Gold Coast-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ignite-projects">Ignite Projects</a> has lodged a Development Application for a landmark $120 million precinct set to transform the southern gateway of the much-loved Spit.

Positioned at the most prominent entry point to the iconic peninsula, the project has been designed with a strong focus on architecture, public space, heritage and connectivity, delivering a revitalised parkland setting that invites locals and visitors to engage with the Broadwater.

Central to The Isles proposal is a significantly upgraded public realm, including landscaped open space, a new waterfront café, and a family-friendly park featuring a naval-themed playground, open lawns and improved pedestrian connections.

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de83a270-6091-4b26-bed0-86f9248e7f9e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%201.jpg?VersionId=vt79HlCOwV9F7eLQe9.Z3bv9JGLMaSP2" />

The design retains and celebrates key elements of the site’s history. The training mast from the vacant and degraded naval cadet building, which forms part of a former Navy minesweeper, will be preserved. The existing Navy Memorial will be relocated and upgraded in collaboration with the RSL, allowing it to be publicly accessible for the first time in years. 
&nbsp; 
Heritage-listed Humphreys Boat Shed remnants will remain and be incorporated into the landscape, while the site’s established Norfolk Pines will be retained, reinforcing the area’s character and sense of place. The enhanced parkland will ultimately create a long-term community asset at the entry to The Spit. 
&nbsp; 
The Development Application (DA) lodged with Gold Coast City Council includes 28 waterfront apartments across three levels, ranging in size from 145sqm to 383sqm, designed as a feature landmark within the precinct and complement the public domain.

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbf94e00-b56a-47fb-a15d-3d17b0b1ec76" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%203.jpg?VersionId=A0vmBNE_KohYJo1EoZcmF5IVW4tT5aDo" /> 
&nbsp; 
Ignite Projects Director Josh Foote said the project as a whole had been carefully shaped to deliver a meaningful outcome for the wider community, not just future residents. 
&nbsp; 
“This is about more than delivering opulent apartments – it’s about creating a welcoming and memorable gateway to The Spit that people can enjoy every day,” Mr Foote said. 
&nbsp; 
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the public realm is a central part of the project, from the landscaped parklands and family-friendly spaces through to the preservation and celebration of important local heritage.”

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="443bbde5-8221-45f8-a549-dad2623df20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%204.jpg?VersionId=iUl6nc.sHkjMdo_1RigwbwUz_celHJ3H" /> 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, The Isles adopts a considered subtropical approach, with the building form shaped to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and views to the Broadwater and surrounding parklands. 
&nbsp; 
Architect Rafael Contreras said the design responded directly to its unique coastal setting. 
&nbsp; 
“Rather than a typical built form, the architecture has been shaped by performance and experience – from optimising outlook and privacy to creating a strong connection to landscape and climate,” Mr Contreras said. 
&nbsp; 
“A central landscaped courtyard allows light, air and greenery to permeate the building, while the articulated façade introduces movement and rhythm inspired by the Broadwater.

“The Isles will create a place where people can gather, relax and connect with the water, while also delivering a refined residential product that responds to its unique setting.”

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1089570d-1120-4302-9900-fb9f75c75c26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%205.jpg?VersionId=pl9qmKZNbaL3A7XjmD7sjhLwmXaqzzLZ" /> 
&nbsp; 
The DA relates to the residential and public realm components, with a proposed boutique marina to be progressed as part of a future stage, subject to separate approvals. 
&nbsp; 
The Isles is being delivered under The Spit Master Plan, a collaborative vision to create a new residential, tourism, leisure, natural environment and cultural heritage hub on the iconic and much-loved peninsula.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Ignite Projects has an established track record delivering premium residential projects across the Gold Coast, including The Monaco at Main Beach and Cabana at Palm Beach. 
&nbsp; 
Sales for The Isles are expected to commence in coming months from an on-site display suite, with construction targeted to begin later this year, subject to approvals.

Joel Robinson

Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit

The Federal Government’s sweeping changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax could trigger an unintended consequence: a surge of investor demand into the new and off the plan apartment sector.

While Treasurer Jim Chalmers has framed the reforms as a way to improve housing affordability and rebalance the tax system, the carve-outs for newly built housing are already positioning off the plan apartments as one of the few remaining tax-effective property investment plays.

Under the changes handed down in the Federal Budget, investors purchasing established properties after budget night will no longer be able to access negative gearing benefits. The Government will also replace the long-standing 50 per cent capital gains tax discount with a new inflation-indexation model and introduce a minimum 30 per cent tax on gains from July 2027.

However, there is a major exemption.

Investors buying new builds, including off the plan apartments, will still be eligible for negative gearing and will be able to choose between retaining the current 50 per cent CGT discount or adopting the new indexed model.

That distinction is expected to reshape investor behaviour almost immediately.

For years, established housing has dominated investor purchases because of its perceived lower risk, immediate rental returns and stronger historical capital growth. But with the tax advantages now heavily skewed toward new housing supply, the economics are changing rapidly.

The Federal Government has been explicit about its intent.

“The housing market and tax system are broken,” Chalmers said ahead of the Budget, arguing that existing concessions were disproportionately rewarding speculation rather than supporting housing supply.

The Government says the reforms are designed to encourage investment into new housing rather than established stock, a move aimed at increasing supply during a prolonged housing shortage.

According to the official Budget papers, limiting negative gearing to newly built homes is intended to “better align tax incentives with housing supply objectives.”

For the apartment development sector, particularly the off the plan market, the changes could become one of the strongest investor tailwinds in years.

Developers across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have spent the past two years battling elevated construction costs, higher interest rates and subdued investor confidence. Many projects have struggled to secure sufficient pre-sales to commence construction, particularly in markets heavily reliant on investor demand.

The Budget changes may now alter that equation.

Investors seeking tax-effective property exposure will increasingly find themselves funnelled toward newly built apartments simply because established dwellings no longer offer the same benefits.

Commonwealth Bank described the reforms as one of the most significant shifts to residential property investment settings in decades, noting that the package is centred around “limiting negative gearing for residential property to new builds” while replacing the existing CGT framework.

That could have profound implications for the apartment sector.

Off the plan apartments already hold several advantages for investors. Purchasers typically secure a property at today’s price while settlement occurs years later, allowing time for capital growth and reducing the upfront capital burden. Brand-new apartments also generally attract depreciation benefits, lower maintenance costs, and stronger appeal to renters seeking modern amenity.

Now, they may also become one of the only residential property types still offering the full suite of historical tax advantages.

Industry analysts expect investor demand to increasingly migrate toward projects that can clearly demonstrate strong rental demand, transport connectivity and long-term supply constraints.

The shift is likely to be particularly pronounced in apartment markets already underpinned by structural undersupply, including inner Brisbane, the Gold Coast, parts of Sydney’s Lower North Shore and select Melbourne precincts where new apartment commencements have collapsed over recent years.

The reforms also arrive at a time when apartment supply nationally remains critically constrained.

Australia is already struggling to meet the Federal Government’s target of delivering 1.2 million new homes over five years. Construction feasibility pressures have delayed or shelved thousands of apartments across the country, particularly as building costs remain elevated and financing conditions remain tight.

Critics of the Budget changes argue the reforms could reduce overall investor participation in the housing market and place upward pressure on rents by discouraging investment in established housing.

Some economists estimate the measures could reduce housing supply over the longer term if overall investor appetite weakens.

However, the Government is betting that redirecting investor capital into new housing supply will offset those concerns.

“To continue to incentivise construction of new housing, investors building new residential properties will be able to choose either the 50 per cent CGT discount or the new arrangements,” the Budget papers stated.

That wording has been closely watched by the development industry because it effectively positions new apartments as the preferred investment class within residential property.

For off the plan developers, the reforms could become a powerful sales tool.

Projects that have increasingly relied on owner-occupier demand may once again attract investors seeking to preserve the tax advantages still attached to newly built housing before the July 2027 changes take effect.

The reforms are also expected to sharpen the divide between established and new housing markets.

Rather than a broad investor retreat from property altogether, many analysts expect a redistribution of capital toward sectors still supported by Government incentives.

That could create stronger demand for apartment projects in key urban growth corridors and transit-oriented precincts where population growth, migration and rental shortages remain elevated.

The policy direction also aligns with the Government’s broader push toward increasing housing density in established urban areas.

Across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, planning reforms are increasingly encouraging higher-density apartment development around transport infrastructure and activity centres. By maintaining tax incentives for new housing, the Federal Government is effectively reinforcing that agenda from a taxation perspective.

For apartment developers who have spent years navigating subdued investor confidence, the changes may ultimately become the catalyst that reactivates parts of the off the plan market.

While the broader property sector is still digesting the long-term implications of the Budget, one thing is already becoming clear.

The era of investors buying established apartments and houses primarily for tax advantages may be ending.

But for off the plan apartments, the investment story may just be beginning.

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Investors to flood off the plan apartment market?

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

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

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

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

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

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

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.

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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.

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Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

Longstanding local builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> has broken ground on its flagship Newcastle West development, ERA,&nbsp;signalling a significant step forward for what will become the city’s newest residential address.&nbsp;

The milestone marks the beginning of construction on the 266-apartment project, which GWH describes as a defining moment in its continued growth across the region.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> has been more than two years in planning, shaped through collaboration with financier Qualitas and its design project partners from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK Australia</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>.

Before the first sod was turned, over 50 per cent of the building has been snapped up,&nbsp;a sign of buyer confidence in both the development itself and inner-city Newcastle more broadly.

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Positioned on Bull Street in Newcastle West, the dual-tower project will introduce 266 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, supported by more than 2,000 sqm of resident amenity including a podium pool deck, gym, sauna, cinema room and two rooftop terraces with harbour and ocean views.

Designed by FK Australia, ERA aims to set a new benchmark for urban living in Newcastle. The architecture positions the towers as a new marker on the city skyline, while the interiors emphasise daylight, generous glazing and modern finishes. Large balconies, thoughtful storage and contemporary kitchens cater to the growing owner-occupier demand in the CBD.

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GWH says ERA represents “continued momentum for GWH, continued investment in our region, and continued delivery of projects that raise the benchmark for quality and liveability.”&nbsp;

ERA’s location in the city’s west end, within walking distance of the harbour, the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle dining precinct and the University of Newcastle’s city campus, positions it well for professionals, downsizers and investors seeking both connection and long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351106]

The developer will also construct the project, supported by the Hunter Construction Group, adding an additional layer of certainty for purchasers.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/building-from-the-ground-up-gwh-takes-fully-integrated-development-model-to-new-heights">Building from the ground up: GWH takes fully-integrated development model to new heights</a>

Buyers will also be buoyed with the fact GWH has taken out the&nbsp;coveted 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy on ERA, one of the only new developments under construction in the region with the new cover.

Offered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience Insurance</a>, LDI is a first-right insurance product that protects purchasers from structural or waterproofing defects within the first 10 years after completion. GWH's adoption of the policy aligns with broader industry movement toward more rigorous assurances and supports buyer expectations around long-term asset performance.

With construction now officially underway and pre-construction pricing still available, the East Tower release offers a selection of remaining two- and three-bedroom apartments priced from $980,000 to $2.8 million.&nbsp;

Completion is anticipated for early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

GWH commences construction at ERA, Newcastle's newest residential address

For the new generation of residents, an apartment’s value extends well beyond its four walls.

Comfort, convenience, and community now sit on the same priority list as layout and finishes. As expectations rise, developers are responding with private amenities that elevate everyday living, transforming buildings into complete environments where residents can thrive.

ASX-listed developer Mirvac knew they were setting new benchmarks when they began creating the plans for Harbourside Residences, the residential component of the Harbourside Shopping Centre redevelopment on Darling Harbour.

During the design phase, working with its in-house design team and co-collaborators Snøhetta+Hassell and Bates Smart, Mirvac conceived a level of resident amenity rarely seen in inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=352388]

The focus was firmly on wellness and lifestyle.

The dedicated wellness zone brings together an indoor lap pool, traditional sauna, steam room, ice bath, and a yoga and Pilates studio—features typically found in top-tier resorts, now tailored for daily residential use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=352382]

The building’s social spaces follow a similar philosophy.

A residents’ cinema room, golf simulator, and private lounge—complete with show kitchen and formal dining space—support multiple modes of use, from casual gatherings to large-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=352383]

What truly sets Harbourside apart is the amount of outdoor amenity they’ve been able to deliver.

On the podium level sits a lagoon-style pool framed by garden terraces and shaded pathways that open toward uninterrupted harbour and city views—a rare outlook given the limited new development along the western foreshore.

Cabana seating along the lounge deck offers a sense of retreat seldom found in inner-city developments, creating a calm interface between private life and the city’s edge.

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Future residents at Harbourside will have direct access to the Darling Harbour foreshore, which is undergoing a $15 billion regeneration. The revitalisation will include a new shopping centre with a series of retail and hospitality venues, adding to an already popular precinct and elevating its prestige to rival its glamorous neighbours, Barangaroo and Circular Quay.

The first-stage release of apartments in November last year achieved more than $700m in pre-sales in a single sell-out weekend with more than $800m total pre-sales to date.
</article>

The development giant has now released the most coveted apartments in the building: the three- and four-bedroom homes positioned toward the top of the 48-storey tower.

Construction of Harbourside Residences is well underway. Mirvac—designing, building, and delivering its own projects, a model that reduces risk and ensures consistency—expects completion in late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141327]

Mirvac matches Darling Harbour doorstep amenity with private resident amenity at Harbourside

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a> has officially submitted its plans to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the Rhodes Bay Masterplan, a $3.2 billion mixed-use project in Sydney’s Inner West.

The project will deliver over 1,800 new waterfront dwellings alongside over 16,000 sqm of new public open space dedicated to a range of sporting facilities and water activities, community parklands and a retail and dining precinct.

The Rhodes Bay Waterfront Masterplan spans 3.1 hectares across four amalgamated sites, fronting Cavell Avenue, Averill Street and Leeds Street in Rhodes. Located on the northern tip of the Rhodes peninsula, the site is one of the suburb’s last remaining north-facing developments that fronts the Parramatta River.

It will see former industrial land transformed into a thriving mixed-use residential village, connected to public transport and community amenities.

Significantly, it will open up previously privatised industrial land on the Parramatta River foreshore and return it to public access for the first time in more than a century.

<img alt="Billbergia’s $3.2 billion vision for Rhodes waterfront to deliver more than 1,800 new homes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c48b7d1f-550f-4369-b76c-8521426217c2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Active%20waterfront_1_smaller.jpg?VersionId=KmIu65J3EQDxAHsOxQZxA29lBNVuzURs" />

The masterplan has been designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>. It features eight residential towers between 22 and 40 levels, providing a total of 1,840 dwellings. Abundant new community infrastructure will be delivered, including a foreshore promenade and over 16,000 square metres of new public open space and sporting facilities.

The masterplan builds on an earlier Rhodes Place Strategy and now delivers more than double the amount of open space. It is also aligned with the Government’s long-term vision for connected walking and cycling paths along the Parramatta River.

Subject to approvals, 800 of the new apartments will be delivered before 2029 under the Government’s Housing Accord Targets, while the overall precinct could be completed by 2034.

The new Masterplan sits adjacent to Billbergia’s existing Rhodes Bay Stage 1, already approved and under construction delivering a further 400 apartments via a separate SSD process, prior to the Masterplan being prepared.

“We are excited to contribute to the ongoing urban renewal of the peninsula from its industrial past to deliver a new urban village that will unlock public access to the Parramatta River waterfront,"&nbsp;said Saul Moran, Billbergia’s Development Director

"This world-class project will redefine liveability, seamlessly blending modern homes with retail, dining, and essential services – all set among parklands down to the water. More importantly, Rhodes Bay will deliver abundant new amenities for the existing community – with a waterfront promenade, community gardens and a multi-purpose sports, retail and dining precinct.”

Separately, the NSW Government has provided funding for a new Public Primary School on an adjoining site that will include fit-for-purpose classrooms and core facilities to meet the needs of the growing local community.

<img alt="Billbergia’s $3.2 billion vision for Rhodes waterfront to deliver more than 1,800 new homes" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a93defd-7005-4d0e-91e8-aae61adf8fe2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG1400_Leeds%20St_E01_Podium%20Stair%20copy%202_smaller.jpg?VersionId=lqETZ9UJKSCAlqbPiYqM4A78CiM_7pXM" />

According to Billbergia, staged construction of the new masterplan could start by late 2026.

The application aligns with the NSW Government’s Housing Accord targets to deliver 322,000 homes across Greater Sydney by 2029.

The Rhodes Bay Masterplan will also deliver more than $150 million in contributions toward State and Local Government infrastructure including affordable housing.

Leading Rhodes’ urban renewal for more than 15 years, Billbergia is the single-largest provider of homes and privately-funded social infrastructure in the suburb. Billbergia has already delivered more than 3,000 homes alongside social infrastructure, including the 1.2-hectare Phoenix Park, 13,000-square-metre Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, $63 million Bennelong Bridge and the new $90 million Rhodes Recreation Centre that opened on 20 October 2025.

Detailed planning, technical studies and early consultation has been undertaken to support a submission to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), with assessment and public exhibition expected in the New Year.

Billbergia’s $3.2 billion vision for Rhodes waterfront to deliver more than 1,800 new homes

Developer Third.i has topped out its luxury Potts Point apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/muse-potts-point-30-34-brougham-street-potts-point-nsw-2011">Muse</a>.

Under construction by Dilcara and expected to complete in mid-2026, Muse comprises just 13 apartments designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/wmk-architecture">WMK Architecture</a> and Mathieson. The building’s design celebrates Potts Point’s heritage character while introducing refined modern elements like advanced building technology and private balconies and terraces that offer views of the Sydney city skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112613 project_image_fid=231687]

Luke Berry, Director &amp; Co-Founder at Thirdi Group, said Muse is a celebration of Potts Point’s unique character and charm.

"With only 13 residences, we’ve created something truly special for those who appreciate exclusivity and design excellence," Berry says"

"The views, the location, and the lifestyle make Muse a rare opportunity in Sydney’s property market. We’re thrilled to see the project take shape and look forward to welcoming our residents in mid-2026.”

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Only a limited number of residences remain at Muse.

Third.i recently launched The Rushcutters nearby, also just 13 large-scale apartments. The two-bedroom apartments were all snapped up in double-quick time. The three-bedroom apartments are priced from just under $5 million.

Potts Point has always been popular for apartment living, but given the lack of suitable development sites in the affluent suburb, new apartment developments have been few and far between.

Early next year Ceerose will launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/belgravia-potts-point-117-victoria-street-potts-point-nsw-2011">Belgravia</a>, a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments on Victoria Street.

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Third.i tops out Muse, Potts Point apartments

Buyer interest in Capital Corporation’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> has been gaining momentum following the recent groundbreaking and the commencement of construction.

Enquiry data has pointed to a clear theme: larger apartments are leading demand, particularly among downsizers who want to remain on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

Since June, three-bedroom layouts have attracted the highest level of enquiry. The three-bed, two-bath, two-car apartments priced from $1.69 million generated the most enquiries, the highest of any floorplan, followed by the larger three-bed garden residences which are priced at $2.25 million.

It's been a prevailing theme for Capital Corporation, who, in the early stages of marketing, reacted to buyer feedback to create more three-bedroom apartments.

The numbers echo what <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> has observed since the project’s early stages. Buyers want generous internal space, established amenity and the ability to age in place without leaving the area.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284378]

Capital Corporation Managing Director Jim Hunter said this was a major factor in the estate’s momentum, noting that “the combination of premium design, convenience and direct access to Sydney’s leading private hospital has proven to be a major drawcard”.

That connection to health and wellbeing has proven especially influential for older owner-occupiers. Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that one in three Australians downsizing do so for health-related reasons, with a third specifically seeking proximity to medical facilities.&nbsp;

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The buyer profile emerging at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a> Estate reflects this shift. Local residents Peter and Corinne Collins, both in their mid-70s, are among those who chose to downsize within the suburb after decades in their family home. They secured a top-floor three-bedroom apartment after queuing on launch day in March, citing the bushland setting, walkability, and peace of mind of being close to medical services as key reasons for their purchase.

“Being able to walk everywhere, including to the hospital if we need to, really gave us peace of mind,” Corinne told Apartments.com.au.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/from-family-home-to-bushland-retreat-why-peter-and-corinne-chose-the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate">From family home to bushland retreat: Why Peter and Corinne chose The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a>

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Architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a>&nbsp;are behind the design at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate. There are 128 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, complete with interiors&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>. Floor-to-ceiling glass maximises views of the bushland ridgeline, while on-site amenity includes a residents’ lounge, pet-friendly Green Spine, BBQ pavilion and direct access to Coups Creek bushland and walking tracks.

Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;appointed earlier this year to deliver The Residences at Wahroonga Estate. They are expected to complete the building in late 2027, with residents to move in shortly after.

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Downsizer demand continues to shape The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

The Wentworth Park Sporting Complex and its immediate surrounds will make way for new housing and sporting facilities, the latest rezoning play by the Minns Labor Government to meet Sydney's housing supply crisis.

The 3.3-hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex will be&nbsp;converted into community sporting fields and public green space, allowing for the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 2,500 additional well-located homes.

These are in addition to the 4,800 homes already planned or approved nearby, including around 2,000 homes on the old Sydney Fish Market and neighbouring sites, bringing the precinct total to as many as 7,300 new homes.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/mirvac-to-develop-over-1-400-new-homes-on-former-sydney-fish-market-site">Mirvac to develop over 1,400 new homes on former Sydney Fish Market site</a>

In addition to the new housing and sporting facilities, the Wentworth Park precinct will be immediately adjacent to transport links including a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, an upgraded light rail station at Wentworth Park, a continuous 15-kilometre coastal boardwalk from the Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo, and the Pyrmont Metro station, which is set to open in 2032.

When the current greyhound lease expires in September 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to be converted into community sports fields. Current estimates suggest around 20 additional sport fields are required in the city area by 2031 in order to meet the needs of the sporting community.

The new 14-hectare park will also be made available for hosting festivals and community events as a condition of the transfer to ensure the new harbourside parklands can be utilised by the whole community.

“We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change," NSW Premier Chris Minns said, adding however that "cities change, and we&nbsp;have a responsibility to plan for the future.

“Right in the middle of Sydney and connected by rail, light rail, ferries and the future Metro, our plan for the future of Wentworth Park will deliver much-needed new housing while also providing up to 20 new community sporting fields.

“This is more homes, more playing fields and better public spaces, alongside the infrastructure that makes neighbourhoods work. This is homes and community facilities delivered together, not one without the other.”

“This is how we build a fairer and more balanced Sydney. By creating new housing in well-serviced areas, instead of pushing growth to places without the transport and infrastructure to support it.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said&nbsp;Wentworth Park has a long and proud history.

"Today we’re securing its future for the next generation," Scully said.

"This plan keeps land in the public hands and delivers new homes, new sporting facilities and new open space for a community that is growing fast. Our city is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure people can live near the jobs, education and transport they rely on. We’ll continue working closely with the City of Sydney to deliver this rezoning in a timely way, and we’re ready to step in with a State-led rezoning if it’s needed."

Minns Gov to demolish Wentworth Park Sporting Complex to make way for 2,500 new homes and sporting facilities

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a> is giving prospective buyers a sneak peak at the second stage of its $850 million Castle Hill masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/carrington-place-castle-hill-36-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Carrington Place</a>.

They aren't officially launching sales of the second stage, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a>, until the end of February, but they are opening expressions of interests for the first 99 apartments of the release.

The one-bed units will start from $720,000, the two's from $960,000, and the three-bedroom apartments from $1.35 million. There will be just two exclusive penthouses within Lily Lane, priced from just under $3 million.

There will be just over 200 new apartments across two 12-storey buildings in Lily Lane, as well as new retail. Ellipse is expecting the stage to attract families, downsizers, and first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360572]

Lily Lane apartments, designed by PTW Architects, feature generous floorplans and clever storage with optional study and multi-purpose rooms. The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

According to Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at Colliers, the strong sales momentum seen in Atrium highlights the appetite for premium, oversized apartments with seamless access to transport and amenities.

“Demand for over-sized apartments in the Hills District remains exceptionally strong, and this has been reflected in Atrium’s sales to date," Schulze said.

"We’ve seen particularly high interest from families seeking spacious layouts, strong transport connections and easy access to everyday amenities. It highlights the project’s broad appeal from young professionals to downsizers, all seeking space, design quality and convenience - with some even securing two apartments within the project.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360575]

According to Nigel Farquhar, Head of Development at Ellipse Property, this new stage has been conceived as the welcoming ‘gateway’ to the broader Carrington Place precinct.&nbsp;

“Each stage of Carrington Place has been curated to create a vibrant and cohesive urban village," Farquhar said.

"Stage Two continues this vision, combining landscape-led design with striking architecture and new retail. This next release will activate the precinct and create an elevated lifestyle for residents."

Carrington Place is currently being constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>. It will deliver more than 800 new homes across five stages, with the entire masterplan to complete in 2032.

The project is also integrated with the surrounding bushland and will feature over 20,000 square metres of outdoor recreational area, including a scenic one-kilometre boardwalk to the nearby Fred Caterson Reserve.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89496]

EOIs commencing early with stage one 85 per cent sold

Ellipse unveils Lily Lane, Carrington Place second stage

Mirvac has been announced as the preferred developer to work with the NSW Government on the redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site, in a project delivery agreement with Infrastructure NSW (INSW).

The 3.6-hectare site is part of the wider Blackwattle Bay urban renewal and will be transformed into a vibrant mixed-useprecinct, comprising over 1,400 homes (which includes purpose-built student accommodation), and commercial and retail.

<img alt="Mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bc4cfbf-3622-4976-9a0c-94e7d1ec5f65" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mirvac%202.jpg?VersionId=oBHQZ76Ex7Ysi4UzXWc7lSARDxj.a754" />

Mirvac will also deliver a 26,000 sqm public domain, with an ambition to create an ‘outdoor living room’ for the 
community, along with a new public foreshore promenade and a boardwalk that will complete the 15-kilometre foreshore walk connecting Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

Announcing the agreement on site at Blackwattle Bay in Sydney on Tuesday with NSW Government, Mirvac’s Group CEO &amp; Managing Director, Campbell Hanan, said the company is "thrilled to deliver this project in partnership with Infrastructure NSW, where we will rejuvenate an iconic harbourside location."

“Blackwattle Bay is a significant urban renewal project and represents one of the last undeveloped parcels along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Blackwattle Bay presents a fantastic opportunity for Mirvac to apply over 53 years of experience in delivering beautiful homes and significant public amenity, in a capital-efficient manner.”

Mirvac's will be partnering with Scape by The Living Company to&nbsp;deliver student accommodation within the precinct.

Mirvac’s CEO Development - Residential and Commercial Mixed Use, Stuart Penkils, said Mirvac has decades of experience in transforming undeveloped sites into vibrant precincts – from Walsh Bay in Sydney and Yarra’s Edge in Melbourne to Cutters Landing and Newstead in Brisbane.

"These are the sorts of projects where our integrated model comes to life and where we can leverage our in-house design, development and construction capability to deliver much needed housing supply, a key priority for government, and a new precinct that the whole community can enjoy.

“We’re committed to building on the trust and collaboration established through our nearby Harbourside redevelopment, and to working closely with Infrastructure NSW, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Transport for 
Sydney, the City of Sydney and the local community. Together, we want to shape a precinct that reflects shared aspirations, strengthened by genuine stakeholder input.”

<img alt="Mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd9a88bf-8ccd-4d0a-b23e-85b5566febd7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mirvac%203.jpg?VersionId=e.cAyExj7eBZqjGpXUbQhaYwuZZ39U5y" />

Infrastructure NSW’s CEO, Tom Gellibrand, said the project will offer places to live and work alongside spaces to walk, cycle and relax, reconnecting Pyrmont and Glebe with Sydney Harbour.

Blackwattle Bay is well-located, adjacent to the new Sydney Fish Market, which is scheduled to open in January next year, and a five-minute walk from the new Pyrmont Metro station, which is scheduled to open in 2032. Planned public open space includes a central pedestrianised lane, cycleways, a skatepark, community kayak storage and a community pavilion.

The project is also close to Mirvac’s multi-award-winning Harold Park project in Glebe, a significant renewal project that saw the delivery of around 1,300 apartments and the adaptive reuse of the heritage tram depot, integrated with 3.8 hectares of new public parkland.

<img alt="Mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75e43906-9e5b-43b2-ba3d-470a5d9d5198" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mirvac%204.jpg?VersionId=5RD2grfduZlEe8fEdWREBtxknVxrO62k" />

In line with its sustainability ambition to decarbonise by 2030, Mirvac will target a net zero carbon precinct, which includes a 55 per cent reduction in embodied carbon. Mirvac will also partner with the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences to undertake nature-based intervention to improve water quality, introduce circularity to reuse and reduce waste, and improve biodiversity on site with extensive native planting. Stories of Country, past streams and shorelines will be incorporated and celebrated throughout the precinct.

The project is expected to be delivered over multiple stages, with early works on site expected to commence in 2027, works on the housing component expected in 2028 , and completion expected in 2033. First settlements on the housing component are expected in 2030.

Mirvac to develop over 1,400 new homes on former Sydney Fish Market site

Rose Bay is emerging as one of Sydney’s most active suburbs for development, as developers respond to demand driven by the suburb’s ageing population.

More than 20 per cent of Rose Bay residents are aged 65 and over, according to the latest ABS census data. Combined with more favourable planning schemes introduced in recent years, new development activity in the suburb has accelerated.

Fresh off the back of a $173 million sale of what was marketed as “one of the largest sites ever amalgamated so close to Rose Bay Village,” created by 12 homeowners joining forces to combine nearly 6,000 sqm bordering Wilberforce Avenue and Dover Road, more than $200 million worth of development applications has been submitted in the suburb in the past month alone.

Aligned with the Rose Bay Place Plan 2023–2028, which identifies Wilberforce Avenue as a strategic location for new housing in response to local demographic shifts, Lewin Capital has lodged plans for a new $40 million project, also on Wilberforce. The proposal seeks to deliver 32 apartments, a mix of sizes designed to cater to a broad demographic range, including downsizers and key workers, with both smaller and family-sized units on offer.

<img alt="12 Wilberforce Avenue ROSE BAY NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e314fb24-2e53-4808-8411-d6e7c5fee2ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan%20-%20Photomontage%20-%20DA2025%20449%201%20-%2012-18%20Wilberforce%20Avenue%20ROSE%20BAY%20%281%29.JPG?VersionId=XX.AXChH4Kmv.kOB03suE8lenQ1NlqUe" />

Architecturally, the scheme adopts a measured approach to height and massing, stepping down at the rear to integrate with adjacent residential properties while forming a defined medium-density edge to the Rose Bay Centre.&nbsp;

“The proposed design for 12–18 Wilberforce Avenue, Rose Bay is a well-mannered apartment building in a mid-block position on a quiet street,” the Urban Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a> (MHNDU) states.&nbsp;

“It will form part of a new living environment in this highly desirable location.”

Builder-developer HSN Property Group is also bringing density to the same pocket, planning 54 two- and three-bedroom apartments that will also benefit from the recent Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms introduced under the NSW Housing SEPP. 14 of the apartments will be dedicated affordable under the SEPP in the $96 million proposal.

“The site’s location and context make it well suited to support a more diverse and sustainable residential offering in the area,” the developer stated in community consultation materials.

<img alt="HSN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2976efc3-db69-4013-84ef-5acc05bc6f66" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-08%20at%201.14.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=A35N4_u2HA7uc_eiLAQedcHdsY_L4ywL" /> 
The plans by HSN for 2-16 Spencer St, Rose Bay

The architecture, led by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHNDU</a>, reflects a "contemporary design approach sensitive to the character of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/rose-bay-nsw-2029" target="">Rose Bay</a>." Communal amenities will include a wellness area with a pool and sauna, a gym, a wine lounge, and landscaped spaces with barbecue facilities.&nbsp;

Fyve Developments is breaking into the eastern suburbs for the first time with their $32 million new development in Rose Bay. They are planning 19 apartments on Dover Lane.

Designed by PBD, the new project will comprise four two-bed apartments and 15 three-bed units.

<img alt="Fyve" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91ec4820-1e05-4598-8d27-9df42234a52c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-08%20at%201.23.42%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VtH0oa48nJcvXGiXqjbHJvtYY6zWdIC7" /> 
Fyve's plans on Dover Lane.

Luxcon is also back in the suburb, having previously delivered The Aristocrat back in 2020. They have filed plans for 17 three-bedroom apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-8-cooper-street-double-bay-nsw-2028">Cooper Street</a>.

Fortis wants to deliver <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-31-dover-road-rose-bay-nsw-2029">49 apartments on Dover Road</a>, an $86 million development. That adds to their <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-12-ian-street-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Ian St, Rose Bay development</a>, which they will likely launch next year.

Rose Bay apartment market fires up with $200m in new developments filed

Leading Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has recorded a strong market response at the launch of The Avenues, its $874 million East Zetland precinct.

On its recent launch they sold close to $18 million, predominantly to owner-occupiers, more specifically to families who wanted to be closer to kids and grandkids.

Apartments sold ranged from $1.8 million to $1.97 million for two bedrooms, and $2.12 million to $2.62 million for three bedrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146262 project_image_fid=357150]

Located four kilometres from the CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-avenues-zetland-130-joynton-avenue-zetland-nsw-2017">The Avenues</a> is transforming a 2.87-hectare site into a pedestrian-friendly urban neighbourhood comprising 574 residences across nine buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/candalepas-associates">Candalepas Associates</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>.&nbsp;

Surrounded by tree-lined, walkable “avenues”, the precinct’s more than 800 sqm of ground-floor retail brings a lively, Paris-inspired streetscape to the heart of East <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/zetland-nsw-2017">Zetland</a> and will directly service nearby amenities and the surrounding residential community. 
&nbsp; 
The Avenues will also feature build-to-rent and purpose-built student housing in partnership with Scape, supporting key workers, students and long-term renters in this high-demand corridor.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146262 project_image_fid=357154]

Deicorp will also contribute more than $16 million to open space improvements, including upgrades to Woolwash and Biyanbing Parks, with The Avenues designed to strengthen pedestrian connections to Green Square Station and Gunyama Park.&nbsp;

Deicorp Founder, Fouad Deiri OAM, said a clear trend was evident, with purchasers driven by proximity to family and lifestyle essentials.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen a clear trend of parents wanting to live close to adult children and students, as well as interstate and international buyers seeking to reconnect with family in Sydney’s inner south,"&nbsp;Deiri said.

“This early sales performance reflects the strength of East Zetland as a connected, high-amenity location and the appeal of homes designed with long-term liveability in mind. Many of these early-stage buyers are repeat Deicorp purchasers, too."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146262 project_image_fid=357165]

Zetland is one of the top suburbs in Australia to experience an increase in housing density, with its population growing by 24 per cent in as little as three years to over 15,600 residents. According to REA, 197 units were available last month, with over 2300 buyers interested, demonstrating the strong demand for this inner southern pocket of Sydney.&nbsp;

Deicorp’s strong result at The Avenues follows significant spring momentum across its portfolio, with $63 million in combined sales recorded across recent launches for Showground Pavilions in Castle Hill and Falcon &amp; Alexander in Crows Nest.&nbsp;

Construction on The Avenues commenced in June, with the construction period expected to generate 2,700 jobs. Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 5,102 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.&nbsp;

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, Kings Bay Village in Five Dock, Hyde Metropolitan, and Showground Village, all advancing the company’s long-term commitment to creating vibrant, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Apartments start from $955k for a one-bedroom, $1.48 million for a two-bedroom, and $2.04 million for a three-bedroom, all with car parking.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146262]

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