Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

First look: Ceerose doubles down in Leichhardt with adaptive reuse of former warehouse site

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?

Compromise isn’t a word used to describe the apartments in AURA by Aqualand, the new $1 billion tower in North Sydney.

The lack of need to compromise is what’s driven a large number of local downsizers to the luxury development, given the combination of both size and design offered in the larger apartments towards the top of the 28-level building.

Roseville residents Henry and Sandra Rolley are downsizing from their family home for the last two decades to take up residency in a sub-penthouse on level 24 of the Walker Street tower.

While technological advancements and the internet have changed the way we market real estate, it was the trusted letterbox drop which alerted the couple to the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202995]

"We visited the display showroom and spoke to Domenic (AURA by Aqualand's Sales Consultant), and everything fell into place from there," Henry says.

Continuing their due diligence so they could get a true feel for what it would be like to live at AURA by Aqualand, Henry and Sandra visited the hotel behind the project and took in the views from the 11th level.

One of Sandra's highest priorities on her wish list was to overlook water.

"The extensive terracing in the sub penthouse, paired with 180 degree views from inside which take in the water, will create a very calming environment for us," Sandra says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202994]

It was important for the couple to stay within the local area, and AURA by Aqualand offered the best apartment for quality finishes, size, and location. The couple recently bought a share in a boat which is being moored in Bayview, across from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in Kirribilli.

The location was a big tick for the couple, who wanted to remain north of the bridge so they could still keep in touch with their friends who live on the North Shore. They're planning to use the new metro, to be accessed by the future Victoria Cross Station next door, to get around the majority of the time, while the penthouse also offers two parking spaces.

"It's easy to get everywhere from the location," Henry says, adding that he's excited to see the extensive redevelopment of North Sydney when the government infrastructure projects kick off.

"The alfresco dining strips and the regenerated areas of North Sydney on our doorstep have a massive appeal for us.

"We get the best of both worlds with the exciting lifestyle precinct planned for the base of the building, but a calming oasis to come home to above it all."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/what-penthouse-buyers-are-looking-for-in-today-s-market-a-look-into-aura-by-aqualand-s-penthouse-collection">What penthouse buyers are looking for in today’s market; a look into AURA by Aqualand’s penthouse collection</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202986]

Henry has been able to watch the project come out of the ground from the greens at Northbridge Golf Course.

"I've seen the cranes come and I can see the movement on site, which is great," Henry says.

"Soon enough we'll be able to see the level our apartment will sit on which will be an exciting milestone for us."

Coincidentally, a friend who knows one of Aqualand's internal construction team members, is part of Henry and Sandra's Saturday morning riding group, and he can't speak more highly of <a href="/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> and their efficiency, which Henry says gives him confidence that the delivery timeframe will be achieved.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202656]

Construction of the $1 billion project commenced early last year and is over half way through, with completion slated for mid-2024.

The Rolley's weren't the only local downsizers buying a premium apartment in the project.

A couple of empty nesters departing their Northern Beaches home of 45 years recently secured one of the four-bedroom apartments in AURA by Aqualand. They intend to turn one of the bedrooms into a home office.

It will be a big change for the retiring couple, who bought the house when they were 20. Out with the old and in with the new, as they intend to leave the house and sell their furniture and antiques. They'll be buying all new furniture to better match the space, as well as new art.

The couple will be splitting their time between the apartment, which will be their city base, and their two holiday houses.

They said the whole process of buying off the plan with Aqualand has been a great experience.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/how-aura-by-aqualand-adds-a-new-jewel-in-north-sydney-s-crown">How AURA by Aqualand adds a new jewel in North Sydney’s crown</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=203003]

“It was our first time buying off the plan, and Aqualand’s professionalism and high degree of organization and knowledge helped us through the buying journey,” they said.

“We constantly get updates on the project and where it’s up to with construction which is important in this sector of the property market. Everything has been smooth sailing in our first off the plan purchase.”

The extensive community-building curated amenity which Aqualand are developing (a providore, bakery, café and wine bar, an all-day diner and a contemporary Japanese restaurant), were a big drawcard for the retiring couple, who are looking forward to being part of a community and meeting new people.&nbsp;

They're excited to explore the city and immerse themselves in the culture, having lived in the Northern Beaches all their lives.

They'll be constantly entertaining, with kids and grandkids, as well as overseas visitors, all expected to come and stay at the apartment, which effectively has two kitchens with the butler's pantry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=202655]

Aqualand Head of Sales and Marketing Alex Adams calls AURA by Aqualand “an heirloom of a building, providing truly rare and unique homes.”

“What was once a beautiful concept is forming into a truly remarkable destination set to be a new masterpiece in North Sydney,” Adams says.

“The elegant forms and curves of the building are taking shape and the installation of the glass frame facade is making its way up level by level.

“A new release of residences, including a selection from our breathtaking penthouse collection is available and now selling, providing a once in a generation opportunity.”

With construction well underway, the main tower will start climbing to its peak at level 28, with the residential levels forming individual apartments with services, internal walls, and bathroom and kitchen fitouts to commence.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Roseville residents Henry and Sandra Rolley are downsizing from their family home for the last two decades to take up residency in a sub-penthouse on level 24 of the Walker Street tower

AURA by Aqualand offers exciting new phase for downsizers

A groundbreaking ceremony has recently been held at the $180 million Lindfield project, Balfour Place, signifying the beginning of construction with demolition works wrapping up.&nbsp;

Australian developers Third.i, in conjunction with joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, are behind Balfour Place, which will comprise 59 apartments on top of 4,500 sqm of retail and hospitality spaces, including a brand new Coles supermarket.

The project launched in April 2022, selling out within a matter of weeks. Construction is expected to be complete by January 2025.&nbsp;

It recently won the Best Mixed Use Development of The Year at the&nbsp;2022 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112016 project_image_fid=194989]

On the award win, Luke Berry, Third.i. Co-Founder, said the development had struck a chord with the Lindfield community.&nbsp;

“Balfour Place is truly at heart of what we do and a true example of how we’re building communities by listening to the needs of the market,” Berry said.

“The level of design and architecture has been carefully curated and I think it’s struck a chord with buyers who have recognised that we had larger living spaces on offer in an idyllic location with lifestyle amenities on your doorstep.

“It truly will be a legacy destination for the area and we couldn’t be more thrilled to commence construction."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112016 project_image_fid=194990]

Australian builder Conquest has been appointed as the project builders, with Balfour Place adding to their project portfolio which includes the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood, The Greens Strathfield, La Luna Burwood and Soho Burwood.

First home buyers and young families are among those set to call Balfour Place home.

With a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residential apartments, residents will benefit from private courtyards and a shared rooftop garden space to be built on top of a brand new large format Coles supermarket.The Coles grocery hub will be double the size of the existing store and will include a Liqourland and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway.

Over 230 car parking spaces will also be available spanning across two levels.

The apartments were reduced from 70 to 59, after Third.i's research suggested there was more appetite for larger apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112016]

The project launched in April 2022, selling out within a matter of weeks. Construction expected to be complete by January 2025

Construction commences at Thirdi's sold-out Lindfield apartments, Balfour Place 

Cronulla's beachside is set to receive an influx of new apartments, with two new development applications filed on the beachside.

The two new developments are on Gerrale Street, which has seen a number of new apartment developments since the&nbsp;introduction of the Sutherland Shire Council Local Environment Plan 2015 (SSC LEP).

The most recent application is at 97-105 Gerrale Street, a $30 million shoptop development pictured main and below comprising 30 apartments across a nine-level building and above two retail spaces.

Those plans have been filed by GerDev Pty Ltd, an entity tied to Sahara Projects owner Nick Colys and a Chinese investor.&nbsp;There will be just two two-bed apartments on offer, and 28 three-bedroom units.

Vic Lake Architects Director and Founder Victor Lake noted in the Design Verification Statement submitted to the Sutherland Shire Council that the project&nbsp;sits at a key junction in Cronulla, a gateway to the peninsula.

"The prominent corner position and heritage items make for a challenging and exciting reinvention," the report noted.

To be notified when the project hits sales, <a href="/new-apartments/97-105-gerrale-street-cronulla">enquire here</a>.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25f7c0f3-4c28-4dfb-9586-09565748b4a7" href="/new-apartments/97-105-gerrale-street-cronulla"><img alt="Gerrale Street" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-28%20at%208.45.15%20am.png?VersionId=9wD1RMfZZSI3WoKI7pLPPhenPe5gA5Yb" /></a> 
The plans for&nbsp;97-105 Gerrale Street. Image credit: Vic Lake

Lake said that, like most areas in the Sutherland Shire, Cronulla is in a transitional phase due to the adoption of the SSC LEP 2015, adding that over time most older housing stock will be replaced with new ADG compliant developments.

"Gerrale Street in particular has several new residential and mixed development that extend from The Kingsway to the north extending along South Cronulla Park to the round-about to the east," Lake wrote.

"Since the adoption of Council’s LEP2015 assisted by the age of the existing housing stock and the rising price of new apartments there has been a number of larger site amalgamations along Gerrale Street that have forms the new context. All new developments compete with one another to attract greater returns and many with expensive and novel visual solutions, however all strive to provide for essential needs of the end users."

A Heritage Impact Statement was undertaken by Andrew Starr and Associates Heritage Consultants given the building at 97-99 Gerrale Street is a locally registered heritage item.

The new development will retain the facades and some internal fabric of the heritage, but some demolition of heritage fabric is necessary to&nbsp;achieve the outcome of the proposal for the development of the apartments. The plan is to demolish the freestanding shop built in the 1980s and a 1970s apartment building which are currently on the 1,438 sqm, four-site amalgamation.

A more boutique project has been filed up the road at 79-81 Gerrale Street, a revision of a previous proposal which was rejected in 2020 due to the projects bulk, scale and design issues.

Now the developer, TomTome Group Pty Ltd, has filed for 18 apartments across nine levels on a 918 sqm block which has a western frontage to Monro Park and an eastern frontage facing Cronulla Beach and Cronulla Park. It will replace a three-level apartment building.

To be notified when the project hits sales, <a href="/new-apartments/79-81-gerrale-street-cronulla">enquire here</a>.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ebad1ea8-40d7-4776-bf16-ed3dee638d0e" href="/new-apartments/79-81-gerrale-street-cronulla"><img alt="CGI of the proposed development " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ebad1ea8-40d7-4776-bf16-ed3dee638d0e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-23%20at%204.18.07%20pm.png?VersionId=lG2Qr.Vo9kIa7OPtmnhy.g8ZsOAR0NN7" /></a> 
The proposed 79-81 Gerrale St building. Credit: IDA Design Group.

The landscaping and architectural design have been developed by Design Collective and IDA Design Group.

The new design includes chamfered corners and a setback that mirrors that of the neighbouring buildings to better integrate with the surrounding area.

One one-bedroom apartment will be on offer, along with eight two-bed and nine three-bedroom residences, in addition to 35 car spaces and four bicycle spaces.&nbsp;

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7657a90-8975-4391-a7a1-1849346431b8" href="/new-apartments/79-81-gerrale-street-cronulla"><img alt="CGI of the proposed Gerrale St building. Credit: IDA Design Group." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7657a90-8975-4391-a7a1-1849346431b8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-23%20at%204.18.21%20pm.png?VersionId=cUwtrDmCQymWX7tiSl8wNN0k843ZjfIM" /></a> 
The proposed 79-81 Gerrale St building. Credit: IDA Design Group.

The apartments will benefit from direct ocean views to Cronulla Beach, as well as direct access to Monro Park and Cronulla Park.

Drawing inspiration from the nearby coastline for the design, balcony planters and verdant greenery will also help connect the building to the neighbouring parks.

The prominent Sutherland Shire developer <a href="/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> is planning a $100 million project at 67 Gerrale Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/sammut-group-spend-38-million-at-cronulla-for-apartment-development-site">Sammut Group spend $38 million at Cronulla for apartment development site</a>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=137595]

The two new developments are on Gerrale Street, which has seen a number of new apartment developments since the introduction of the Sutherland Shire Council Local Environment Plan 2015 (SSC LEP)

Cronulla apartment pipeline grows with two new beachside developments planned

The tightly held Kirribilli Avenue, which runs from the Harbour Bridge through to the Prime Minster’s Kirribilli House, is set for a rare new luxury apartment development.

Plans have been filed for eight high-end apartments, which will see a the restoration of an inter-war building at 77 Kirribilli Avenue adjoin a new three-level flat building at 75 Kirribilli Avenue. The latter was one of the first buildings in the area, according to town planner Urbis.

That will be demolished and make way for a new five-level building which will home a communal gym, wine room, and five of the eight apartments, including a two-level penthouse which features a rooftop terrace with spa. Next door will be a cinema on the ground level, and a further three units.

There will be seven three-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom unit on offer in the $9.3 million development designed by EMBECE Studio, in collaboration with GMU Urban Design and Architecture. It will front the&nbsp;the heritage-listed Mary Booth Reserve, which means views of the Harbour Bridge can never be built out. Views of the Opera House are limited, due to the longstanding building next door.

<img alt="Kirribilli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cc3b19f-2f56-4187-aebc-4a92fd8270fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-24%20at%209.31.03%20am.png?VersionId=IHL6Maj3O95aY7NDRmIk0QqQSQY2qX6l" />

In their plans submitted to the North Sydney council, EMBECE said the the&nbsp;ambitions of the project is to provide eight new high end apartments which are a respectful and elegant addition to the local conservation area, the street and the harbour front.&nbsp;

"A unique site location on the harbour which creates distinctive opportunities for the built form and residential amenity&nbsp;

"The site is a waterfront site and bounded by two distinctively different urban conditions of Kirribilli Avenue and Mary Booth Reserve. These interfaces in the broader context of the harbour location create important considerations for how the building character and residential amenity respond to its setting.

<img alt="Kirribilli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c81ebc8-4d11-4b39-9a31-20eda3370434" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-24%20at%209.27.25%20am_0.png?VersionId=8pPGgJBpprEEuaYyVk3keVzRWn.HN3RK" />

The Urban Design Report submitted by&nbsp;GMU Urban Design and Architecture&nbsp;said the&nbsp;proposal seeks to deliver elegant, contemporary architectural outcomes that are contextually appropriate, to complement the site and desirable neighbourhood characteristics.

"To the street, the proposed development presents as an existing inter-war building adjacent to a new three-storey residential flat building with high-quality integrated landscape outcomes to complement the streetscape setting.

"The new building at No. 75 presents to the street with simple, elegant contemporary forms paraphrasing the proportions of neighbouring inter-war walk-ups with decorative masonry details, expressed bays and vertical articulation.

"The copper roof is a visual reference to the pitched roof forms found in the area with its profile carefully sculpted to maintain a contemporary elegant expression and minimise visual bulk to the public domain and neighbouring sites."

Town planner Urbis found that 75 Kirribilli Avenue was originally a part of an estate containing the early Victorian cottage, ‘The Dingle’.

"This building was one of the first buildings in the area and was constructed in a vernacular fashion of salvaged metal and other building materials from the Crimean War in the 1850s5 resulting in the colloquial name, the ‘Iron House’. By the late 1800s, the Dingle had its own underground water reservoir, wharf, boathouse, and bathing-house."

Urbis said overall the proposed redevelopment of the subject site will respect the significance of the Kirribilli HCA and will ensure that there are no negative impacts on the vicinity heritage items in the area.

The landscaping has been handled by FORM Architects, who say the&nbsp;landscape design unifies the two buildings through a cohesive garden setting which extends from Kirribilli Avenue and down into the borrowed landscape of the Reserve and the Harbour.

Kirribill Avenue, which is lined with original apartment blocks with gun-barrel views of the Harbour Bridge, has only seen one apartment sale this year and just seven in 2022, which included a $13.5 million sale of a three-bed, 2000-built sub-penthouse with Opera House and Harbour Bridge views.

<h2>Fast Facts:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Address: 75 Kirribilli Avenue, Kirribilli NSW 2061</li>
	<li>Land size: 1038.1 sqm</li>
	<li>Building Height: 12m</li>
	<li>LGA: North Sydney Council</li>
	<li>Apartments: 8</li>
	<li>1 x 2-bedroom apartment</li>
	<li>7 x 3-bedroom apartment</li>
	<li>Parking spaces: 14</li>
	<li>Estimated cost of work: $9,383,106</li>
</ul>

Plans have been filed for eight high-end apartments, which will see a the restoration of an inter-war building adjoin a new five-level flat building.



First look: New luxury Sydney Harbour apartments planned for Kirribilli

Construction has commenced on the Lower North Shore's latest residential development, The Newlands.&nbsp;

Based in Hong Kong and Australia,&nbsp;Top Spring Australia has appointed DASCO as its construction partner, with early works and demolition commencing on site. The project is expected to start to come out of the ground toward the end of 2023.

Bordered by absolute park front on three sides, the 1.26-hectare masterplanned community in St Leonards is embracing an "inner-city tree-change" lifestyle says Colliers Director Daniel McMahon, where established green spaces will connect with a central 5,700 sqm green spine and 1,500 sqm of communal rooftop amenity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24509 project_image_fid=203623]

One, two and three-bedroom apartments are on offer at The Newlands, in addition to three-bedroom garden terraces, designed by&nbsp;multidisciplinary design firm, Bates Smart, in collaboration with landscape architects, Arcadia.

The highly-anticipated development&nbsp;is set to roll out in stages, revitalising a well-selected pocket of the area and breathing new life into the community.&nbsp;

Nestled between Marshall Avenue, Canberra Avenue, Park Road, and River Road, the masterplan is strategically positioned, with Newlands Park providing a picturesque backdrop to the east. The location boasts a rare mix of urban conveniences and natural splendour, with the lush bushland stretching beyond River Road, cascading down to the serene Sydney Harbour.

While the masterplan will welcome new households to the tightly-held area, there's a grander Council plan in the works, thanks to the St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 Plan.&nbsp;

Community infrastructure will get an upgrade, while green spaces were fundamental in the design vision. New pedestrian and bicycle pathways will be incorporated, along with the expansion of Newlands Park, childcare facilities, cafes and pocket parks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24509 project_image_fid=203622]

Comprising five low-rise buildings, 329 residences will be constructed across the site along Canberra Avenue, with the lines between exterior and interior set to be blurred.&nbsp;

Stage one of the development is selling now, with prices for a one-bedroom apartment priced from&nbsp;$815,000. The two-bedders start from&nbsp;$1,295,000, while the three-bedroom garden terraces come in at&nbsp;$2,705,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24509]

The highly-anticipated development is set to roll out in stages, revitalising a well-selected pocket of the area and breathing new life into the community. 

Construction commences on Top Spring's St Leonards masterplan, The Newlands

Prominent Sydney developer Coronation Property has been short-listed in the Australian Institute of Architects' National Architecture Awards for their Liverpool-based development, The Foundry.

Nominated in the Multiple Housing category, The Foundry forms part of their award-winning The Paper Mill precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5847 project_image_fid=211760]

Comprising 200 apartments, including high-rise residences and ground floor laneway apartments, the SJB designed development is fused with generous ground-level landscaping sitting beneath a light-filled central atrium that stretches 17-storeys through its core.

Maximising its frontage onto the Georges River, the tower opens up to a 1,200 sqm resort-style rooftop terrace featuring a private pool and landscaped gardens, providing residents with opportunities to connect with neighbours and enjoy river and district views.&nbsp;

The building's facade blends contemporary elements with a nod to the precinct’s rich history. Constructed using a combination of brick and precast concrete, SJB’s design pays homage to the nearby heritage-listed brick structure that Coronation transformed into Paper Mill Food, a vibrant central dining hub enjoyed by residents and the wider Liverpool community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5847 project_image_fid=211761]

The ready-to-move-in apartments at The Foundry feature entertainer’s balconies, engineered floors, double-sized bedrooms, premium joinery, spacious built-in robes, internal laundries, and quality European appliances.

All of the two and three-bedroom apartments have now been sold, with spacious one-bedroom plus study floor plans remaining.&nbsp;

Ideal for first home buyers, investors or young families, these oversized one-bed-plus multi-purpose room apartments, including car space, are priced from $497,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5847]

Nominated in the Multiple Housing category, The Foundry forms part of their award-winning The Paper Mill precinct.

Coronation Property's The Foundry short-listed for National Architecture Award

Sydney-based construction company Level 33 has submitted plans to Wollongong City Council for a large-scale, mixed-use development in the centre of the third-largest city in New South Wales.

The family-owned firm is proposing to construct two towers in Wollongong, one of 18 levels and the other of 19, on a 6,514 sqm parcel of land made up of four separate lots.

Located on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, the towers&nbsp;will contain a total of 262 apartments, above 1200 sqm of retail space with seven separate tenancies.

<img alt="Render of the proposed Wollongong development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f23e876e-d4b5-436a-a7b9-a88a5f229e02" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2-4%20Gladstone%2C%20Wollongong%20C3%201221%20FI.jpg?VersionId=mwDvVsUKAeRWjjc0mpv8_nlc1WC3ov_e" />Render of the proposed Wollongong development. Credit: BKA Architecture.

The $73 million project plans were submitted by town planners Planning Ingenuity on behalf of Level 33, with BKA Architecture behind the designs.&nbsp;

A company linked to Level 33 Director Eddy Haddad bought&nbsp;357-359 Crown Street for $7 million in late 2021, then added the 20-unit block next door at 363 Crown Street for between $191,000 and $625,000.&nbsp;

<img alt="Level 33" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29c75522-4060-444b-b936-de2323bebbf5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-24%20at%2010.36.32%20am.png?VersionId=Lt0zE6CGIKkY_2UPhxwF5d6sCadqS.BA" />

The new development, which will replace all existing buildings, will feature a five-storey podium containing retail and commercial tenants, along with parking for 318 vehicles on the ground and lower-ground levels.

The majority of the apartments proposed are two-bedders (191). There will be&nbsp;63 one-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom apartments. BKA noted in their design statement&nbsp;submitted as part of the application that the density is considered to be appropriate within the urban and social context of the site.

"Its location in close proximity to transport links and numerous retail, commercial and recreational facilities suggests that the proposed density is both sustainable and compatible with the nature of likely future development."

The main communal open space features over 1,800 sqm of landscaped gardens.

<img alt="Render of the proposed Wollongong development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb342996-3e23-4bd5-ba18-a14544882633" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2-4%20Gladstone%2C%20Wollongong%20C2%201221%20FI.jpg?VersionId=t0HUYCoZ1gbK0P6uSaZAJGP.RIDnQNcL" />Render of the proposed Wollongong development. Credit: BKA Architecture.

BKA said the proposal to develop the site for residential purposes will greatly enhance the quality and amenity of the streetscape and make a positive contribution to the emerging and renewed character of the area.

"The proposed development is contextual at its core, adapting its built form and landscape design harmoniously with the topography and adjacent consolidated high density residential neighbours in accordance with the desired future character of the area."

The building has been designed with due regard to environmentally sustainable design principles. Most of the proposed apartments have their living areas orientated towards the north and east to maximize solar access.

Part of the consideration in the design process was the heritage-listed Moreton Bay fig tree on the site, which has stood since at least the late 1930s.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139252]

The new development, which will replace all existing buildings, will feature a five-storey podium containing retail and commercial tenants

Level 33 file plans for mixed-use Wollongong development 

It was a move back to Sydney that prompted entrepreneur Brett Boyle and his wife to secure an apartment in Piety Group's Wentworth Point development, ONE The Waterfront.

Following a two-year stint living in their Blue Mountains home during COVID, the couple returned to the city, and rented an apartment in ONE The Waterfront, the most recently completed building in Piety's waterfront precinct. They went on to buy a two-bedroom apartment in the same building.

Now with a baby on the way, the growing family decided to upsize, selling their apartment for a healthy eight per cent gain and staying put in ONE The Waterfront, buying a three-bedroom unit.

Boyle says the couple have lived on and off in Wentworth Point for the last decade or so, given it's where his parents reside.&nbsp;So when it came time to head back to the city, Piety's nine-building community offered a rare opportunity to live in a near-new apartment in an area they knew well.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5751 project_image_fid=209824]

"We looked at buying an apartment when we first made the move back to Sydney, but we decided initially to rent within the precinct, to make sure it was the right fit for us," Boyle, who runs the business consultancy firm RiseUp, told Urban.

"Within six months, we bought in the same building."

Boyle says they were impressed with the quality and the level of detail in the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5751 project_image_fid=209829]

"We were confident in both Piety's track record and what we'd physically lived in and owned. We had no problem committing to upsizing within the precinct knowing what we know about the developer," Boyle says, adding that he's now recommending to his family and friends to buy into the project.

"It has a real community-vibe, with the extensive resident amenity meaning you can socialise around a swimming pool or a barbecue area without having to travel far."

On top of the resort-style pool and barbecue areas, residents of ONE The Waterfront have access to a&nbsp;fee free commercial gym, tennis courts, and outdoor rooftop cinemas. There is also CLUB ONE, a community centre that includes&nbsp; another private cinema.

Boyle also noted the extended level of care from the Piety team, who are still actively involved in the development well past its completion.

"It's not a case of them selling the apartment and moving on. Piety continue to maintain a high-level of customer experience. The building managers do a very good job of maintaining the project."

Boyle took advantage of the generous incentive which was on offer when he bought the three-bedroom apartment, securing free strata levies for two years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5751 project_image_fid=195415]

Laver Residential Projects saw a huge uplift in interest since they released the incentive earlier this year. The incentive is still available for a limited time.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/how-piety-group-are-attracting-first-home-buyers-and-investors-to-one-the-waterfront-apartments-in-wentworth-point">How Piety Group are attracting first home buyers and investors to ONE The Waterfront apartments in Wentworth Point</a>

First home buyers have also shown significant interest since the NSW Government signed off on the changes to stamp duty. Now&nbsp;a first home buyer won't pay any stamp duty when buying an apartment in ONE The Waterfront, given the most expensive three-bedroom remaining is priced at $1,109,000, well below the new $1.5 million cap.

Late last year Piety submitted plans for the final two towers in the waterfront precinct, which they started developing back in 2010.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5751]

Boyle says they were impressed with the quality and the level of detail in the project

Why we're onto our third ONE The Waterfront apartment in Wentworth Point: Urban Buyer Q&A

The busy developer Lindsay Bennelong is continuing to pad out its multi-residential property portfolio.

Off the back of two contrasting applications in 2022, one for a $150 million project in Crows Nest and another for a boutique project on Manly Beach, Lindsay Bennelong, headed by Clarendon Homes Founder Peter Campbell, is heading to the Eastern Suburbs.

They've filed for a mixed-use project at 138 Maroubra Road, just behind the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and next door to the Maroubra Police Station.

The company secured the 1,512 sqm site during their busy 2022. They'll be demolishing the current office building and replacing it with a nine-level building, which will offer a mix of retail, commercial, and residential.

<img alt="138 Maroubra Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="031904f3-36f2-417c-b490-4d1adcf30034" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-23%20at%208.49.16%20am.png?VersionId=AcrfIx5d3D8X6aFsbMDCL6p1XRL9GGR3" />

There will be 57 apartments on offer, a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom units. The plans are for two retail spaces on the ground level, and a first level commercial office space, which will be flanked by a landscaped outdoor space.

There will be 23 one-bedroom apartments, which range in size from 51 sqm to 62 sqm, 12 two-bed units, which start from 86 sqm and top out at 99 sqm, and large three-bedroom apartments, the smallest 105 sqm and the largest 149 sqm.

There is a sole four-bedroom apartment, which has over 150 sqm of living space.

There are a number of outdoor breakout spaces for residents. Level two will feature an outdoor kids play space, an outdoor gym, and built-in seating around turfed areas.

Level eight will home two outdoor spaces, the largest at the southern end of the building which will have an outdoor barbecue and kitchen area and communal dining space, as well as community garden planters.

<img alt="138 Maroubra Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="03e3f7cf-19ff-4a9a-bc53-9ea1ded612f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-03-23%20at%208.21.02%20am.png?VersionId=FpNUZ9yRHbggNqiTsyWUKnyT2LgDrdQV" />

The northern outdoor area will have the same facilities, just across a slightly smaller footprint.

DJRD Architects designed the building. Co-owner and director Andrew Hipwell signed off on the design statement, noting that the&nbsp;design intent is to respond positively to the scale and massing of the existing adjacent buildings.

"The proposed project seeks some subtle variety by utilising brick and sheet cladding as a point of difference in texture and colour," the report submitted to the Randwick City Council noted.

"The Ground and Level 1 component will be subtly expressed as a podium with an alternate expression for the residential use above.

"The façade is designed to have “bays” defined by columns and piers that come to ground. The retail frontage is frameless glass for maximum exposure to the street."

The report noted that the structure will be primarily concrete column and slab, with non-loadbearing party walls which would allow apartment amalgamations down the track without any structural implication.

"This feature will permit multiple future configurations of bedroom, bedroom/office, bedroom/living."

Lindsay Bennelong was established in 2007 by the respected property identity Peter Campbell.

They currently have projects in Bondi Junction (Whitton Lane) and Crows Nest (Delano). Last year they submitted plans for five beachside apartments on Manly's dress circle North Steyne.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-lindsay-bennelong-lodge-plans-for-beachside-manly-apartments">First look: Lindsay Bennelong lodge plans for beachside Manly apartments</a>

Fast Facts

<ul>
	<li>Address: 138 Maroubra Road, Maroubra</li>
	<li>Land size: 1,512 sqm</li>
	<li>Ground level retail 1 - 326.7 sqm</li>
	<li>Ground level retail 2 - 425.3 sqm</li>
	<li>Level one commercial space - 849.5 sqm</li>
	<li>three apartments on this level.</li>
	<li>23 x one-bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>12 x two-bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>21 x three-bedroom apartments</li>
	<li>1 x four-bedroom apartments</li>
</ul>

They've filed for a mixed-use project at 138 Maroubra Road, just behind the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre and next door to the Maroubra Police Station

First look: Lindsay Bennelong file Maroubra apartment plans

Green Square’s urban renewal is taking place across Beaconsfield and Zetland, and parts of Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo.

Revitalising the heritage and charm of this inner-city area, the precinct will be transformed into a major lifestyle and entertainment hub, replete with retail, office and state-of-the-art community facilities.

As one of Australia’s fastest growing neighbourhoods with over 30,000 new residential dwellings expected by 2030, developers have been quick to take advantage of the growth, with development giant Deicorp next on the list with their Zetland residential project, Downtown.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7106 project_image_fid=211703]

Downtown offers a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom residences that exude sophistication and elegance, with the project designed to echo Zetland's urban energy.&nbsp;

437 apartments will be delivered across the&nbsp;106-116 Epsom Road site, with&nbsp;MHNDU and BVN Architects collaborating in the design of the four unique buildings.&nbsp;

A range of floorplans are on offer, including open plan two-level apartments, which benefit from off street access.&nbsp;

The spacious living areas include sleek and functional kitchens, with SMEG appliances, while a merge between indoor and outdoor living has been created through the private balconies positioned as additional entertaining areas.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7106 project_image_fid=211701]

The large, king-sized bedrooms feature generous built-in or walk-in robes, with buyer's able to further customise their space with an optional study or dry bar.&nbsp;

The buildings at Downtown will be crowned by rooftop gardens, surrounded by generous lush landscaping, in addition to the various verdant pathways which not only connect the buildings but also the community.&nbsp;

Downtown is conveniently located just a short stroll to the East Village shopping centre, as well as Green Square Train Station, which will get residents to the CBD in a flash or the airport in just 20-minutes.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7106 project_image_fid=211702]

The NSW Government is building a new primary school and community spaces in Green Square on the old Royal South Sydney Hospital site on Joynton Avenue, while there's 12 primary and secondary schools within two kilometres of the site.&nbsp;

The City of Sydney has also&nbsp;committed $540 million to create world-class community facilities including an innovative new library and plaza, an aquatic centre, many parks and playgrounds, a childcare centre and a creative hub, which upon completion will put&nbsp;residents within five kilometres of 127 parks, cafes and restaurants.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7106]

Revitalising the heritage and charm of this inner-city area, the precinct will be transformed into a major lifestyle and entertainment hub, replete with retail, office and state-of-the-art community facilities

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