As one of Canberra’s most prolific developers, Geocon has had a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of the ACT’s apartment market — and according to Andrew Clark, General Manager of Development, the capital is only now beginning to realise its potential.

“Canberra’s really just coming of age,” Clark says. “We’re seeing consistent growth, and the fundamentals are incredibly strong — population is forecast to increase by around 9,500 people a year for the next five years, a highly educated buyer pool, and a government steadily investing in infrastructure.”

Geocon currently has two major projects in the planning stage. One is in Woden, where the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre site will be transformed into a three-stage development. The first stage, currently under review under the ACT’s updated Territory Plan, includes a new 25-metre indoor pool and splash park, along with 285 apartments — one of the first large-scale projects to move through the new framework.

“This is really a benchmark for how civic infrastructure and residential development can co-exist,” Clark says. “It’s a strong statement about what modern infill can look like in Canberra.”

<img alt="Woden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e1ab453f-cb42-46d8-b9e6-1b6698d82902" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-07-21%20at%2010.43.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=E6yM2sJLsPmvfIWx.hN9F_oPCBeRzLKH" />The Woden development. Image supplied

Geocon’s other main focus is in Braddon, where the developer recently acquired a 10,663 sqm site on Northbourne Avenue. The site is slated for around 558 apartments and is still in early DA stages.

This project joins a growing list of higher-density developments pushing closer to public transport corridors — a clear priority under recent ACT Government strategies.

For Clark, the shift to infill and higher-density living isn’t just a planning directive, but a market inevitability.

“We’re seeing a widening gap in housing affordability between freestanding homes and units. For many first-home buyers and investors, units remain the more realistic entry point, especially as the cost of land and detached housing continues to climb, due to limited supply. That shift is having a real impact on buyer behaviour, particularly for families who still value the long-term benefits of owning land but are being priced out. It’s no surprise the market has been pushed toward more multi-unit developments — and frankly, it makes sense.” he says.

Clark also points to the environmental and infrastructure benefits.

“Infill helps us put more people closer to public transport and activity centres. That reduces car reliance and supports investment in things like light rail, which in turn drives more growth.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135046 project_image_fid=346795]

Clark notes that while apartment living is more established in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Canberrans are starting to embrace the shift.

Investor interest has been growing in recent months, particularly from Sydney, with vacancy rates in Canberra sitting at just 1.5 per cent.

“There’s a good level of investor confidence in Canberra, and that hasn’t really changed. It’s a secure, stable place to invest — and that’s attractive when you're looking long term,” Clark says. “We’ve got solid relationships with agents across the country. And even though our core marketing is local, we know how to tap into that national interest.”

Looking ahead, Clark sees continued pressure on supply, particularly as the ACT’s population forecasts and housing targets outpace the current development pipeline.

“The government has acknowledged that urban infill is a critical part of the future land release programme, and their legislative changes reflect that. But even with that, we’re not really keeping up with demand. There’s still a lot of upside here.”

With the University of New South Wales recently lodging plans for a new Canberra campus, and light rail expansion progressing, Clark is optimistic about the region’s trajectory.

“The university sector has grown significantly, and that growth flows through the broader economy. At the same time, Canberra’s strong public sector presence underpins a wide range of private sector activity. That solid economic base gives the city a level of stability and insulation that many other cities simply don’t have.”

Ultimately, Clark sees Canberra continuing to evolve into a unit-driven market — not just for investors and students, but for professionals and downsizers who now see apartments as a viable long-term option.

“People are rethinking the quarter-acre dream,” he says. “It’s taken time — and there’s still work to do in appealing to families — but we’re seeing that shift.”

And as the city continues to grow, so too will the scale and ambition of its projects. “We’re ready for that next chapter. Canberra’s not a ‘maybe’ market anymore — it’s a market with a future.”

Joel Robinson

"We're only just getting started" Geocon's Andrew Clark on the future of apartment development in Canberra

Coronation Property has established itself as a leader in Sydney’s urban landscape, known for its commitment to collaborating with some of the industry’s most respected architects and designers. Through these partnerships, Coronation ensures that each development is not only visually striking but also highly functional, sustainable, and designed to enhance the way people live, work, and interact.

At the heart of Coronation’s approach is the belief that great design transcends aesthetics—it has the power to shape communities. Their collaborations with top firms, including fjcstudio (formerly fjmt), Woods Bagot, SJB, Cox Architecture, Bates Smart, Turf Design Studio, and 360 Degrees Landscape Architecture, have resulted in projects that set new benchmarks for architectural excellence and urban integration.

Each collaboration is carefully chosen to bring innovation and expertise to Coronation’s developments.&nbsp;

“Every development we undertake is shaped by a vision that integrates functionality with artistic innovation,” Joe Nahas, Coronation Property Managing Director, says.

“We are dedicated to bringing in the very best partners in design and placemaking to create places where our residents can truly thrive.”

Coronation Property has worked closely with Woods Bagot and SJB Architects for nearly a decade, collaborating on a diverse range of developments, from large-scale precincts to boutique communities. One of their standout projects was The Paper Mill Precinct in Liverpool, one of Sydney’s most successful urban renewal projects. The transformation of a 15-hectare, former industrial site along the Georges River into a vibrant residential and retail hub exemplifies Coronation’s commitment to innovative design and sustainable urban development.

Following this success, <a href="/developers/coronation-property">Coronation</a> partnered with Woods Bagot again for their recently completed <a href="/new-apartments/mason-main-merrylands-249-259-merrylands-road-merrylands">Mason &amp; Main</a> development in Merrylands, a project that respects the area’s heritage while incorporating contemporary elements that elevate the Western Sydney skyline. The design draws inspiration from the area's rich brickworks history and integrates an 11,000 sqm retail and dining precinct, which has breathed new life into the community.

Another landmark project, Charlie Parker in Parramatta City, highlights the synergy between Coronation and renowned design firms. Developed in collaboration with fjcstudio, the build-to-rent tower incorporates Art Deco-inspired architecture alongside sculptural public artworks, including ‘Cloud Seeds’ by Milne &amp; Stonehouse. Featuring 123 apartments, this pioneering residential development delivers an unparalleled living experience, blending cutting-edge design, curated amenities, and artistic storytelling.

<img alt="Mason" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="371546bf-049f-4093-b634-7ba8c8c2421b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-09%20at%209.03.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=w8rvUYJVFvEaAXWouw2IORLlJUchYsOg" />Left: Charlie Parker, right Mason &amp; Main. Images supplied

While Coronation’s focus is often been on large-scale communities, its attention to design excellence also extends to mid-rise developments. For instance, in Ashbury, a heritage-rich suburb in Sydney’s inner west, Coronation engaged architects SJB to design Ashbury Terraces. This development offers a mix of apartments and terraces, thoughtfully balancing contemporary design with the suburb’s established character. The project incorporates lush green spaces, private rooftop retreats, and sustainable design elements that ensure the development complements its surroundings while offering residents a high-quality lifestyle.

Looking ahead, Coronation Property remains focused on creating expansive, sustainable communities. Their $2 billion Erskineville masterplan, designed in collaboration with BVN, Sylvester Fuller and Bates Smart, is another major project, and they are also ramping up development of their $9 billion Moore Point project in Moorebank. As one of Australia’s largest privately-led urban renewal projects, Moore Point will feature around 11,000 homes, a vibrant retail and commercial precinct, a new primary school, an arts and culture center, and 10 hectares of open riverfront parklands. Architects SJB, Woods Bagot and fjc are all teaming up for the ambitious mega precinct.

“Our focus on world-class design and strategic urban planning, with a focus on creating sustainable spaces, is unwavering. We’ve transformed several underutilised areas of Sydney and we will continue to do so into the future.”​ Nahas said.

Joe Nahas on Coronation Property's commitment to top-tier design partnerships

<a href="/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> is one of the most active developers in Brisbane right now. The family-run builder-developer is busy welcoming buyers to two of its recently completed inner-city developments in Chermside and Stones Corner.

<a href="/new-apartments/estilo-on-the-park-chermside-81-kittyhawk-drive-chermside">Estilo on the Park</a>, located on one of the last parkside sites in <a href="/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a> overlooking the expansive 73-hectare Seventh Brigade Park, has just a handful of three-bedroom apartments remaining in its final stage, Esencia, following sellouts of the first two stages, Lujosa and Belleza, several years ago.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100682 project_image_fid=186903]

GVG is putting the finishing touches to their <a href="/developments/stones-corner-qld-4120">Stones Corner</a> development, <a href="/new-apartments/stonebrook-stones-corner-10-flora-street-stones-corner">Stonebrook</a>. Just one apartment remains for sale in the Flora Street project near Hanlon Park. The nine-level building, topped by a communal rooftop terrace with park views, is UDIA-certified as an EnviroDevelopment for its sustainability features, including EV charging and community herb gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114094 project_image_fid=246997]

Not one to rest on its laurels, Gardner Vaughan is gearing up for another busy year with four projects in market in 2025. They have just launched <a href="/new-apartments/danby-lane-nundah-village-5-danby-lane-nundah">Danby Lane</a> in <a href="/developments/nundah-qld-4012">Nundah</a>, 84 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above four retail spaces on the street level.

The project will also feature a rooftop deck with barbecue facilities, herb and veggie garden, and outdoor dining, as well as a first-floor resident pool, gym, and commercial spaces. Gardner Vaughan’s building arm has already started construction on site and is expecting an early 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=320117]

While inner-city Brisbane has been Gardner Vaughan’s main focus for the last two-and-a-half decades since being founded by Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, they’ve expanded their footprint across wider Brisbane and South East Queensland in recent years.

Last year they completed their second Sunshine Coast project, Zinc Bokarina, and now they’re delivering <a href="/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina">Bask Bokarina</a>, 135 apartments next door to Zinc. Bask will feature nine retail spaces on Bokarina Blvd. The two towers are currently under construction and will complete in mid-to-late 2026, and will feature a podium-level pool, gym, and herb garden.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The first tower is 85 per cent sold and tower two will launch to the market in the middle of this year. Bask recently set a suburb record for one of its four penthouses. The four-bedroom apartment sold to a local downsizer for $5,499,000, the biggest apartment sale in Bokarina by some margin.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333361]

GVG will expand further into the Sunshine Coast later this year with Eden Caloundra, another two-tower development with 179 apartments.

There’s even further expansion in 2025 for GVG with the recent launch of ONE Redcliffe, the group’s first foray into the Moreton Bay region.

<a href="/new-apartments/one-redcliffe">ONE Redcliffe</a>, another two-tower project, will have 214 two, three and four-bedroom apartments on the Redcliffe Peninsula with unobstructed views overlooking Moreton Bay and Settlement Cove Lagoon. Apartments start from $1,061,500.

Gardner Vaughan Group set for big 2025 as new apartment pipeline expands across South East Queensland 

As a developer who has been one of the biggest contributors to the Sydney housing market for over two decades, it would be easy for ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto to rest on his laurels.

Founded in 2002 by Hrsto from his kitchen table, <a href="/developers/aland">ALAND</a> has delivered over 4,000 apartments in the last 22 years, predominantly focused around Sydney’s west, with a further 1,300 currently under construction.

But there’s no slowing down for Hrsto, who remains as hands-on in the business as he was two decades ago when it was just him and a small team of two — who are still part of ALAND today. Now, with over 6,000 apartments in planning and 200 employees across the development and construction sectors, ALAND’s workforce is only expected to grow as the company looks to venture into different market segments.

“First and foremost, our whole company ethos is to look after people,” Hrsto says, referring to both his staff and the buyers of ALAND apartments.

“The obligation is to the buyers, and that has been the foundation of our business from day one. We knew if we did that, then every other element would fall into place.”

Catching up with Andrew recently, he shared a story of a founder who isn’t just “on the tools” metaphorically, but literally. His daily routine involves speaking with local councils, engaging with the community, interacting with apartment buyers, and occasionally donning a hard hat on site.

“We’re a community-focused developer,” Andrew says.

“It was never in our DNA to be anything different. It wouldn’t make sense to us to build something that wasn’t in line with what the community wanted.”

After five years in planning and project management, Hrsto decided to take the leap.

“It was in the late 2000s that we went full end-to-end, handling both development and construction,” Andrew says.

They soon expanded their scope, bringing building management into the fold.

“When we develop, we’re in that building for life,” Andrew adds.

ALAND is well known for delivering more than just buildings — it creates precinct-style communities.

“We started developing multi-stage projects just before COVID, and that allowed us to really plan the whole process. It gave us more room to work with, considering the size of the development site. It enabled us to look beyond just a building and create a community that serves not only our future residents but the whole local area.”

This approach is evident in their multi-stage masterplan for <a href="/buildings/amber-the-gladstone-village-stage-2-228-pitt-st-merrylands">Gladstone Village</a>, where ALAND is delivering over 1,000 apartments to <a href="/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>, just outside Parramatta.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=283649]

In addition to three buildings offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, Gladstone Village features significant public amenities: a large grass park, an outdoor gym, a kids’ playground with a water play zone, a games area with table tennis tables, a life-sized chess board, and barbecue and alfresco facilities. Residents will also have private access to a rooftop pool, yoga lawns, outdoor cinemas, and a private forest walkway with a dedicated pet zone.

“Gladstone Village really typifies what we want to achieve and are continuing to execute in 2025,” Andrew says.

“While we’re building homes for Western Sydney, there’s more to development nowadays. You have to contribute to the wider public, and that’s what we try to do with every masterplan we put our name to.”

Nearby, ALAND will soon launch Queen Square, on its prime&nbsp;gateway site in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/campbelltown-nsw-2560">Campbelltown</a>.

The abandoned Brands on Sale outlet at 22-32 Queen Street will become a new community with around 558 apartments across five buildings. The two-hectare site will also comprise an Eat Street with retail and hospitality spaces and over 4,000 sqm of publicly accessible space, including a two-level community building with an auditorium, kiosk, and multi-purpose spaces.

<img alt="Queen Square, ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca46834e-3f49-4be7-b851-4e1135c0c53b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-21%20at%2010.27.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=I8Lyc1N5NcWg2vLLZp3yeZaGDQ6EmHv2" />

Many developers stick to what they know, sticking to safer, more familiar paths. Hrsto, however, has a different approach.

In 2022, Andrew and the team stepped out of their comfort zone, acquiring a prime development site in <a href="/developments/gosford-nsw-2250">Gosford</a>, the gateway suburb to the Central Coast. For a developer that had exclusively focused on Sydney’s western suburbs, this was a significant jump—not just geographically, but also in the execution of a new type of development.

“We were probably biting off more than we could chew,” Andrew jokes.

It’s with tenacity and a willingness to learn that ALAND continues to go from strength to strength.

Andrew explained that they approached the Gosford project somewhat blindly, as the approved plans included a hotel component—an area ALAND hadn’t previously ventured into. But Andrew and his team returned to the company’s core values: if they did right by the buyer and the community, the rest would fall into place.

“Gosford proved to be a really interesting test for us as a business, pushing us to branch out and take on something we hadn’t done before, in a region we hadn’t developed in,” Andrew says.

Fast forward two years from site acquisition, and the two-tower development, <a href="/new-apartments/archibald-by-aland-gosford-108-donnison-street-gosford-nsw-2250">Archibald by ALAND</a>, is nearing completion. With 99 per cent of the apartments already sold, the project is one of the best-selling apartment developments the Central Coast has ever seen.

“We didn’t quite realise how important this building and this site were to the local community,” Andrew says.

“We’ve had locals, who haven’t bought in the building, come up to us and say how transformative this development is for the area and how important it is to the wider community. It’s that kind of feedback that makes you keep going.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134670 project_image_fid=215487]

Archibald by ALAND includes 327 apartments and a 130-room hotel to be run by IHG VOCO, as well as ground-floor hospitality and a rooftop area. During the development and construction phase, Hrsto has also established another new capability for ALAND: an internal hotel management arm.

“A mixed-use hotel and apartment development is now very much something we can run end-to-end, and manage both components of the development well into the future,” Andrew says.

Having seen such success in their first Gosford project, they are now moving ahead with their second: <a href="/new-apartments/amalfi-by-aland-gosford-50-70-mann-street-gosford-nsw-2250">Amalfi by ALAND</a>, on Mann Street, which will feature 506 apartments and 9,530 sqm of retail space.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-aland-reveals-latest-gosford-mixed-use-development-amalfi-by-aland">First look: ALAND reveals latest Gosford mixed-use development, Amalfi by ALAND</a>

ALAND is also venturing into the build-to-rent sector. They have acquired the final three buildings in Skyview, the five-tower <a href="/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> development that had been partially completed by the troubled developer, Top Place.

ALAND will now focus on the most advanced building, which is around 80 per cent complete, undertaking remediation works before offering the apartments for rent. They will then shift their attention to the final two buildings, which were little more than holes in the ground at the time of acquisition.

ALAND’s 2025 development pipeline is as robust as ever, with diversified developer planning projects across traditional build-to-sell, build-to-rent, co-living, student accommodation, hotel, and hospitality sectors.

“2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for us,” Andrew says.

“We’re taking on new challenges, pushing the boundaries, diversifying our offering, and delivering projects that set a new standard in the industry. I’m excited to see the hard work of our team come to life, and to continue contributing to the communities we serve.”

ALAND is well known for delivering more than just buildings — it creates precinct-style communities

The story behind ALAND, one of Sydney’s most prolific apartment developers

Transport Oriented Developments (TODs) are generating significant buzz across Sydney. The acronym has been a new strategy implemented by the NSW Government to encourage, and increase, housing density near key transport hubs.

While TODs are the in thing, veteran developer <a href="/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has long prioritized developments close to both established transport networks and future transport hubs.

Robert Furolo, Deicorp’s Executive Manager for Corporate Communications, says that connectivity to transport is a top priority when assessing development sites.

"We have over 1,500 apartments in various stages of planning, and all located not just within a kilometre of public transport, but just a few hundred metres away," Furolo explains.

"It’s essential for our future buyers that we offer excellent connectivity to the rest of Sydney, whether we're five or 40 kilometres from the city—the criteria remain the same."

Founded in 1999 by Fouad Deiri OAM, Deicorp has been a major player in Sydney's property market for over two decades. However, in the last five years, the company has ramped up its focus on addressing Sydney's housing supply issues. Currently, Deicorp has over 3,350 apartments under construction across Greater Sydney—a number set to grow in 2025 as the company embarks on some of its most exciting developments yet.

In 2024, the iCIRT-rated builder-developer completed more than 1,500 apartments across several key projects in <a href="/developments/zetland-nsw-2017">Zetland</a> and <a href="/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>.

While completing projects is central to Deicorp’s business, it’s their ongoing contribution to alleviating Sydney’s housing shortage—and their ever-growing pipeline of new developments—that has many industry peers taking notice.

In addition to last year's completions, Deicorp ventured into new markets, demonstrating their ability to succeed in different locations, provided the site meets the needs of the end buyer. In 2024, they launched three new projects in these markets: Melrose Central in Melrose Park, Marquet &amp; Mary in Rhodes, and Cosmopolitan in Parramatta.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289878]

<a href="/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a> is one of Deicorp’s largest developments to date—a $700 million, mixed-use project featuring just under 500 apartments. This development will be the heart of the Melrose Park precinct, with six buildings designed by Turner Studio sitting atop a five-level podium.

The podium will house a 30,000 sqm shopping centre anchored by a Coles supermarket, along with specialty stores, wellness facilities, and retail and hospitality venues. The site is directly in front of the future Melrose Park light rail stop. Sales were brisk at its launch in August, with significant numbers achieved through CBRE.

<a href="/new-apartments/marquet-mary-rhodes-1-9-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Marquet &amp; Mary</a> marked Deicorp’s first development in Rhodes. The soaring 42-level, 274-apartment tower, designed by FK Australia, is located opposite Rhodes Station, while their <a href="/new-apartments/cosmopolitan-by-deicorp-parramatta-34-hassall-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta project Cosmopolitan</a> will bring over 600 apartments across two towers on Hassall Street, on the doorstep of the Robin Thomas Light Rail station.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141515 project_image_fid=287863]

2024 also saw the completion of Downtown, part of Deicorp’s major revitalization of Zetland. This project was also Deicorp’s first completed development with Latent Defects Insurance.

With a significant footprint in central Sydney through Hyde Metropolitan and the redevelopment of the Polding Centre, Deicorp is also active in the fast-growing Hills Showground Precinct in Castle Hill, right next to the newly opened Metro station.

Looking ahead to 2025, Deicorp will continue its momentum, adding several thousand apartments to its construction pipeline. Later this year, they will begin their largest development to date—Kings Bay Village in Five Dock. Located near Parramatta Road, bus stops, and the future Five Dock Metro station (set to open in 2032), Kings Bay Village will deliver nearly 1,200 apartments to Sydney’s undersupplied housing market. The development will feature six towers sitting atop a commercial, retail, and community podium, with a central plaza running between the towers.

Furolo is excited about the project’s significance for both Deicorp and the local Canada Bay area.

“Every conversation we have—whether with industry professionals or potential investors—everyone is asking about the timeline for Kings Bay Village,” Furolo says.

“The precinct will offer everything. Of the 1,200 apartments, 15 percent will be set aside for affordable housing—an integral part of our ethos that we’ve been committed to for several years now.”

The scale of Kings Bay Village means it will contribute 23 percent toward Canada Bay Council’s goal of delivering 5,000 new homes by 2029.

Deicorp hopes to secure approval for the project in mid-2025, after which they will begin clearing the site and undertaking land remediation.

Furolo highlights that Deicorp’s competitive edge lies in their ability to act quickly once approvals are in place.

"Once we secure approval, we waste no time," he says. "We immediately begin preparing the site for construction. During the planning and design phase, we assess the market, so we already know there’s demand for this type of product in this location. This allows us to deliver housing supply consistently across Greater Sydney."

In 2025, Deicorp will again expand into new areas, with its first development on the Lower North Shore. <a href="/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-8-alexander-street-crows-nest">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest will rise 22 levels from the corner of Falcon and Alexander Streets, near key transport links. The building will offer 188 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, 15 percent of which will be affordable. Furolo anticipates the project will be especially popular with downsizers in the area.

Additionally, Deicorp will break ground in Macquarie Park, another hot development zone. They have plans for a 17-level tower with 180 apartments, designed by DKO, just 300 metres from the Macquarie Park Metro station and shopping centre.

Deicorp’s Chairman, Fouad Deiri, stresses the importance of connecting housing to transport infrastructure.

“Being able to provide affordable homes for essential workers in such a prime location makes these projects all the more meaningful,” Deiri says.

In 2024, the iCIRT-rated builder-developer completed more than 1,500 apartments across several key projects in Zetland and Castle Hill

How Deicorp is shaping Sydney’s housing future with transport-oriented apartment developments

As a developer who has been one of the biggest contributors to the Sydney housing market for over two decades, it would be easy for ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto to rest on his laurels. Founded in 2002 by Hrsto from his kitchen table, ALAND has delivered over 4,000 apartments in the last 22 years, predominantly focused around Sydney’s west, with a further 1,300 currently under construction.

But there’s no slowing down for Hrsto, who remains as hands-on in the business as he was two decades ago, when it was just him and a small team of two — who are still part of ALAND today. Now, with over 6,000 apartments in planning and 200 employees across the development and construction sectors, ALAND’s workforce is only expected to grow as the company looks to venture into different market segments.

“First and foremost, our whole company ethos is to look after people,” Hrsto says, referring to both his staff and the buyers of ALAND apartments. “The obligation is to the buyers, and that has been the foundation of our business from day one. We knew if we did that, then every other element would fall into place.”

Catching up with Andrew recently, he shared a story of a founder who isn’t just “on the tools” metaphorically, but literally. His daily routine involves speaking with local councils, engaging with the community, interacting with apartment buyers, and occasionally donning a hard hat on site. “We’re a community-focused developer,” Andrew says. “It was never in our DNA to be anything different. It wouldn’t make sense to us to build something that wasn’t in line with what the community wanted.”

After five years in planning and project management, Hrsto decided to take the leap. “It was in the late 2000s that we went full end-to-end, handling both development and construction,” Andrew says. They soon expanded their scope, bringing building management into the fold.

“When we develop, we’re in that building for life,” Andrew adds. ALAND is well known for delivering more than just buildings — it creates precinct-style communities. “We started developing multi-stage projects just before COVID, and that allowed us to plan the whole process. It gave us more room to work with, considering the size of the development site. It enabled us to look beyond just a building and create a community that serves not only our future residents but the whole local area.” This approach is evident in their multi-stage masterplan for Gladstone Village, where ALAND is delivering over 1,000 apartments to Merrylands, just outside Parramatta.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7642 project_image_fid=283648]

In addition to three buildings offering a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, Gladstone Village features significant public amenities: a large grass park, an outdoor gym, a kids’ playground with a water play zone, a games area with table tennis tables, a life-sized chess board, and barbecue and alfresco facilities. Residents will also have private access to a rooftop pool, yoga lawns, outdoor cinemas, and a private forest walkway with a dedicated pet zone.

“Gladstone Village really typifies what we want to achieve and are continuing to execute in 2025,” Andrew says. “While we’re building homes for Western Sydney, there’s more to development nowadays. You have to contribute to the wider public, and that’s what we try to do with every masterplan we put our name to.” Nearby, ALAND will soon launch Queen Square, on its prime gateway site in Campbelltown.

The abandoned Brands on Sale outlet at 22-32 Queen Street will become a new community with around 558 apartments across five buildings. The two-hectare site will also comprise an Eat Street with retail and hospitality spaces and over 4,000 sqm of publicly accessible space, including a two-level community building with an auditorium, kiosk, and multi-purpose spaces.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cf8c06c-065d-4c1e-a94b-7b0e3cc3e4a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-02-20%20at%2010.47.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o9vRFRY0cmHdHDS5nJDBPEr1xI107X9d" />

Many developers stick to what they know, sticking to safer, more familiar paths. Hrsto, however, has a different approach. In 2022, Andrew and the team stepped out of their comfort zone, acquiring a prime development site in Gosford, the gateway suburb to the Central Coast. For a developer that had exclusively focused on Sydney’s western suburbs, this was a significant jump—not just geographically, but also in the execution of a new type of development. “We were probably biting off more than we could chew,” Andrew jokes.

Hrsto explained that they approached the Gosford project somewhat blindly, as the approved plans included a hotel component—an area ALAND hadn’t previously ventured into. But Andrew and his team returned to the company’s core values: if they did right by the buyer and the community, the rest would fall into place.

“Gosford proved to be a really interesting test for us as a business, pushing us to branch out and take on something we hadn’t done before, in a region we hadn’t developed in,” Andrew says. Fast forward two years from site acquisition, and the two-tower development, Archibald by ALAND, is nearing completion. With 99% of the apartments already sold, the project is one of the best-selling apartment developments the Central Coast has ever seen.

<a href="/new-apartments/archibald-by-aland-gosford-108-donnison-street-gosford-nsw-2250">Archibald by ALAND</a>&nbsp;includes 327 apartments and a 130-room hotel to be run by IHG VOCO, as well as ground-floor hospitality and a rooftop area. During the development and construction phase, Hrsto has also established another new capability for ALAND: an internal hotel management arm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134670 project_image_fid=215487]

“A mixed-use hotel and apartment development is now very much something we can run end-to-end, and manage both components of the development well into the future,” Andrew says. Having seen such success in their first Gosford project, they are now moving ahead with their second: Amalfi by ALAND, on Mann Street, which will feature 506 apartments and 9,530 sqm of retail space.

ALAND’s 2025 development pipeline is as robust as ever, with the diversified developer planning projects across traditional build-to-sell, build-to-rent, co-living, student accommodation, hotel, and hospitality sectors. “2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for us,” Andrew says. “We’re taking on new challenges, pushing the boundaries, diversifying our offering, and delivering projects that set a new standard in the industry. I’m excited to see the hard work of our team come to life, and to continue contributing to the communities we serve.”

Inside the success story of ALAND, one of Sydney’s most prolific apartment developers

Over the past decade, <a href="/developers/princeton">Princeton Financial Services</a> has been working quietly behind the scenes as a very successful, fully integrated fund management, lending and development business.

But in recent years, with a trophy penthouse in <a href="https://eurangibondibeach.com.au/">Eurangi</a> Bondi Beach approaching completion, Princeton is establishing itself as a more recognised name in the new residential development market.

Established in 2012 by current directors George Gadallah and Craig Anderson, Princeton's journey began four years earlier, after the 2008 global financial crisis shook the world.

Gadallah, an executive at St George Bank at the time, had a lightbulb moment.

"The GFC eradicated the non-bank lending sector altogether," Gadallah recently told Urban.

"At the same time, capital was reduced by the banks, who now considered lending to the development sector as a risk, so they largely exited the sector. The big banks were focusing on buying regional banks, as Westpac did with St George, and the monopoly of the Big Four as we know it now started to form."

In 2012, Gadallah and Anderson launched a Commercial Real Estate Debt (CRED) fund, a segment with no competition. It was, in fact, one of the first CRED funds since the GFC.

"We took the learnings from what had come before and deployed them in a sustainable business model," Gadallah says.

Fast-forward eight years, and the market became crowded. Gadallah had worked through development cycles since the mid-1990s and identified an opportunity to pivot into residential development.

They acquired development sites across a wide range of Sydney metro suburbs, from Campbell Parade on the dress circle <a href="https://eurangibondibeach.com.au/">Bondi Beach</a> to a warehouse in Balmain that will be one of the last warehouse conversions in the Balmain village.

Gadallah says every development Princeton delivers will be of a standard that is well above its peers in its respective market.

"We're taking the same level of finish from our $20 million Bondi Beach penthouse to areas that haven't had that level of quality before," Gadallah said.

"We engage some of the country's best architects and interior designers, creating bespoke buildings in areas they've never really designed anything in before. This is the unique offering we want to take to different suburbs across Sydney."

While understanding the drivers in the property industry, Princeton has been an early adopter of Resilience Latent Defects Insurance. This new policy protects buyers from structural defects on new apartment buildings for up to 10 years.

"We are committed to providing certainty to our purchasers by utilising the best-in-class products that provide peace of mind and warranties for any defects," Gadallah says.

Princeton's current portfolio includes the luxury Eurangi in <a href="https://eurangibondibeach.com.au/">Bondi Beach</a>, The Llewellyn Series in Balmain, a unique collection of warehouse homes, <a href="/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale">Marque&nbsp;</a><a href="/developments/rockdale-nsw-2216">Rockdale</a>, 58 apartments with LDI, and Sydney Park Terraces, a recently completed set of only eight bespoke terraces in <a href="https://www.sydneyparkterraces.com.au/">St Peters</a>.

Princeton is also due to launch two other projects to market in the second half of this year.

On Princeton's geographic spread of new development, Gadallah says they won't be tied to developing in one location.

“We focus on developing unique assets in high demand, high amenity locations. If a site and our unique lending metrics fit that criteria, we’ll look at it.”

Princeton's decade-long evolution from commercial fund to luxury off the plan apartment developer

TOGA has been a synonymous name in Sydney’s new development industry since its founding in the early 1960s. As one of the city’s most notable builder-developers, the company has left its mark with landmark projects across the Eastern Suburbs and all the way to Macquarie Park. A key philosophy for <a href="/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> is fostering a sense of community within its apartment developments.

"We focus on bringing residents together, creating more than just a place to live," says Tony Falas, TOGA's Executive General Manager – Sales &amp; Property Management. “As a developer, TOGA puts a major emphasis on convenience."

"We actively seek opportunities that not only allow us to benefit from surrounding amenities, but also to create new ones that serve both the wider community and our residents, providing them with ultimate doorstep convenience. Our aim is for buyers to proudly say, ‘We live above it’ when referring to the popular restaurants or cafes below."

A prime example of TOGA’s approach is its recently completed Surry Hills mixed-use precinct, <a href="/buildings/surry-hills-village-redfern-6-14-baptist-street-redfern-nsw-2016">Surry Hills Village</a> (SHV).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9302 project_image_fid=306319]

The retail and dining precinct, Wunderlich Lane, on the ground level has already become one of the talk-of-the-town spots. TOGA handpicked the hospitality tenants for this destination at the corner of Crown Street, where Surry Hills meets Redfern. Among the standout venues are Regina La Pizzeria by the Lumi Dining Group, Island Radio by House Made Hospitality, and Olympus Dining—owned by the same team behind the renowned Apollo restaurants in Potts Point.

“We took a lot of inspiration from Boheme Bondi when planning SHV,” Falas says. “At Boheme, residents take the lift directly down to Harris Farm and Lulu. I’m sure those living at SHV are already enjoying the vibrant offerings at Wunderlich Lane—some of the best food and hospitality Sydney has to offer, right on their doorstep.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9302 project_image_fid=306320]

There are only 122 apartments and townhouses in SHV, and most were snapped up quickly when the project first launched. Only a handful remain, with the penthouse recently selling for $7.375 million—one of the highest sales in the Surry Hills/Redfern area.

While SHV is a rare, once-in-a-decade opportunity—due to its unique size and location—TOGA’s placemaking efforts continue to be evident in its other developments across Sydney. The developer is currently working on The Kensington, located on Anzac Parade, where apartments sit above seven planned hospitality venues and retail stores, directly across from a light rail stop and within walking distance to the growing UNSW and Randwick health precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110959 project_image_fid=307651]

“The site where The Kensington sits is more suited to a traditional shop-top housing development,” Falas says. “But with seven retail spaces, we’re giving back a lot of space, offering a diverse mix of amenities that residents will love.”

TOGA is selective in choosing retail tenants, often opting to lease spaces to hospitality operators rather than sell them.

"By retaining control of the retail offerings, we can ensure that our buyers have access to high-quality services,” says Falas. "We’re not interested in tacky convenience stores or laundromats; that doesn't elevate the living experience for our residents."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110959 project_image_fid=307654]

<a href="/new-apartments/the-kensington-147-151-anzac-parade-kensington">The Kensington</a>, being built by the iCIRT-rated DASCO, will feature 142 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments—particularly popular with those in the medical and academic fields due to its proximity to Randwick's health precinct and UNSW. Investors are also eyeing the apartments, knowing they’ll likely attract quality tenants from these sectors and see strong capital growth in a limited supply area.

Another development currently under construction is <a href="/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park">Macquarie Rise</a> in <a href="/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a>, where TOGA has once again pushed boundaries with an activated ground plane that blends nature and landscaping with more doorstep amenities.

“We’re creating a Macquarie Rise Village—a village green at the base of three towers that will combine nature with increased convenience,” Falas explains. “There will be several retail spaces, handpicked by TOGA, as well as a softening of the streetscape on Herring Road with extensive lawns and alfresco spaces.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242695]

With higher density compared to developments like SHV and The Kensington, Macquarie Rise is designed to offer an exclusive community experience. Club Rise will feature a heated pool set amid lush landscaping, a gym with a yoga room, a resident lounge with communal dining areas, a karaoke room, and a bookable private dining room.

TOGA’s community-building approach has expanded to <a href="/developments/marrickville-nsw-2204">Marrickville</a>, where they’ve recently completed <a href="/buildings/wicks-place-marrickville-186-victoria-road-marrickville-nsw-2204">Wicks Place</a>—a development of 272 apartments above a cafe-centric precinct and a new green park, both of which are key features of the inner west’s culture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27691 project_image_fid=308947]

Only a few one and two-bedroom apartments remain in the building, which is located in the Victoria Road Precinct. This area was recently rezoned by the Inner West Council, and several developers are now planning large mixed-use projects that will continue to transform the once industrial zone into a more vibrant community, comparable to the neighbouring Newtown.

A prime example of TOGA’s philosophy of building communities is its recently completed Surry Hills mixed-use precinct, Surry Hills Village



TOGA's vision for building vibrant new community precincts across Sydney

Summary:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">The Regent revives Fitzroy’s historic Regent Theatre with modern design</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Studio Tate interiors offer two distinct styles with customisation options</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Prime location near cafes, dining, galleries, and tram connections</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Rooftop, guest suite, workshop, and dog wash to enhance resident living</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<hr />
&nbsp;

Melbourne developer SMA Projects almost doesn't see itself as a developer.

"We feel like we're more of a lifestyle creator," <a href="/developers/sma-projects">SMA Projects</a> Founder Martin Strode says, adding that they want to create spaces that enhance the way people live, through clever design, architectural features, and prime location of their projects.

When the opportunity to secure the former Regent Theatre site in <a href="/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a>, it allowed them to tick all three of those boxes.

"While the Regent Theatre is long gone, we had a head start in the design phase because we knew how we wanted the building to look before we even secured the site. We had a bit of a blueprint as to the architectural integrity of the sites former life, and how we could reimagine it into a 21st century apartment building," Strode says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304614]

SMA called on&nbsp;<a href="/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, who they have been collaborating with across several architecturally-significant developments over the past two decades, to draw inspiration from the theatre's Art Deco past, incorporating arched ceilings and period-inspired details.&nbsp;

The Art Deco influence is immediately evident, beginning with the streetscape and extending into the lobby. Curved walls, elegant pendant lighting, and custom-designed, 70s-inspired mirrors capture the essence of a bygone era.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304762]

It was important the apartment interiors followed the same style, so the brief to<a href="/interior-designers/studio-tate"> Studio Tate</a> was of a similar narrative.

While also wanting to be flexible and give buyers a level of customisation which SMA believes is incredibly important in off the plan purchasing, Studio Tate put together two distinct designs; the light and refined Classic Collection, influenced by Nordic minimalism, and the dramatic, moody Arthouse Collection, inspired by Fitzroy’s artistic edge.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304606]

SMA’s philosophy is that buildings are about more than just the apartments. They make a conscious effort to create spaces where residents can gather, always staying true to their core belief of making life easier for those who live there.

Crowning the nine-level building will be a 315 sqm rooftop which will act as a shared space for residents to gather, eat, drink, and take in uninterrupted views of the Melbourne skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304765]

One of the more innovative features designed by SMA is the inclusion of a guest suite, exclusively available for residents to book. This thoughtful addition functions like a private spare bedroom, providing a convenient space for family or friends to stay.&nbsp;

In response to the 2023 Victorian pet census, which revealed that nearly 60% of Victorian adults own pets—particularly dogs—SMA also incorporated a dedicated dog wash facility within the building. Residents will enjoy the added convenience of a concierge service, available to handle everything from managing deliveries to making restaurant reservations and much more.

While SMA will be bringing doorstep convenience in the form of several retail spaces on the ground floor, of which at least one will likely be a cafe, <a href="/new-apartments/the-regent-fitzroy-340-fitzroy-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">The Regent</a> is strategically located in the cultural heart of Fitzroy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304612]

The Fitzroy Street address places residents just seconds from Johnston Street, one of Melbourne’s most popular areas for cafés, dining, galleries, and nightlife.&nbsp;

Johnston Street also serves as a convenient thoroughfare, connecting west to Abbotsford and east to Carlton. The 96 tram, located just five minutes from The Regent at the intersection of Johnston and Nicholson Streets, provides direct access through the CBD and all the way to St Kilda Beach.

Victoria's new off the plan apartment savings apply to all 64 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments at The Regent, but only for a limited time.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24824]

SMA makes a conscious effort to create spaces where residents can gather, always staying true to their core belief of making life easier for those who live there.

The Regent Fitzroy: Where architecture and lifestyle combine

Queensland apartment developer Mosaic Property Group is intensifying its commitment to the Gold Coast’s apartment market, with three new projects valued at over $570 million.

<a href="/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> is poised to shortly launch <a href="/new-apartments/sophia-by-mosaic-1357-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">Sophia by Mosaic</a> in <a href="/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>—a $135 million direct beachfront&nbsp;development with 32 apartments across nine levels. The project marks Mosaic’s entry into Palm Beach following success in the fast-growing southern coastal markets of Bilinga and Kirra Beach.

In <a href="/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>, Mosaic continues its successful trajectory, with a fifth site acquisition underway following the recent completions of Augusta by Mosaic and Florence by Mosaic. Plans are in place for a <a href="/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-mosaic-secure-another-gold-coast-apartment-development-site">$185 million ultra-luxury development on The Esplanade</a>.

Further expanding in Broadbeach, Mosaic has secured its third site and submitted a development application for a $250 million, 37-level tower on Mary Avenue, offering 59 expansive half and full-floor residences.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-mosaic-file-plans-for-fifth-broadbeach-apartment-development">First look exclusive: Mosaic file plans for fifth Broadbeach apartment development</a>

<img alt="Mosaic Broadbeach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ef8a2ac-1116-4bcb-9331-065d73278f67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-21%20at%2011.02.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=v1s6B.GR6.rlRv4np8147NswQTmBHQgQ" />

Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan said the new acquisitions underscored Mosaic's confidence in the resilience of lifestyle-driven markets and the enduring demand for its design-led, functional, and beautifully finished residences.

"The strength of these markets has been exceptional since the pandemic,"&nbsp;Monahan said.

"We continue to experience robust demand from both interstate and local downsizers who are seeking luxury apartments that offer thoughtful design, functionality, and exceptional quality.

“With limited supply and rising construction costs, Mosaic is well-positioned to lead in this market which is becoming more discerning following many stalled projects as a result of many developers not being able to deliver much awaited supply. Our long-established in-house construction arm enables us to manage costs effectively and seize key opportunities.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145364 project_image_fid=322822]

Monahan said Sophia was shaping as an exceptional project for Palm Beach.

“Positioned on the dunes at the sought-after northern end of Palm Beach, Sophia occupies a premier beachfront site that we believe will be highly desirable. We already have a waitlist of Mosaic buyers from our existing database of previous and current owners, indicating another likely rapid sellout in this very unique location.”

Designed in collaboration with Bureau Proberts, Sophia&nbsp;will offer residents an array of five-star amenities, including a pool, spa, gym, and sauna.

“Sophia will provide a beautifully balanced lifestyle, merging iconic design with world-class amenities to cater to every resident's needs,” Monahan added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145364 project_image_fid=322819]

Mosaic boasts an extensive $1.4 billion portfolio on the Gold Coast with nine completed projects and an additional four currently under construction.

“We are very fortunate that our entire project portfolio is consistently near sell-out, reflecting robust and ongoing demand driven by the market’s attraction to our design-led developments.

"Buyers are drawn not only to Mosaic’s exceptional quality, prime locations, and thoughtful, resident- focused designs but also to the assurance that we deliver as promised. Our unbroken track record instils confidence, with buyers reassured that Mosaic consistently upholds its commitments.

“The trust we’ve built in our brand over many years which we will never take for granted, continues to fuel this strong demand, as clients recognise the lasting value inherent in every project. Our reputation for excellence, reliability, and&nbsp; integrity positions Mosaic as a preferred developer, making our homes some of the most highly sought-after on the market.”

Since 2012, Mosaic has completed more than 65 developments across South East Queensland, establishing itself as one of the region’s most reliable and recognised developers.

Mosaic Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan said the new acquisitions underscored Mosaic's confidence in the resilience of lifestyle-driven markets

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