<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

Australia Post is one of the country’s most trusted institutions, powering one of the largest delivery networks in Australia. As online shopping continues to scale, Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online.

That scale of eCommerce activity has fundamentally changed expectations around how and when parcels arrive, and what happens when someone isn't home.

<h3>Problem solved with Parcel Lockers</h3>

The traditional alternatives to home delivery are far from ideal. Buildings can rely on reception teams to manage deliveries, which introduces ongoing staffing costs and liability concerns. Parcels can be left in common areas, which creates security and aesthetic issues. Or residents are redirected to nearby Post Offices for collection, which shifts the inconvenience rather than solving it.

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The data behind that frustration is significant. Nationally, around 9 per cent of deliveries are carded, meaning the recipient was not home and must collect the parcel from a Post Office. That figure reflects the national average reported between November 2025 and January 2026. In Melbourne, that figure rises to 20 per cent. In high-density living, it climbs again to 28 per cent. In other words, more than one in four deliveries in Melbourne apartment buildings results in a failed first attempt.

<h3>How Parcel Lockers work</h3>

The mechanics are simple. When a parcel arrives, the resident receives a notification either through the Australia Post app or via SMS. They scan a QR code, use their one-time PIN and the compartment opens. The parcel is secure, accessible and removed from the lobby floor.

Located in thoughtfully chosen, easily accessible areas, including external building interfaces, mixed-use precincts or shared communal zones, Parcel Lockers enhance convenience without requiring internal building access or additional operational oversight.

<h3>The scale of the network</h3>

This expansion represents Australia Post's largest investment in parcel infrastructure to date, building on momentum that began in 2011 when the first 24 Parcel Locker sites were introduced.

Today the Australia Post Parcel Locker network spans over 1,400 locations and more than 105,000 individual compartments, with major investment already underway to significantly expand the network further.

<h3>What it means for developers and building operators</h3>

A Parcel Locker bank is free to install and free for residents to use. That removes one of the primary barriers to adoption and shifts the conversation from cost to integration.

Australia Post's preference is to engage with developers during the design phase. That allows Parcel Lockers to be located in a considered, publicly accessible space that works for residents and the broader community. Retrofit is possible, and existing buildings can be assessed, but the strongest results occur when Parcel Lockers are treated as part of the core services plan rather than a bolt-on solution.

While the iconic Australia Post red is widely recognised, Parcel Lockers can also be delivered in more muted palettes such as beige or green to align with architectural intent.

For developers, they offer a tech-forward amenity that meets modern expectations, a reduction in courier congestion and building-management load supporting lower emissions and better ESG outcomes, and a meaningful marketability advantage in high-density, eCommerce-active areas, all at no cost for installation and maintenance, with Australia Post funding the program aside from power access.

<h3>Who's using them</h3>

Generational shopping behaviours show strong, sustained growth across all cohorts. Millennials (27–43) led online spend in 2024, contributing nearly $25 billion. Baby Boomers (60–78) increased their online spend by 17.6 per cent, becoming the fastest-growing adopters. Gen Z (13–26) and Gen X (44–59) continue to lean on delivery services as part of their everyday shopping habits.

Internationally, uptake is even more pronounced. Overseas markets are seeing rapid adoption by both developers and consumers, positioning Parcel Lockers as standard infrastructure in many new residential projects. For Melbourne's development community, this signals a shift in baseline expectations. Just as secure bike storage and dedicated parcel rooms have become more common, integrated Parcel Locker networks may soon be viewed as part of the essential service mix.

<h3>The bigger picture</h3>

Parcel Lockers aren't just a logistics fix. Developers invest heavily in lobby design, materials, lighting and landscaping to shape first impressions. Yet a stack of unattended parcels can undo that effort in an instant. Embedding parcel infrastructure early allows projects to respond to how people actually live today, supporting resident satisfaction, reducing operational strain and aligning with broader community and ESG outcomes.

As Belinda Quinn, Senior Transaction Manager – Retail &amp; Out of Home at Australia Post, puts it, residents increasingly expect delivery solutions that align with real life, are flexible, secure and available whenever they need them.

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

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Its style has been described as Clockwork Orange-meets-Vogue Living – The QT Sydney hotel opens mid-September with $400-plus nightly weekend room rates.
Billed as Sydney's first true designer hotel, the 200 guest rooms come in 12 different styles set across the upper 12 levels of the Palazzo-style Gowings building and State Theatre in Sydney. Art curator Amanda Love has carriage of its art installations.
Hoping to bring a little pizazz to George Street, reviving its theatrical and retail past, it will come with two restaurants, Gowings Bar &amp; Grill and Parlour Lane Roasters cafe; spaQ with six treatment rooms; a men's barber shop; plus a Hammam-inspired steam room.
Amalgamated Holdings bought the Gowings building in April 2006 for $69 million and has spent close to that on demolition and redevelopment of the retail area.
It adjoins the historic State Theatre, which has also had a facelift.
The ground floor has been leased to the British Topshop fashion chain for its flagship Sydney store.
Amalgamated and QT Sydney managing director David Seargeant says great effort has been undertaken to retain the features of the Gowings building, including the mosaic and timber floors.
QT is Australia’s newest hotel brand.
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Clockwork Orange-meets-Vogue Living: The QT Sydney

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Modern journalism is about sitting around twiddling your thumbs, before springing to life whenever a media handout from a company or lobby group comes across your desk. 
This is when 21st-century journalists earn their pay. Quickly and expertly, they stylishly re-write the press release. Job done. Then it’s off to the cafeteria for another coffee. 
Surveys have found that most of the articles in newspapers today are press release re-writes. I track the output of hacks writing about real estate for big-city newspapers and find that many never stray from the easy-street path of regurgitating propaganda from industry groups. All their articles have just one source: the individual or organization who sent in the press release. 
This is how the idea of “a housing shortage crisis” has come to be accepted as fact by media outlets around Australia. 
The people who send them press releases say it’s the case, so why would they doubt it. 
Here’s the problem. It’s a lie. Not a mistake, but a lie – one that has been carefully and obsessively constructed by vested interests over several years. 
There is no shortage. Indeed, all the evidence contradicts it. The evidence is so compelling that there is only one explanation for journalists’ inability to see it: extraordinary incompetence and laziness in equal measure. 
The argument put forward, almost daily, by the building industry is that Australia is not building enough new homes. Their talking heads claim there is strong demand but the nation has failed to satisfy that demand, to the extent that we have a shortfall of over 200,000 homes. I keep asking where those 200,000-plus households are living (under bridges? in tents?), but no one has an answer. 
Economic laws dictate that this means we should have rising prices and rents. Indeed, given the serious nature of the shortage – usually characterised as “chronic” – prices and rents must be soaring, with double-digit annual growth. 
But the opposite has happened. Prices, generally speaking, have fallen in all our major cities over the past two years. Strong demand, a chronic shortage, yet prices have fallen. Have we slipped into a parallel universe? 
Vacancies in many parts of Australia tend towards the low side of the 3% mark considered to be a balanced market, but not by a great margin. In “a chronic housing shortage crisis” vacancies would be near zero, but the average across Australia is around 2%, according to SQM Research. 
Here’s further evidence: In several of Australia’s biggest residential markets, including Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast, developers are offering incentives to induce consumers to buy their products. Free tropical getaways, new cars, fees waived, all kinds of monetary inducements. 
Why? Because they can’t shift their product any other way. There are too many new dwellings and not enough demand.
 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
The weakest part of the “housing shortage crisis” argument is the way the industry comes up with its figures. It compares how many houses have been built with how many “should have” been built. They call this latter figure “underlying demand”, which some media sources accept as gospel but which is, in fact, a piece of self-serving speculation. 
The reality is that the number of houses built is dictated by consumer demand. When a first-home buyer secures a block of land and puts in a building application, a new dwelling gets built. If 1,000 new homes are built in a given area, it’s because consumers have directly demanded that number. It’s ridiculous to claim that 2,000 “should have” been built. Where’s the demand for the extra 1,000? 
The final nail in the coffin of the shortage argument is this simple question: if the building industry genuinely believes there is unsatisfied demand for new houses, why don’t builders construct more houses? That’s their function in society, isn’t it? Stop whingeing and start building. 
But in many of Queensland’s major markets there are already too many dwellings, particularly new apartments and townhouses. The Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, the Fraser Coast, Townsville, the Whitsundays and Cairns all fit this category. Prices today are lower than they were five years in many of these places. 
In Surfers Paradise, the median unit price has dropped almost 10% in five years. In Noosa, the median today is 22% lower than it was in 2007. 
A shortage? Get real. 
Recently I saw a stark example of how the shortage propaganda comes to be accepted as fact. 
Someone sent off a press release that claimed north-east Victoria was in “a housing crisis”. Population growth was set to far outstrip building starts over the next 20 years. Demand would artificially inflate rents and push many people into tenancies and mortgages they cannot afford. Homelessness and demand on public housing would worsen. 
Naturally, The Border Mail newspaper in Albury-Wodonga published it all as fact, under a headline that screamed “Housing crisis to get worse”. 
But note that the “housing crisis” and all those nightmarish consequences are nothing more than a prediction by an organisation that consults to the building industry. It’s all based on someone’s forecast that the region won’t build enough houses over the next 20 years. Do they have a crystal ball?  A time machine? 
I can’t think of a part of Australia less likely to have a chronic shortage than Albury-Wodonga. There’s buckets of land available, with local councils eager to facilitate new development. The Wodonga Council has just published plans for a new town of 35,000 to cater for demand over the next 40 years. Other locales that are part of the twin border cities are projected to grow exponentially over the next 30 years, including Thurgoona and Wirlinga. 
So there’s no land shortage. And affordability isn’t a major issue: the median house price for North Albury is $195,000, while Lavington, Wodonga and West Wodonga are all typically priced in the low-to-mid $200,000s. 
Housing crisis? This is the worst kind of fiction.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">followed on Twitter</a>.
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Australia's so-called housing shortage is a lie constructed by vested interests

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Ahead of an expected pick-up in residential sales activity in the established housing market in spring, developers and builders are offering a range of incentives to encourage new home buyers.
Incentives include cash handouts, new cars, free house upsizings and zero deposit home loans.
The freshest offering, commencing on September 1, is a $10,000 cheque Stockland and participating building groups will give to buyers in four of its NSW residential communities.
Buyers will be able to spend the money as they choose, following research by social research group Ipsos Mackay that – among other things – found that childcare and healthcare costs are a growing burden and that government handouts and hand-ups are going to the wrong places.
“Stockland’s spring offer reflects this ‘real’ mentality by letting buyers chose how and when they wish to use $10,000. Unlike other offers on the market, it is completely flexible so customers may choose to pay bills, top up their savings account or take a much-needed holiday,” says Matthew Mears, Stockland’s general manager of NSW residential development.
Here’s a round-up of some of the more prominent special offers from new housing developers and builders:
 Stockland’s $10,000 “reality cheque”
From September 1 to October 21 new buyers in four Stockland NSW residential communities – <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/mckeachies-run-living-at-mcKeachies-run.aspx" target="_blank">McKeachies Run in Maitland</a>, <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/murrays-beach-living-at-murrays-beach.aspx" target="_blank">Murray’s Beach on Lake Macquarie</a>, <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/brooks-reach-living-at-brooks-reach.aspx" target="_blank">Brooks Reach in the Illawarra</a> and <a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/nsw/bayswood-living-at-bayswood.aspx" target="_blank">Bayswood at Vincentia on the NSW south coast</a> – will receive $10,000. The money will be paid on settlement comprising $5,000 from Stockland and a further $5,000 from participating builders, including Barrington Homes, Clarendon Homes, Eden Brae Homes, Huxley Homes, Masterton, McDonald Jones Homes, Perry Homes and Trevelle Homes. A home-and-land package (three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with garage) starts from $323,950 at Brooks Reach.
Free Toyota worth up to $40,000 from Peet
Listed property developer Peet has extended its offer of a free Toyota car to September 2 to house-and-land buyers who purchase select blocks of land in one of <a href="https://www.peet.com.au/freecar/qld/lotsbonus.aspx" target="_blank">five Queensland communities</a> and one of <a href="https://www.peet.com.au/freecar/vic/" target="_blank">eight communities in Victoria.</a> Developments include Flagstone Rise in the Brisbane south west suburb of Jimboomba, with house-and-land packages from $345,000. A Toyota Yaris worth $19,000 is being offered on select blocks of land in this development starting from $162,000 for a 685-square-metre block. Other more expensive select blocks in other estates come with a free Toyota Kluger ($40,000) or Rav4 ($29,000).
Devine to pay new buyers up to $10,000 on completion
Listed developer Devine will <a href="https://www.devinedouble.com.au/" target="_blank">double the deposit paid on any new Devine house-and-land package or on a Devine home</a> built on the buyer’s own land up to a maximum of $10,000. The offer is valid for approved purchasers who sign an unconditional contract for sale with Devine for a new Devine house up until September 30, 2012. Devine will pay the buyer the value of their deposit within 10 days of completion up to a maximum of $10,000. Buyers still need to obtain finance for the full balance purchase price in order to settle.
Free upsize offer valued up to $16,000 for buyers of some Burbank Homes
Queensland and Victoria home builder Burbank is offering new home buyers a free size upgrade from a <a href="https://burbank.com.au/promo/Upsize/" target="_blank">28-square-metre home to a 31-square-metre home in 21 display locations</a> up until November 1. Homes that qualify for a free upgrade include the <a href="https://www.burbank.com.au/HouseDetails.aspx?ID=82" target="_blank">Ascent design</a>, where buyers can save around $10,000 on an upgrade and the <a href="https://www.burbank.com.au/HouseDetails.aspx?ID=183" target="_blank">Scarborough design</a>, where savings are up to $16,000. Other homes included in the promotion are the Attenborough, Evolution, Clemson, Freeman and Durham designs.
$0 deposit offer from Perth builder HomeStart
<a href="https://www.homestart.net.au/no-deposit-homeloans" target="_blank">HomeStart is offering a no deposit home loan</a> to new home buyers sourced through credit provider Harrisdale Pty Ltd trading as The Loan Company. The Perth home builder offers house-and-land packages starting from $230,000. HomeStart is part of the privately owned Buckeridge Group of Companies (BGC), one of the largest home builders in WA.
Carlisle Homes offering $10,000 incentive on select purchases in Warralily
Victorian builder Carlisle homes is offering a $5,000 discount for buyers who purchase a Hansen, Westbury Mk2, Savannah &amp; Ascot home and build in the <a href="https://www.carlislehomes.com.au/special-offers" target="_blank">Warralily masterplanned residential community</a>, a  joint development by Casey Capital Partners and Newland Developers near Geelong. In addition, Warralily Estate will also offer a $5,000 rebate on selected lots in Warralily Estate.  First-home buyers can save up to $17,000 if they qualify for the $7,000 Victorian government first-home buyers' grant.
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New cars, $10,000 cheques and free home size upgrades:  Six spring incentives from house-and-land developers and builders

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Australand is restoring the historic Chimney at Botanica, which originally provided light and power to the Lidcombe hospital through the boiler house. 
Cnthia Csernay, senior marketing coordinator for Australand, says the aims behind the restoration of the chimney were to bring the structure up to the current earthquake codes, as well as to make the building more visually attractive. 
The chimney dates back to 1901 and contained coal furnaces that fed into a generator to produce enough electricity to provide lighting and power to the entire hospital, as well as hospital wards and residences. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/chimney.jpg">
The Lidcombe hospital closed in 1993, and the boiler house and chimney have not been active since. 
The Lidcombe hospital changed its name over time as the focus of care changed and developed. It was originally known as the Lidcombe Old Men’s home, though during the 1919 influenza pandemic, women had been admitted to the infectious disease ward. 
After 1913 the hospital changed names to Rookwood State Hospital and Home For Men, and changed twice more until it closed as Lidcombe Hospital. 
The chimney that fed electricity and power to the hospital is now a historical landmark within Australand’s Botanica. 
“It will be a piece of history that all the community can be proud of, and we look forward to the completed restorations,” says Australand NSW residential division general manager Nigel Edgar. 
Edgar also says that the chimney at Botanica is a treasured feature of the residential community and plays a very important role in understanding the history of site. 
Botanica is part of a new neighbourhood, which is spread over 44 hectares and is 14 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. 
The former hospital buildings are now known as “The gallery at Botanica” and are a collection of heritage-listed building that have been adapted by Australand into modern homes. 
There are currently 31 homes on sale at Botanica, with a some 500 new homes sold. 
Its three-bedroom houses are available from $660,000 to $740,000, and the four-bedroom house ranges from $715,000 to $940,000.
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Chimney at Botanica set for hot new look

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Property development can encompass many activities including renovating an existing dwelling or building, demolition of buildings and/or building new and subdividing or changing the use of land.
Developing property can be risky and not for everyone. There are many things that can go wrong, so it is important to really do your due diligence and understand the many facets involved.
I’ve compiled what I think are the top three things to do first when embarking on a property development. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/the-first-step-when-getting-involved-in-property-development-choose-the-right-location-jo-chivers/2012081656083" target="_blank">Step one is finding the right location. </a>
Step two: Find a good development site
Once you have found the area you want to develop in, it then comes down to good site selection. 
When looking at a development site consider:
<ul>
<li>Location</li>
<li>Aspect</li>
<li>Slope</li>
<li>Frontage</li>
<li>Depth</li>
<li>What’s on top of the land</li>
<li>What’s underneath the land</li>
</ul>
 Location of your development site is obviously important. We all know that being close to community amenities is top priority whether you are planning to keep your new dwellings or sell them, so being close to schools and universities, shops, transport and medical facilities is very important.  You should check out the neighbours on all sides of the land to make sure there are no dog breeding kennels, chicken coups, car workshops or noisy businesses that may make the location undesirable for tenants. Ask the locals about crime rates and take a drive around the streets to get a “feel” for the area. Trust your gut feel or intuition; we will often get an instant negative feeling if something is not quite right.
Aspect is the direction the land faces – north, south, east or west.  It’s important to have the living areas of your development as close to facing north as possible to maximise natural light.  Aspect is also very important for the energy rating of your development.
The slope of the block is important. Most people think a dead flat block might be good for developing, but although it may be better than a steeply sloping site you may need to build up the site with fill and retain it to meet drainage issues. So the ideal block will slope or fall slightly to the street, which will assist with natural stormwater runoff and drainage.
A wider frontage or width of the block is usually desirable, particularly if you are looking at a medium density development as you will be losing some of the width to a driveway to access the rear dwellings. Some councils have a calculation as to how wide the driveway needs to be based on the number of dwellings. So make sure you have taken this into consideration and have a wide enough block.
 
Depth is important and will determine how many dwellings you may get onto the land.  Be careful with very deep blocks, as the deeper the block, the longer the driveway. A long driveway can add thousands to your costs. You may also need to run services such as sewer, water, gas and electricity from the front of the block to the back, depending on where the connection points for these services are located.
 
What’s on top of the land? For a quick assessment, take a look around to see how many large trees may need to be cleared. A mature gum tree can cost up to $5,000 to remove, so if there are a few of these, you will need to allow more for you site clearing costs. Also look out for asbestos sheds on concrete slabs, which are expensive to remove. If there is an existing house that you plan to keep, check there is good access to the back of the block for the large site clearing machinery that may be required.
 
What’s underneath the land?   In some regional areas, you should check for old mines.  If you know it’s a mining area, you can apply to the local mine board for a subsidence report.  You can still build over an old mine, but it adds considerable foundation costs. Is there a natural water course running under the land?  The soil type is also important. In most cases, you won’t know unless you commission a geotechnical report, which is advisable to have done if after all your research you are sure this is the correct site. It may cost around $800 but worth every cent if it means you can more easily assess projects viability.  You will also need to know the location of the sewer line, sewer junctions and sewer manholes as some of these may be built over but one of them most certainly cannot.  You can request the sewer diagram from the agent or the local water authority.  A detailed survey will show other important things so again, if you are serious about the site, get a detail/contour survey done as you will need this to have a builder or architect work on a design for your project.
Jo Chivers is director of <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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The second step when getting involved in property development: Find a good development site

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With the spring selling season just a week away, home owners and hopeful vendors are sprucing up their gardens and outdoor spaces in the hopes of enticing buyers who want more than a roof above their heads. 
There is no doubt that Australians love their gardens, and a recent survey by independent research firm Kairos Future found 55% of Australians want to see more green space in their cities, and 65% of Aussies are willing to pay more for property with good green space nearby.
With this in mind and the whiff of spring in the air, Property Observer checks out 10 of the best gardens currently on the market across Australia.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden1.jpg">
This beautiful property <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/12-lansell-road-toorak/Property-Details-buy-residential-4296033">is located on Lansell Road</a> in the pricey picturesque suburb of Toorak, Melbourne. It is set on 3,280 square metres, with inbuilt french doors to access the outdoor entertainment area. The front yard has a rustic birdbath and lemon trees. The backyard has a centered statue and pristine hedges leading to a wooden arch.
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden2.jpg">
Located in Brighton, Victoria, <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Brighton/?adid=2009522095" target="_blank">this property</a>, which has lingered on the market, is encircled with a Paul Bangay-designed garden. Many of the features in the 6,130-square-metre grounds can be controlled remotely from a central keypad, including the lights the blinds, the fountains and the gates.
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden31.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/1-corona-street-balwyn-north/Property-Details-buy-residential-4221683">This serene sanctuary</a>, located in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Balwyn North, plays host to a Japanese-inspired garden milieu (pictured above and below.) The exotic garden “wonderland” is secluded beyond a tranquil water-garden oasis. Set upon 1,100 square metres, this private garden includes a wide variety of plant species.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden3.jpg">
 
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden4.jpg">
Located in Matcham, New South Wales,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-matcham-111058195"> the “Woodstone”</a> is a calm retreat markedted as an idyllic existence. Situated on 24,300 square metres of environmental harmony and moss-green lawns, the structures and archways of the property are strewn with grape vines. Woodston plays host to an abundance of stone walls, a swimming pool, tennis court, piazzas and terraces. The property lake is stocked with fish, and is home to dozens of species of rare birds. Better yet, the calm retreat is boarded by a spectacular rainforest reserve.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden5.jpg">
Nestled behind grand wrought-iron gates, this private setting features a glorious basket range of sandstone frontage and an entertainer’s pavilion. Nestled on a comfortable 1,755 square metres, the manicured rear garden plays host to a rustic fountain. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/44-sunnyside-road-glen-osmond/Property-Details-buy-residential-4263235">Located in Glen Osmond, South Australia</a>, this gem is a rarity in a small city.
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden6.jpg">
This<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bridgeman+downs-110520485"> Bridgeman Downs garden</a> is on 20,200 square metres of picturesque and manicured grounds, bordered by secure fences. At the rear of the property, the guest/workers’ area contains three dedicated stables with holding yards. The garden boasts freshness and tropical warmth, with an array of palm trees on the front lawn. The vibrant green shrubbery is evidence of the tropical climate all year round.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden7.jpg">
Situated on 1,100 square metres, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/287i-kenmore-road-fig-tree-pocket/Property-Details-buy-residential-4071299">the property </a>boasts breathtaking views of the Brisbane River. Located in Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland, the garden is manicured and features a multitude of tropical plants.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden8.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/149-victoria-road-hawthorn-east/Property-Details-buy-residential-4272041">“Rathgar” boasts a landscaped garden</a>, which was among the first created by the multi-award-winning Jack Merlo. The grounds provide north-facing areas for entertaining, a solar-/gas-heated pool and spa and a flood-lit-north-south mod-grass tennis court. Two loud flowerpots adorn the entrance to the property, which is located on 1,650 square metres in the eastern suburb of Melbourne, Hawthorn East.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden9.jpg">
For something a bit different, there’s a French- and Italian-inspired apartment <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3a-chatsworth-avenue-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-4274497">in Chatsword Avenue, Brighton</a> (pictured above and below). Wrought-iron gates open onto a long stone driveway lined with pear trees. This property is significantly smaller at 655 square metres, but this allows for a comfortable courtyard with Espalier pear trees and wisteria-draped pergola.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden11.jpg">
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/garden10.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/14-aberfeldie-street-aberfeldie/Property-Details-buy-residential-3582091">Located in Aberfeldie, Victoria</a>, this English heritage home is enclosed with wrought-iron electric gates. The outdoor environment is a clear display of being designed by Australian landscaper Paul Bangay. Fitted with a fully automated garden watering system and a rain sensor, the landscape stays fresh and hydrated. The watering system is integrated with three underground water tanks of 30,000 litres. The backyard is an oasis in warmer months, with a large in-ground pool and with high hedges that offer optimum privacy.
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Blooming brilliant: 10 of Australia's best gardens on the market

Blocks of land for new homes can be found&nbsp;around Melbourne at well under the $200,000 threshold.&nbsp;

Starting at around $95,000,&nbsp;Property Observer has found eight&nbsp;Melbourne suburban housing estates&nbsp;where <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/melbourne-land-blocks-dip-below-%24200000-but-no-dramatic-falls-expected-oliver-hume/2012082156102" target="_blank">land can be bought for&nbsp;under $200,000</a>. It may mean&nbsp;a long commute once the house gets constrtucted,&nbsp;but the land prices are low.

1.

$95,000 

Mickleham 

The latest project from Evolve Development, <a href="https://www.wonderofthewoods.com.au/" target="_blank">The Woods</a>, has home sites available starting at $95,000. There are 42 sites available in the first release, with land sizes starting at 213 square metres. It&rsquo;s about 30 kilometres north of Melbourne.&nbsp;There have been six $95,000&nbsp;block sales&nbsp;to date with the further supply of $95,000 blocks being&nbsp;driven by market demand. The $95,000&nbsp;blocks are 213 square metre&nbsp;with 8.5 frontage. Approximately&nbsp;25% of the first public release - known as Hollington Release -&nbsp;has sold since its recent opening weekend.

&nbsp;

2.

$99,000

Eynesbury 

The<a href="https://www.eynesbury.com.au/home" target="_blank"> Eyensbury Township</a> is a development by GEO Property Group. For $99,000 you can buy 290 square metres. The development is well sold with a limited number of lots remaining. The suburb&nbsp; is about 35 kilometres west of Melbourne.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

3.

$139,000

Wyndham Vale

A 315-square-metre lock of land in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-wyndham+vale-200229665" target="_blank">Belle Meade Estate </a>costs $139,000. The estate is three kilometres from Weribee train station and 27 kilometres south-west of Melbourne.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

4. 

$140,000

Pakenham

In the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-pakenham-200332447" target="_blank">Amberlea Estate</a> $140,000 will buy a 306-square-metre block of land. This estate is situated in the Henry Road precinct, providing easy access to the Freeway. It is about 50 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.

&nbsp;

5.

Doreen

$140,000

Land&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-doreen-200223025" target="_blank">Panorama Estate</a> in Doreen can be picked up at reduced prices, with agents listing&nbsp;land at $140,000 rather than the initial&nbsp;$160,000 asking price. That price will buy you 416 square metres. Doreen is about 30 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

6.

Beveridge

$149,000

A 315-square-metre block of land in the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-beveridge-200127316" target="_blank">Mandalay Estate</a> in Beveridge costs $149,000. The estate is accessed via the Hume Highway and is near to Cragieburn and Wallan. It is nearly 40 kilometres north of Melbourne, though, and a long commute.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

7.

Williams Landing

$190,000

<a href="https://www.williamslanding.com.au/" target="_blank">The Cedar Woods</a> development has prices starting at $190,000. Approved as a new suburb in May 2007, the area is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Australia, according to the developer. Near Hoppers Crossing, the suburb is 20 kilometres south-west of Melbourne.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

8.

Berwick

$195,000

A 350 square metre block of land in the <a href="https://www.orchardrise.com.au/" target="_blank">Orchard Rise</a> development costs $195,000. The development has approval for 87 lots. The estate offers 1.6 hectares of parks and recreation facilities. Berwick is 40 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Outside of large developments, there are also isolated blocks of land available for sale by individual vendors.

1.

$120,000

Chirnside Park

An isolated block of land in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-chirnside+park-200246165" target="_blank">Chirnside Park</a> starts at $120,000 for a 495-square-metre block. Near Lilydale, Chirnside Park is 30 kilometres east of Melbourne.

2.

$120,000

Cranbourne 

A 250 square metre block in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-cranbourne-200179285" target="_blank">central Cranbourne</a> costs $120,000. It comes with planning approval for a double-storey, three-bedroom dwelling. Cranbourne is 40 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.&nbsp;&nbsp;

3.

Melton

$105,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-vic-melton-2983606" target="_blank">In Melton </a>you can buy a 212-square-metre block for $105,000. It comes with planning approval for a two-bedroom house. Melton is nearly 40 kilometres west of Melbourne. &nbsp;

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Where to find blocks of land around Melbourne for under $200,000

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Gross Melbourne residential land prices remained unchanged during the June quarter at a median price of $210,000 with lot supply trending down for the first time in two years, according to the latest research by Oliver Hume. Once rebates and incentives are factored in the net effective land price fell below the “magical” $200,000 mark for the first time since June 2010, the real estate group reported in its Melbourne Growth Area Land Market Report. 
Incentives included the $13,000 first-home buyer bonus for newly constructed homes, which ended on June 30.
Oliver Hume says that during the quarter, first-home buyer activity “underpinned the market, moving to a level higher than at the height of the incentive-led sales frenzy”.
“It will now move in line with the long-run trend, accounting for some 55% of all purchases.”
Two years ago, gross land prices were $187,500.
Over the six months to December 2010, prices rose by more than $38,000 or around $50 per day to peak at $225,750.
However, they have not risen since the June 2011 quarter.
Click to enlarge
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According to Oliver Hume, the monthly project sales rate on the 18 Melbourne residential land projects launched to date this year remains relatively weak.
Report author Andrew Perkins highlighted that the trend of rising lot supply since the June 2010 quarter reversed in the June 2012 quarter, falling by about 7% to about 3,500 lots (a fall of about 260 lots) available for purchase.
"Almost half of these 3,500 lots are titled, up from around 35% last quarter," Perkins says.
"This creates a number of marketing challenges over the next six months for developers, not to mention the need to pay land tax and rates.
"Based on current project sales rates, the retail supply represents 5.6 months' sales; once again falling below the industry benchmark of six months (after exceeding the mark last quarter for the first time since the September quarter of 2006)." 
All municipalities except Hume experienced a fall in supply.
Oliver Hume counted eight new Melbourne projects launching over the June quarter to bring the year-to-date count to 18 projects with around 4,850 lots end-yield.
As a comparison, the six months June 2011 delivered 16 new projects and a fully developed yield of around 10,350 lots.
The biggest drop in lot supply over the quarter occurred in the Mitchell: Wallan - Beveridge municipality in the outer north, where there is now around 8 ½ months’ supply, down from just over 20 months in the March quarter.
Mitchell: Wallan – Beveridge has the cheapest gross median land price at $171,500 alongside Melton (in the west), with the most expensive being Wydnham at $242,000.
Oliver Hume noted this drop was due to stock being withdrawn from the market as opposed to an uplift in sales.
The City of Whittlesea was the only other municipality to be comfortably over the industry benchmark of six months, with eight months’ supply.
Casey and Hume are now the tightest markets.
Wyndham in the west with 34 projects has 24% of the new land market, followed by 31 in Whittlesea in the north (22% of the market).
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Melbourne land blocks dip below $200,000 but no dramatic falls expected: Oliver Hume

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Residential developer Cedar Woods notched up around 200 lot settlements at its flagship $1.5 billion Williams Landing master-planned development in Melbourne’s outer west as it reported a 22% rise in net profits to $34.3 million to June 30.
Profits at the Perth-based developer were in line with earlier forecasts.
The developer, which has most of its residential projects scattered around the fringes of Melbourne and Perth, achieved $140 million in pre-sales over the past financial year compared with $130 million last year.
Last month, Cedar Woods reported that Williams Landing had its strongest month of sales in 18 months, with 21 sales to begin the new financial year.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/williamslanding.jpg">
To date, 56% of the 2013 financial year pre-sales target for Williams Landing has been secured, with about 530 homes completed.
Williams Landing is the largest infill site in Melbourne covering 275 hectares and encompassing the former RAAF Laverton airfield and the land to the north of Altona Meadows and Seabrook known as Wyndham Waters.
It takes its name from the historic aviation base on which it is located, RAAF Williams airfield (pictured below), named after Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams, the man many regard as the "father" of the Royal Australian Air Force.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/williamslanding3.jpg">
It was approved as a new suburb in May 2007, and according to Cedar Woods is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Australia.
The annual results show that 1,700 of the 2,500 lots remain available for sale, with land priced between $190,000 and $340,000.
Builders offering house-and-land packages at Williams Landing include Simonds Homes, which is offering three-bedroom on a 480-square-metre lot priced at $493,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/williamslanding2.jpg">
Builder 8 Plus is offering a four-bedroom house on a 392-square-metre block priced at around $456,000.
Other builders selling house-and-land packages at Williams Landing are Boutique, Metricon, Burbank, Carlisle Home and Urban Edge Homes.
Construction of the Williams Landing train station and freeway interchange by the Victorian government is due to be completed in early 2013.
The project’s  50-hectare town centre  has  also  progressed, with a  builder for the Masters Home Improvement  hardware store  soon to be  selected and  an application for final approval lodged with the local council.
In April Cedar Woods secured Woolworths and Big W as tenants alongside Masters with further commercial stages to include office, medical facilities and additional retail.
Cedar Woods raised $30.5 million from shareholders in May.
Managing director Paul Sadleir said the strong result reflected the strategic location and diversity of Cedar Woods? projects in Western Australia and Victoria, which continue to experience healthy demand.
“This result confirms the success of Cedar Woods' strategic focus on providing residential housing in urban and regional growth areas across a range of dwelling types and price points," Sadleir says.
"It is also a reflection of the company’s resilience against a mixed macroeconomic backdrop."
Sadleir says prevailing market conditions in the 2012 financial year were “challenging and variable from month to month, reflecting consumer concerns on a range of issues”.
“The key drivers for the residential market – population growth, employment and wages growth and interest rates together with the current undersupply of housing – are all supportive of improved levels of activity."
The outlook for the Melbourne property market is cloudier than for Perth, with the developer reporting that the Victorian capital has been influenced by first-home buyer incentives (which have now disappeared) and has given up some of the gains, while in Perth prices are firming after two years of modest decline.
Cedar Woods expanded its Victorian property portfolio during the financial year through the acquisition of a 6.8-hectare development site in St Albans, 16 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, for $12 million. There are plans for 200 apartments, townhouses and houses and at the former industrial site, where the Victorian government has announced a $150 million investment in upgrading St Albans train station and other local transport infrastructure.
Other residential projects include its Banbury Village project in Footscray, featuring 390 dwellings on 11 hectares.
At the company’s boutique development, Realm Camberwell, almost half of the 78 homes that will be developed have been pre-sold, with civil works underway.
Twenty of the 27 homes in the initial release of the Realm development sold for between $750,000 and $1.2 million.
New projects launched over the reporting period were Piara Waters near Canning Vale, south of Perth and South Hedland (both 150 lot projects) with settlements expected in the 2013 and 2014 financial years.
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Cedar Woods notches up 200 sales at Williams Landing and 22% rise in full-year profits

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Arno Corporation has revealed ORBIS, a new luxury apartment to be built with a unique architectural expression.
Orbis is inspired by Indian-born British sculptor Anish Kapoor’s three-storey "sky dish" in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.
Inspiration is also drawn from surrealist painter Rene Magritte’s mysterious suspended orbs painting The Voice of Air.
Orbis is designed with an architectural technique associated with sculpture, which involves the selective removal of a mass to reveal a figure or image.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/orbis1.jpg">
The new apartment complex is the latest collaboration between Arno Corporation’s Andrew Cook and Anthony Heffernan, and ARM Architecture.
Arno Corporation’s Anthony Heffernan says ARM’s intriguing design for Orbis plays with perceptions of space and depth by scooping out selective masses from the distinctive façade, creating the illusion of enormous reflective orbs and dishes that cleverly invert and reshape their surrounds.
There are a total of 48 apartments, with one-bedroom-plus-study units comprising 40% of the complex and two-bedroom apartments taking up 60%.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/orbis2.jpg">
The apartments range from 55 square metres to 86 square metres, with terraces ranging from approximately eight square metres to 56 square metres.
A one-bedroom-plus-study unit starts at $495,000, two-bedroom apartments start at $590,000 and two-bedroom, two-bathroom units start at $650,000. Prices range up to $910,000.
All apartments have one undercover secure car space with storage. The northern penthouse apartments are the only exception with two car spaces and storage.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/orbis3.jpg">
More than 20% of Orbis’ 48 apartments sold before the building’s launch at the end of July, with no further update given at time of publication.
“The degree of luxury and organic design – inside and out – won’t be matched on the market for a very long time,” says Heffernan.
The inside of the apartments will consist of mosaic glass tiles, timber oak floors, Miele appliances, Fisher &amp; Paykel remote dishwasher, stone benches, track lighting light fitting, 100% wool loop tile carpet – with a choice of three colours – taps in aged bronze, brushed brass or chrome with a colour scheme choice of light or dark.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/orbis4.jpg">
ARM Architecture is led by Ian McDouhall, who has previously worked with the Hamer Hall redevelopment, the Melbourne recital Centre and Arno Corporation's Momentum, which will be Orbis's neighbour.
Arno Corporation is celebrating 25 years in the property industry this year and is regarded as one of Victoria’s foremost residential luxury property developers.
Other projects by Arno Corporations include the FACE development in Acland Street, St Kilda, and ISIS development in Domain Road, South Yarra.
The Orbis development display suite is located on the corner of Eastern Road and Palmerstone Crescent, South Melbourne.
The display suites are open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm and Monday to Thursday from noon to 2pm.
Orbis Development is scheduled for completion in 2014.
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