Adding to Chatswood’s growing skyline, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-anderson-chatswood-54-56-anderson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">The Anderson</a> is grounded in a simple principle: apartment living in a major centre does not have to come at the expense of space and outlook.

Set on Anderson Street in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a>, the new residential tower, a collaboration between developers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huirong-group">Huirong Group</a> with architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>, will introduce 122 apartments that prioritise generous proportions, considered orientation, and a strong connection to the surrounding heritage precinct.

The design originated from a Design Excellence Competition, where AJC proposed a building that combines suburban-style apartment scale with the density expected in a transport-rich centre. The development will include more than 1,800 square metres of retail and commercial space at street level, landscaped communal roof terraces, and a ground-floor pocket park framed by canopy trees. Together these elements aim to create a building that integrates with Chatswood’s evolving streetscape while maintaining a strong residential focus.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353250]

A key driver behind the architecture was the desire to deliver family-sized apartments rarely seen in the Chatswood market. The Anderson includes a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments, with around 35 per cent of the residences configured as three or four-bedroom homes. At the top of the building, two double-storey penthouses span approximately 200 square metres each, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on scale and long-term liveability for both downsizers and intergenerational households.

Orientation and outlook were central to the planning of the building. The apartments are positioned to maximise views to the north and east across Chatswood’s heritage precinct, with upper levels capturing glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. South-facing apartments gain distant views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge, while the building’s configuration intentionally reduces western exposure at lower levels to minimise overlooking toward the nearby railway corridor.

The external design references the character of the surrounding conservation area without replicating it directly. A brick podium anchors the building to the street and introduces a series of architectural portals that draw inspiration from the nearby Chatswood Presbyterian Church. Above this base, the tower shifts to a lighter, more open expression defined by horizontal lines and carefully detailed balconies that balance privacy with outward views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353254]

Toward the top of the tower, AJC introduces a distinctive lantern-like element formed by sliding screens. These screens provide both solar shading and privacy while also creating a visual marker for the building within the Chatswood skyline. The feature reinforces the architectural intent of the project, a structure that is visually refined while still responding to the practical requirements of apartment living.

Inside the residences, interior architecture by Hayball focuses on clear spatial flow and practical everyday use. Open-plan living areas connect directly to large balconies, extending the internal living spaces outward and allowing natural light to move deeper into the apartments. Kitchens are designed as central working spaces with premium appliances and carefully selected materials, positioned to serve both daily living and entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353256]

Bathrooms follow a similarly restrained design language, using refined fixtures and materials to create calm, functional spaces, while wardrobe areas adopt a gallery-style layout with integrated lighting and generous storage. These elements reflect a broader design approach that prioritises clarity, functionality, and durability over decorative gestures.

Positioned just a short walk from Chatswood Interchange, residents will have direct access to rail, metro, retail, and dining. The Metro extension allows travel from Chatswood to Martin Place in approximately 11 minutes, placing the CBD within easy reach for residents while maintaining the convenience of a walkable North Shore neighbourhood.

One-bedroom apartments at The Anderson start from $1,022,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151353]

Joel Robinson

How AJC designed The Anderson to bring oversized apartment living to Chatswood

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bridgewell-development">Bridgewell Capital</a> has lodged plans for a major mixed-use apartment development in the heart of Maroubra, seeking a significant uplift in height and density controls to deliver 120 apartments and a 120-place childcare centre near Maroubra Junction.

The State Significant Development application, filed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, covers a 3,270 sqm amalgamated site at 251-257 Maroubra Road and 133-135 Garden Street. The proposal includes a concurrent rezoning that would increase the maximum building height from 12 metres to 35.6 metres and lift the floor space ratio to 4.02:1.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the project would replace a mechanic’s workshop and several detached homes with a 10-storey residential building above four basement levels.

The scheme comprises 120 apartments, including 27 affordable housing units to be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years, alongside 203 basement car spaces and 92 bicycle spaces. A childcare centre occupying nearly 900 sqm of floor area would sit at ground level and be capable of accommodating 120 children and 22 staff.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="038a0639-f9e4-4303-8fcc-d43e73fa480f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20pers.png?VersionId=eGBElxmNqJW.YF3JFYgHTnPgAstdyXR3" />

According to the Design Report, the project has been conceived as a “gateway proposal” that responds to Maroubra’s evolving urban character and its proximity to the town centre.

“Designed to complement the character of Maroubra’s town centre, this gateway proposal features a building scale that matches its surroundings,” the report stated.

“It integrates residential units above a ground-level childcare centre, fulfilling the strategic objectives of the Randwick City Council Masterplan.”

The apartment mix is weighted toward larger residences aimed at families and downsizers, reflecting changing demographics in the Randwick LGA and increasing demand for medium-density housing close to transport and amenity.

BKA Architecture said the proposal seeks to reinforce Maroubra Road as a civic spine while improving the pedestrian experience around the site through landscaping and upgraded public interfaces.

“The design capitalises on the following site opportunities: reinforcement of Maroubra Road as a civic spine, enhancement of pedestrian pathways and the public interface via new landscaping, and strong market demand for two and three-bedroom apartments to support families and down-sizers,” the Design Report noted.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee509779-3c7e-4918-b03d-761c785459d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20site.png?VersionId=eZC4Ruyn.C7O.Qwfr1SVeP5.ds1c5.66" />

The building has been designed with setbacks and articulation intended to transition between the commercial intensity of Maroubra Junction and the surrounding lower-scale residential neighbourhoods. Communal open space is proposed on level one, while upper-level apartments would secure views towards Port Botany, Maroubra Beach and Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The development sits around 200 metres east of the Maroubra Junction intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, within one of Randwick’s identified strategic centres. The site is close to Pacific Square Shopping Centre, major bus routes, schools, parks and future cycling infrastructure proposed under the Maroubra Junction Masterplan.

The Maroubra proposal aligns with broader NSW Government initiatives encouraging higher-density housing near established centres and transport corridors, particularly where affordable housing is incorporated.

Bridgewell is also working on a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/goldfields-sets-the-stage-as-quartet-milton-launches">new 55-unit project in Killara</a>.

First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre

National diversified developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has launched its latest Brisbane apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet Milton</a>, marking its entry into the sought-after inner-city suburb just two kilometres from the CBD.

The circa $100 million development will rise 18 storeys and deliver 131 apartments, offering a mix of one, two-, and three-bedroom residences.

Ideally located on Manning Street, Quartet residents will be within 300 metres of Milton Station, 500 metres from the Milton Ferry Wharf, and a short walk to Milton Markets, the iconic Park Road, as well as a range of breweries and cafés.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

Designed by architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the building features a simple, gridded façade paired with generous glazing to enhance views, maximise aspect, and capture both sunrises and sunsets from within the apartments and their generously sized balconies.

Residents will have access to a 1,000 sqm rooftop, curated to balance wellness and entertaining, in response to increasing demand for wellness-focused shared spaces.

"We've approached Quartet Milton as a complete lifestyle offering, not just apartments, but a place where the design, amenities, and location all work together in a meaningful way," says Goldfields Managing Director Lachlan Thompson.

"Buyers are looking for that sense of confidence, knowing the vision has been carefully thought through not just by us as developers, but by all our consultants appointed to bring this together, and that it will be delivered to the standard they expect."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Cera Stribley Co-Founder and Managing Principal Domenic Cerantonio said the rooftop is designed to feel like a place "you'd genuinely use every day."

"A 25-metre pool framed by city and mountain views, wellness areas, and private dining spaces for evenings with friends create a setting designed for year-round comfort and effortless Brisbane living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

In addition to the 25-metre pool, the rooftop will include a sauna, cold plunge, fully equipped gym, and zen gardens, all complemented by panoramic views of the city and river.

While the building is expected to appeal predominantly to owner-occupiers, Goldfields anticipates interest from investors seeking strong rental returns, driven by the project's design, location, and the city's projected capital growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367991]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>, widely regarded as one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-ring suburbs due to its lifestyle offering and proximity to the CBD, has experienced a shortage of new apartment supply in recent years.

Goldfields is already active in the Brisbane residential market through its Ripley Valley masterplanned community, Hayfield. The 109-hectare neighbourhood is already home to more than 300 families and features a large community park.

Plans for the precinct include a 4 km running track, future schools, and retail and commercial amenities, all within a 35-minute drive of the Brisbane CBD.

Goldfields also plans to deliver a new mixed-use tower at 88 Robertson Street in Fortitude Valley, within the James Street precinct. The project will include 16,000 sqm of boutique commercial space, a level of wellness facilities, and a rooftop restaurant and event space, akin to Goldfields House in South Yarra, its flagship mixed-use development on Chapel Street, which is crowned by the Beverly Rooftop bar, one of Melbourne’s best-known venues.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> and Homes NSW have taken the next major step in the transformation of Waterloo Estate, lodging a Concept State Significant Development Application and concurrent rezoning proposal for the renewal of Waterloo South.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, outlines plans for around 3,300 new homes across the 12.3-hectare precinct. A minimum 30 per cent of residential gross floor area will be delivered as social housing, approximately 20 per cent as affordable housing, and a maximum 50 per cent as market housing. The redevelopment would more than quadruple the number of homes currently on the site and more than double the existing supply of social and affordable housing.

The renewal of Waterloo South forms the first stage of the broader Waterloo Estate transformation and is set to unfold over the next 10 to 15 years. The estate currently contains 750 social housing dwellings and 120 private homes.

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2da34b-171b-4ff1-b0c7-4baf0bce97f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public.png?VersionId=S5apPKOqjPHJhk_SzCvdVPxsEBYs300o" />

The proposal, prepared by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and Beam Planning, spans 10 street blocks bounded by Cope, Raglan, George, Wellington, Gibson, Kellick, Pitt and McEvoy Streets, directly adjoining the Waterloo Metro Station precinct and within walking distance of Redfern and Green Square stations.

Under the masterplan, building heights would range from two to 33 storeys, delivering approximately 282,485 sqm of residential floor space alongside at least 10,000 sqm of non-residential uses and a minimum 5,000 sqm of community space. The planning framework has been specifically structured to support the mixed-tenure outcome, with the residential gross floor area capped at a maximum 50 per cent market housing allocation.&nbsp;

The Urban Design Report describes the vision as creating “a unique and vibrant mixed-tenure housing precinct that supports the needs of the community and delivers much needed housing in response to National and State Government priorities.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e1a6d8b-0626-4fa7-94fc-aa91c0af86dc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/waterloo%20per.png?VersionId=duyiJTFOeezTNdM22leI3SoHuqnW6ZaY" />

A major focus of the revised proposal has been increasing the social and affordable housing component. The Minns Government increased the affordable and public housing allocation from 35 per cent to 50 per cent after coming to office in 2023.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the changes were critical to maintaining Waterloo’s social diversity.

“When we came to government, we immediately reviewed the plans for the Waterloo renewal and boosted the number of public and affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent,” Jackson said.

“This was a crucial step to ensure Waterloo remains a welcoming place for people from all walks of life to call home now and into the future.”&nbsp;

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would reshape the precinct for generations.

“This concept DA brings thousands of new public, affordable and market homes on the doorstep of the Waterloo Metro station another step closer to reality,” Scully said.

“Importantly, alongside the new homes the plan also proposes new open space where residents and the broader community can gather, relax and play.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="867520cb-6e07-4204-885e-53793ac88066" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public%20a.png?VersionId=lgSI85Q23xBLYLC9NcWKuWZY2HfP4zQ3" />

Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said the project had been shaped around long-term liveability and community infrastructure.

“As delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South – a significant project with community at its heart,” Gupta said.&nbsp;

The planning documents place strong emphasis on “Designing with Country,” recognising the site’s location on Gadigal land. The masterplan incorporates new east-west pedestrian links, activated streetscapes, rooftop communal spaces, retail frontages, and landscaped public areas intended to improve permeability and community connection throughout the estate.&nbsp;

The proposal also seeks to establish a more flexible planning framework for future detailed SSDAs, including updated provisions for educational uses, creative industries, rooftop communal areas, and active frontages. A minimum seven per cent of residential floor space will be delivered as affordable housing managed in perpetuity by community housing provider City West Housing.&nbsp;

The Social Impact Assessment prepared by Urbis describes the renewal as one of Australia’s most significant public housing transformations, identifying substantial long-term positive impacts associated with housing supply, accessibility, public domain improvements, and community infrastructure.&nbsp;

Stockland and Homes NSW have already commenced the first stage of resident relocations, with some tenants moved into newly completed homes at Waterloo Metro Quarter and the Boronia development nearby.

First look: Stockland, NSW Gov, unveils plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

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.

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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.

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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?

The final sales release of the&nbsp;Alex Collective apartment development in Alexandria has been launched.

Known as Lawrence, the release is the last of Alex Collective&rsquo;s four buildings and will complete Alexa Development&rsquo;s commitment of delivering 163 apartments across the project&rsquo;s series of warehouse inspired buildings.

Featuring 29 apartments, of which only 13 still remain for sale, the four-storey Lawrence building&nbsp;on Lawrence Street&nbsp;includes 18 two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 76 sqm to 113 sqm, with younger buyers showing particular interest in the final stage.

Colliers Residential Director, Daniel McMahon, said the project has always resonated with buyers from its initial release.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29785 project_image_fid=193347]

&ldquo;We first launched the Alex Collective in October 2020 with the first of four buildings, the Alex building, so it&rsquo;s incredibly rewarding to now see the Lawrence release continue to have such strong appeal with buyers,&rdquo; said McMahon.

&ldquo;Buyers are well aware this is the final instalment at the Alex Collective, and are keen to secure the lifestyle a project of this calibre will deliver. They know the area is undergoing a significant transformation, from an industrial centre, to a now thriving contemporary lifestyle hub, with all you could possibly want on your doorstep.

&ldquo;They can also see this is no ordinary apartment project. With the internal gardens, private courtyards, oversized balconies, stunning views and house-sized living rooms, it&rsquo;s pretty clear this project is a game changer.&rdquo;

McMahon also highlighted aspects such as sustainability, materials and landscaping as important factors for buyers at the Alex Collective.

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&ldquo;Buyers are responding to the sustainability measures included, such as light-wells introducing natural light and cross-ventilation, the use of solar power and rainwater re-use. These elements are of great appeal, particularly with our younger, environmentally conscious purchasers,&rdquo; he explained.

&ldquo;The amazing landscape features, designed by Site Image Group, including the use of textured brickwork artworks, suspended greenery and the stunning pool and cabana for instance, are all designed to encourage residents out of their homes, to comfortably engage with one another and quickly form a vibrant community.

&ldquo;For younger, discerning buyers looking for a city-fringe apartment in a tightly held inner-city suburb, that comes with a community of like-minded active and social residents, this project ticks every box,&rdquo; added McMahon.

The Lawrence release provides buyers with an opportunity to purchase a terrace-inspired dwelling facing out to Lawrence Street, which features&nbsp;tree canopy views, vibrant cafes, and a central location&nbsp;between Sydney Park, Alexandria Park and Erskineville Oval.

Two-bedroom apartments are selling from $1,315,000 and three-bedrooms from $1,825,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29785 project_image_fid=91605]

Andrew Burns Architecture wanted to create a project that would&nbsp;reflect the area&rsquo;s industrial heritage, but also sought&nbsp;inspiration from New York&rsquo;s industrial warehouse-style conversions.

This has resulted in the use of pattern brickwork, metallic cladding, distinctive saw-tooth roofs, light wells, as well as sky bridges connecting the buildings.

The project will also feature traditional terrace party walls on the fa&ccedil;ade to echo the street&rsquo;s historic character, which features original terrace homes and row cottages.

This industrial edge carries through to the interiors, with a warm and more contemporary twist, with raw textures and natural finishes, complete with bay windows.

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Ceeros were appointed as the build partner and commenced construction in November last year at the conclusion of the COVID-19 lockdown.&nbsp;

Ceerose Managing Director, Edward Doueihi, said he was excited that Ceerose is delivering the Alex Collective.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to be delivering this entire project for Alexa Development, including this final Lawrence building release.

&quot;When complete, it will be a great addition to our portfolio.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29785]

Known as Lawrence, the release is the last of Alex Collective’s four buildings and will complete Alexa Development’s commitment of delivering 163 apartments across the project’s series of warehouse inspired buildings.



Final stage of Alexandria’s Alex Collective launches

Boutique Sydney&nbsp;developer Central Element, who are behind the luxury Neutral Bay apartment development Pienza, has lodged plans for the construction of a 19-storey mixed-use building on the fringe of Hyde Park.

There will be&nbsp;three retail tenancies at lower and upper ground floor levels, with 53 residential apartments above.

The plans involve the amalgamation of two lots at 262-266 Castlereagh Street and 271-279 Elizabeth Street, which will see the site area come to around 875&nbsp;sqm.&nbsp;

The subject sites are currently occupied by a vacant four-storey commercial building as well as the&nbsp;16-storey Hyde Park Inn hotel.

Central Element were granted special dispensation to forego the standardised&nbsp;design competition after engaging with Pritzker Prize-winner Glenn Murcutt and the respected architecture firm Candelapas, the latter also designing Shanghai Development Group's&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney">Castle Residences</a>&nbsp;down the road.

<a href="/new-apartments/266-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="2414" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-16_at_11.09.43_am_0.png" width="2400" /></a>

"This proposal is based around building forms with elegant rectilinear proportions, a sense of depth and rhythm across the façades as well as high levels of detailed building articulation,” the application documents outlined. &nbsp;

The apartment design has been considered throughout the development to ensure that future layouts remain universal and flexible. Living rooms will be typically located on the façade adjoining the inset balconies, which allow for solar access. Further internal apartment areas and room sizes generally exceed the ADG requirements, with the one, two, three and four-bedroom apartment configurations outlined. &nbsp;

The apartments will feature&nbsp;generous private open space with views to the park and city, as well as spacious, open-plan living areas&nbsp;and well-designed communal open spaces.

“The development will provide housing opportunities within proximity to employment opportunities, major transport routes and community facilities in the City of Sydney,” Murcutt and Candelapas noted in the submission.

<a data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" href="/new-apartments/266-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="560" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-16_at_12.02.23_pm.png" width="583" /></a>

Aspect Studio is handling the landscape design, proposing a new garden light court to Elizabeth Street, which will be a key feature of the development.

There will be a sky garden located on level 16, with an east facing terrace along with another sky garden on level 17, which will provide another communal space for residents.

In addition, the proposal includes a rooftop garden, terrace, and pool area on level 18. Notably, the rooftop is given away to dense gardens and stepped terraces, carefully designed for residents’ recreation, with views across Hyde Park towards St Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney harbour beyond.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112282]

There will be three retail tenancies at lower and upper ground floor levels, with 53 residential apartments above

Central Element lodge $100 million mixed use Sydney CBD plans

Allen Linz's Rebel Property Group is set to create a huge mixed-use precinct in&nbsp;the heart of Sydney.

Rebel Property Group, which Linz founded in the late 1990s and is behind some of the Eastern Suburbs most well known buildings, has submitted $161 million plans for a residential and retail precinct at&nbsp;164-192 William Street, Woolloomooloo, a huge 6,400 sqm site.

There will be 229 apartments across the striking 10-level building, which will feature extensive roof gardens by landscape architects Ground Ink&nbsp;as the building tiers toward the top levels.

<a href="/new-apartments/164-192-william-street-woolloomooloo-nsw-2011"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1180" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-15_at_2.20.53_pm.png" width="1862" /></a>

Local multi-disciplinary design&nbsp;studio fjmt has handled what are&nbsp;the early designs of the project, suggesting that the&nbsp;characteristics of the site are well suited to residential use, due to the&nbsp;high level of sun access to the north and extensive views of Sydney Harbour,&nbsp;the Opera House, the Domain, and the Sydney CBD.

"It is well connected by public transport and represents an excellent opportunity to enhance Woolloomooloo village and help transform William Street into a city boulevard," the team noted in their submission to the City of Sydney.

<a href="/new-apartments/164-192-william-street-woolloomooloo-nsw-2011"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="958" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-15_at_4.00.56_pm.png" width="1544" /></a> 
The potential view from the development. Image credit: fjmt

The 229-apartment building, which will also front Dowling and Forbes Street as well as William,&nbsp;will be broken down in to 20 studios, 23 one-beds, 105 two-beds, 73-three beds and eight terraces.

"The proposal responds to its context by stepping down in height from 35m at William st where it matches the height of adjacent buildings to 22m at Judge Lane to transition to the lower scale terrace house of Woolloomooloo village," fjmt added.

<a href="/new-apartments/164-192-william-street-woolloomooloo-nsw-2011"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1158" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-15_at_2.20.59_pm.png" width="1736" /></a>

"Two large communal courtyards with excellent solar access and outlook provide residents with the opportunity for passive and active outdoor recreation, ultimately improving their mental &amp; physical health and productivity

"The proposal provides adequate building separation to enable access to sunlight &amp; natural ventilation and ensure visual and acoustic privacy

"The apartments overlook the courtyards enabling passive surveillance of the communal open spaces. Similarly the terraces overlook the new through site link improving safety for pedestrians using this route."

<a href="/new-apartments/164-192-william-street-woolloomooloo-nsw-2011"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="791" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/woolloomooloo.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

A heritage review was undertaken for the four buildings currently on the site. There's a four-storey commercial building dating back to the late 1950s, Holden House Flats and Raymonds Flats, two groups of three-storey terraces dating back to the 1920s, and the two-storey warehouse, Holden House.

Rebel Property Group are prominent Sydney real estate developers, focused on the more high end of the apartment market.

Their high-profile projects include co-development of the $450m Pacific Bondi Beach&nbsp;into luxury residences, retail and hotel apartments, North&nbsp;at Milsons Point, The Bondi&nbsp;at Bondi Beach, and Top of the Town&nbsp;in Darlinghurst.

There will be 229 apartments across the striking 10-level building, which will feature extensive roof gardens by landscape architects Ground Ink as the building tiers toward the top levels.


First look: Woolloomooloo set for huge mixed-use apartment and retail village

Castle Residences in Sydney&#39;s CBD has the enviable address of being right on the doorstep of Hyde Park, one of the CBD&#39;s most sought-after areas.

A collection of 131 Manhattan-style apartments, Castle Residences, is conveniently located both a stone&#39;s throw to Hyde Park and the convenience of Town Hall train station.&nbsp;

It&#39;s a light rail, train, or general stroll to some of Sydney&#39;s best attractions, including&nbsp;the Harbour Bridge and Opera House up at Circular Quay, the historic areas in The Rocks, the business hub in Martin Place, and the home of the arts, The&nbsp;Art Gallery of NSW.

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Hyde Park&rsquo;s lush green lawns and grand avenues of figs becomes residents&rsquo; front garden, while luxury labels such as Gucci, Chanel, Ermenegildo Zegna and Rolex are located in close proximity.

Some of the city&#39;s&nbsp;most celebrated restaurants,&nbsp;Bambini Trust, Alpha Restaurant, and Tetsuya, are all nearby.

Adding further to the desirability of the Castle Residences, major changes are on the horizon for Sydney&rsquo;s CBD, with billions of dollars in infrastructure projects now revitalising the look and experience of the city centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=79424]

The light rail provides well-serviced links from the harbour&rsquo;s edge of Circular Quay all the way to the Eastern Suburbs. Additional upgrades to key train stations are in the works, as well as new priority city centre bus routes and separated bike lanes.

On the CBD&rsquo;s western harbour edge, the $6 billion transformation at Barangaroo includes a new ferry hub, linked by Wynyard Walk, taking pedestrians quickly through to Barangaroo&rsquo;s Headland Park, harbour walks, lifestyle retail, and entertainment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=150450]

Comprising one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, like celebrated apartment houses on London&rsquo;s Hyde Park or New York&rsquo;s Central Park, Castle Residences offers an unsurpassed Sydney experience of living.

In a graceful pairing of past and present, historic Porter House is home to a luxury MGallery boutique hotel, with residences soaring above.

Together, this fusion of residential living and hotel services creates a desired lifestyle in a coveted Hyde Park setting.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7758]

In a graceful pairing of past and present, historic Porter House is home to a luxury MGallery boutique hotel, with residences soaring above.

Sydney's Castle Residences: A rare location on the doorstep of Hyde Park

Cronulla is set to welcome one of its most high-end apartment projects to date.

Solstice will bring just 15 apartments to Prince Street -&nbsp;Cronulla&#39;s version of Bondi&#39;s Campbell Parade - offering unobstructed beach views across the amalgamated 1,700 sqm dress circle site.

In reality there&#39;s actually only 13 available to purchase, with the developers, GNK, wanting to retain the two penthouse apartments for themselves to reside, which are both set to feature wrap-around balconies and plunge pools.

GNK Developments, led by builder developers Geoffrey Mailey and David Hammond, amalgamated the site at 5-9 Prince Street at the northern end of Cronulla Beach, and had the Sydney-based EMK Architects design the H-shaped development, two buildings coming together to create the five-storey building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112239 project_image_fid=195449]

Each apartment will span between 200 sqm and 365 sqm of living space and will have three to four bedrooms&nbsp;and will be kitted out with high-end Gaggenau appliances.

Laver Residential Project Directors James Lampropoulos and Dennis Vertzayias, who are exclusive agents for the project, said it&#39;s the best residential development&nbsp;Cronulla&#39;s ever seen.

&quot;Everything about the project is the height of luxury,&quot; Vertzayias said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112239 project_image_fid=195452]

&quot;From the&nbsp;penthouse-size apartments&nbsp;which include enormous private lock up garages that accommodate multiple vehicles, to the iconic prime beachfront location on Prince Street, it is a very rare and exciting opportunity,&quot; he added.

Solstice sits on a rare island site, where three of the four sides of the building don&#39;t have any adjoining&nbsp;neighbours, which provides residents with further views of the ocean, and district views back to the city from the upper level apartments.

Lampropoulos has already seen significant demand from high net worth locals, either currently living locally or someone who has a connection to the Shire and may be returning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112239 project_image_fid=195451]

So far apartment sales have ranged from $7.25 million to $9.5 million, setting a new price record for the suburb. Most apartments have been secured by&nbsp;mainly&nbsp;active downsizers who are keen on the healthy beachfront lifestyle and are downsizing from their waterfront family homes.

&quot;There&#39;s no real entry-level, every apartment is 10/10,&quot;&nbsp;Lampropoulos adds.

The same development team created the award-winning Bomborra around the corner for the locally well-known developer, who don&#39;t create too many multi-res projects.

&quot;I&#39;ve honestly not come across a project that everyone knows who the developer is and hold them in such high regard,&quot;&nbsp;Lampropoulos said.

The last new development on Prince Street was over a decade ago, when the award-winning building Bathers on Prince was developed.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112239]

Solstice will bring just 15 apartments to Prince Street - Cronulla's version of Bondi's Campbell Parade - offering unobstructed beach views across the amalgamated 1,700 sqm dress circle site

Solstice: Unrepeatable apartment development heads to Cronulla's beachfront

A six-storey apartment building has been lodged&nbsp;at 25-27 The Grand Parade, Sutherland.

The proposal has been submitted as an Affordable Rental Housing development designed by MKD Architects.

The building will be home to a total of 38 apartments, comprising six studio units, eight one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units, along with two three-bedroom units.

Fronting The Grand Parade, the northern portion of the building has a four-storey podium form, with the upper two levels recessed to reduce the buildings visual bulk when viewed from the street.

Outlined in the design statement by MKD Architects, units will utilise crossflow ventilation and natural light that is filtered throughout the building due to its location and positioning.

&ldquo;Each apartment has been sized to suit market demands and arranged to maximise, space, natural light, ventilation, amenity, and outlook,&rdquo; the statement read.

A small rooftop common open space has been outlined in the plans, which will be lined with planter boxes and will contain a centrally located pergola structure, with an outdoor kitchen and barbecue space and seating.

The corner position subject site is located within a high-density residential zone that transitions to a low density residential zone to its north and east. There is a run of recently constructed six-storey apartment buildings in the immediate vicinity, including the adjoining property to the west.

The site is a 400 metre walk to Sutherland CBD, with well-serviced public transport links. &nbsp;

The landscape design has been prepared by Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects, who have sought&nbsp;to incorporate a range of green, open spaces, consisting of easy to maintain and native planting. Two large mature eucalyptus trees are located on the site, which have also been incorporated into the proposed development.

The building will be home to a total of 38 apartments, comprising six studio units, eight one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units, along with two three-bedroom units.



MKD to design new Sutherland apartment development

Mirvac will&nbsp;release the next two buildings in their Willoughby masterplan, NINE&nbsp;by Mirvac, later this month.

The two buildings, Montage and Overture, has already secured a number of sales following&nbsp;a successful VIP release late last year.

Overture&nbsp;is set alongside Laurina Square, one of several green spaces within NINE by Mirvac. There are 55 apartments across the eight-level building, predominantly two and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93788 project_image_fid=192977]

There are a number of single-level garden residences&nbsp;with generous landscaped courtyards and their own private entry.

Montage is more boutique, and will have just 30&nbsp;apartments across seven&nbsp;levels.&nbsp;Designed with a distinctly urban edge, Montage offers a concierge desk in the lobby and around 150 sqm of retail space on the plaza level, including parcel delivery storage services available to all residents.

The boutique building will feature a&nbsp;north-facing, 215 sqm penthouse, with the hear of the apartment the kitchen, complete with butler&rsquo;s pantry, wine bar and wine fridge.&nbsp;

More than 70 per cent of apartments in the three buildings Mirvac released in November sold in the opening sales weekend, with 40 per cent to repeat Mirvac customers and family members.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93788 project_image_fid=192978]

Mirvac General Manager of Residential NSW Toby Long said the strong result, which saw a diverse mix of buyers mostly from the north shore, augured well for the coming release of the two new buildings in a sought-after blue chip suburb, which is just seven minutes&rsquo; drive from the Sydney CBD, where a lack of housing diversity has made it difficult to gain entry.

&ldquo;The high number of local buyers is an indication of extremely strong pent-up demand for quality new homes in a location that is well-established with good quality schools, amenity and outdoor spaces,&rdquo;&nbsp;Long said.

&ldquo;The lack of housing choice in the area has been building for many years and would now be critical but for the new supply generated by&nbsp;NINE by Mirvac.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93788 project_image_fid=192982]

&ldquo;Another important factor for buyers, many of whom are unaccustomed to buying off the plan, is their trust in Mirvac to build a quality home that will give them many years of enjoyment. Our 50th anniversary milestone is testament to our longevity in the market and commitment to upholding the Mirvac legacy.

Long said the median Willoughby house price had risen to more than $3 million, giving confidence to empty nesters looking to downsize.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a great time to be selling the family home to buy a well-designed luxury apartment that requires far less maintenance,&rdquo;&nbsp;Long added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93788 project_image_fid=192981]

&ldquo;The diverse product offering also presents opportunity for upgraders who are looking to buy a family sized apartment in this highly sought-after suburb.

NINE by Mirvac is made up of 10 distinctly different&nbsp;buildings on the 3.2 hectare site which was home to Channel 9 for more than 65 years.

Around 6,500 sqm of green open space will be delivered providing a benefit for residents and the wider community.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=93788]

More than 70 per cent of apartments in the three buildings released in November sold in the opening sales weekend, with 40 per cent to repeat Mirvac customers and family members.



Mirvac to release two new buildings in NINE by Mirvac development in Willoughby

The demand for luxury apartments in the Sydney CBD has never been stronger in a trend that is driving increased sales in the $10 million-plus bracket.

Despite extended lockdowns impacting the CBD over the past two years, Colliers National Director of Project Marketing Residential, Blake Schulze, said he had witnessed the strongest demand ever experienced over the past six months, with this high level expected to continue into 2022.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a trend that strengthened at a time when a lot of attention was being focussed away from the CBD towards trophy homes and regional activity,&rdquo; Schulze said.

&ldquo;It really affirms how parts of the Sydney CBD have successfully evolved into a high quality and desirable world-class apartment market.&rdquo;

The demand for high-end apartments has been clearly demonstrated across a range of new projects including 111 Castlereagh Street, One Sydney Harbour, Crown Residences Barangaroo and the Sirius Building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170431]

Stand out transactions include all of the available penthouses (sold off-the-plan) at 111 Castlereagh Street, as well as the penthouse collection consisting of The Jones, The MacKellar and The Cambridge Residences, which have sold for a combined total of $66 million.

&ldquo;Sales are running ahead of any familiar or traditional trends, with demand concentrated out of Sydney&rsquo;s East and North Shore, and not necessarily driven by down-sizers.&rdquo; Schulze added.

&ldquo;This pattern also further distinguishes Sydney&rsquo;s CBD apartment market as distinct from trends we see in Melbourne and Brisbane.

&ldquo;Current high-end buyers often own multiple homes and are those who have &lsquo;fallen in love&rsquo; with a new generation of projects, attracted by the appeal of Sydney&rsquo;s CBD. Values clearly indicate that it&rsquo;s smart to be back in the city, and price is not an issue.&rdquo;

However, Schulze says apartment size, design, quality of finishes, location, and lifestyle, must&nbsp;all be spot-on.

Amenities generally expected include a pool, equipped gym, resort level resident&rsquo;s lounge, dining room and gardens, private climate-controlled cellar, and concierge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170428]

Strong high-end demand has also extended to the lower north-shore and select re-sales in the CBD.

These include the soon-to-be completed 440sqm $14 million &ldquo;Grand Luna&rdquo; apartment in The Landmark, St Leonards, which is one the most expensive outside of the Sydney CBD.

A 223sqm $11 million listing at the Greenland Centre and a new listing of an &ldquo;Aqualuna&rdquo; Milsons Point penthouse, consisting of 275sqm internally and 50sqm externally, are both also going to market in early 2022.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8832 project_image_fid=192889]

&ldquo;High-end-luxury demand is being locally driven, but all elements, including car parking must be available. Buyers understand quality, even to the point where they will, and do commit to a multi- million dollar purchase often only after a video tour. This means the quality must be instantly authenticated.&rdquo;

While the current level of demand for apartments in the $10 million-plus bracket is unprecedented, it remains to be seen what impact the full re-opening of international borders will have.

According to Colliers, there are reasonable expectations for even stronger demand as other high-end developments continue to boost Sydney&rsquo;s appeal.

The demand for high-end apartments has been clearly demonstrated across a range of new projects including 111 Castlereagh Street, One Sydney Harbour, Crown Residences Barangaroo and the Sirius Building

Demand for luxury Sydney CBD apartments has never been stronger

The Sydney-based developer, Third.i, are continually trying to break new ground in what type of product they are bringing to&nbsp;the off the pl​an apartment market.

It&#39;s been a pillar of Third.i since it was founded by Luke Berry, Robert Huxley and&nbsp;Ron Dadd in 2005, so much so it forms a key part of the company name.

I recently got to catch up with Luke Berry, who also handles Third.i&#39;s sales and marketing, to discuss the company&#39;s current direction and how they like to develop.

&quot;The name Third.i was very much formed with the two most critical elements&nbsp;to development; investment and infrastructure,&quot; Berry said.

&quot;We follow planning, jobs growth, and the inevitable need for housing in those areas.

&quot;Infrastructure is key; where the government are spending, where there&#39;s private spending on infrastructure, new transport hubs etc. Always invest where infrastructure is and is planned to be.&quot;

The third I was more in the spiritual sense, Berry added.

&quot;We are always trying to think ahead, constantly challenging both ourselves and pushing the boundary as to what&#39;s conceivable in apartment development.

&quot;We try and create apartments and a style of housing that people don&#39;t even know they want yet. We think of the projects people are going to need, rather than what they necessarily need right now.&quot;

Their latest innovative venture however isn&#39;t about what they&#39;re offering a buyer in terms of the product they are creating. It&nbsp;goes well beyond that.

The team has recently launched CoPosit, which allows potential buyers secure a&nbsp;property with just $10,000 in savings, with the remainder of the deposit paid over weekly instalments until the apartment is ready.

That&#39;s available for buyers at the Dairy Farmers project in Newcastle&#39;s West End, where already 100 of the 184 apartments have been sold. Around 10 per cent of those buyers have used CoPosit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187054]

&quot;Developers usually need five or 10 per cent deposit minimum as a bank needs a qualifying presale to provide funding for the project,&quot; Berry said.

&quot;But we&#39;ve managed to crack open the door for first home buyers, who, if they can&#39;t stump up a deposit, can still secure an apartment and take advantage of the price growth of that apartment during the construction phase.

&quot;Traditionally, those buyers would maybe have to wait a year, or wait until completion, before they can buy the apartment. With the way the property market has gone in recent years, that&#39;s a lot of growth they&#39;ve missed out on. They&#39;re potentially paying $50,000 more for that same apartment they couldn&#39;t get a few years earlier when it wasn&#39;t complete.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187061]

Berry says he believes the scheme will completely revolutionize off the plan sales.

The Dairy Farmers project will&nbsp;comprise a separate five story-building that will house the very first residents&rsquo; shared work hub coupled with 1600 sqm of commercial and retail space.

The development will also include a range of exclusive amenities featuring communal green spaces, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, cabana pool areas with a lap pool, a wine bar and cellar, as well as multiple function rooms.

The Newcastle West site was once home to Dairy Farmers - one of Australia&rsquo;s largest dairy producers. In a nod to the history of the site, Third.i will re-imagine the heritage-listed, iconic glass milk bottle and clock towers as part of a pedestrianized, broader public art installation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109979 project_image_fid=187069]

&ldquo;We feel like the West End is our second home and we are excited to be part of its revitalisation,&quot; Berry said.

&quot;We want Dairy Farmers Towers to be a West End icon, a landmark that will be reborn to create a new chapter in the West End&rsquo;s growth as a great place in which to live, work and play.

&ldquo;Residents will have some of the best views in town, as well as the harbour, great dining and entertainment options, and the transport interchange at their doorstep. To create a true sense of community for residents, we&rsquo;ve really focused on incorporating communal green spaces andcommercial and retail spaces to add diversity of housing options for locals.&rdquo;

A large number of locals have made up part of the buyers so far,&nbsp;a mix of downsizers wanting to live in an urban apartments and first home buyers who see the entry level apartments as good value for money.

There&#39;s also been a number of investors, both from Newcastle and Sydney.

Third.I, has always been forward thinking - and is one of the largest providers of SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) apartments along the East Coast of Australia.&nbsp;They have a partnership with Aruma (formerly House with no steps) and many other SIL&rsquo;s (Specials Independent Living Advisors) to provide suitable accommodation in their medium and large scale developments.

&quot;ESG (environmental, social and governance)&nbsp;has always been important to us, and the commitment we have in creating SDA Housing is a cornerstone of our business policies in providing social housing&quot; Berry added.

It was at the forefront of their efforts in London. Both of their London projects, the completed Battersea apartment building currently under construction,&nbsp;and the upcoming Vauxhall development, has around a third of its development set aside for&nbsp;people who couldn&#39;t traditionally afford them.

&quot;We have around 30, 35 per cent of our developments in the UK reserved for people like nurses, school teachers, train drivers, single parents who struggle to afford to get in to the property market,&quot; Berry says.

The expansion in to the UK has seen Third.i&#39;s global footprint expand, with meaningful conversations with huge REITS and investment firms.

&quot;What London has done has cracked open the door for Third.i to forge international business relationships with funders, agents, based in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, all which wouldn&#39;t have happened if it wasn&#39;t for the investment in to the UK market.&quot;

&quot;We have a big vision, big dreams, and now we&#39;re in a position to chase them,&quot; Berry said.

"The name Third.i was very much formed with the two most critical elements to development; investment and infrastructure," Berry said.

How the Sydney apartment developer, Third.i, always puts the buyer first: Five minutes with Luke Berry

Sydney-based integrated property group, Top Spring Australia, has received official approval&nbsp;for a&nbsp;masterplanned community in St Leonards, on Sydney’s upper North Shore.

The project will be known as The Newlands, across 1.26 hectares&nbsp;at 21-41 Canberra Avenue and 18-32 Holdsworth Avenue, and will see&nbsp;330&nbsp;new residences built across five buildings, one for each of the site’s five ‘superlots’.

The project is consistent with the Lane Cove Council’s St Leonards South Masterplan, gazetted in 2020, which allows for increased residential densities in the area south of the Pacific Highway and west of the North Shore rail line.

The project’s Bates Smart-designed scheme integrates with the topography of this part of St Leonards, and sees the five buildings graduated in height to allow for the site’s significant gradient, while also providing residents with outlooks over the adjacent Newlands Park.

The Newlands’ three parkland facing buildings will be eight, nine and ten storeys in height, with some storeys part levels, due to the site’s steep incline, while the two rear buildings will reach eight and eleven storeys in height.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-newlands-st-leonards-21-41-canberra-avenue-st-leonards"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1108" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-07_at_12.56.04_pm.png" width="1586" /></a>

Residences will come in a range of configurations, including one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-storey townhouses, as well as several penthouses, with all residences designed to maximise a combination of parkland views, natural light and ventilation.

The project will create a highly connected ground plane that includes a 6-metre-wide, east-west site link, connecting Holdsworth and Canberra Avenues, as well as to a proposal by council to extend the pocket park at the end of Holdsworth Avenue.

In addition to the pocket park, the proposal will deliver a central 2,500sqm green spine that celebrates the transition from St. Leonards’ urban centre along Berry Creek and down to Sydney Harbour’s shore. The green spine plays on the dense forest planting of the gullies along Berry Creek, giving The Newlands community an immersive landscape journey and a new type of backyard for apartment dwellers.

Meanwhile, rooftop terraces with large entertaining spaces and lushly landscaped frontages will grace all buildings.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-newlands-st-leonards-21-41-canberra-avenue-st-leonards"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1106" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-07_at_12.56.16_pm.png" width="1630" /></a>

Sydney Ma, Managing Director of Top Spring Australia, confirmed his company’s exciting vision for the site.

“At Top Spring Australia we insist on enhancing the local environment of the areas in which we develop, and at The Newlands, we really want to improve the local community’s use of the site by providing access to enticing green spaces that can become an integral place for locals to gather, socialise, exercise and relax,”&nbsp;Ma said.

“Working closely with Lane Cove Council and our architects Bates Smart, we have envisioned a design that successfully negotiates the sloping site by ‘stepping’ the buildings down the hill so that everyone can benefit from the views of Newlands Park.

“Meanwhile, we have also included landscaped platforms that will enhance views towards and from the park, ensuring The Newlands really does have a feeling of being situated within its own private green space.”

&nbsp;

Launch of The Newlands through Colliers will be in mid-2022, with construction commencing in late 2022.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-newlands-st-leonards-21-41-canberra-avenue-st-leonards"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1102" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-07_at_12.56.45_pm.png" width="1502" /></a>

“We have established a reputation founded on the creation of exceptional living spaces that combine the latest trends in art, architecture and design, and our plans for The Newlands are certainly no different,” Ma added.

“We are working with some of Australia’s best designers to create homes that speak to the bushland quality of the surrounding area, with material palettes utilising a natural, robust and earthy selection of materials and finishes.

“Health and wellbeing is also a strong consideration, with the scheme designed to maximise the number of dwellings that are naturally cross-ventilated, while more than 7 in 10 dwellings will have more than one aspect.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24509]

&nbsp;

The project will see 330 new residences built across five buildings, one for each of the site’s five ‘superlots’.



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