For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

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

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

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.

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<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?

Developer GWH has successfully completed stage two of its sold out Newcastle apartment project, SKY Residences.

The nine-level tower, which sits alongside the 19-level stage one tower which was completed in late 2021, comprises 73 apartments.&nbsp;All 189 apartments in the project havec all sold out.

GWH Managing Director Jonathan Craig says the project represents a significant milestone for the local developers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430 project_image_fid=28045]

&ldquo;It has been incredible to watch our plans for this site come to life over the last few years&rdquo;, Craig said.

&ldquo;SKY Residences is our largest residential project undertaken to date. To successfully deliver such an iconic new development to the Newcastle skyline truly is a phenomenal achievement and one we are all immensely proud of&rdquo;.

Construction of Sky Residences began in October 2019.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430 project_image_fid=201697]

SKY includes an array of resident-only facilities including a pool, gym and the rooftop SKY Lounge, which is an indoor and outdoor entertaining space, providing panoramic views over the CBD and beyond.

&ldquo;As Newcastle locals, we have a deep understanding of the lifestyle aspects Novocastrians desire to amplify the incredible living experience this city provides,&quot; Craig added.

&quot;The feedback from our stage one purchasers has been fantastic and I can&rsquo;t wait for stage two purchasers to experience all that this iconic, new destination has to offer.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8430 project_image_fid=201695]

GWH has been a steadfast presence across the Hunter region for over 25 years, backed by a strong track record of delivering commercial, industrial and residential projects within the area, including current works such as Newcastle&rsquo;s, ONE Apartments and Charlestown&rsquo;s Macquarie Tower, both set to start&nbsp;construction&nbsp;by the end of the year.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8430]

Consisting of 73 apartments, Sky Residences Stage Two sores nine-stories into the air, alongside the 19-storey, 66-metre Stage One tower, which was completed in late 2021.



GWH complete stage two of Newcastle's SKY Residences apartment development

Fortis has lodged plans with Waverley Council for&nbsp;their first collection of luxury homes in the affluent eastern suburbs hotspot Bronte.​

​The homes will be&nbsp;developed on the prime&nbsp;2,472 sqm site at&nbsp;122-128 Hewlett Street, which was&nbsp;acquired by Fortis for $44 million in early 2022. The proposed scheme has been developed in response to the increased demand for luxury houses in Sydney&rsquo;s east.&nbsp;

Architecture firm MHN Design Union have drawn up the plans, which will feature&nbsp;architectural facades including custom brickwork and European lime renders and screening.&nbsp;Alexander and Co and Lawless &amp; Meyerson will handle the interiors.

Fortis Director Charles Mellick says the team are looking forward to apply what they know from the multi-residential apartment space to the luxury housing market.​​

​&ldquo;Fortis has carved a reputation for itself over the years for premium residential developments in blue-chip locations across Sydney and Melbourne,&quot; Mellick says.

<a href="/new-apartments/bronte-collection-122-128-hewlett-street-bronte"><img alt="" height="1008" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-13_at_5.29.40_am.png" width="1830" /></a>

&quot;We are excited to be utilising our considered approach to develop luxury houses that offer an enviable combination of location, amenity and quality. 
​ 
&ldquo;This will be the first collection of houses by Fortis, making this project a notable milestone for us. With an expected end value of $125 million, we are investing in the future of the luxury residential coastal market in Sydney that continues to remain buoyant. We look forward to working collaboratively with the community to deliver a superior product in a desirable location.&rdquo; 
​ 
​The collection of private homes will feature three or four bedrooms, four bathrooms and secure basement parking. Open-plan living and dining areas will open onto north-facing private pools and lush gardens by Wyer &amp; Co, in addition to sweeping views of Bronte Beach from the upper levels.&nbsp; 
​ 
​Each home will have private full-floor master retreats including an expansive bedroom, walk-in robes and ensuites, dedicated laundry rooms, custom swimming pools and spas, grotto entertainment areas in the rear garden and integrated Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Select residences will have wellness rooms that can be converted into gyms or&nbsp;studios for pilates and yoga, cinema rooms and the option to have a private art studio or kids rumpus room.

Construction on this site is expected to commence by mid-2023, once plans are approved by the local council.

Fortis Director Charles Mellick says the team are looking forward to apply what they know from the multi-residential apartment space to the luxury housing market

Fortis lodge $125 million Bronte luxury off the plan house plans

The display suite is one of the most important parts in an off t​he plan buyers journey.

While technology has evolved and renders are looking more and more realistic, there&#39;s nothing like being able to touch and feel the apartment you&#39;re going to buy. Display suites act&nbsp;as a bridge between buying&nbsp;o​ff the plan and buying an established property.

They&#39;re also an essential point of difference for property developers, often proving the difference between whether buyers purchase in your project, or in a neighbouring suburb at a similar project.

There&#39;s a rivalry in the Gold Coast, with SPG going head to head with Gu​rner on their display suites. Hardly a display suite, they&#39;re more a display experience.

SPG had their commissioned builder, Hutch​insons, create the $4 million, 750 sqm building, making it the largest sales gallery of any new development in the southern hemisphere. It takes up 2,000 sqm of the Fer​ny Ave site which SPG are set to create nearly 800 apartments across three towers.

Gu​rner just opened theirs across the road for their equally large La Pelago, which will have over 900 apartments across four towers.

Display suites tend to be reserved for the larger, multi-res projects. Small boutique developments, maybe less than 40 or so apartments, often don&#39;t have the budget for a fully fledged display suite.

The Sydney developer Coronation Property have long known the importance of the display suite, with their last five display suites featuring full scale apartments in the future development.

<img alt="" height="2250" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coronation_masonmain_260422_219168.jpg" width="3000" /> 
The display suite at Mason &amp; Main. Image supplied

Coronation Property&#39;s Head of Sales and Marketing Cameron Porter says display suites have come a long way over the last decade.

&quot;While previously&nbsp;display&nbsp;suites were ordinarily quite sterile with little more than demountable floor plans and finishes boards, we&rsquo;ve seen the&nbsp;display&nbsp;suite journey for off-th​e-plan apartments over the last five to 10&nbsp;years come a very long way,&quot; Porter says.

&quot;Nowadays, any premium&nbsp;display&nbsp;suite journey includes a fully immersive and engaging experience for purchasers that touches on all the senses &ndash; sight, sound, touch smell and taste.&quot;

Porter says they&nbsp;want people to walk in and start envisaging the new building, picturing exactly how it could become a place they could call home.

Despite the changes and evolution of the display suite experience as technology advances, Porter notes that&nbsp;display&nbsp;suites have, and always will&nbsp;be, about creating trust between the developer, the prospective purchasers, and the community in which the development is being built.

Coronation took that belief into its under construction Merrylands project, Mason &amp; Main, the mini-community designed by Woods Bagot with its own&nbsp;vibrant market-style laneways with retail and dining precinct underneath nearly 800 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=161007]

Since opening the display suite in 2020, the space has evolved.&nbsp;Coronation have created&nbsp;a caf&eacute; for the community and purchasers to get a sense of what&rsquo;s to come, as well as two&nbsp;built-to-scale apartments in differing schemes to show buyers exactly what they&rsquo;ll get,&nbsp;a very rare offering. They also&nbsp;included varying building and design features that showcase the intricate architectural detailing of the Mason &amp; Main development. It allows buyers to literally picture themselves in what will be produced.

&quot;Beyond just a&nbsp;display&nbsp;suite, we wanted to create a space that was an experience. We wanted to create a connection,&quot; Porter says.

<img alt="" height="1106" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-28_at_9.08.56_am.png" width="842" />

The community-led display&nbsp;suite at Mason &amp; Main. Image supplied

Coronation has always placed a strong emphasis on creating a display suite that to help buyers feel &nbsp;confident in purchasing off t​he plan.

The display suites in their two&nbsp;latest developments, Mason &amp; Main and Ashbury Terraces, include life-size apartments and features, with various colour schemes and finishes available. Their significant investment in the display suite experience was also prevalent across their previous developments, 8 Phillip St in Parramatta, Charlie Parker in Harr​is Park and the acclaimed Paper Mill Precinct in Liverpool.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=193250]

&quot;Buying a home can be daunting, especially when you can&rsquo;t physically see the property,&quot; Porter adds.

&quot;It&rsquo;s our responsibility to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. As part of this process, it&rsquo;s important for buyers to see and feel the different aspects of their future home.

<img alt="" height="992" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-28_at_9.15.31_am.png" width="836" />

The display suite at Ashbury Terraces. Image supplied

&quot;As one of the biggest investments most people make in a lifetime, we believe a premium&nbsp;display&nbsp;suite experience is integral to facilitating trust and assurance that what you&rsquo;re buying of​f-the-plan will be delivered come handover.

Porter suggests that beyond showcasing their built product, they also&nbsp;believe the&nbsp;display&nbsp;experience is essential for prospective purchasers and developers to understand each other.

&quot;By taking prospective purchasers on tours of our&nbsp;displays, we have the space to better understand what their individuals needs and aspirations are, to ensure they feel comfortable with what they&rsquo;re purchasing, to learn more about the developer and design team, and help them to better understand the process of buying off the pl​an.&quot;

Coronation Property's Head of Sales and Marketing Cameron Porter says display suites have come a long way over the last decade

The importance of the display suite for an off the plan apartment buyer

In a time of building insolvency, increasing material costs, and supply chain issues, off-the​-plan purchasers are demanding greater quality assurance from developers and builders.

While there&rsquo;s no overnight fix for rising construction fees, Sydney-based developer Coronation Property believes investing in new processes and people will provide customers the quality assurance they crave while giving developers and builders a competitive edge in a changing industry climate.

It takes a number of moving parts, and more importantly, moving specialist teams, to create exceptional mixed-use developments with collaboration and communication between in-house teams and external consulting agencies including architects, placemaking specialists, engineers, and subcontractors integral to the success of a project.

Further investing in their fully integrated business model, Coronation Property recently announced the formation of a new in-house design team to bridge the gap between their development teams, construction arm and external agencies.

Anticipating the needs of a changing industry, Coronation Property&rsquo;s new in-house design team, Studio Circle &amp;&nbsp;Co will be integral to the ongoing protection of their customers. The team will ensure the original design intent of projects is carried through from early design concept to construction completion and customer handover.

The quality assurance initiative will see new processes put in place to support compliance with the Design and Building Practitioners Act, with a specific focus on Class 2 mixed-use multi-residential developments.

While many larger publicly listed developers such as LendLease and Mir​vac have been doing this for some time, very few privately owned developers who dominate Sydney&rsquo;s residential market have their own construction arm and in-house design teams.

Studio Circle &amp;&nbsp;Co is led by experienced architect Mona Chao, the former co-head of architecture at apartment giant Meri​ton.

&quot;As a business, we are constantly evaluating opportunities that will better serve our customers and communities,&quot;&nbsp;says Chao.

&quot;Having an in-house design team ensures meticulous quality control throughout every phase of the build and allows the business to remain agile in the management and execution of industry regulatory framework,&quot;&nbsp;she adds.

Chao says the team is an important cog in the whole process of the development, not just in ensuring design intent is carried through the build.

Chao&#39;s team is engaged at the earliest point in the development before the site is even acquired.

They help scope out what is possible with the site, and what the site lends itself to in terms of density of buildings, number of apartments, and ultimately how well the design can fit into the current landscape of the area.

Studio Circle &amp; Co has been supporting the business&rsquo;s growth plans following the announcement of new site acquisitions in Chatswood and Erski​neville, boosting the company&rsquo;s development pipeline to more than $7 billion.

&quot;We collaborate with our acquisition team to test feasibility before a site is acquired which provides the business with confidence to proceed with purchase as a baseline, compliant architectural model has been developed and verified in-house,&quot;&nbsp;Chao says.

Studio Circle &amp;&nbsp;Co will collaborate with Coronation Property&rsquo;s award-winning architectural partners to push design boundaries early in the planning process.

&ldquo;It takes a certain type of person to work with, and for work for Coronation and we&rsquo;re proud of our longstanding relationships. We really demand the best from our chosen collaborators to ensure we are constantly evolving to better serve our customers and communities&rdquo;

Anticipating the needs of a changing industry, Coronation Property’s new in-house design team, Studio Circle & Co will be integral to the ongoing protection of their customers

How in-house design teams can benefit off-the-plan buyers amidst industry uncertainty

The development duo&nbsp;behind Bondi's redevelopment of the Bondi Pacific are back again for a new project around the corner.

Rebel Property Group’s&nbsp;Allen Linz and Capit.el Group’s&nbsp;Eduard Litver have submitted plans for a&nbsp;$12.5m project across an amalgamated site at&nbsp;34-38 Hall Street, Bondi's popular shopping strip.

The four-level building will have ground floor retail, apartments above, and two-levels of basement parking.

The proposed site forms an important part of the block along Hall St from Jacques to Consett Avenue, with the block bookended by the heritage Post Office to the east.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1308" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_9.05.52_pm.png" width="2296" /> 
Render of the proposed shoptop apartment development set for Hall Street in Bondi. Credit: EMBECE

The proposed site forms an important part of the block along Hall St from Jacques to Consett Avenue, with the block bookended by the heritage Post Office to the east.

Embece Studio was enlisted to design the plans for the Hall St project, taking inspiration from the neighbourhood’s surrounding landscape and greenery.

Mladen Prnjatovic,&nbsp;Ben Green and Chi Melhem teamed up to establish Embece, with the Chippendale-based trio designing everything from bespoke private homes to city-scaled projects and precincts.

“We are proposing to draw this landscape into the architecture of our building, extending it around the corner and into Hall Street, bringing new biodiversity and life into the street,” Embece noted in their design application.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1118" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-12_at_6.07.21_pm.png" width="1516" /> 
Render of the proposed green-focussed development along Hall Street. Credit: EMBECE

“Our design is a direct response to the character of the place. It maximizes the vibrant neighbourhood character of Bondi and makes great places for people to live.”

A palette of white off form concrete and ceramic tiles make up the built form, which has been designed to extend the corner into Hall St from Consett, established through curved geometry and a series of landscaped pockets.

Ground Ink handled the landscape architecture, with&nbsp;significant planting to the rear gardens planned and landscaping integrated into the architecture as well as the roof terrace.

"The landscape character of Consett Avenue turns the corner into Hall street, transforming the experience of the street as well as the apartments within the building," Ground Ink noted.

The Hall Street precinct is currently undergoing significant change and development, with a string of projects recently completed in the area, including the duo’s Pacific, Bondi project, as well as TOGA’s, Bondi Boheme, and the Silvester Fuller designed, The Drift.

Linz recently lodged plans for a sprawling 6,400 sqm Woolloomooloo site, with the $161 million project set to bring 229 apartments across 10-levels, with an extensive rooftop garden landscaped by Ground Ink.

The four-level building will have ground floor retail, apartments above, and two-levels of basement parking

First look: Allen Linz and Eduard Litver team up for new Hall Street, Bondi apartments

The former North Shore Gas Co. Office building is set to be conserved and readapted in Crows Nest.

The Double Bay-based developer&nbsp;PDS has filled plans for a $55 million project which will comprise a 14-level mixed-use building, with a two-storey commercial podium.

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.33.10_pm.png" width="822" /></a> 
Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

There will be 61 three and four-bedroom apartments planned on the&nbsp;290 Pacific Highway site, just up the road from PDS&#39;s The Wentworth.

The recently amalgamated lot has a primary frontage to the Pacific Highway with a rear address to Sinclair Street.

It is currently occupied by the local heritage listed Former North Shore Gas Co Office building and an existing two storey commercial building, with the latter secluded to be demolished in the process.

LFA Pacific prepared the urban design report for PDS, who engaged Fuse Architects to design the plans.

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1102" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.33.16_pm.png" width="820" /></a>

Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

&ldquo;The development proposal seeks to retain, conserve and adaptively re-use the Former Gas Company building as part of a new mixed-use building with a ground floor commercial podium and residential uses above,&rdquo; LFA said in their urban design report.

The site is situated in an urban block bound by Shirley Street to the north, Bruce Street to the south, the Pacific Highway to the east and Sinclair Street to the west.

The block forms part of the Five Ways intersection, where Pacific Highway, Shirley Road, Willoughby Road and Falcon Street converge, creating a local landmark that defines the southern gateway to the St Leonards, Crows Nest Precinct.

The site at 290 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest in the North Sydney Local Government Area is 1.5km north of North Sydney CBD, 850m south of St Leonards strategic centre and immediately south of Crows Nest Village

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1318" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.34.04_pm.png" width="1960" /></a> 
Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

The site is approximately one kilometre from major public open space such as Brennan Park and Newlands Park, St Leonards Park, and St Thomas Rest. Smaller pocket parks such as the Hume Street Park, Ernest Place Park, and Sophia Street Park are located east of Pacific Highway, while Morton Lane Road Reserve off Sinclair Street is a landscaped walkway.

The design involves the reinstatement of key materials such as exterior masonry, terracotta tiles, pressed metal, stainless steel, and glass panelling.

<a href="/new-apartments/290-pacific-highway-crows-nest"><img alt="" height="1204" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-11_at_8.33.26_pm.png" width="970" /></a> 
Render of the proposed Pacific Highway mixed-use development in Crows Nest. Credit: Fuse Architecture

Glass is used for the remainder of the facade with a textured glass awning and pressed metal soffit to match the existing heritage pressed metal soffit pattern.

The existing facade is provided with powder coated metal profiles to match the existing awning and fluted glass as a key design motif for the front elevation where a curtain wall is proposed to the remainder of Pacific Highway frontage.

Incorporating a muted palette and lightweight materials, the upper residential levels highlight the heritage item, while inverted, fluted glass is used as a contemporary adaptation of the scalloped heritage facade.

There will be 61 three and four-bedroom apartments planned on the 290 Pacific Highway site, just up the road from PDS's The Wentworth


$55 million Crows Nest apartments to target the owner-occupier

Sekisui House has completed its Japanese inspired golf-side building, Aire, which sits&nbsp;at the highest elevation point within the groups $1 billion masterplanned community in Sydney&rsquo;s Norwest, The Orchards.

Designed by award-winning architects, Rothelowman, Aire, which is stage two of the development,&nbsp;acts as a prominent urban marker at the gateway to The Orchards, comprising 57 nature-inspired residences.

George Gesouras, Project Director at Sekisui House Australia, said the arrival of Aire sets a new benchmark for luxury living in the Hills District.

<img alt="" height="3750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sha_aire_-_twilight.jpg" width="5000" />

Render of the latest apartment building to land in the masterplanned community, The Orchards. Image supplied&nbsp;

&ldquo;It showcases what is possible when extraordinary architecture, detailed construction, considered design and environmental philosophies combine to create an aspirational building,&rdquo; he said.

Aire&rsquo;s generous oversized apartments fit the changing needs of the new community allowing flexible living and work from home arrangements.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147 project_image_fid=82618]

&ldquo;The building responds to its environment and the community at a time where the home is becoming even more important as a place where people retreat to and create a personal sanctuary,&rdquo; Gesouras said.

Aire will also be home to an extensive array of communal amenities, providing social gathering places for residents to mix and mingle.

&ldquo;Sekisui House&rsquo;s design principles developed over 60 years start with embracing and respecting nature and people to work towards a sustainable future.&rdquo;

The project demonstrates its commitment to ESG via rooftop panels and a water sensitive urban design, along with high efficiency energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-aire-baulkham-hills-104-fairway-drive-baulkham-hills-nsw-2153"><img alt="" height="3750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sha_aire_-_rooftop.jpg" width="5000" /></a> 
Render of the shared rooftop space in the latest apartment building in the masterplanned community, The Orchards. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Conceived as two separate but interlinked objects, principal architect&nbsp;Ben Pomroy from Rothelowman,&nbsp;said the building has been tuned to its context.

&ldquo;Aire, known as The Pebble, or Koishi building, plays an essential role in establishing the northern entry to the precinct and acts an urban marker that responds to its prominent location within the Norwest district.&rdquo;

The north-eastern wing presents highly sculpted end forms, with curved precast and glazing that create urban markers on arrival to the precinct.

&ldquo;The breadth of the northern elevation requires a singular gesture of balconies that extend across the full fa&ccedil;ade length. At key moments in the fa&ccedil;ade, the pattern on the balustrade bends and folds to create visual interest,&rdquo; he added.

The balustrades address the northern views across Castle Hill Golf Course, creating the lines of a Japanese pebble garden, while the edge of the building is accentuated with a unique 180-degree panoramic curved glass window.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147 project_image_fid=82617]

The curved structure integrates with the existing Imperial development (Stage One), providing shared communal spaces between the two buildings.

A private landscaped courtyard with orchards, generous lawn spaces and a water feature link the buildings at the ground plane, with shared access to a residents&rsquo; lounge within Aire.

The communal roof terrace has been scaled to accommodate residents of both developments.

Aire was constructed by Growthbuilt who translated the architectural concepts and Sekisui House&rsquo;s design philosophies into a bespoke building, with joint CEO and Director, Colin Rahim saying the collaborative approach maintained a focus on sustainability throughout the build.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-aire-baulkham-hills-104-fairway-drive-baulkham-hills-nsw-2153"><img alt="" height="3750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sha_aire_-_rooftop_podium.jpg" width="5000" /></a> 
Render of the shared rooftop space in the latest apartment building in the masterplanned community, The Orchards. Image supplied.&nbsp;

Collective design workshops were held with key consultants in the early stages to formulate a united plan for the precast fa&ccedil;ade panels and window systems to achieve a dynamic structure that maximised views for all apartments.

&ldquo;A custom re-usable precast formliner system was used to manufacture the various fa&ccedil;ade elements. A variety of panels were able to be manufactured from each mould, ensuring a cohesive structure. The high-quality built form that was delivered is testament to our pursuit for building excellence which adds value to our client&rsquo;s property portfolios,&rdquo; Rahim said.

Many of the apartments overlook the picturesque fairways of the Castle Hill Country Club, with residents enjoying uninterrupted views, designer finishes and access to private rooftop amenity including an infinity pool, landscaped sun deck, cabanas and rooftop dining facilities.

The Orchards masterplan, designed by Turner is spread across 8.1 hectares and is made up of five stages.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147 project_image_fid=82635]

Underpinning all aspects of the design is the Japanese concept of &lsquo;satoyama&rsquo;, with the term meaning to connect people through &lsquo;ribbons of green&rsquo;, demonstrated in a lush green spine throughout the estate.

Set on a nature site with a creek and cycle/walkways, The Orchards will feature recreational amenities including a 1.4 hectare public park, playgrounds, break-out green spaces, outdoor lagoon pool, large indoor fitness centre and indoor heated swimming pool.

When completed the community will comprise 1300&nbsp;apartments.

The Orchards is located around 31 kilometres north-west of Sydney&rsquo;s CBD and is nestled in Norwest,&nbsp;located positioned 800 metres from Norwest Metro Train Station and 600 metres from Norwest Marketown as well as Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29147]

Aire’s generous oversized apartments fit the changing needs of the new community allowing flexible living and work from home arrangements.



Sekisui House complete Japanese-inspired golf-side apartment building in The Orchards masterplan

The push for residential towers on the fringe of Sydney&#39;s most central park continues.

Chinese-Australian billionaire Hui Wing Mao is the latest to file plans overlooking Hyde Park in the middle of the Sydney CBD.

&nbsp;Mao&nbsp;is aiming to demolish the two office towers at 175 Liverpool Street, which he bought for&nbsp;$390 million in 2014, and create two residential towers, which will home 289 apartments across both 118 metre buildings.

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1130" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_8.59.00_pm.png" width="1656" /></a> 
The Liverpool Street towers from Hyde Park. Image credit: Bates Smart

Mao, who heads the Shanghai-based Shimao Group, always had plans to redevelop the commercial space into apartments, with the proposal also set to include the renewal of the existing pocket park to the south of the site.

The two 36-storey mixed-use towers will be separated with a through site link and a newly developed public open space, in addition to over 11,000 sqm of retail and commercial space, which will be located in the lower six levels of the tower and in the basement.

Following the second-round deliberations, the Jury selected by unanimous vote the&nbsp;<a aria-label="Bates Smart - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/architects/bates-smart" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart$batessmart">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;scheme as the winner.&nbsp;

The Jury praised the scheme for its more solid fa&ccedil;ade response, with the widened masonry frame providing additional depth in the fa&ccedil;ade, reducing the tendency for the project to appear as a dark, glazed box and improving its passive solar control.

The&nbsp;<a aria-label="Bates Smart - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/architects/bates-smart" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bates-smart$batessmart">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;scheme sought to create a respectful and responsive building, designed to be a &quot;quiet and calm&rdquo; backdrop to the Anzac Memorial.

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1116" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_8.59.22_pm.png" width="1706" /></a> 
How the towers will look from Hyde Park.&nbsp;Image credit: Bates Smart

&ldquo;Our aim is to build respectfully and quietly in the context of the War Memorial; neither replicating its materiality &amp; detail, nor negating them, but rather being a responsible supporting element in the of composition with the Memorial, and a complimentary backdrop,&rdquo; Bates Smart noted in their design application.

The scheme was also praised for its response to the ground plane, providing a successful through site link and Urban Room that responded to the wind issues on the site, and provided a useable space.

The Urban Room will incorporate an interpretative public artwork by Yhonnie Scarce, located off Liverpool Street, providing a connected, formal entry to the residential towers, as well as sheltered outdoor dining spaces and connection to the renewed pocket park.

&ldquo;Scaled to respond to the War Memorial it honours the historic sequence of spaces on the Memorial axis by extending it across our site to Surry Hills.&rdquo;

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1112" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_8.59.28_pm.png" width="1696" /></a> 
The proposed ground level retail space. Image credit: Bates Smart

Bates Smart said their primary intention was to respect the axial symmetry of the War Memorial and Hyde Park, which led them to design a pair of identifcal towers framing the Memorial Axis.

&quot;To respect the primacy of the Memorial we designed a &lsquo;quiet&rsquo; building free from visual distractions and unnecessary formal manipulation, that would not distract from the visual prominence of the memorial,&quot; the statement read.

&quot;Finally, we have created a civic architecture that respects the formality of Memorial and the Hyde Park axis; and indeed Hyde Park itself, as one of Sydney&rsquo;s greatest urban rooms.

&quot;Recalling the War Memorial&rsquo;s stately materiality and paired back simplicity, we developed a recessive palette of honed and polished precast concrete and brickwork, with bronze metallic detailing. Using the elemental simplicity of a column &amp; lintel frame as a unifying language, the finishes adjust to the contrasting urban conditions.

&quot;The frames vertical proportions reference the Memorial&rsquo;s scale and proportions and the towers terminate on the skyline in an open air loggia, balancing the compositions symmetry in a civic celebration of Hyde Park&rsquo;s axis.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/169-183-liverpool-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="972" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_9.53.26_pm.png" width="1508" /></a> 
Where the two office towers currently stand. Image credit: Bates Smart

There&#39;s been a boom over the last 12 months around the leafy Hyde Park, with the supply of prime&nbsp;new CBD&nbsp;apartments not keeping up with the demand.

Currently selling&nbsp;is 111 Castlereagh Street, which sits just off Hyde Park, and Castle Residences, down the road at the other end of the park.

In the last year there&#39;s been plans submitted by Deicorp for their redevelopment of the Polding Centre, and Central Element has plans for a $100 million, 53-apartment tower to replace the 16-level Hyde Park Inn Hotel.

Last year the alternative asset manager&nbsp;<a aria-label="Fife Capital - opens in new tab" data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" data-uw-styling-context="true" href="/developers/fife-capital" target="_blank" uw-rm-external-link-id="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/fife-capital$fifecapital">Fife Capital</a>, led by Allan Fife, submitted plans for a 17-level tower to&nbsp;sit alongside a heritage-conscious redevelopment of the George Bosch Chambers and St James Hotel&nbsp;building that has stood since the 1920s.

The development of two lots,&nbsp;114-120 Castlereagh Street and 139 Elizabeth Street, will see just 26 apartments built, only starting from level 10, with the rest of the building being commercial.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=113346]

The two 36-storey mixed-use towers will be separated with a through site link and a newly developed public open space, in addition to nearly 11,000 sqm of retail and commercial space, which will be located in the lower six levels of the tower and in the basement.

Sydney CBD's residential push continues with new Hyde Park dual-tower development plans

The growth&nbsp;of North Sydney continues with plans lodged by development giant Cbus&nbsp;to create a new residential tower.

The tower will rise 28 levels&nbsp;from a prime 3,950 sqm across&nbsp;173-179 Walker Street and 11-17 Hampden Street, in an area known as the East Walker Street Precinct, up the road from the Aura by Aqualand development.

The new Walker Street project&nbsp;will home 189 apartments, a mix of studios through to four-bed apartments, as well as a handful of Walker Street Terraces.

Cbus Property&rsquo;s Chief Executive Officer Adrian Pozzo&nbsp;said the intention is to develop high-end owner-occupier residences in this fabulous location, with views across the eastern side of Sydney Harbour and northern Sydney.

&ldquo;In recognising the prime location of the site within close proximity of the vibrant and burgeoning North Sydney CBD, we seized the opportunity to create this partnership to deliver this outstanding residential development opportunity,&rdquo; Pozzo said.

Local architecture and design firm fjmtstudio has designed the latest plans for the tower. Plans had previously been submitted by SJB on behalf of Avenor, who sold the site to CBUS in a joint venture&nbsp;for around $150 million last year. Avenor planned for&nbsp;266 apartments when they had the site.

<a href="/new-apartments/east-walker-street-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060"><img alt="" height="1140" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_7.11.57_am.png" width="2060" /></a>

Fjmtstudio Design Director, Richard Francis-Jones, said delivering improved outcomes for the local community was a key objective for the proposed development.

&ldquo;We have worked carefully within the approved planning controls to design a building that optimises view sharing and sunlight access for our immediate neighbours,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;It is a unique and innovative design, generated directly from these key community issues. It has been very helpful consulting with the local community to understand their concerns and explain our design.&quot;

In their Design Concept submission to the local council, fjmt said they have developed an architectural response that draws from the character of a freshwater gully stream eroding its way through this place of ceremony, leaving behind a series of sandstone fissures and verdant landscapes.

&quot;The tower and podium forms of Hampden Street suggest horizontally stratified and eroded undercrofts typical of the sandstone escarpments of the Harbour and the subtropical gullies of the North Shore.

&quot;With the brick terraces of Walker Street offering sympathetic scale, structure and contemporary reference to the typologies of our post-colonial past.

<a href="/new-apartments/east-walker-street-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060"><img alt="" height="512" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_7.12.09_am.png" width="874" /></a>

&quot;The public domain and landscape design draw upon these references and details to establish a landscape of uncommon character and exceptional quality both for the residents and neighbours of the precinct.&quot;

Fjmt note the site is&nbsp;ideally located and structured for redevelopment as high density residential development as the wider North Sydney LGA is seeing a development boom in commercial and residential projects looking to leverage the state and local government investments in multiple public transport hubs for TfNSW Buses, Metro and Train networks.

&quot;The object site is but one within the LGA undergoing significant evolution in character and use and supported by the North Sydney Council strategic planning objectives.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/east-walker-street-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060"><img alt="" height="1068" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_7.59.18_am.png" width="1582" /></a>

The existing Walker Street frontage contains five&nbsp;residential buildings with two residential buildings located on the Hampden Street all of which are products from the early 1950&rsquo;s.

The natural designs flow through to the resident only main plaza, which will home 1200 sqm of landscaped space featuring extensive seating, a walking track, dry creek, sandstone terracing and retreat areas.

&quot;The site is envisioned as an urban oasis recreating the lush landscape that exists on site while celebrating&nbsp;the level changes and water as the feature the landscape sanctuary only for residents.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/east-walker-street-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060"><img alt="" height="1118" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-07_at_7.11.53_am.png" width="2034" /></a>

Fjmt have made a conscious effort to make the building green, targeting a GreenStar rating for the Walker St project. It will be ran off electricity, with solar power supplementing demand.&nbsp;It will promote an active lifestyle, with a car share scheme.

The majority of the building, over 70 per cent, will be two and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Residents will&nbsp;have access to a wine library and adjoining wine storage space on the lower ground level, as well as bookable meeting space. The lobby is on the ground floor, where there&#39;s also a reading lounge space, a work from home business centre, and the building&#39;s concierge.

Traditional resident amenity is located on the fourth level. There will be a lap pool, gym, sauna, spa, a bookable dining room and function space, sun decks, and a barbecue area.

North Sydney is undergoing a construction boom in both residential and commercial development, which will all be aided by 19 key projects in the area delivered by government and private investment, representing an addition of more than 17,000 sqm of new parks and plazas.

Between Berry Street and the Pacific Highway, the closure of Miller Street gives room for a 7,450sqm public plaza outside the Victoria Cross metro station.

The new Walker Street project will home 189 apartments, a mix of studios through to four-bed apartments, as well as a handful of Walker Street Terraces

First look: Cbus lodge plans for striking Walker Street apartment tower in North Sydney

Emerging Sydney-based property developer, FYVE, has released its vision for Liverpool&rsquo;s tallest DA-approved development, as the company prepares to launch sales on the project.

Branded The Liverpool by FYVE, the project is located at 26 Elizabeth Street, in the heart of the Liverpool CBD, soaring 34-storeys into the sky.

The project will feature 193 apartments, a 93-room hotel, 6,500 sqm of commercial space, and a range of ground-floor retail tenancies, establishing a new benchmark for mixed-use residential projects in the region.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-liverpool-22-26-elizabeth-street-liverpool"><img alt="" height="3200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_liverpool_hero_0.jpg" width="2829" /></a> 
Render of The Liverpool&#39;s facade. Credit Rothelowman

According to Amen Zoabi, Founder and Managing Director of Fyve, The Liverpool by FYVE will be a defining project for the people and the city of Liverpool.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re incredibly proud to bring this project to market, and we&rsquo;re very much looking forward to delivering The Liverpool as an unparalleled example of design and lifestyle excellence in south-west Sydney,&rdquo; said Zoabi.

&ldquo;The Liverpool by FYVE is unlike other developments, due to its mix of high-quality residential, boutique hotel accommodation, premium commercial and unique food and beverage-oriented retail spaces &ndash; with this kind of product mix unheard of in this area.

The Liverpool will be delivered with an experienced team backing the project, including one of Australia&rsquo;s leading architecture firms, Rothelowman, as well as renowned construction company, Binah.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-liverpool-22-26-elizabeth-street-liverpool"><img alt="" height="880" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_liverpool_living_1_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
Render inside one of the proposed apartments at The Liverpool. Credit: Rothelowman.

&ldquo;With the city of Liverpool positioned at the gateway to the $5.3 billion Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, due to open to passengers in 2026, the future is bright for Sydney&rsquo;s south-western capital,&rdquo; added Zoabi.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re situated at the epicentre of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis precinct, which will become a thriving economic zone surrounding the future airport, that is set to generate tens of thousands of new jobs in the region,&rdquo; he said.

As the city of Liverpool matures into a premier destination within Sydney&rsquo;s booming Western Parkland City, homebuyers of The Liverpool will be confident knowing their purchase is underpinned by sound economic fundamentals, creating a successful long-term investment.

The prooject by FYVE will also sit on the intersection of a significant network of planned cycleways to be delivered by Liverpool City Council, both along Elizabeth Street and neighbouring streets.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-liverpool-22-26-elizabeth-street-liverpool"><img alt="" height="609" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_liverpool_living_2_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
Render inside one of the proposed apartments at The Liverpool. Credit: Rothelowman.

Meanwhile, the project is located within minutes of Westfield Liverpool, Liverpool Hospital, and key local education hubs including Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong (SW Sydney campus), Liverpool TAFE, Liverpool Boys High School and Liverpool Public School.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re expecting a wide range of purchasers to be interested in The Liverpool by FYVE, from first home buyers, local families and owner-occupiers, to savvy investors and local healthcare and education workers,&rdquo; said Zoabi

&ldquo;We know our purchasers will appreciate the amenity and quality on offer, and we can&rsquo;t wait to create this vibrant new community for them.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=24289]

The project will feature 193 apartments, a 93-room hotel, 6,500 sqm of commercial space, and a range of ground-floor retail tenancies, establishing a new benchmark for mixed-use residential projects in the region.



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