slowly spreading further and further upwards, improving the scores for suburbs like Coburg North, Brunswick, and the tiny Princes Hill. A favourite for developers, some of the northern suburbs are known for having the largest variation in housing prices, meaning that investors could snap up a bargain, redevelop, and turn a decent profit.

<a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a>&nbsp;represents an attainable spot with good investment potential.&nbsp;Here you can make the most of the cafe culture that permeates the east and north, and the suburb was ranked 33 in terms of liveability. Alternatively, moving further out towards the east is feasible due to the incredibly well-established train lines. Suburbs like Box Hill have continued to rise, favoured by families for the amenities as well as cultural diversity.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-albert-park-lake.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-albert-park-lake.jpg?itok=UOJ06Xw8" title=" Flickr" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Albert Park Lake | photo by Lindsay Evans, source:&nbsp;<a href="https://flic.kr/p/5my5m9" target="_blank">Flickr</a></figcaption>
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Looking south, <a href="/developments/albert-park-vic-3206">Albert Park</a> ranked in the top ten for the best suburbs throughout all of Australia in the Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2016. St Kilda West deserves a mention for topping this survey, however, the steep price tag of the laid-back beachside lifestyle is too rich for most.

Taking advantage of these suburbs without actually buying into them is something that buyers have been eager to do for a long time. Purchasing in adjacent suburbs, such as Windsor, mean that it&rsquo;s possible to enjoy the <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda West</a> lifestyle from only a few minutes&rsquo; drive away, and avoid paying the huge costs.

Regardless of which point of the compass is your cue, there are pockets of property throughout Melbourne that are continuing to perform well. The top consideration remains your financial limitations, keeping in mind that you&rsquo;ll need money to actually enjoy living in your new home, on top of simply <a href="/guides/how-to-secure-a-mortgage-free-lifestyle-sooner">paying the mortgage</a>.

Suburban living is about getting in touch with your neighbours and the community and enjoying the &lsquo;village&rsquo; feel at the heart of an area, whether that&rsquo;s a main street or a town square. The best strategy is to identify areas that are <a href="/guides/looking-for-a-home-on-a-budget-here-are-10-melbourne-apartments-under-385-000">within your budget</a>, before going out and spending some time just being there and soaking up the atmosphere.

One of the most <a href="/guides/top-7-tips-on-how-to-value-a-house">common mistakes</a> is that buyers rule out potential suburbs because they turn their nose up at the name. Melbourne is shifting so rapidly, that an area can completely turn around in a few short years. <a href="/buildings/nbh-at-lachlan-s-line-25-27-epping-road-macquarie-park">Choosing the best suburbs</a> that fit how you want to live your life is hard without actually experiencing it yourself. Keep an open mind, take notes, and take the time to figure out your priorities, separating your &#39;must-have&#39;&nbsp;from your &#39;nice to have&#39;.

Note how long it takes you to get there, what there is to see and do, and take a walk through the streets to <a href="/news/6-of-australia-s-top-sustainable-architectural-design-trends">appreciate the architecture</a>. All of these things are a part of finding the best suburbs to settle down in, whether you&rsquo;re looking for an inner fringe bustle or a lazy coastal retreat.

Where and Why? (Melbourne’s Best Lifestyle Suburbs)

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Micro houses, or tiny houses, have taken the internet and the real world by storm. These miniature dwellings take up no more land than a bedroom or two, instead utilising clever design, multiple functionality and innovative storage solutions to make them fully sustainable as long-term homes.

<h2>Eco friendly</h2>

As well as being better for the back pocket, micro houses are often carbon neutral or highly environmentally friendly, and most are transportable which means your home can be anywhere in the world that you choose. Without the space for clutter, it encourages a more ethical and considered approach to consumerism. Tiny home owners learn to reuse, recycle and repurpose, rather than waste. Added to that, there are far fewer resources which go into the construction and maintenance of this style of living. From a glance, it seems like learning to live in smaller spaces while making do with fewer things could be way of the future, and a way in to homeownership in a time of housing affordability uncertainty.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/micro-houses-2.jpg">

<h2>In Demand</h2>

It seems like the market is ripe for the tiny houses trend. Single person households are only set to continue growing, and people are more and more eager to move closer to the CBD. There’s obviously only a certain amount of ground space available, so it makes sense that developers should be looking to capitalise on smaller apartments and housing. The advantages of small housing are plentiful, and one of the main ones is that it allows people to live much closer to the culture, amenities, institutions and lifestyle that big cities can offer. There is a demand for small homes which incorporate good design and don’t necessarily mean that you have to compromise the way you live your life.

<h2>Doing More with Less Space</h2>

While Australia is one of the most spacious countries on the planet, there is still high competition to reside in those desirable areas: on the beach, on the river, or in the heart of the city. And we are naturally moving away from the Great Australian Dream of a large backyard and a full-sized family home. Block sizes are becoming smaller as owners choose to subdivide, backyards are being traded for courtyards, and land ownership is being traded for a floor in an apartment building.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/micro-houses-3.jpg">

<h2>Restrictions and Roadblocks</h2>

But the fact of the matter is that tiny houses remain off the table for so many of us because of planning regulations which exist across Australia. On top of this, some banks refuse to lend for houses of less than 50 square metres. Why is there such a push back when it seems like this could be the answer to our housing affordability problems?

Most of the hesitation seems to stem from predictions of how allowing the widespread development of tiny houses would actually play out. Developers and legislation makers alike have noted that while good design can make a tiny house a smart investment, most of the ones that will be built are like to cut corners and be cramped, predicting plummeting values when those first owners look to sell. Some have gone so far to say that allowing micro houses to be developed will create the slums of tomorrow.

But designers disagree, and retaliate that this thinking is stunting our creativity, our ability to move forward, and our ability to come up with a viable solution for the housing affordability crisis. When viewing some of the floor plans and rendered model of micro houses, it becomes apparent that there is endless opportunity to think creatively, and design well, when you’ve only got a small space to work with. From fold out tables, to mezzanine beds and multipurpose furniture, the sky’s the limit. While these features might initially appeal to students, graduates and alternative thinkers, there is certainly a place for tiny houses in the mainstream.

Others have argued that placing restrictions on apartment and house sizes means that a desirable lifestyle is only attainable for the already wealthy. Just as we have the freedom to choose a hatchback or an SUV, we should too have the option to buy housing on the smaller end of the scale if we choose.

But those fears do serve as a warning, that new homeowners, whether building or buying, should always think carefully about their investment for long-term profitability. While there are plenty of advantages of small housing, good design for these dwellings is even more important.
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Why Micro Houses? Why Not?

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With house prices on a constant hike, and the number of homeowners steadily falling over the past three decades, some suggest that today’s young home renters will become permanent renters. In 1986, the number of young people aged 25-34 who owned their own home was almost 60%, whereas recent census data has seen that figure dip to around 45%, with a particularly noticeable fall over the past 10 years.

And while the struggle for young people entering the housing market has been well documented, the decline has also been felt among older age brackets, leading experts to believe that not only will it be later in life that today’s Gen Ys and millennials will be able to buy, but that they may never be able to buy at all. For single-income households, buying is almost entirely out of the question.

<h2>Supply and Demand</h2>

The demand for homes is sky-high. As our metropolitan populations across the country grow, the rate of construction simply can’t keep up. And while new developments are popping up on city fringes, inner suburban lots are becoming more valuable than ever. Added to this are the increasingly low interest rates and tiny minimum deposits, meaning people who are able to buy are taking out astronomical mortgages. Equity is increasingly becoming a necessity to be able to buy, further favouring those already in the market.

<h2>A Shifting Demographic Spread</h2>

What does all this mean for where you might be living? As the cities and desirable inner suburbs become exclusively baby boomer populated, young families and professional couples are being pushed further and further out. No longer is renting akin to student housing, spending a few years in a share house until completion of studies; it’s becoming the only option for a larger share of younger generations. We’re seeing a polarisation of demographic spread. Today’s children are more likely to experience their childhood in a townhouse or apartment rather than a traditional Australian backyard.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/young-home-renters-as-permanent-1.jpg">

<h2>Increasing Rental Stress</h2>

But even renting is no walk in the park. As if it wasn’t enough that home ownership is soaring out of reach, many young renters are under extreme rental stress, paying between a third and half of their household income on rent alone. Affordability of rent for young home renters is in sharp decline for a number of reasons. In a society where we’ve been brought up thinking that with hard work and a good education, the world is our oyster, young people are having to work longer hours while studying, just to put a roof over their heads. Priorities are turning towards income at an earlier age, rather than careers.

<h2>A Financially Responsible Generation</h2>

And with this increased portion of income being directed toward rent, or saving for the elusive first home, experts have applauded today’s young home renters for being the most financially responsible. Compared to their parents, who spent more money on food and non-essential items like cars, household goods and clothes, today’s young people spend their money on housing and education first.

<h2>The Way Forward</h2>

While the market for first home buyers is tough, it is by no means entirely inaccessible. As more and more young buyers are looking further out of our city centres, the ‘outer suburbs’ are losing much of their stigma. Young couples and singles are turning towards off the plan apartments and homes in these areas for the notable advantage of a smaller upfront cost.

Once first home buyers have secured that first purchase, there is considerable opportunity to take advantage of this growth—what was once a barrier, can in fact be a positive. Indeed, there is a growing number of first home buyers who are choosing to avoid the traditional owner–occupier pathway, and instead opt to secure their first home as an investment while they continue to rent themselves.

After all, renting is becoming a more favourable option in many aspects. In October 2017, reforms to tenancy laws in Victoria gave renters more rights, including being allowed to keep pets, accessing smaller bonds to improve the affordability of rent for young renters, and negotiating longer term leases.

Regardless of the pathway taken, first home buyers must focus on research, getting to know their own financial limits, and taking a fresh approach to entering the market. While the trend may be growing in regards to permanent renting, it is certainly not to say that securing a home is off the table.
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Young Home Renters as ‘Permanent Renters’?

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

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Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

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