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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365687]

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

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?

Apartment giant Meriton has officially sold out its Zetland apartment development, Allegra.

Meriton Company Director, James Sialepis, expressed his pride in Allegra's sellout, highlighting Meriton's exceptional track record in the area.

"Meriton has been instrumental in transforming Green Square from its industrial roots into today's thriving town centre, buzzing with life and energy," Sialepis said.

"Our journey in Zetland has been incredibly fulfilling, and with our dedicated team's hard work, we've once again met Sydney's demand for quality housing."

<a href="/buildings/allegra-94-epsom-road-zetland">Allegra</a>, completed last year, comprises a mixture of apartments and townhouses across four buildings on Epsom Road alongside&nbsp;Gunyama Park.

The buildings range from six to 13 levels, with the lower-level apartments offering an outlook of Gunyama Park's lush greenery or the internal landscaped gardens, while the upper-level units offer views of the CBD skyline and the coastline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25281 project_image_fid=209639]

<a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architects</a>&nbsp;designed Allegra which comprises 260 single and dual-level apartments alongside terraced homes and rooftop penthouses.&nbsp;

Apartments feature large living areas extending to private balconies, courtyards, or alfresco terraces, kitchens equipped with BOSCH appliances, bathrooms and ensuites with free-standing baths, internal laundry facilities, and provisions for super-fast broadband and pay TV via fibre optic cabling.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25281 project_image_fid=209637]

Its strategic&nbsp;location in <a href="/developments/zetland-nsw-2017">Zetland</a>, near the new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre adds to its appeal, providing residents with convenient access to a range of external amenities besides its own.

Residents at Allegra will also have access to various in-house lifestyle amenities and services, including an indoor aquatic centre with a heated pool, spa and sauna, a fully equipped gymnasium, landscaped communal gardens, BBQ pavilions and open lawns, an exclusive resident-only outdoor kids play area, a My parcel Locker system, and dedicated on-site building management.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25281 project_image_fid=216955]

<a href="/developers/meriton" target="">Meriton</a>&nbsp;was offering its finance assistance,&nbsp;Meriton Property Finance, to Allegra buyers, including a three-year fixed interest rate at 4.75 per cent and up to 90 per cent of the purchase price without a valuation requirement.

Investors were guaranteed a tenant on settlement.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=25281]

Meriton sell out Allegra Zetland

Builder developer PERIFA has launched one of the only new apartment developments in Kingsford in Sydney's tight Eastern Suburbs off the plan apartment market.

<a href="/buildings/botanica-kingsford">Botanica</a>, which is currently under construction by PERIFA's building arm <a href="/builders/versatile">Versatile</a>, comprises 58 studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments catering to young professionals, families, and investors looking for an affordable address <a href="/new-apartments/kingsford-nsw-2032">in an area</a> which has a vacancy rate of around one per cent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143113 project_image_fid=265531]

The studio starts at $580,000, while one-bed apartments are priced at $725,000 through <a href="/project-marketer/laver-residential-projects">Laver Residential Projects</a>. The average size for one-bedroom units at Botanica ranges from 40 to 45 sqm internally, with most apartments also featuring private balconies.

Designed by <a href="/architects/studio-johnston">Studio Johnson Architects</a>, Botanica features a cross-flow design that maximises natural light and ventilation. Most units also offer a northern aspect, with some offering views of the CBD.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143113 project_image_fid=245908]

Residents will also have access to communal amenities such as the garden and barbeque area for leisure and social gatherings.

Botanica's walking proximity to public transport, with the added convenience of the nearby UNSW campus and Prince of Wales Hospital just five minutes away, further adds to its appeal.

Botanica Kingsford is slated for completion in June 2024.

Last year we caught up with <a href="/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> Founder Fabrizio Perilli to talk about the Sydney off the plan apartment market.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/how-perifas-vertically-integrated-model-brings-confidence-to-off-the-plan-apartment-buyers-five-minutes-with-perifa-co-founder-fabrizio-perilli">How PERIFA's vertically integrated model brings confidence to off the plan apartment buyers: Five minutes with PERIFA Founder Fabrizio Perilli</a>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143113]

Designed by Studio Johnson Architects, Botanica features a cross-flow design that maximises natural light and ventilation

PERIFA launch Botanica Kingsford apartments

Almost every Sydney suburb, at one time or another, will go through its gentrification phase.

Surry Hills was traditionally a working-class area in the 1980s and 1990s before it gentrified to the point that buying into the suburb has become out of reach for the majority.

The likes of the adjoining Redfern, Newtown and Darlinghurst have all been subject to gentrification over the last few decades, resulting in significant growth in property values.

Now seems to be the turn of Merrylands, the small suburb next door to Parramatta.

Research from property data analytics firm CoreLogic suggests property in <a href="/new-apartments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>, and the adjoining Guilford, has been the strongest performing suburb in any Sydney suburb, at the top of the food chain with the southern end of the Eastern Suburbs.

Their data suggests dwelling values, which incorporate both houses and apartments, have risen just shy of 15 per cent in the 12 months to April, significantly higher than the 9.6 per cent growth Sydney-wide over the same period.

Buoyed by their involvement in the growing area is diversified property developer <a href="/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property Group</a>, who is well advanced in the construction of their $650 million Merrylands masterplan, <a href="/buildings/mason-main-merrylands-245-merrylands-road-merrylands-nsw-2160">Mason &amp; Main</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=161007]

Mason &amp; Main has been designed to be the leader of gentrification in the area, with not only an influx of well-designed apartments by Woods Bagot, but to create a central precinct that goes beyond the four walls of the home.

The five towers, a mix of build-to-rent and build-to-sell, will sit above a cool 'Eat Street', which is expected to be open later this year, with a string of yet-to-be-announced hospitality venues and retailers set to create an all-round lifestyle hub for both residents of Mason &amp; Main as well as the wider community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=161005]

Coronation already announced the tenancy of One Playground, the popular nightclub-like workout venture that has gyms in Newtown and Marrickville.&nbsp;

A big driver in gentrification is how connected a suburb is. The more well-connected the suburb, the more likely population will grow. And with population growth comes investment.

Coronation has long known the importance of developing in a connected suburb. Mason &amp; Main is less than 400 metres from Merrylands Station, which is one stop from Parramatta Station and a short-minute commute into Central Station.

Everything is at the foot of the masterplan. Stockland Merrylands, with 180 retailers and anchored by a Woolworths, Coles, Aldi and a Kmart sits behind the project, while the Merrylands RSL, Billabong Hotel, and Merrylands best restaurants, are all centred around the heritage-listed train station.

North of Mason &amp; Main is&nbsp;Holroyd Gardens Nature Reserve, home to a number of&nbsp;playgrounds, bicycle training track, picnic areas and walking trails, while Merrylands Park and Granville Park give further nature options.

One, two and three-bedroom apartments are selling at Mason &amp; Main, and are catching the attention of every market, from first home buyers and investors to young families and downsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=31751]

How the small western suburb of Merrylands is undergoing a drastic gentrification

Property developer Omira Property Group has carved out a reputation as one of the most architecturally-focused villa developers in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and the southern areas of the Gold Coast.

Now they're bringing their classic coastal-style to Ballina, following success in the likes of Byron Bay, Currumbin and Kingscliff.

They've brought the same team down from their most recently completed development, Asana, on Byron Bay's dress circle Marvell Street. Asana comprised just three luxury villas which sold with prices ranging from $4.4 million to $4.6 million.

The new <a href="/new-townhouses/ballina-nsw-2478">Ballina</a> project, <a href="/new-townhouses/mana-ballina-86-90-norton-street-ballina">Mana</a>, comprises 14 luxury villas, each with over 220 sqm of internal space. They start from $1.95 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264603]

<a href="/developers/omira-property-group">Omira Property Group</a> Director Alasdair Baker says the villas will represent an opportunity for prospective purchasers to live in something Ballina hasn't seen before.

"Ballina has everything Byron Bay has and more at half the price tag," Baker says, calling the area a "sleeping giant of opportunity that's just about to wake up."

"The focus in this region has always been on Byron Bay, but when people travel north or south, they realise the same lifestyle opportunities, with multiple beachside precincts, exist up and down the coastline."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264608]

<a href="/architects/c2-architecture">C2 Architecture</a>, whose concept embodies an iconic coastal aesthetic with architecture inspired by Palm Springs, is working with designer Mon Palmer of Bare Cabo design studio who has developed an interior scheme that emanates calm.

Marble features predominantly throughout the three-bedroom villas, with stone cladding, timber-look panels and white render on the exterior to create a cool coastal effect.

Hit-and-miss brickwork serves to protect the home from the heat while welcoming summer breezes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=264613]

Baker says the project will suit the local downsizer market, those who have been on acreages in the region, as well as those from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane who are looking for the Byron Bay-style lifestyle.

Baker says a project of this calibre needs to have a location to match, which is why they settled on a prime site on Norton Street,&nbsp;a literal stone's throw from&nbsp; North Creek and just over a kilometre to Ballina Fair Shopping Centre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144558 project_image_fid=261478]

Pacifico Property, who sold Omira's Asana <a href="/new-townhouses/byron-bay-nsw-2481">Byron Bay</a>, is marketing Mana, which is slated for completion in 2025.

One of the villas has already been snapped up pre-launch for $2.4 million, bought by a downsizer from Byron Bay.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144558]

Omira Property Group bring luxe villas to Ballina as Mana launches

The Sydney unit market continued to outperform house market growth in 2024, property data analytics firm CoreLogic found.

CoreLogic’s Monthly Hedonic Index showed the median value of units, which incorporates both townhouses and apartments, rose by 0.4 per cent in March to be one per cent up over 2024. Comparatively, house values rose 0.3 per cent in March to be 0.9 per cent up so far this year.&nbsp;

Sydney's median unit value is now at $839,000, compared to the median house value of $1,414,000.

March marked the 14th straight month of the house market upswing.&nbsp;Since declining -7.5 per cent between April 2022 and January 2023, the national home value index has increased 10.2 per cent, or, in dollar terms, by around $71,832, rising to new record highs each month since November last year.

<h2>What happened in Sydney's off the plan apartment market in March?</h2>

Sydney's off the plan apartment market could see an increased demand in 2024 as Sydneysiders grapple with the cost of living in the most expensive capital in the country, Charter Keck Cramer forecast.

The property advisory giant's Metro Sydney State of the Market H2 2023 said there is considered an enhanced opportunity for apartment projects to receive increased demand in the Harbour capital, given that buy-to-sell apartments represent the most affordable dwelling typology. They note however there needs to be an expectation recalibration due to budget constraints.

CKC believes the “cascade" effect will continue to play out in 2024. "The “cascade” effect can be described as the trade-off/s made by occupiers in terms of the type of housing, number of bedrooms, location, type of tenure and number of people per household," the report read, adding that the trade-offs are primarily driven by buy or rent price points and availability of stock."

However, while the "cascade" effect may influence some buyers to prioritise affordability, there is still a significant market segment interested in apartments at the higher end of the market. Revelling in the demand is Aqualand's <a href="/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a> and First Quadrant Properties recently launched Willoughby Grounds.

<a href="/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a> recorded over $100 million in sales in February at the North Sydney apartment development, set to be completed later this year. It was their biggest sales month to date, not including the month the project was launched in.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=253830]

Aqualand’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Alex Adams, said the figure represented the biggest jump in sales activity on any project he’d experienced.

“We’ve found potential buyers who had previously enquired, but weren’t quite ready to commit, have recently returned to the market. Those waiting to transact closer to the building’s completion have now seen its construction progress and have made the decision to buy,” Adams said.

Families continue to be the lead clientele, while the stabilising interest rates, and the ability to now see the product at the new display apartments, are also attracting more investors, who are showing more interest in their searches.&nbsp;

Recently, downsizers have also come back, with more four-bedroom sales at around $7 million.

“With the housing market stabilising, and even increasing, they now have confidence in selling their home. Also, with the interest rates steadying they can list their homes until they get the price they want."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/aura-by-aqualand-secures-record-100-million-in-sales-in-february">AURA by Aqualand secures record $100 million in sales in February</a>

It's been a similar story at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/willoughby-grounds-5-walter-street-willoughby">Willoughby Grounds</a> on the Lower North Shore, where buyers have snapped up the largest apartments of all, which saw apartments amalgamated in the plans to create more of the larger scale homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=218392]

<a href="/project-marketer/link-project-marketing-0">LINK Project Marketing</a> Director Ben Hamblett says they've created something that fits a major gap in the market.

"Four-bedroom apartments don't exist in Willoughby, even in some of the other new developments. However there is a strong underlying demand for them," Hamblett says, adding that the only opportunity to buy four bedrooms is in the housing market, and that can cost upwards of $4 million.

Indeed since the launch of the project, which will be delivered in five stages housing a total of 160 apartments, reflective of the number of buildings there are in the mini-masterplan, over 20 per cent of the enquiry on Urban have been on the four-bedroom configurations, with a further 20 per cent on the large, 200 sqm three-bed apartments on offer.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/buyers-look-for-size-on-sydneys-lower-north-shore-as-large-apartments-snapped-up-at-willoughby-grounds">Buyers look for size on Sydney's Lower North Shore as large apartments snapped up at Willoughby Grounds</a>

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135512 project_image_fid=251218]

There's also been great success at&nbsp;<a href="/developers/podia">Podia</a>'s new luxury&nbsp;<a href="/developments/neutral-bay-nsw-2089">Neutral Bay</a> apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/wirra-neutral-bay">Wirra</a>, where the penthouse sold for $13 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The size of the apartment, at 200 sqm, and the location of Wirra, on Ben Boyd Road next to Neutral Bay Village, were the two contributing factors for the local downsizing couple. The apartment has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and parking for three cars.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/13-million-wirra-penthouse-sets-neutral-bay-off-the-plan-apartment-record">$13 million Wirra penthouse sets Neutral Bay off the plan apartment record</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112750 project_image_fid=232634]

Luxury apartment developer <a href="/developers/central-element">Central Element</a>&nbsp;filed plans for their $50 million Bondi Beach site in March. They're planning seven luxury residences on the amalgamated 2,050 sqm site fronting Sandridge and Wilga streets.

At the top of the site fronting Sandridge Street, there will be two duplex-style homes above a turntable parking system which will offer each residence two parking spaces.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/first-look-exclusive-central-elements-ultra-luxe-bondi-beach-plans-revealed">First look exclusive: Central Element's ultra-luxe Bondi Beach plans revealed</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=193246]

Sydney builder developer <a href="/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property Group</a> has also kicked off construction on the second stage of their Ashbury Terraces residential project in Sydney's inner west.&nbsp;

Ashbury Terraces, designed by acclaimed architects <a href="/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, will be a combination of 127 apartments and townhouses on a sprawling 16,500 sqm site on Milton Street in <a href="/developments/ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury</a>, complemented by a range of communal amenities, green spaces and landscaping by Daniel Baffsky of 360 Degrees.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112966 project_image_fid=213736]

Prominent Lower North Shore apartment developer <a href="/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen Group</a>&nbsp;appointed iCIRT-rated <a href="/developers/decode-group">Decode Group</a> as the builder for two of their upcoming residential developments in March.

They'll be building&nbsp;<a>The Villas</a> in Neutral Bay and <a>Northcote Collective</a> in Naremburn.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-villas-neutral-bay-7-11-premier-street-neutral-bay">The Villas</a>, located on Premier Street near Forsyth Park, is a five-level residential development comprising 18 spacious two and three-bedroom apartments, while&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn">Northcote Collective</a> will bring the first new residential project in <a href="/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a> for several years, offering 58 Rothelowman-designed apartments across a seven-storey and four-storey residential building.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112613 project_image_fid=231687]

<a href="/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i Group</a> has also appointed iCIRT-rated builder <a href="/builders/dilcara">Dilcara</a> as the builder for its boutique <a href="/developments/potts-point-nsw-2011">Potts Point</a> apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/muse-potts-point-30-34-brougham-street-potts-point">Muse</a>.

Charter Keck Cramer believe that, with expected rate cuts, or at least rate retention, coupled with the introduction of Federal Government Stage 3 tax cuts, the outlook for the residential property market is expected to be more favourable by mid-2024.

What happened in Sydney's off the plan apartment market in March 

City Beat April 2024: Sydney unit growth continues to outstrip houses in 2024

Supermarket giant Woolworths has achieved a significant milestone in its plans for a mixed-use retail and residential development in <a href="/new-apartments/rose-bay-nsw-2029">Rose Bay</a>.

They've secure a Gateway Determination for their prime 1,561 sqm site on the corner of Old South Head Road and Albemarle Road, where they intend on developing a two-level Woolworths underneath 13 owner-occupier, luxury apartments designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>.

The apartments have been designed to ensure privacy for nearby homes, incorporating a landscaped 'pocket park' and setbacks on the upper floors.&nbsp;

<img alt="Woolowrths" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25dc9fa6-d889-45ab-beb7-e59a559803f9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-04%20at%202.57.46%20pm.png?VersionId=NnwMtAeOeGFu2T3pl4cLrJS0LA_u70TZ" />

The <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> Eastern City Planning Panel acknowledged the strategic and site-specific merit of the proposal in November 2023, leading to a recommendation and later on the issuance of Gateway Determination from the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure in February 2024.

This determination signifies a green light for the project to progress to public exhibition.

<img alt="Woolworths Property receive Gateway Determination - Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1bfb8c74-4fde-4e15-85b5-ab89a645df40" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Woolworths%20Site.png?VersionId=q3evQEchUsIWQUIr.WAjyWf3P4x_3I8K" />

Undertaken in consultation with the community and Council, Woolworths Property's proposal aligns with the goals outlined in Woollahra Council’s Development Control Plan 2015, specifically targeting the Rose Bay South Mixed Use Centre as a 'Key Corner Gateway' site.&nbsp;

Currently, the site is home to a Caltex Service Station.

The Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel acknowledged the strategic and site-specific merit of the proposal in November 2023

Woolworths take big step forward for shoptop Rose Bay development

Wahroonga is set for a rare new apartment development with the upcoming launch of The Residences, marking the first stage of the&nbsp;regeneration of a 64-hectare site on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

Developer <a href="/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has lifted the lid on the first opportunity in what will become a thriving new precinct in Wahroonga, with the first release of apartments coming soon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262185]

The Residences, the first new development in Wahroonga for several years, has been designed by&nbsp;international award-winning architects&nbsp;<a href="/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a>&nbsp;with interiors by&nbsp;<a href="/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>.

There are one, two and three-bedroom configurations on offer, catering to a wide range of buyers. The apartments have been designed to maximise views of the surrounding tree canopy and leafy ridgeline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262184]

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors provide connection to the outdoors, whether it be a balcony or a garden courtyard. The one and two-bedroom apartments have one parking space, while the three-bedroom apartments have two.

The Residences will also have on-site amenities available, including a private pet-friendly "Green Spine" with exercise and relaxation zones, a BBQ pavilion, a dog wash bay, and a lounge equipped with a large boardroom-style table and kitchenette, ideal for remote work or social gatherings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262186]

The location of The Residences on Fox Valley Road puts future residents near the vibrant villages of both <a href="/new-apartments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/turramurra-nsw-2074">Turramurra</a>, in the heart of some of the best educational institutes in Sydney and&nbsp;and 100m to the renowned San Hospital.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Wahroonga welcomes rare new apartment development as The Residences approaches launch

National apartment developer GURNER™ has submitted revised plans for its $800 million Barangaroo apartment development.

The plans – a modification to the existing approved scheme – will be mostly focused on the internal design to deliver a high-end vision aimed at owner-occupiers, including more three-bedroom residences, a reduction in apartments from 125 to 91, and an increased focus on health and wellness amenities and resident services akin to the best hotels in the world.

The revised scheme will take all the learnings from GURNER™'s Saint Moritz and Hawksburn Place, both of which set a new benchmark for high-end living in Melbourne, and bring it to the Sydney market at the landmark harbour site.

The new vision includes a strong focus on high-end amenity and service, more of which will be revealed closer to launch in mid-2025.

The crown jewel of the new scheme will be an opulent 400 sqm, double-level penthouse that will afford unrivalled views across Sydney Harbour.

At the ground floor, 189 Kent Street will feature a new restaurant and bar, and large lobbies for residents. This will come with further resident-focused services like a concierge, butler, prestige car share, and on-site health and wellness practitioners.

Most of the three and four-bedroom residences will be full-floor apartments of circa 250 sqm, with private lift access and outdoor terraces, affording panoramic views of the CBD skyline and across Sydney Harbour.

The building is designed by FJC Studio, which won an international design competition to lead the architecture.

Tim Gurner called the Kent Street site "one of Australia's most important sites."

"We are very focused on bringing our signature high-end residences to the location, where owners can live their ultimate life with unsurpassed views of the harbour.

“We get many enquiries from Sydney residents wanting us to bring the prestige, amenity and service of Saint Moritz to Sydney, and that is exactly what we will be doing.

“The building is now fully focused on owner-occupiers, with large two, three and four-bedroom options that are almost all full-floor residences, with direct access lifts, incredible views and very high security."

Gurner said they know the&nbsp;appetite is there for larger floorplans, particularly if they’re full-level, for wealthy downsizers and right-sizers, high net-worth individuals and international buyers, who are flooding back into the Australian market.

Tim Gurner called the Kent Street site "one of Australia's most important sites."

Gurner revises luxury Barangaroo apartment tower plans

Builder developer DASCO has secured one of the most anticipated developments in Sydney's inner east.

The <a href="/builders/dasco-australia">iCIRT-rated builder</a> has secured a 1.7-hectare site at <a href="/new-apartments/danks-st-district-903-921-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">903-921 Bourke Street</a>, a former industrial site on the corner of Bourke, McEvoy and Young streets, which was sold with development approval for Young Street Village, a new mixed-use precinct with 376 apartments and retail and commercial spaces.

DASCO&nbsp;General Manager Michel Najjar said the company is acutely aware of the city’s chronic housing shortage.

"This is an opportunity to deliver a landmark lifestyle community that benefits from the highly desirable Redfern and Surry Hills villages that will be extremely popular with owner-occupiers, investors and tenants.”

The plans had been submitted by the Melbourne-based developer Dahua Group in early 2022, with approval from the City of Sydney Council coming just over a year ago.

The six buildings, four of which will be new and two heritage-listed buildings which will be restored, will be focused around a central plaza with retail space and new parks.

<a href="/new-apartments/danks-st-district-903-921-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017"><img alt="Dahua's $220 million Waterloo apartment precinct plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-02-02_at_8.46.27_am.png" /></a>

Two buildings will flank Bourke Street, one being the tallest tower proposed. Described as a stepped tower with family-targeted terraces which address the park, the building will have 147 apartments across its 20 levels.

Next door will be a six-storey plaza building with 26 apartments, defined as "quirky" by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/bates-smart" target="">Bates Smart</a>&nbsp;and Richards and Spence, who worked in collaboration on the tower and the plaza.

"The quirky 6-storey plaza building defines the heritage square, with clear reference to the industrial brick buildings of the past," the design statement as part of the development submission noted.

There will be a further two buildings facing Young Street, designed by architect Fieldwork&nbsp;in collaboration with MHNDU. They will have a combined 202&nbsp;apartments, taking the total number of apartments across the precinct to 375 apartments.

<a href="/new-apartments/danks-st-district-903-921-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017"><img alt="Dahua's $220 million Waterloo apartment precinct plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-02-02_at_8.01.25_am.png" /></a>

At the foot of the two Young St buildings will be fit-out for another cafe or restaurant.

Two heritage buildings in the centre of the site will be retained, the 1922 Pumping Station and the 1935 Valve House.

"The Pumphouse is a convergence of geology and water, tracks and narratives, indigenous and non-indigenous peoples and cultures across the site," further documentation noted.

"It sees the transformation of a disused water precinct into a rich, active mixed-use proposition - where water continues to play an important role in recasting the identity of the precinct.

<a href="/new-apartments/danks-st-district-903-921-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017"><img alt="Dahua's $220 million Waterloo apartment precinct plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-02-02_at_8.02.32_am.png" /></a>

"At the heart of the proposal is a green oasis and oculus connection between a public ground plane, and a semi-public landscape terrace that serves the precincts residents.

"This oculus is designed to be populated on the ground plane with lively hospitality dining, and a visual connection back to the site’s heritage plaza."

DASCO's co-director, Daniel Nicolas, acknowledged the city’s housing crisis and the desperate need for a stronger pipeline of projects that will help alleviate rapidly increasing rents and provide a greater diversity of housing within the inner city.

“Research shows inner-city approvals have plummeted to record low levels in recent years and new project releases and completions have also stalled,” Nicolas said.

“All the metrics indicate there is a dire problem with low vacancy rates and soaring rents. Net overseas migration figures have returned to pre-COVID levels and the demand for quality residential living, particularly in this location, remains as high as ever from students, singles, couples and young families.

“With fewer development sites of this scale and calibre available in prime and prestigious locations, we see this as an essential opportunity for us to deliver an impressive legacy project.”

There were 2020 plans submitted by Dahua that would have seen higher density towers built, with 469 apartments across four buildings.

Exclusive: DASCO secure Waterloo mixed-use development from Dahua Group

The new Mosman record-breaking apartment development, Redan Lane, will be built by iCIRT-rated builder Trescon, the developer has announced.

The first development by&nbsp;<a href="/developers/prosker-property">Prosker Property</a>&nbsp;founded by former local estate agent Tim Foote, secured two sales at $19 million and $19.5 million late last year, making them the most expensive apartment sales on the Lower North Shore.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142652 project_image_fid=239997]

<a href="/new-apartments/redan-lane-22-redan-street-mosman">Redan Lane</a>&nbsp;will comprise just&nbsp;seven exclusive apartments situated on the sought-after Balmoral Slopes in&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/mosman-nsw-2088">Mosman</a>.

"From the very beginning we believed the good people of Mosman wanted large easy living Residences close to the Village, bathed in light with beautiful views and the market’s response has affirmed this conviction," Tim Foote said.

It was one of the garden residences that sold for $19.5 million to a downsizing Mosman family, while a mid-level apartment with four bedrooms fetched $19 million.&nbsp; four-bedroom apartment sold for $19 million.

<a href="/new-apartments/redan-lane-22-redan-street-mosman">Redan Lane</a>&nbsp;sits on a 2220 sqm site at 22 Redan Street and will replace a single home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142652 project_image_fid=239999]

While boutique developments like Redan Lane typically forgo a suite of amenities, residents will enjoy a Golf Room equipped with a full golf simulator.

The collaborative effort involved <a href="/architects/studio-johnston">Studio Johnston</a> for architecture, <a href="/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> for interiors, and <a href="/landscape-architect/dangar-barin-smith">Dangar Barin Smith</a> for landscaping.

<a href="/project-marketer/cbre-residential-australia">CBRE</a> is managing the sales campaign.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142652]

Redan Lane will comprise just seven exclusive apartments situated on the sought-after Balmoral Slopes in Mosman

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