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.

<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?

Purchasers have come out in strong numbers for the official public launch of Lumia Lux, which has so far secured over $35 million worth of apartment sales in The Orchards, a lifestyle inspired $1 billion master planned community in Sydney’s Norwest.

38 apartments have been purchased to date, with prices ranging from $650,000 to $2.5 million for a penthouse.

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David Lee, Sales Manager, Developments and Communities at The Orchards at Sekisui House said the public launch result was pleasing for Sekisui and demonstrates that the market is still quite strong for high-quality lifestyle apartments.

“More than fifty percent were local buyers living within a five-kilometre radius from Norwest, as well as investors from across Sydney including Sylvania Waters in the south and Randwick in the east,” he said.

“First home buyers, down sizers selling their larger homes and property investors seeking Norwest’s strong rental returns secured most of the designer apartments. Two beds were the most popular, priced around $830,000 with an average size of 80 sqm.”

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“Feedback from purchasers at Lumia Lux is that they are comparing The Orchards to other projects in Norwest and Castle Hill. They are happy to be securing a premium apartment in The Orchards with Sekisui House, a well-established global brand, as well as the fact that construction has already commenced for Lumia (Stage 3 of the masterplan), which provides peace of mind for purchasers that the project will be completed on time,” he added.

Designed by Turner, Lumia Lux’ comprises 127 apartments featuring 11 one-bedroom, 96 two-bedroom, 17 three-bedroom apartments, along with three four-bedroom penthouses.

“The appetite for lifestyle apartments continues to grow as more and more people seek an active and healthy lifestyle close to home," Lee added.

"The tranquil nature focused environment that The Orchards affords is very appealing and is a place where people want to live, work, and enjoy their lives."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111509 project_image_fid=191136]

A key feature of Lumia Lux is the outdoor pool and pavilion. This pavilion is appointed with a collection of communal and intimate dining and lounge areas that overlook the pool and linear park. Embracing the natural setting, the pool and pavilion have been designed to embrace the organic forms found in nature.

Lumia means resembling ‘life in a new light’, with an infinity water edge, floating lounges and green landscaped roof further heightening the developments connection to nature.

Prices start from $650,000 for a one-bedroom apartment spanning 62 sqm and over $2.4 million for the four-bedroom penthouse which covers 176 sqm.

Each apartment takes advantage of the district views and green outlooks with large format windows and oversized balconies.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111509 project_image_fid=189525]

Underpinning all aspects of the design is the Japanese concept of ‘satoyama’. This term refers to connecting people through ‘ribbons of green’ and is demonstrated in a lush green spine throughout the estate to enrich the lives of residents.

The Orchards is a master planned community spread across 8.1 hectares, that when complete will comprise 1300 generously proportioned apartments.

Located approximately 31-kilometres north-west of Sydney’s CBD, nestled in Norwest, it is 800-metres from Norwest Metro Train Station and 600-metres from Norwest Marketown and Norwest Business Park.

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38 apartments have been purchased to date, with prices ranging from $650,000 to $2.5 million for a penthouse.

Sekisui House sell over $35 million worth of apartments in Lumia Lux

Sun Property Group, the prominent developer in Sydney&#39;s Lower North Shore,&nbsp;is set to take on one of its highest density projects to date.

They&#39;ve secured a vast development site&nbsp;in Chatswood, which will be their first in the suburb, and are embarking on creating two towers, with around 180 apartments, across the block at 1-17 Bowen Street.

Sun Property Group&#39;s General Manager, Cameron Johnson, says there&#39;s a lot of growth potential in the Chatswood area.

&quot;Naturally as we foresee net migration rising substantially, and workers continue to look for somewhere near employment, we believe Chatswood market has a lot of potential growth,&quot; Johnson told Urban.

While pivoting away from their more traditional boutique developments, some of which offer just a handful of apartments, Johnson believes they will still be able to attract a similar customer demographic to&nbsp;what they&#39;re used to.

&quot;While we&#39;re not producing the size of the boutique residential apartments that we usually offer, we&#39;ll still be looking to include products that over oversized,&quot; Johnson says.

&quot;We&#39;ll be doing two-bedroom apartments at around 85 sqm to 90 sqm, rather than the more traditional 70 sqm size of a regular two-bed.&quot;

Johnson says naturally there will be more investors given Chatswood&#39;s solid transport infrastructure and&nbsp;employment opportunities, but there will be stock to suit every buyer.

<a href="/new-apartments/1a-17-bowen-street-chatswood-nsw-2067"><img alt="" height="495" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-22_at_10.53.03_am.png" width="719" /></a> 
Where the Bowen Street site sits in proximity to Chatswood. Image credit: CoreLogic

&quot;The three-bedders will be designed for those who either have children or are looking to start a young family, and the two-bedders will be suiting young buyers who want work from home space and on site recreation.&quot;

Construction on the site is expected to commence in early 2024, with the development to be released in stages. There should be around 70 apartments developed in the first stage, at the start of the Bowen Street site.

Tony Leung at A+ Design Group is currently working on the plans, with development application lodgement expected later this year.

The site was secured alongside SPG&#39;s funding and equity partner, Qualitas, and will add $250 million revenue to SPG&#39;s pipeline.

SPG recently broke into the Melbourne market, where they have launched Euroka, a boutique collection of apartments in the heart of Toorak, one of Melbourne&#39;s blue chip suburbs.

Euroka&nbsp;is inspired by Melbourne&rsquo;s iconic Roy Grounds House &ndash; once home to one of Victoria&rsquo;s most influential modern architects.

The renowned architect and design firm,&nbsp;Carr Design, has created the 10 luxury apartments, which includes two ultra-luxury penthouses.

Sun Property Group's General Manager, Cameron Johnson, says there's a lot of growth potential in the Chatswood area

Sun Property Group secure Chatswood apartment development site, plan two towers

Rarely does a development like Ashbury Terraces hit the market in Sydney&#39;s popular inner west area.

The family-owned developer and builder, Coronation Property, in collaboration with SJB Architects and 360 Landscape Architects, has created something completely new in the suburb of Ashbury.

Ashbury Terraces, at 165 Milton Street, will see&nbsp;59 terraces and three luxurious penthouses across three&nbsp;residential buildings, anchored by a resort-style landscaped pool area that looks more at home in LA&#39;s Palm Springs.

&ldquo;Some of Australia&rsquo;s best design minds are working on the project, meaning everything about the interiors of Ashbury Terraces exudes refined designer living,&rdquo; Coronation Property&#39;s Head of Urban Transformations,&nbsp;Aras Labutis, said.

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Coronation will&nbsp;transform the former industrial site into a luxury residential estate. They secured the parcel of land in 2014 as one of just two neighbouring spaces available for renewal in the tightly held suburb.

The&nbsp;stage one release will see&nbsp;59 two and three-storey terrace homes and three exclusive penthouses hit the market.

The design of the terraces takes inspiration from the area&rsquo;s parklands and well-defined heritage character to honour its setting and blend seamlessly into its surrounds.

&ldquo;Ashbury Terraces has been designed to bring communities together and welcome families at every stage of life to enjoy a home that embraces light, high-amenity and the natural surrounds,&rdquo; Labutis said.&nbsp;

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces with expansive outdoor entertaining areas and gardens. The project celebrates living amongst greenery, bringing the outdoors in across multi-level gardens from the ground up.

SJB&#39;s interior architects have developed two colour palettes directly inspired by the gardens of Ashbury. Buyers will get the choice between the Flora Scheme, which features soft pink and beige tones, and the Fibre Scheme, which has tones of white and grey.

The Terraces include&nbsp;a selection of high-quality fittings and inclusions,&nbsp;including high-end Miele appliances and large pantries.

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SJB has worked collaboratively with Coronation&nbsp;to ensure the private outdoor retreats have views of the surrounding landscape and city skyline.

&ldquo;Our shared vision with Coronation was to create a collection of residences built on community and amenity &ndash; a place that truly improves as it ages,&rdquo; said Adam Haddow, SJB&rsquo;s Principal Architect &amp; Director.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=193234]

At the heart of the project is &lsquo;The Garden&rsquo; &ndash; a large communal space with dining areas, a gym and a 20-metre heated swimming pool.

Landscaped pathways connect W H Wagener Oval, which act as an extension of the already sizeable backyards.

The development will also incorporate a pedestrian link between Milton Street and the park for both residents of Ashbury Terraces and the broader community to utilise.

Ashbury Terraces has been consciously designed with the inclusion of solar panels to enhance sustainability, which supports Coronation&rsquo;s long-term view of creating homes to last a lifetime.

With construction underway, residents are expected to move in by mid-2024.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=193248]

Having already completed the likes of The Paper Mill precinct in Liverpool, Coronation have over $5.3 billion in mixed-use projects in the pipeline,&nbsp;including Mason &amp; Main in Merrylands, as well as Charlie Parker and 8 Phillip St in Parramatta, which are currently under construction.

In an attempt to help property buyers get on the ladder in an era of runaway house prices, Coronation Property&nbsp;recently launched the&nbsp;&lsquo;Own Way&rsquo; finance scheme.

The scheme&nbsp;offers flexible deposit arrangements for aspiring buyers, catering to homebuyers wanting to get a foot in the door, but who may be struggling to save the 10 per cent deposit.

The flexible&nbsp;deposit payment scheme allows buyers to secure an apartment with just a one per cent&nbsp;upfront deposit, paying&nbsp;off the remaining balance of the usual 10 per cent&nbsp;deposit over a 12-month period.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://coronation.com.au/pave-your-own-way-to-homeownership/">Learn more about Coronation&rsquo;s Own Way scheme here.</a>

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Designed in collaboration with SJB Architects, five residential buildings will sit across a 1.5 hectare site at 165 Milton Street , which is about 10 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.



Coronation Property launch Ashbury Terraces, the inner west's finest terrace collection

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.

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&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.

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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;

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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.

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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.

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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.



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