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?

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The NSW Government plans to call Sydney’s new hi-tech city at Bringelly Bradfield, in honour of the engineer John Bradfield who helped shape Sydney. 
The city centre will be built on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

It will grow into Sydney’s third city, to take its place alongside Sydney and Parramatta.

<img alt="" height="1560" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/bradfield_map.jpg" width="1600"> 
  
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Bradfield will define Australia’s first 22nd Century City, which will be a key driver of economic growth and deliver up to 200,000 jobs across the Western Parkland City. 
  
Bradfield was a renowned engineer who designed and oversaw the construction of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney’s original railway network.

The area has been referred to as the Aerotropolis Core until now.

<img alt="" height="895" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/amrf.jpg" width="1600"> 
  
“This area will be transformed into a thriving city centre, home to advanced manufacturing, research, science and education," she said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227] 
  
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the area to be named Bradfield is more than 100 hectares north of the existing suburb of Bringelly.  
  
The NSW Government has 18 foundation partner commitments, including with Suez, Siemens, Hitachi, Sydney Water and Northrup Grumman, and continues to formalise relationships with a number of other partners, including FedEx, Romar Engineering and Quickstep.
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Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the area named Bradfield is more than 100 hectares, north of the existing suburb of Bringelly. 

jchancellor

Bradfield, Sydney's newest city

The Laneways is&nbsp;the newest address is Sydney&#39;s inner-city suburb of Rosebery.

Made up of four buildings comprising&nbsp;118 apartments designed by Arc Architects, The Laneways draws its name from a leafy pedestrian pathway connecting Mentmore Avenue to Dunning Avenue.

Ideally located and due for completion in the coming months, Urban has taken a look at five things buyers should know about The Laneways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

<h2>1. The Developer</h2>

The Laneways Rosebery is the work of Ellerson Property, Australia&rsquo;s first property development agency.&nbsp;

Founded by property industry veterans Fayad Fayad and Remon Fayad, Ellerson Property aims to bring the great Australian urban lifestyle to apartment living with accessible precincts designed for real people.

<h2>2. The Location&nbsp;</h2>

The Laneways is in the heart of Sydney&#39;s up-and-coming inner-city suburb Rosebery, six kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.

<a href="/buildings/the-laneways-rosebery-33-37-mentmore-avenue-rosebery-nsw"><img alt="" height="1009" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_laneways_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

It&#39;s located on Mentmore Avenue, the same strip as the suburb&#39;s biggest drawcard, The Cannery, an 11,000 sqm dining, retail and cafe precinct.&nbsp;

The Cannery homes over 40 commercial spaces, including the&nbsp;likes of the dining institution&nbsp;Three Blue Ducks and&nbsp;the popular&nbsp;gin distiller Archie Rose, as well as a number of cafes, gyms, hair salons and cooking schools.

It&#39;s a few hundred metres to the closest Woolworths Metro, The Australian Golf Club is up the road and it&#39;s just a short walk to the Green Square train station which has a direct line to the City and the Sydney Airport.

<h2>3. The Roof</h2>

Each building in The Laneways is crowned with its own sky garden&nbsp;with views across the CBD skyline.

The rooftops feature their own dining and barbecue facilities as well as lush landscaping.

<a href="/buildings/the-laneways-rosebery-33-37-mentmore-avenue-rosebery-nsw"><img alt="" height="698" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/laneways_rosebery_roof_2.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

<h2>4. The Apartments</h2>

The Laneways has one, two and three bedroom apartments with open plan layouts and ceilings as high as three metres.

Designed by Arc Architects, each apartment with timber floor throughout features a&nbsp;kitchen with&nbsp;stone benchtops and stainless steel Smeg appliances.

<a href="/buildings/the-laneways-rosebery-33-37-mentmore-avenue-rosebery-nsw"><img alt="" height="1061" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_laneways_rosebery_4.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

The bathrooms are contemporary, each with a bath tub and floor-to-ceiling ceramic tiles.

Arc Architects have worked on a number of luxury houses in Sydney&#39;s Palm Beach, as well as multi-residential projects including Metro in the nearby Alexandria and Allen Street in Waterloo.

<h2>5. The Price</h2>

One bedroom apartments in The Laneways start from $592,800, well under Sydney&#39;s median apartment price according to CoreLogic of&nbsp;$738,254.

Two bedroom apartments with two bathrooms start from $980,000, and three bedroom apartments from $1.25 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Laneways is in the heart of Sydney's up-and-coming inner-city suburb Rosebery, six kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.

Five things we love about The Laneways in Sydney's Rosebery

Developed by Tian An LFD, Auburn Square boasts the ultimate liveability in the heart of western Sydney.

Designed by&nbsp;Rothelowman, the development&rsquo;s design provides perfectly considered spaces to deliver a sense of community, with facilities including an expansive rooftop, communal dining areas, outdoor fitness equipment, all while overlooking cityscape views.

Urban takes a look at eight reasons why Auburn Square should be on your shortlist.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

<h2>1. Developed by Tian An LFD</h2>

The project is being developed by Tian An LFD, one&nbsp;of Australia&rsquo;s oldest listed property developers.&nbsp; With a strong track record of quality residential development in key markets on the west and east coasts it is backed&nbsp;by the strength of its Hong Kong-listed shareholder, Tian An China Investments Company.

They have won a number of awards across numerous Sydney and Melbourne projects and remain one of the most sustainable real estate funds in the world.

<h2>2. Designed by the award-winning Rothelowman</h2>

Designed by Rothelowman the vision is to create a place that emphasized liveability and community spaces.

The award winning architecture and design firm has been involved in projects across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

<h2>3. Top level Rooftop amenities</h2>

<a href="/buildings/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/auburn_roof.jpg" /></a>

The expansive rooftop provides a generous dining experience, outdoor fitness equipment, and impressive cityscape views just to name a few.

With an impressive communal rooftop garden, it is comes complete with BBQ areas so you can keep fit and enjoy yourself at the same time.

<h2>4. The Auburn Square Precinct&nbsp;</h2>

Auburn Square is setting a new benchmark for residential developments in Western Sydney, with the precinct design largely inspired by the nearby Auburn Botanical Gardens. It is home&nbsp;all aspects of life and family with lush green surrounds through the apartments, landscaping, retail precinct and public domain.

Auburn Square&rsquo;s 2,000 sqm of green space offers privacy and serenity for residents to enjoy with friends and family.

Auburn is a hub of connectivity situated in the geographical heart of Sydney. It offers great transport accessibility to business centres including Parramatta and the CBD. Walk to Auburn train station in 3 minutes or take Parramatta Road and the M4 motorway for direct and easy access further west or into the city.&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/auburn_facade.jpg" /></a>

<h2>5. The West Sydney housing market is on the rise</h2>

There is no end of demand from home buyers and investors who want to live in Sydney&rsquo;s gentrifying inner Western suburbs.

In fact Sydney as a whole in on the rise, having turned around from the coronavirus induced slump that occurred throughout much of 2020.

<h2>6. Affordable priced one, two and three bedroom apartments.</h2>

<a href="/buildings/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/auburn_interior.jpg" /></a>

Home buyers can enjoy a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Auburn Square for as low as $505,000, or a two bedroom unit for $600,000,&nbsp;well&nbsp;below the $730,000 median apartment price for Sydney.&nbsp;

Also within a more than reasonable price range, three bedroom homes start at&nbsp;$837,000.

A number of economists predict the battle between banks for new customers and the successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine may super-charge even the national property market.

<h2>7. HomeBuilder Eligible </h2>

Auburn Square is one of the few Sydney developments eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant extension, potentially saving $15,000 for first home buyers.

<h2>8. Enjoy the view from your future home</h2>

<a href="/buildings/auburn-square-26-36-northumberland-road-auburn"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/auburn_balcony.jpg" /></a>

Holding expansive views toward the CBD and Sydney Olympic park the balconies present a strong case as well as a strong facade.

Developed by Tian An LFD, Auburn Square boasts the ultimate liveability in the heart of western Sydney.

jordan_55689

Eight reasons to consider an apartment in Sydney's Auburn Square

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Following a minor dip due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sydney property values have now recovered to surpass their 2017 peak, according to property date firm CoreLogic. 
Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s executive research director, says he’s not surprised that the recent strong capital gains in housing values have led another capital city to move to new record highs.  
“The recovery trend in Sydney following the -15.3% decline from July 2017 to May 2019 was interrupted by COVID-19, with housing values falling by -3.0% through the worst of the pandemic.

<img alt="" height="895" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/corelogic_sydney.jpg" width="1200"> 
“Since housing values found a floor in October last year, Sydney home values have risen 5.7% to reach a new record high today.

"The fresh record high is great news for Sydney home owners, but highlights the challenges for non-home owners looking to participate in the housing market as values rise faster than incomes,” Lawless says. 
According to CoreLogic’s daily hedonic home value index, Melbourne dwelling values remain -1.3% below their pre-COVID high and Perth values are still -16.9% lower relative to their 2014 peak.

<h2>Projects in Sydney</h2>

Auburn Square, Auburn 
Address: 26-36 Northumberland Road, Auburn NSW 2144 
Two-bedroom apartments from $600,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

Developed by Tian An LFD, Auburn Square boasts the ultimate liveability in the heart of western Sydney.

Designed by Rothelowman, the development’s design provides perfectly considered spaces to deliver a sense of community, with facilities including an expansive rooftop, communal dining areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and impressive cityscape views.

Auburn Square is one of the few Sydney developments eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant extension, potentially saving $15,000 for first home buyers.

Castle Residences, Sydney 
Address: 203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 
One-bedroom apartments from $1.23 million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

Castle Residences is one of Sydney's most anticipated projects to be completed in 2021.

The luxury $380 million is being developed by United Development Sydney, which operates under the umbrella of Shanghai Lian Yao Investment Co, a $19 billion company established as a joint venture by 10 Chinese real estate groups.

The project, currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders and nearing its topping out stage, will have 131 apartments, a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom units across 36 levels.

 

 
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Since housing values found a floor in October last year, Sydney home values have risen 5.7% to reach a new record high



Sydney property values reach record high

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With apartments in student markets more affordable than ever, due to retreating investor interest, now may be the time to secure a home that could be a strong performing long-term investment.

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), one of the top universities in Australia, has a student population of 65,000 and is located in Sydney’s south-eastern suburb of Kensington.

Urban takes a look at five apartments perfect for students nearby UNSW, ideal for scholars and academics, high-income postgraduates and investors.

1. The Laneways, Rosebery 
Address: 33-37 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 
One-bedroom apartments from $592,800

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

Just 2.6 kilometres from UNSW, Ellerson Property’s the Laneways provides inner-city living with luxury features and architectural design.

Located within close proximity to Green Square transport hub and approximately six kilometres from the Sydney CBD, the home provides great investment options with potential homebuyers including mobile professionals, creatives and families.

The chic home includes residents-only car charging bays, a rooftop garden terrace and district views. 
 

2. Orchid, Eastgardens 
Address: 9 Oscar Place, Eastgardens NSW 2036 
One-bedroom apartments from $695,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29389]

Farther from the university but still enjoying convenience for students and academics, Orchid is part of Meriton’s latest development.

The final first stage offering in the masterplanned Pagewood Green, Orchid boasts 256 oversized apartments across four buildings.

Just 3.1 kilometres from UNSW’s Kensington campus, Maroubra Beach and the Sydney CBD, this development provides a residential oasis.

Designed by PTW, the community includes podium gardens, a retail precinct and outdoor entertaining spaces. 
 

3. Eminence, Zetland 
Address: 811 Elizabeth Street, Zetland NSW 2017 
One-bedroom apartments from $745,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882]

Offering a remarkable boutique trio of buildings, commanding four street frontages between Green Square and the CBD, Eminence meets the criteria of a strong investment property.

Including onsite retail, 1,840 sqm of lush podium gardens and a 75-place childcare centre, Eminence brings all the necessary amenities to your doorstep.

Delivered by Meriton and designed by DKO Architecture, the property also offers pools, open-air training facilities and playgrounds. 
 

4. Pagewood Green, Eastgardens 
Address: 130-150 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens NSW 2036 
Two-bedroom apartments from $815,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13861]

The multi-staged masterplan development, Pagewood Green, provides diverse layouts for the lifestyle of any homebuyer.

Positioned opposite an upcoming 8,000 sqm park and neighbouring Westfield Eastgardens, the convenient home delivers exceptional amenity within walking distance and is just 17 minutes from UNSW by bus. 
 

5. Polo Collection, Rosebery 
Address: 55 Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 
One-bedroom apartments from $710,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7588]

Set amongst tree-lined streets and only 2.4 kilometres from the Kensington campus, Polo Collection pays homage to Rosebery’s industrial past while providing residents with a residence of the future.

Developed by Meriton, the project connects residents to the Sydney CBD, Green Square and the harbour as one of the city’s most connected inner-city suburbs.

Designed by SJB, the homes boast a modern and distinctive style, with floor-to-ceiling glass, expansive floorplans and views over Sweetacres Park.  
</body></html>

With apartments in student markets more affordable than ever, due to retreating investor interest, now may be the time to secure a home that could be a strong performing long-term investment

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Five apartments under $900k close to UNSW in Sydney's Kensington

Downsizers, empty nesters and families moving to the area have been the dominant buyers in&nbsp;Mulpha Australia&#39;s Norwest apartment development Haven.

Haven, completed in late 2018 at 2 Natura Rise in the Hills District suburb around 35km north-west of Sydney,&nbsp;saw a number of its apartments taken by those looking to downsize but keen for a&nbsp;good-size apartment.

Haven&#39;s floor plans suited the demand, with one bed apartments spanning up to 60 sqm internally, with an extra 11 sqm to 33 sqm externally.&nbsp;

Each of the 11 one bedroom apartments in the development of 80 are sold out. There are just five two bedroom apartments for sale, priced from $925,000. They start from&nbsp;77 sqm and can reach 112 sqm internally.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5882 project_image_fid=24231]

There are three three bedroom apartments left, which can span nearly 150 sqm. They can be secured between $1,045,000 to $1.09 million.

Each apartment features&nbsp;Caesarstone benchtops, Miele appliances and Parisi tapware.

There&#39;s a fresh launch of the last remaining penthouse, one of four, which is for sale at $2,595,000. The two level apartment with its own private lift features a wide outdoor balcony with district views. It has four balconies in total, as well as three bedrooms and a media room.

<a href="/buildings/haven-norwest-2-natura-rise-baulkham-hills"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/haven_mulpha_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Architect Krikis Tayler designed Haven&nbsp;which has&nbsp;interiors by SJB Interiors. Haven was&nbsp;landscaper Site Image Landscape Architects.

&ldquo;The architectural vision was to create a variety of luxury apartments with a high level of amenity catering for the needs of contemporary life,&quot; Nick&nbsp;Tayler&nbsp;of Krikis Tayler Architects said.

&quot;The building incorporates a large variety of apartment types and sizes designed to cater for an equally wide variety of resident&rsquo;s needs.&rdquo;

Tim Spencer, Mulpha Norwest general manager, said the family and community lifestyle development has been designed to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle offering a heated swimming pool, on site gym, bike sharing facility and beautifully landscaped walkways throughout.

&ldquo;Haven is a premium example of a modern community that provides all the lifestyle and security demanded by the ever increasingly sophisticated owner,&rdquo; Mr Tim Spencer said.

Haven residents have access to the onsite amenities including an indoor heated pool, gym, private media room, music room, a residents&#39; kitchen and private dining area and lounge. There&#39;s also a residents only concierge service.

On street level there&#39;s a cafe and food store and the wellness centre City Cave.

&nbsp;

Haven was completed in late 2018 at 2 Natura Rise in the Hills District suburb around 35km north-west of Sydney.



Why Mulpha's Norwest development Haven was a hit for downsizers and empty nesters

The Castle Residences just off Hyde Park is set to be one of Sydney&#39;s most exciting developments to be completed this year.

The luxury $380 million is being developed by United Development Sydney and will be their&nbsp;flagship mixed-use residential/hotel project in Australia.&nbsp;

The project, currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders and nearing its topping out stage,&nbsp;will have 131 apartments, a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom units across levels 11 to 36. The first 11 levels will be part of the hotel.

Prices start from $1.24 million&nbsp;and range&nbsp;up to $ 20mil for a penthouse.

Urban has taken a look at the project and picked out five of its stand out features.

<h2>1. Its unique facade</h2>

The unique design sees the 36 floor residential tower cantilevered above the heritage building Porter House, which is being restored as part of the redevelopment of the site.

Rich in history, Porter House dates back to the mid 1870s and formerly homed the tobacco factory&nbsp;Dixson &amp; Sons. The rare surviving example of a commercial Victorian building&nbsp;features a sandstone facade, sash windows, original pressed metal ceilings and marble Art Deco stairs.

It makes for a welcome entry, adjacent to St George&#39;s Free Presbyterian Church and Scientology House.

<a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="894" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/porter_house_.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

<h2>2. The hotel amenities</h2>

Being linked to a 122 room hotel, residents of the development will have access to a number of hotel amenities rarely seen in a regular apartment development.

The hotel will service the residences with room service, catering, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance, which can be accessed via a personalised mobile application.

Residents will also have full access to the&nbsp;hotel&rsquo;s facilities including the restaurants, bars, gym, pool and business centre,&nbsp;along with 24 hour security, concierge and valet parking.

<a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="904" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_residences_swimming_pool.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

<h2>3. The Architect</h2>

Castle Residences have been designed by the award-winning architect Candalepas and Associates, who are responsible for The Surry and Pelican Street Apartments, both in Surry Hills, as well as the QT Hotel in Melbourne and Perth.

Candalepas and Associates also handled the renovation of the Hellenic Club, just up the road from Castle Residences on Castlereagh Street.

<h2>4. The Design</h2>

The apartments have been compared to those you&#39;d find in New York&#39;s metropolitan hub of Manhattan.

The slick interiors&nbsp;combine classical and modern design elements, designed in&nbsp;concert with the external architecture. The subtle curve of countertops, etched mirrors and cabinetry echo the Porter House&rsquo;s scalloped windows, with unimpeded views of Hyde Park&rsquo;s verdant canopy.

Natural materials have been used throughout, with&nbsp;pale limestone, oak timbers, graphite and bronze used throughout the interior.

The apartments feature a Miele-kitted entertainers kitchen which meets the open plan living space, leading to a landscaped private balcony. The three bedroom sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments have&nbsp;Gaggenau appliances in their kitchens.<a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="976" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/castle_residences_apartment.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

<h2>5. The Location</h2>

The site at 203 Castlereagh Street is centrally located around the corner from&nbsp;Sydney&#39;s beautiful Hyde Park.

It&#39;s a short walk to&nbsp;main local train station Town Hall which connects to Sydney&#39;s popular eastern suburbs, Circular Quay where&nbsp;Sydney&#39;s harbour landmarks are located and a direct train to the Sydney airport.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]

&nbsp;

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The luxury $380 million is being developed by United Development Sydney and will be their flagship mixed-use residential/hotel project in Australia. 


Five things we love about Sydney's luxury Castle Residences

Waste not want not is a phrase coined long before the term circular economy.

The circular economy was coined by the Chinese in the 1990s in response to&nbsp;natural resource limitations. The concept is aimed at&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;waste&nbsp;and the continual use of resources.

It was 2019 when the issue was addressed in the National Waste Policy Action Plan in Australia. And last year the national developer Mirvac announced their plan, Planet Positive: Waste &amp; Materials, which will see them aim to send zero waste to landfill by 2030.

<a href="/buildings/pavilions-residences-2-figtree-drive-sydney-olympic-park"><img alt="" height="1632" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mirvac_apartment_5.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The artwork and kitchen table top were created from glass and fabric

Mirvac have been championing sustainability efforts well before the plan however. In&nbsp;2013 they&nbsp;committed to investing in a new sustainability strategy,&nbsp;This Changes Everything.

Last week they unveiled a two bedroom apartment in their Sydney Olympic Park development Pavilions which featured a number of items, from floor tiles to kitchen splash backs, made entirely of waste, an industry first.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363]

In collaboration with the University of New South Wales Centre of Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT), Mirvac have utilized the technology to turn waste materials into &quot;green ceramics&quot;, which were used throughout the apartment. The technology is at their microfactory in Cootamundra.

Matt &#39;Green&#39; Kean, the NSW&nbsp;Energy and&nbsp;Environment Minister, was a speaker at the event, but wasn&#39;t keen on following industry trailblazers, Mirvac chief exec Susan Lloyd Hurwitz and Professor Veena&nbsp;Sahajwalla, the global pioneer in waste technology and&nbsp;director at SMarT.&nbsp;

Kean said the innovative Pavilions partnership could be the Blueprint for how we do sustainable development&nbsp;in the future.

<a href="/buildings/pavilions-residences-2-figtree-drive-sydney-olympic-park"><img alt="" height="1098" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mirvac_wall.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The feature wall made out of coffee bags

Ms Lloyd Hurwitz said that the building industry in Australia is responsible for around 60 per cent of the waste generated.

&ldquo;Every year, an estimated&nbsp;11 billion tonnes of waste&nbsp;are sent to landfill globally. 92 billion tonnes of&nbsp;materials are extracted, with buildings responsible for around 50 per cent of global materials used,&rdquo; Ms Lloyd Hurwitz said.

&ldquo;Diverting the large volumes of waste generated on construction sites from landfill to create quality&nbsp;finishes and furniture is not only good for our environment but good for the economy.&rdquo;

Professor Veena said she was delighted that Mirvac was so committed to sustainability and she was&nbsp;impressed the company was prepared to take risks to find new ways and purposes for materials that&nbsp;can end up in landfill.

&ldquo;Mirvac is a true industry leader and I commend Sue and her team for being part of the journey to help&nbsp;society create a materials revolution where we start to think of, and treat and reform, waste as a&nbsp;renewable resource,&rdquo; Veena said.

<a href="/buildings/pavilions-residences-2-figtree-drive-sydney-olympic-park"><img alt="" height="1827" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mirvac_apartment_4.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
One of the most impressive features is the pendant lighting above the kitchen island. One of the next steps is to create bench tops out of waste.

&ldquo;The severy stylish and functional furnishing and products made in our UNSW SMaRT Centre green&nbsp;ceramics MICROfactorieTM show what can be done when science, technology and industry vision and&nbsp;commitment come together.&rdquo;

Urban took a tour of the impressive apartment overlooking the surrounding sports stadiums. It&#39;s set to be a 12 minute commute to the CBD when the next metro station is complete.

Toby Long, Mirvac&#39;s General Manager of Residential, said they&#39;ve already come a long way since Marrick &amp; Co, Mirvac&#39;s development in the inner-west suburb of Marrickville.

That had some furniture and artworks made of green ceramics. It&nbsp;was the first project in NSW to be recognised by Bioregional Australia as a One Planet Living development, another collaboration with&nbsp;SMaRT Centre.

The Pavilions apartment&nbsp;sits in one of four buildings in the Pavilions complex which was finished last year. Two of the towers are build to rent, and share a lush communal courtyard located central to each building.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7363]

Mirvac have been championing sustainability efforts since 2013 when they committed to investing in a new sustainability strategy, This Changes Everything

Mirvac make concerted circular economy effort with apartment made of waste

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The new $175 million development Kogarah Central in Sydney's south is just a couple of months away from completion.

And developer Level 33 has secured 50 per cent of sales in the 233 apartment block, with the majority picked up by first home-buyers or owner-occupiers.

Level 33 director Eddy Haddad said their business model from day one was more suited to the owner occupier.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7734]

“They like the quality that we deliver and it is a good price point for this market”, Haddad says, adding that they secure repeat custom from buyers who buy in another block developed by Level33.

Kogarah Central is made up of two low-se buildings each crowned by rooftop terraces capturing skyline views back to the city. It features a public park and a children's play area.

Studio apartments start from $435,000.

<a href="/buildings/kogarah-central-71-97-regent-street-kogarah"><img alt="" height="622" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kogarah_central_2.jpg" width="1200"></a>

More than 100 of Kogarah Central's apartments are priced under $650,000, which under New South Wales new regulations means no stamp duty to be paid.

It's a busy time for Level 33, who have another project in Kogarah which is yet to officially hit the market, the 82 unit Premiere at 22 Stanley Street.

That will be a collection of one and two bedroom apartments.

They’re soon to be completing Burnham, a 104 apartment block in Carlton, anchored on the ground level by an Aldi supermarket.

And there’s exciting plans further south of Sydney in Wollongong where Level 33 are constructing 82 apartments in the Denison Street development Midtown, with prices for the one bedroom apartments starting from $430,000.

They've also got their biggest ever project in the pipeline, The Kenny, a 320 apartment development on Wollongong's Kenny Street which is due to begin construction at the end of the year.
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Level 33 director Eddy Haddad said their business model from day one was more suited to the owner occupier

Developer Level 33 soon to complete owner-occupier driven Kogarah Central apartment development

Residential property developer and builder Sekisui House is reserving 30 apartments in its next stage of its $1 billion masterplanned Norwest community for front-line workers of first home-buyers.

They've brought forward the launch of stage three, known as Lumia, due to meet&nbsp;strong demand in previous stages from downsizers, young families and first home buyers driven by government incentives.

Lumia is made up of 330 apartments inspired by nature.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29147]

Designed by Turner Architects, stage one of Lumia comprises 203 apartments, a mix of 71 one beds, 118 two beds, 13 three bedroom apartments and a single four bedroom penthouse.

Lumia will sit in the middle of The Orchards community alongside Strangers Creek. Turner Architects director Dan Szway says that Lumia holds a unique position within The Orchards precinct and Norwest.

"It has a strong connection to the natural surrounds whilst enjoying the emerging urban amenity offered by Norwest Business Park and the new Metro Norwest station which are within easy walking distance.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="774" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lumia_sekisui_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Sekisui House sales manager David Lee says their success in 2020 was primarily due to the government's HomeBuilder Grant as well as the first home buyers grant and full stamp duty exemption.

“These government incentives have brought forward the launch of Lumia, intentionally designed with a large range of smaller apartments which is expected to accommodate first home buyer purchasers," Lee says.

"“Buyer confidence is at an all-time high with the Reserve Bank recently indicating that the cash rate will remain steady for three years.

“The Orchards is one of the most significant residential masterplanned communities to be introduced in New South Wales and is taking urban rejuvenation and luxury living in Norwest to another level.”

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Designed by Turner Architects, stage one of Lumia comprises 203 apartments, a mix of 71 one beds, 118 two beds, 13 three bedroom apartments and a single four bedroom penthouse.



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