The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <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> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

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?

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/scion">Scion Group</a>&nbsp;has officially broken ground on its new development that will reinvigorate an underutilized block of land just off Station Street.

Scion held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the occasion which was attended by industry partners.

The development, Chatham, at 2-6 Chatham Road, will feature 62 apartments across a six-level building designed by MX Architects. The building will activate the street level with four retail spaces that will complement the wider local area.

<img alt="Chatham" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="220879ad-2d40-458f-bbf2-edddeea9b396" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-01%20at%202.45.57%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=2zAb7AzTF9yikEZhfA_.csF8KAX.BhO6" />

There will be around 860 sqm of communal open space for residents, across the ground floor and rooftop, which will include terrace decking, seating, and barbecue facilities.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The site, formerly home to a service station, carwash, and mechanical workshop, underwent extensive remediation before construction. Scion acquired the land in 2021 for $14.1 million, securing a position with frontages to Chatham Road, Dickson Avenue, and Dickson Lane.

<img alt="Chatham" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59e8d604-be31-4a20-a2c1-9df2c8677b84" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-01%20at%202.46.02%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=9dBYZMIg53z6f5JaFtHqs8not71CjT6s" />

<a href="/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde">Chatham</a>&nbsp;is the first new apartment development in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/west-ryde-nsw-2114">West Ryde</a> with the new 10-year Latent Defects Insurance offered by Resilience Insurance.

The insurance, which is taken out by the developer, protects apartment owners for any structural or waterproofing issues that may occur within the first 10 years of the building's completion.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

It is the second project where Scion, a family-run builder-developer with over three decades of experience, has been able to give LDI to its residents.&nbsp;

They're soon to complete The Sterling in Lane Cove North, the first development in that area to have LDI.

Chatham is expected to complete in 2026.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134269]

Scion breaks ground on Chatham, West Ryde's first new apartment development backed by Resilience Latent Defects Insurance

Sydney Anglican Property (SAP) will deliver two major housing projects that will bring nearly 260 social and affordable homes in <a href="/developments/bankstown-nsw-2200">Bankstown</a> and <a href="/developments/regents-park-nsw-2143">Regents Park</a>.

The successful bids, under the first round of the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), means Sustainable Development Group, SAP's development partner, will now draw up development application plans for the much-needed social and affordable housing in Sydney’s south-west.&nbsp;

SAP CEO Ross Jones said that these projects are about more than just housing—they are about serving both congregations and the wider community.&nbsp;

“At SAP, our mission is to use church property to meet the needs of both current and future generations,"&nbsp;Jones said.

"We’re thrilled that these projects have been supported. They will provide secure homes for those in need, &nbsp;as well as vital ministry and community facilities for our growing congregations.&nbsp;

“We have been blessed with properties across Greater Sydney, provided through the faithfulness of previous generations. We now have an opportunity to activate these properties through the provision of social and affordable housing along with concurrent upgrading of church facilities to cater for the needs of modern churches."

The&nbsp;two projects, designed by <a href="/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a>, are part of a wider urban renewal program across the Anglican Church’s Sydney Diocese aimed at activating church properties with a range of integrated social infrastructure.&nbsp;

“A lot of hard work and prayer has gone into making this happen, and securing these projects with the Housing Australia Future Fund has been the key to unlocking the feasibility of these developments. Now, we look forward to delivering the new homes and community spaces these areas desperately need.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Bankstown Chapel Road" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d5e6f56-1a2f-46b1-80f2-69d9101257da" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bankstown%20Chapel%20Road%20Elevational%20View.jpg?VersionId=Bw5KATdsWs8KDO05oNCfaQph4YpgONSh" />

A new era for Bankstown&nbsp;

On the current site of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Bankstown, SAP will deliver:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>A brand-new church and ministry centre—a modern space for worship and community use with &nbsp;seating for up to 500.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>185 social and affordable housing units for essential workers, seniors, and women over 55. • A preschool to support young families.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Retail and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant new local hub.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A family-sized apartment for the church’s Senior Minister and his family.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Rev Peter Ko, Senior Minister of St Paul’s Bankstown, is excited for what this means for the congregation &nbsp;and the community:

“St Paul’s has been a part of Bankstown for over 100 years, and we’re committed to remaining here for &nbsp;generations to come. Our current facilities are no longer fit-for-purpose, but this redevelopment ensures &nbsp;we can continue serving the local community while also helping address Sydney’s housing crisis. We’re &nbsp;incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”&nbsp;

A new chapter for Regents Park&nbsp;

At Regents Park, the former church site on Edwin St and Kingsland Rd will be transformed into:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>74 social housing units – for single women over 55 and families in need of a stable, secure home.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Over 500 square metres of communal space (including a roof-top terrace) to foster connection among residents and host community-building activities organised by Anglicare and the church.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Rev Mike Doyle, Rector of St James Berala (which oversees Regents Park), sees this project as a new way to bless the community:&nbsp;

“With the site no longer used for gatherings, we wanted to ensure it is a blessing to our local community. And what better way to do that than by providing homes for those who need them most? This is the &nbsp;Anglican Church committing itself to the good of Regents Park. I can’t wait for the day when new &nbsp;residents move in – we’ll be ready to welcome them into a neighbourhood we love to call home.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Regents Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8528b904-9771-4a75-9a28-3f25b4f404a8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Regents%20Park%20Exterior%20View_2.jpg?VersionId=i.ZgEUvr88RebnZvgDc8aYzU.TAHmhgm" />SAP is partnering with Sustainable Development Group (SDG). SDG’s Managing Director, Richard Ollerhead said these significant projects demonstrate SDG’s mission to see faith-based landholdings activated through the delivery of essential social infrastructure.&nbsp;

“Under God, we consider it a great privilege and joy to continue our close partnership with churches, SAP and the project teams in the development of these community assets,” Ollerhead said.&nbsp;

“We are excited about the long-term transformational impacts these projects will have for generations of &nbsp;seniors, workers, children and families.”&nbsp;

Sydney Anglican Property to deliver affordable houses in Bankstown and Regents Park

Sydney Park is the go-to park for those living in inner-city Sydney.

The dog-friendly, 41-hectare park, on the border of St Peters, Newtown, Erskineville and Alexandria, is one of the largest parks in the Sydney metropolitan area, home to a breakfast kiosk, kids playground, and a skate park, as well as extensive walking paths.

Three of its four sides are either occupied by apartments or industrial buildings facing either Princes Highway, Sydney Park Road, or Euston Road.

There’s one small pocket at the south west corner of the park, Barwon Park Road, which is the only true residential street. The short 400-metre street, which falls into the suburb of St Peters, is only home to less than 100 dwellings, most of which are apartments in three low-rise complexes.

In May 2023, burgeoning developer <a href="/developers/princeton">Princeton</a> picked up a 758 sqm site on the rarely traded street. They demolished the original warehouse before commissioning Environa Studio&nbsp;to craft <a href="/buildings/sydney-park-terraces-st-peters-15-21-barwon-park-road-st-peters-nsw-2044">Sydney Park Terraces</a>, eight high-end terraces, four facing the park, and four fronting the adjacent Crown Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145252 project_image_fid=335255]

For the past 18 months, 3.5 Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder Coplex has been constructing the four-level terraces. The design is inspired by traditional terraces but without the maintenance challenges of older homes, some of which in this area date back more than a century.

The modern design adapts to the needs of 21st-century living, with each terrace featuring a lock-up garage—a rare but essential amenity in inner-city areas. The garage, capable of fitting two cars side by side, is located on the first level of the home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145252 project_image_fid=344134]

Environa Studio, led by Tone Wheeler,&nbsp;focused on open-plan layouts to optimize space and natural light. The ground floor features a spacious kitchen, living, and dining area that opens onto a private landscaped garden. On the second level, two of the three bedrooms are located, while the master retreat, with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, spans the entire top floor. Each bedroom opens onto its own balcony.

In addition to the park’s proximity, residents of Sydney Park Terraces will be within easy reach of all the inner west has to offer. St Peters Station is just 500 metres away, only three stops from Central Station in Surry Hills.

Just beyond the train station is the vibrant King Street, known for its bustling nightlife, cafes, and restaurants. In the opposite direction, the Marrickville Metro shopping centre offers over 190 stores, including Woolworths, Coles, and Kmart, as well as various dining options.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145252 project_image_fid=338763]

Sydney Park Terraces offers a rare opportunity to purchase a brand-new townhouse in an inner-city area predominantly made up of older homes. As the cost of land in parkside locations in the inner west continues to rise, opportunities like this are becoming increasingly rare.

The opportunity to own something like Sydney Park Terraces in this area might not come around again.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145252]

For the past 18 months, 3.5 Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder Coplex has been constructing the four-level terraces

Sydney Park’s newest neighbours: Princeton unveils new terrace collection, Sydney Park Terraces

The gap between Sydney's median house price and median unit price is growing once again, as the harbour capital bounces back from modest declines.

Interest rates have sparked momentum in the house market, which contracted by -0.9 percent for just three months before turning positive again in February with 0.3 percent growth, CoreLogic data shows.

CoreLogic's Monthly Home Value Index recorded another 0.5 percent gain in Sydney house values in March. Unit values, however, contracted by -0.1 percent.

The Sydney median house value is $1,473,000 compared to $852,000 for units, a gap of $621,000.

CoreLogic Research Director, Tim Lawless, says improved&nbsp;sentiment following the February rate cut is likely the biggest driver of the turnaround in values

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/city-beat-february-2025-sydney-property-downturn-ends-abruptly-as-rate-cuts-spur-price-growth">City Beat February 2025: Sydney property downturn ends abruptly as rate cuts spur price growth</a>

<h2>What happened in Sydney's off the plan market in March?</h2>

After two relatively quiet months to start 2025 in Sydney's new and off the plan property market, March saw an increased level of activity from developers, reacting to improved sentiment in the property market.

The month kicked of with the launch of Landream's <a href="/new-apartments/pyrmont-place-14-26-wattle-street-pyrmont-nsw-2009">Pyrmont Place</a> development, across the road from the $750 million Sydney Fish Market.

Pyrmont Place will comprise 237 apartments across four buildings at the gateway to Blackwattle Bay.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138909 project_image_fid=330855]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/bvn-architecture" target="">BVN</a>,&nbsp;Pyrmont Place&nbsp;will include a childcare centre, a two-court indoor recreation centre, and a range of communal amenities including an outdoor pool, gym, music room, communal landscaped terraces, and open spaces designed by OCULUS.

The buildings have been designed to honour&nbsp;<a href="/developments/pyrmont-nsw-2009" target="">Pyrmont</a>’s industrial roots and sandstone heritage. Each building will feature a distinctive façade, creating a neighbourhood vibe that harmonises with the surrounding environment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138909 project_image_fid=330856]

There was similar fanfare for the launch of Lovedale Farm, the Hunter Valley's newest landmark destination.

<a href="/new-townhouses/lovedale-farm-1184-wine-country-drive-lovedale-nsw-2325">Lovedale Farm</a>, the new residential, resort, and golf community from Capital Corporation, brings a new residential offering to those seeking the Hunter Valley lifestyle. The opportunity has not been lost on those from Sydney and Newcastle, who have already snapped up over 60 per cent of the first release.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=334356]

In the heart of the Hunter Valley between Pokolbin and Rothbury, Lovedale Farm is a masterplanned golf development that will span an almost unrepeatable 240 hectares.

<a href="/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>&nbsp;has worked hand in hand with Cessnock Council and NSW Government for the best part of two decades to realise the vision for Lovedale Farm.&nbsp; The first release of residences will be accompanied by an 18-hole golf course designed by Darius Oliver, the designer known for projects like Cape Wickham on King Island.&nbsp; The masterplan includes a wider residential community, a boutique, high-end resort, destination dining precinct and apartments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14476 project_image_fid=334210]

Buyers now have the chance to secure a slice of Lovedale Farm. Lot sizes range from 550 sqm up to 3,000 sqm. Prices for turnkey residences start from $1.35 million for three-bedroom homes on 550 sqm lots, lower than Sydney’s median house price of around $1.4 million.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/inside-lovedale-farm-hunter-valley-s-newest-landmark-destination">Inside Lovedale Farm, Hunter Valley’s newest landmark destination</a>

There was also fresh opportunity to buy at Sekisui House Australia's $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards.

They revealed <a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-veue-grand-norwest-15-19-spurway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Veue Grand</a>, the final release of the fourth stage in the thriving community. Over 55 apartments were snapped, including a record-breaking four-bedroom penthouse sale worth over $4 million, which set a suburb record.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333212]

With prices starting from $630,000, buyers came from a wide geographical reach including locals in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/norwest-nsw-2153">Norwest</a>, up to the northern beaches in Dee Why, across to Coogee in the east, and as far south-west as Picton.

More than 180 people attended the public launch to secure a nature-inspired apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333202]

More supply is coming to the market soon as <a href="/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a>, part of Versatile Group which is also a builder, taking over the redevelopment of the former Balmain Leagues Club with investment partner&nbsp;Mitsubishi Estate Asia.

This year they will launch <a href="/new-apartments/rozelle-village-rozelle-152-victoria-road-rozelle-nsw-2039">Rozelle Village</a>, around 230 one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside commercial, retail, communal open spaces and a long-awaited new home for the Wests Tiger’s Leagues Club.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8142 project_image_fid=335560]

The landmark 7,330 sqm site has been derelict and closed to the community since 2010.&nbsp;

Deicorp is also continuing to put its foot on the gas. At the start of March, they were given the green light for the next stage of their masterplan in Castle Hill.

The developer will deliver 873 dwellings across five residential buildings in the East Showgrounds Precinct, next door to their now-under-construction 430-unit&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill" target="">Hills Showground Village</a>.

The new development will comprise of three buildings designed by GroupGSA and two designed by TURNER and will include arund 3,500 sqm of open public space in the form of landscaped courtyards, a public park and communal outdoor recreational space including a playground, barbeque area, and outdoor seating.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/deicorp-secures-approval-for-east-showgrounds-castle-hill-apartment-project">Deicorp secures approval for East Showgrounds, Castle Hill apartment project</a>

<a href="/developers/deicorp" target="">Deicorp</a> also lodged a State Significant Development with the NSW Department of Planning for their first development in Macquarie Park.

They're planning a 17-level building with&nbsp;181 apartments on a&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/161-herring-road-macquarie-park">prime site</a>&nbsp;across 161 Herring Road and 13-15 Lachlan Avenue, a short walk from&nbsp;<a href="/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a>&nbsp;Metro rail station and shopping centre.

City Beat March 2025: Sydney price gap between houses and units grows as house prices surge

Leading Sydney construction and development giant&nbsp;Deicorp’s plans for their Macquarie Park development have gone on public exhibition.

The 17-level building, with 181 apartments, is being pitched for a <a href="/new-apartments/161-herring-road-macquarie-park">prime site</a> across 161 Herring Road and 13-15 Lachlan Avenue, a short walk from <a href="/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a>&nbsp;Metro rail station and shopping centre.

The application was recently lodged with the NSW Department of Planning as a State Significant Development.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Macquarie Park Development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2194f36c-79f8-4eb0-aee9-6145d7bda0fe" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Item%206%20-%20Photomontage%202.jpg?VersionId=d8VSUjWGNnnhGW2ye5MKjMxbC7QPYMug" />

Deicorp’s Chairman Fouad Deiri said the site will provide conveniently located housing for key and essential workers. 29 of the apartments proposed will be affordable and managed by a community housing provider.

“This proposed development adds to the significant pipeline of residential projects we are seeking to deliver along Sydney’s Northwest Metro, which will support the NSW Government’s vision to deliver more housing close to key public &nbsp;transport infrastructure," Deiri said.

“Deicorp is delighted to be responding to the urgent need for housing across Sydney by partnering with some of Australia’s leading architecture and design firms (DKO) to provide well designed apartments close to amenities.” &nbsp;

The plans for the development include a 550 sqm of rooftop garden, 1,200 sqm of streetscape upgrades, and outdoor communal space embellishments. The rooftop garden will include viewing decks, outdoor workspaces, and picnic tables.&nbsp;

<img alt="Macquarie Park Development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="755dbe8e-7088-4386-a5a5-8dfd1b1fa8a3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Item%206%20-%20Photomontage%203.jpg?VersionId=x8D28t53yH56yHpDy3Pt0VMk8po_kBru" />

It is proposed environmentally significant trees will be retained on the site with a further 58 trees planted to provide ample tree canopy coverage. &nbsp;

The proposed development, which will include recycled water, onsite solar energy generation and energy efficient design, will aim for an industry leading 7-star average rating under the &nbsp;Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).&nbsp;

The proposed Macquarie Park apartment building adds to the significant pipeline of transit oriented developments Deicorp is seeking to deliver along Sydney’s Metro rail line, which include the recently approved Hills Showground East Precinct and Five Ways Crows Nest mixed-used projects, the under-construction Hills Showground Village and now completed Tallawong Village.&nbsp;

Deicorp’s Chairman Fouad Deiri said the site will provide conveniently located housing for key and essential workers



Deicorp’s Macquarie Park apartment plans revealed

Urban Property Group is continuing to expand its ever-widening new apartment pipeline.

The developer is soon to tackle the Newcastle's market, having taking over the mixed-use Bowline project on the harbour in Wickham.&nbsp;

<img alt="Bowline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76e65b76-fbcf-4f05-a1e9-b6834c908691" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-31%20at%2010.52.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PTzhKaLh79XhxtUzcM5KSbt2k5Hsi2r5" />

The Bowline, just under 100 apartments across a 14-level building on Dangar Street, was being developed by MultiPart Property before they fell into receivership. Deposits were offered back to the original buyers earlier this year.

The large-scale apartments, that were pitched as being suitable for downsizers when it gained approval in 2019, would sit above 5,500 sqm of commercial space.

Urban Property Group secured the site&nbsp;through a competitive sale process managed by the appointed receivers and managers, Ryan Eagle and Amanda Coneyworth of KPMG.

<img alt="Bowline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7588c81-24fa-43df-9915-558371a8496f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-31%20at%2010.53.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=TROUxZjaWUlJrzbzKROIVCOjWGXX24Rx" />

Patrick Elias, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, said Bowline is a&nbsp;pivotal site in one of the most exciting growth corridors in the state.

"We recognise both the opportunity and the responsibility of taking this project forward."

Elias says the current approval dates back several years and there is a "unique opportunity to reimagine this site in a way that meets today’s needs while embracing the city’s future potential."

The site is located at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, NSW 2293, on the corner of Hannell Street, Dangar Street, and Charles Street. This prime location places it adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange, a major transport hub.

UPG has recent experience taking over and successfully progressing complex projects. Urban acquired Gosford’s Central Coast Quarter from St Hilliers in 2024, and is now progressing toward top-out of the first stage.

UPG has several projects across Greater Sydney. They're working toward launching <a href="/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, 287 apartments across a 10-level building on&nbsp;an 8280 sqm site at 160-172 Lord Sheffield Circuit. It will be&nbsp;Urban Property Group's&nbsp;sixth and final development in the Thornton precinct, alongside their award-winning developments Navali and&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/the-orchards-lumia-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153" target="">Lumia</a>.

&nbsp;

Patrick Elias, CEO of Urban Property Group, said the The Bowline is a pivotal site in one of the most exciting growth corridors in the state.



Urban Property Group acquires harbourside Bowline site in Newcastle's Wickham

Sekisui House Australia secured $65 million in sales at the launch of Veue Grand, the final release of the fourth stage in their $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards.

Over 55 apartments were snapped up at the launch, including a record-breaking four-bedroom penthouse sale worth over $4 million, which set a suburb record.

With prices starting from $630,000, buyers came from a wide geographical reach including locals in <a href="/developments/norwest-nsw-2153">Norwest</a>, up to the northern beaches in Dee Why, across to Coogee in the east, and as far south-west as Picton.

More than 180 people attended the public launch to secure a nature-inspired apartment.

David Lee, Sales Manager, Apartments &amp; Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia said <a href="/new-apartments/the-orchards-veue-grand-norwest-15-19-spurway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Veue Grand</a> has had one of the most successful launches in The Orchards to date.

"We have witnessed strong demand across all apartment types, with two-bedroom residences emerging as the most popular choice, accounting for more than 50 per cent of all sales.

“We are very proud to also have achieved a record sale for a four-bedroom penthouse, which speaks volumes about both the quality of the product and confidence buyers have in the brand.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333204]

Nearly 25 per cent of all sales came from the newly introduced two-bedroom, one-bathroom layouts, an efficient and affordable entry point aimed at first home buyers.

“The introduction of this new apartment type has been well received. It is proving to be a smart option for buyers who wish to enter the market without compromising on location or quality,” Lee said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333207]

First home buyers and investors from across Sydney made up a significant portion of the buyer demographic. In contrast, larger residences and penthouses attracted strong interest from downsizers, many of whom already live within a 10km radius of Norwest.

Lee said the recent interest rate reduction played a role in the success of the launch.

“We did see an uptick from first home buyers and investors following the rate drop, although downsizers, who tend to be less rate-sensitive, were key in securing the premium stock.”

Veue Grand's extensive amenities including an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and communal function centre, alongside expansive green spaces and access to the newly completed Sydney Metro Northwest line, were purchasing drivers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333206]

“Many sales came from repeat clients or through word-of-mouth referrals, which is a testament to trust in the global brand. The sales result further cements The Orchards position as one of Sydney’s most compelling residential offerings,” Lee added.

“With direct Metro access now taking residents from Norwest to Martin Place in under 45 minutes, The Orchards ticks all the boxes, location, liveability and long-term growth potential.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149249 project_image_fid=333205]

Construction of Veue Grand is well underway and tracking ahead of schedule, with completion anticipated in late 2026. Buyers can invest with confidence, knowing the builder has been appointed and the build well underway.

Veue Grand designed by Crone Architects, comprises 217 residences across two 11 and 18-level buildings.

The Orchards is around 31 kilometres north west of Sydney’s CBD.&nbsp;It is strategically positioned 800 metres from Norwest Metro Train Station and 600 metres from Norwest Marketown as well as Norwest Business Park - currently housing over 30,000 employees.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149249]

Veue Grand, Norwest apartments fly off the shelves at weekend launch

Residents at Lendlease’s world-class One Sydney Harbour waterfront development in Barangaroo will soon have access to an exclusive luxury car share service offering electric Porsche vehicles.

<a href="/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease</a> has partnered with transportation solutions provider, Outbound, to launch Porsche’s new fleet of electric vehicles, including the Macan and Taycan, available for residents of the building to hire.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Residents will be able to reserve, pay and access support through the Outbound app, and even lock, unlock and drive the vehicles through their phones.&nbsp;

<img alt="One Sydney Harbour" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a6947a39-4a5c-4361-9c2b-4a6ee2861d30" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/osh---home-banner-exterior-min.jpg?VersionId=g2R6KcqJEdP7eguRTKGT.B_hWsKhA2U8" />

The new car share service enhances the already exceptional amenities at <a href="/new-apartments/one-sydney-harbour-6-watermans-quay-barangaroo">One Sydney Harbour</a>, which include a 24-hour concierge service, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, a private dining room, wine gallery, and residents’ lounge. &nbsp;

This is the second collaboration between Lendlease and Outbound, with the transportation solutions provider offering Tesla EV hire for tenants in nearby commercial building, Salesforce Tower, since 2023.&nbsp;

Located in the heart of Barangaroo, One Sydney Harbour is a landmark residential development by Lendlease, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. The development consists of three towers.

<img alt="One Sydney Harbour pool" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd156968-b258-45d4-be60-ccf5907de450" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/osh-the-pool.png?VersionId=U8e3XrNodol4Nw2onjP4QHWiSWglvNJC" />

One Sydney Harbour is now 95 per cent sold, with more than $4 billion in sales across the three towers.

Prices start at $1.68 million for a one-bedroom apartment, $3 million for a two-bedroom, and $5.3 million for a three-bedroom apartment. Most residences have settled across all three towers, and residents have moved in.&nbsp;

Annamese, Haven Coffee and Anita Gelato have opened in the precinct, with more food and beverage and service retailers to come later this year.

Stuart Mendel, Lendlease Executive Director Development NSW/ACT, said surpassing $4 billion in sales is testament to the high calibre of One Sydney Harbour’s residential offering. &nbsp;

“Our commitment to creating luxury experiences for our customers is clear through the range of exclusive amenities, like the Porsche EV car share program,"&nbsp;Mendel said.

“Whether it’s driving a Porsche Macan or Taycan or the easy access to the new Barangaroo metro &nbsp;station, One Sydney Harbour offers the ultimate convenience and connection.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139801]

New electric Porsche car share at One Sydney Harbour

The first stage of <a href="/new-apartments/willoughby-grounds-5-walter-street-willoughby">Willoughby Grounds</a>, the Lower North Shore development by joint venture partners First Quadrant Properties and Qualtias, is approaching completion.

Two of the five buildings that make up the mini masterplan will welcome residents in the coming months. The majority of purchasers of the one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments have been families and downsizers, given the large floorplans on offer.

A key attraction for families is the dedicated children’s playground within the common area, fostering a community atmosphere where neighbours can connect while children have a safe space to play.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=327778]

“When designing Willoughby Grounds, we wanted to create a place that enhances both liveability and community,” says Adam Reeves, Director of Sales and Marketing at <a href="/developers/first-quadrant-properties">First Quadrant Properties</a>.

“The inclusion of larger residences and shared green spaces makes this an attractive option for families who want the best of both worlds – more space and an outstanding location.”

Comprising five distinct buildings, each with its own architectural identity, Willoughby Grounds draws inspiration from the area’s industrial past. The first stage, featuring apartments in the Halstrom and Fleming buildings, reflects <a href="/developments/willoughby-nsw-2068">Willoughby</a>’s 19th-century tanneries, a nod to the suburb’s rich heritage.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=327779]

“People want to feel connected to their community, and this development is designed to foster that sense of belonging,”&nbsp; Reeves added.

“Unlike high-rise developments, Willoughby Grounds offers a more intimate living experience, with most apartments designed to maximise natural light and ventilation.”

The project’s location provides easy access to local parks, gyms, cafes, and shopping precincts, including High Street Shopping Village, Northbridge Plaza, and Crows Nest Village. It is also well connected to transport links, with the Metro Train Station and city bus services nearby.

“The kids’ playground and the spacious layouts will be a real drawcard for families looking for an alternative to standalone homes in the area,” says Tim Abbott, Director of Projects and Developments at Ray White.

“With so many amenities nearby and lower strata fees, Willoughby Grounds offers both practicality and lifestyle benefits.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=251211]

Designed by Mo Chehelbani from <a href="/architects/architecture-urbaneia">Architecture Urbaneia</a>, with interiors by acclaimed architects and interior designers DKO, the residences integrate multi-layered architecture with lush green spaces. The use of face brickwork, metal cladding, and concrete framing harmonises with the landscape, enhanced by jacaranda trees that are synonymous with the lower North Shore.

The project is being constructed by DASCO, one of the highest-rated builders in NSW with a 4.5 Gold Star iCIRT Rating.

The second stage, comprising the Lawson’ and Walter buildings, will be completed in late 2025. Registrations of interest for the two new buildings are now being taken.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135512]

The project is being constructed by DASCO, one of the highest-rated builders in NSW with a 4.5 Gold Star iCIRT Rating

Willoughby Grounds first stage approaches completion

Respected local builder-developer, <a href="/developers/gwh">GWH</a>, is offering grand-scale living in every aspect at its under-construction <a href="/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a> apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west">One Apartments</a>.

Upon completion later this year, ONE Apartments will not only become the tallest tower in Newcastle at nearly 80-metres high, but will offer some of the largest floorplans ever seen in the rapidly growing city.

The 193 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, spread across two 22 and 19-level towers, are, on average, around 20 percent larger than what is typically available in both the new development and established apartment sectors in the Newcastle region.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325764]

GWH Build is well advanced in the construction of the development, over half-way up each building which protrude from a shared four-level podium that will host a range of commercial and retail tenancies.

<a href="/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>&nbsp;have collaborated with <a href="/architects/ckds-architecture">CKDS</a>&nbsp;on the design of <a href="/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west">ONE Apartments</a>, creating a floorplate as part of the striking, pointed design that both creates large floorplans as well as a balconies off the living areas and bedrooms that offer extended views over Newcastle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325772]

Due to the height of the tower, and its strategic position on National Park Street, ensures the majority of the apartments, even at the lower levels, will offer strong viewlines.

Each apartment will feature interiors with SMEG appliances, soft-touch cabinetry, and premium tapware.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325763]

The highest views are captured from the rooftop entertainment areas. The Scenic Lounge, atop the 22-level south tower,&nbsp;and the Harbourview Lounge, crowning the north towers 19th level, will each offer panoramic outlooks across the city and coastline.

As well as the rooftops, residents will have private access to a heated outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym with steam room, a fully furnished, surround-sound UHD cinema, and several pocket parks, from small courtyards for yoga and meditation to pergolas set in extensive landscaping.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325771]

Newcastle has seen relatively little high-density development compared to the likes of its closest major regions, like Sydney and the Central Coast. GWH is central to the increasing what is a fairly limited supply of new apartments in Newcastle. The limited availability of suitable sites and a small pool of builders capable of delivering large-scale projects have constrained the market.&nbsp;

GWH, which has been shaping Newcastle’s built environment since 1995, is one of the few developers with the expertise and resources to undertake a project of this magnitude.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325761]

The location of ONE Apartments will place residents within walking distance of Darby Street’s dining precinct, the Civic Theatre, Marketown Shopping Centre, and the Newcastle Interchange, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents.

Buyers are expecting to move into ONE Apartments in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24247]

The 193 apartments, spread across two 22 and 19-level towers, are, on average, around 20 percent larger than what is typically available in both the new development and established apartment sectors in the Newcastle region.



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