Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

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?

In this article, we explore where, what, and who is driving the most exciting new developments coming to Sydney in 2025.

Sydney's top new apartment developments launching in 2025

Downsizers and rightsizers have dominated the new and off the plan apartment market in 2024.

The two camps, downsizers in particular, are the least impacted by the continued high interest rates compared to a first home buyer or investor, positioning them as a key target for developers. Most of the new apartment developments that have come to the market in 2024 have been large apartments that suit the size and budgets of a downsizer.

Many downsizers have built significant equity in their family homes over the years and are now looking to move into more manageable living spaces, while also securing funds for retirement.

But where are downsizers and rightsizers looking to buy?&nbsp;

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in the <a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a> for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas.

<h2>Broadbeach</h2>

<a href="/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> continues to be one of the most popular suburbs on the Gold Coast for every buyer demographic.

Broadbeach offers high-density projects, which lend themselves to the first home buyer and investors as well as the downsizer who wants a sky-high apartment with significant amenity options within the building, as well as full-floor luxury, which tends to be the most popular downsizer option.

It's a walk to the beach, its has its own bowls club, several parks, and primary school, as well as Pacific Fair, the second largest shopping centre in Queensland, and the revamped Star Casino precinct.

It's been the largest towers that have been targeted by next home buyers.

Crest Broadbeach, by <a href="/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/victoria-albert-broadbeach-20-albert-avenue-broadbeach">Victoria &amp; Albert</a>&nbsp;by <a href="/developers/iris-capital">Iris Capital</a>, the landmark two-tower development on the former Niecon Plaza site.

The Albert Tower in V&amp;A has been more designed for downsizers, with larger apartments starting from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234103]

Victoria &amp; Albert will comprise around 400 apartments, as well as a&nbsp;subtropical recreational podium with a lap pool, gym, and extensive landscaped areas.

The apartments will sit above a $200 million retail precinct which will have hand-picked retailers and hospitality venues.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234095]

<a href="/new-apartments/crest-broadbeach-13-armrick-avenue-broadbeach">Crest</a> has also proven popular with the next home buyer demographic.

So far only the first tower has been released to the market, 184 two and three-bedroom apartments. The second tower, with slightly few apartments, will be released in the new year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=241133]

Crest will sit on&nbsp;Armrick Avenue, one of three streets that face the 4.2-hectare Broadbeach Park, a sought-after spot given it means protected south and eastern views toward the beach and the ocean.

On top of the view lines, Broadbeach Park is a drawcard by itself. Broadbeach Park is home to Broadbeach Bowls Club, which has stood as the focal point of Broadbeach since the mid-1950s, as well as Nikiforides Family Park, Broadbeach Croquet Club, and the Broadbeach Life Saving Club.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=241132]

Morris is underway in construction of both the Crest towers, which will be completed in mid-2027.

<h2>Chevron Island</h2>

For the last three years, there's been a wide variety of options for local downsizers and rightsizers on&nbsp;<a href="/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>.

The island has been popular with those from New South Wales and Victoria who are looking to move to the Gold Coast.

Much like Broadbeach, Chevron Island residents get close proximity to Surfers, but its own different lifestyle, like the retail strip of Thomas Street and the thriving Home of The Arts precinct.

<a href="/developers/siera">SIERA</a>&nbsp;chose Chevron Island for its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/tapestry-chevron-island-39-darrambal-street-chevron-island">Tapestry</a>, currently under construction through SIERA's inhouse construction arm.

<a href="/new-apartments/tapestry-chevron-island-39-darrambal-street-chevron-island">Tapestry</a>, designed by <a href="/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a>, will have 113 apartments across a 22-level building which is to be crowned by an amenity-fuelled rooftop with&nbsp;an infinity pool, private dining areas, and a gym.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=192961]

<a href="/developers/aniko-group">Aniko Group</a> also recently started construction of its first Chevron Island apartment development <a href="/new-apartments/orama-chevron-island-12-16-weemala-street-chevron-island">Orama</a>, which is comfortably over 80 per cent sold of the 102 apartments.

Also under construction through its own in-house building arm, Orama will rise 21 levels and will also feature significant rooftop amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111898 project_image_fid=209597]

Aniko Group Managing Director, George Mastrocostas, said the sales success of Orama reaffirms that downsizers are the primary market driving the Gold Coast’s appetite for premium living experiences.

Peter Malady, sales and marketing director of Aniko Group, said their strategic pricing and emphasis on luxury amenities have resonated particularly well with local downsizers, who don’t just seek a residence, but a lifestyle tailored to their needs and desires.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143018 project_image_fid=289068]

<a href="/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a>&nbsp;is also tapping into the downsizer with one of its&nbsp;newest developments,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/perspective-helm">Perspective Helm</a>.

Eight of the 10 residences have sold, with prices starting from $3.7 million. Each apartment has three to four bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, and garaging for three to four cars.

The rising price per square metre in Chevron Island—averaging $11,000 for two-bedroom apartments in 2024—reflects the suburb's growing demand.

<h2>Palm Beach</h2>

Palm Beach has been in a boom for years, with demand mainly coming from downsizers and rightsizers. This is due to the area's significant price growth and the types of apartments being developed.

Palmie dethorned Palm Beach as the Gold Coast's most popular suburb in November, with <a href="/news/qld/enquiry-for-new-apartments-in-palm-beach-hits-18-month-high">enquiry reaching an 18-month high</a>.

Hitting different demographics, with different budgets, is Sherpa. Their&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/perspective-nexus">Perspective Nexus</a>&nbsp;projects, its 12th development on the Gold Coast, comprises 35 two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

“We created <a href="/new-apartments/perspective-nexus">Perspective Nexus</a> to deliver luxury, and comfort residences and revolutionise beach living for local downsizers," Sherpa General Manager, Daniel Clarke, said.

“Our goal with Perspective Nexus is to transform beachfront living with state-of-the-art amenities and innovative design."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108324 project_image_fid=250147]

Sherpa is catering for downsizers and rightsizers, in a different way, at its recently launched <a href="/new-apartments/flourish-on-sixth-ave-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach">Flourish on Sixth</a>.

Flourish on Sixth is the first in Sherpa's new Flourish brand which is trying to cater for a wider buyer pool than just luxury apartments on or near the beach.

Over 60 per cent of the one, two and three-bedroom apartments have been snapped up. The one-bedroom apartments were being offered for under $600,000, and a large number of the two's under $1 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=311566]

The rooftop will have a lap pool, plunge pools, a gym, sauna, and a private kitchen and dining space.

LDS is set to build Flourish on Sixth, and will start construction in March.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306037]

<a href="/developers/marquee">Marquee Development Partners</a> is also seeing success at La Belle Palm Beach, one project targeting that affluent downsizer.

“Palm Beach has emerged as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after markets and <a href="/new-apartments/la-belle-palm-beach-332-the-esplanade-palm-beach">La Belle</a> is a world-class project that we have designed to meet sustained demand for premium residences on the southern Gold Coast,” Marquee Development Partners Director, Jacques Winterburn, said.

La Belle comprises 75 residences, including five two-level beach houses with nearly 400 sqm of living space.

Just two weeks after its official public launch earlier this year, over $100 million worth of sales were snapped up, with sales prices ranging from $2.5 million to $7 million.

<a href="/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> is expected to see demand continue into 2025 with several new projects earmarked to launch early in the year.

<h2>Biggera Waters</h2>

<a href="/developments/biggera-waters-qld-4216">Biggera Waters</a>&nbsp;wasn't on the radar for Gold Coast off the plan apartments until Lewis Land put it on the map with its suburb-shaping new development,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters">Harbour Shores</a>.

Harbour Shores, to be one of the most sustainable masterplans on the Gold Coast having received a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the&nbsp;<a href="/news/a-greener-future-green-building-council-australia-discuss-climate-change">Green Building Council</a>&nbsp;of Australia, has proven popular with the downsizer/rightsizer given the size of the apartments and houses. Its location near Harbour Town and the Broadwater Parklands have been two major drawcards.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290022]

<a href="/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a>&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer Brett Draffen said the vacant 16-hectare site, which has been held by the group for more than 40 years, would be transformed into a vibrant ‘village of villages’ that will ultimately be home to more than 4,000 people.&nbsp;

“<a href="/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters">Harbour Shores</a>&nbsp;represents the largest and most dynamic community development in&nbsp;<a href="/developers/lewis-land-group" target="">Lewis Land</a>’s 65-year history, delivering architectural homes and apartments immersed in nature and world-class amenities,” Draffen said.&nbsp;

“From the outset, we assembled a first-class team of architects, landscape designers, planners and placemaking experts and set an ambitious sustainability goal for&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters">Harbour Shores</a>&nbsp;to become the group’s first completely fossil-fuel-free development."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290041]

Respected local builder&nbsp;<a href="/builders/greyburn">Greyburn</a>&nbsp;has been appointed to deliver the first collection of buildings which will be complted in mid-2026.

<h2>Burleigh Heads</h2>

<a href="/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a> remains a hotspot for affluent downsizers, as the suburb continues to look more like Bondi than a quiet coastal Gold Coast suburb.

Several major hospitality venues have opened up, none more popular than Rick Shores, while The Mondrian, the Gold Coast's first Mondrian Hotel and branded residences, is soon to open to much fan-fare.

With beachfront developments offering large, luxurious apartments starting upward of $5 million, Burleigh Heads caters to a more mature demographic.&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/burleigh-beach-houses-2-banksia-broadway-burleigh-heads">Burleigh Beach Houses</a>, the recently completed townhouses by&nbsp;<a href="/developers/21-property-group">21 Property Group</a>, have been most popular with downsizers and rightsizers.

The townhouses have four bedrooms, private lifts, outdoor entertaining areas, and plunge pools, near the beach and Burleigh's vibrant dining and shopping precinct.

The most popular suburbs on the Gold Coast for downsizers and rightsizers in 2025

Frames are up of the first batch of townhouses at Citrine, the latest townhouse community by <a href="/developers/metro-property-group">Metro Property</a>.

<a href="/new-apartments/citrine-townhomes-rochedale-311-gardner-road-rochedale">Citrine</a>, in <a href="/developments/rochedale-qld-4123">Rochedale</a>, around 17 kilometres&nbsp;south of Brisbane, will comprise 90 three and four-bedroom townhouses when completed in second half of 2025 through builder <a href="/builders/creation-projects">Creation Projects</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295 project_image_fid=273145]

Over 60 per cent of the townhouses have already been snapped up. Construction of the townhouses in stage two has now commenced, with all slabs poured and framing underway.

The pool shell, located in the Citrine Resident’s facility, has now been completed and construction of the balance of the resident’s facilities will commence over the coming weeks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295 project_image_fid=273134]

&nbsp;

The townhouses at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/citrine-townhomes-rochedale-311-gardner-road-rochedale">Citrine</a>&nbsp;will feature two to three-level designs and provide a significant contrast to the predominantly single-family homes in the area.

Citrine is within walking distance of local schools, parks, and Rochedale Village. Rochedale Village features a large Coles supermarket, various dining options, pharmacies, medical services, and fitness facilities.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/why-families-are-descending-on-citrine-townhomes-in-rochedale">Why families are descending on Citrine Townhomes in Rochedale</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295]

Rochedale's Citrine Townhomes hits 60 per cent sold as construction advances on first stage

Tech billionaire Robin Khuda’s <a href="/developers/ondas">Ondas</a> has received final approval for its long-awaited development in Sydney's millionaire's playground.

It's taken over three years for the six luxury apartments by <a href="/architects/rob-mills-architecture-interiors">Rob Mills Architecture</a> to be approved, on the Barrenjoey Road site of the former Palm Beach Fish &amp; Chips Shop.

The apartments will sit above three ground-floor retail spaces, next door to Barrenjoey House.

The approval follows years of revisions and challenges, including community opposition over concerns about height, bulk, and potential impacts on the area’s character.&nbsp;

Initial plans submitted in 2021 faced multiple setbacks, including rejection by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel and requests for significant design modifications to address community and planning concerns.&nbsp;

Despite these obstacles, the amended proposal has now been deemed a valuable addition to the Palm Beach locality.

Acting Commissioner Thorpe praised the project’s design, stating that it would “provide much-needed amenity, commercial business, and housing” while being “respectful of the adjacent heritage item.”&nbsp;

The site neighbours the historic Barrenjoey House, and its redevelopment is anticipated to enhance the area’s seaside atmosphere while maintaining its distinctive charm.

This project aligns with Khuda’s broader real estate ambitions under the Ondas banner, which focuses on high-end residential developments targeting affluent downsizers.&nbsp;

Ondas has recently completed six apartments in Manly, and they have a <a href="/news/vic/robin-khudas-ondas-gets-greenlight-for-22-million-st-kilda-apartment-development">project in St Kilda in Melbourne</a> which is expected to launch in 2025.

Billionaire Robin Khuda's Ondas secures Palm Beach apartments development approved

Multi-billion-dollar developer <a href="/developers/gurner">GURNER™ Group</a> has officially commenced demolition works at its $2.75 billion redevelopment of South Yarra's <a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Jam Factory on Chapel Street</a>.

GURNER™ Group and joint venture partner Qualitas purchased the remaining 65 per cent interest in the site from Newmark Capital in June after owning 35 per cent since 2021. &nbsp;

Heavy machinery arrived on-site this week with initial demolition works to remove all non-heritage components across the 20,000 sqm site, including the existing Village Cinema complex following their last day of operation last week, while protecting the building’s iconic façade.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5351 project_image_fid=195659]

The construction milestone follows a decade of failed attempts by other developers to bring the project to fruition, with GURNER™ Group the first developer to overcome these challenges — a testament to its unparalleled expertise and reliability in delivering world-class major projects. &nbsp;

GURNER™ Group has this week unveiled renders of the new precinct that will be home to: &nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>600 residences over five&nbsp;towers&nbsp;</li>
	<li>10,000sqm commercial private office&nbsp;</li>
	<li>20,000sqm of&nbsp;retail and hospitality &nbsp;</li>
	<li>World Class Village Cinema + Gold Class complex &nbsp;</li>
	<li>5-star hotel (operator in final negotiations) &nbsp;</li>
	<li>A boutique lifestyle hotel &nbsp;</li>
</ul>

First constructed in 1858, the Jam Factory has enjoyed over 160 years of history, first as a brewery, &nbsp;then as a preserving and jam manufacturer, and later, as an iconic retail and cinema precinct that anchored Chapel Street through the heydays of the 1990s and 2000s. &nbsp;

GURNER™ Group has appointed international, award-winning architects SOM alongside local architects, Buchan to design the precinct, in conjunction with its in-house architect and interior design business GURNER DESIGN HOUSE. &nbsp;

<img alt="$2.75b, 20,000 sqm Jam Factory redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1425ab18-a82c-48ef-b59e-78cde055f7fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View%20006.jpg?VersionId=ZLWiiYSImtmPgGE9t5j18hB3PxPvfZ2H" />

Iconic London landscape designer Townshend has been appointed to craft the impeccable gardens and landscaping that will emulate the grounds of Toorak Mansions. &nbsp;

The regeneration of the precinct, retail, hospitality and hotels will capture the essence of the world’s best retail and mixed-use precincts.&nbsp;

The design of the residential precinct will emulate some of New York’s most iconic residential and hotel addresses such as 220 Central Park South, alongside the grandeur of Toorak’s most expensive homes, complete with soaring high ceilings, large entry lobbies, libraries, games facilities and conservatory-like entertaining areas. &nbsp;

GURNER™ Group’s signature amenity offerings will once again be taken to another level with a &nbsp;private residents’ amenity of over 7,000 sqm across the stages and two world-class hotels.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5351 project_image_fid=195659]

In a significant coup for the project, GURNER™ Group and Qualitas have re-signed Village Cinemas to anchor the new entertainment precinct once complete. The cinema giant has enjoyed a 40+ year tenure at the Jam Factory and will return with a new flagship offering as part of the precinct’s rebirth. &nbsp;

The Jam Factory redevelopment will deliver around 600 new dwellings over five towers in Melbourne’s sought-after inner fringe while anchoring the transformation of Chapel Street to reinvigorate it with a 2,500 sqm north-facing public piazza called Village Square with hotels, retail, hospitality, commercial office and residential.&nbsp;

Surrounded by extensive hospitality offerings with a mix of fine dining options, casual eateries, and bars that celebrate Melbourne’s culinary talent, the Village Square will sit alongside high-end retail and vibrant entertainment options to create a new centrepiece for Chapel Street. &nbsp;

Elevating the shopping experience, the project will feature a meticulously curated selection of luxury retailers, rivalling international luxury shopping destinations, creating a missing high-fashion midpoint between Melbourne’s Collins Street and Chadstone.&nbsp;

GURNER™ Group Founder and Chairman Tim Gurner said commencing works gives confidence to their high-end purchases of completion date and quality.&nbsp;

“ A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our brand and team and also for the luxury clients who are able to purchase in this incredible precinct," Gurner said.

“Commencing construction on the site is not just a significant milestone for GURNER™ Group, it’s a huge step forward for the reinvigoration of the entire Chapel Street precinct."

"Our aspirations are to spearhead a new coming of age for the precinct so we have made sure to design a destination that can bring together world-class events, activations and brands to the site and celebrate this special part of Melbourne."

The Jam Factory redevelopment will deliver around 600 new dwellings over five towers in Melbourne’s sought-after inner fringe while anchoring the transformation of Chapel Street to reinvigorate it with a 2,500 sqm north-facing public piazza called Village Square

GURNER commences demolition on $2.75 billion Jam Factory redevelopment in South Yarra

Mosaic Property Group has sold $210 million worth of apartments within the first two weeks of its new Kangaroo Point apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a> by <a href="/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a>.

The pre-sale result&nbsp;is&nbsp;Mosaic's strongest early Brisbane response ever, coming ahead of its scheduled public launch in January 2025.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a>, earmarked for a 3,195 sqm site at 25 Ferry Street that has been vacant for three decades, attracted more than 600 expressions of interest in a few weeks.&nbsp;

Mosaic Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan noted the high anticipation surrounding the undertaking, set to become the first major development in the area in over a decade, with the bulk of sales coming from the Company’s database.&nbsp;

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db451ca6-af42-4f6c-b693-ef9bc317650f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Building%20NW%20Corner_Dusk.jpg?VersionId=nb083lLOUBqx3kHfXbm9liAyqKY_jpb." /> 
&nbsp; 
"The intense interest generated with minimal advertising speaks to the iconic nature of this development and its exceptional location," Monahan said.

"It also underscores the deep trust and confidence buyers place in the Mosaic brand and ability to deliver with consistency and quality."

Monahan says the Bedford introduces the peninsula’s first full-service supermarket alongside expansive luxury residences.

"With its timeless architectural design, it sets a new benchmark for inner-city living, seamlessly blending convenience and sophistication in one of Brisbane’s most cherished locations.”

Located in the Dockside precinct, The Bedford comprises 128 two and three-bedroom apartments across 17 levels.

Residents will enjoy sweeping city and river views, world-class amenities tailored to contemporary urban living, and easy access to Brisbane's riverside walks, parklands, and the CBD.

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic - living and dining area" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc3f1017-3a07-4342-bd3c-2e8704240b8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SPH%20Living_Dining_Balcony.jpg?VersionId=MTIhfls3U1TZQk83mTKmxy37bBfB2heV" />

Following acquiring the site from Woolworths, Mosaic collaborated with Gold Coast-based architecture firm <a href="/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a> to enhance the original Cottee Parker scheme.

The development will feature a 2,236 sqm Woolworths supermarket, accompanied by a café, liquor store, and ample basement parking—addressing a long-standing demand for essential amenities and convenience in the area.

&nbsp;

Solidifying its reputation as one of the region's most prolific developers, Mosaic has successfully delivered over 65 projects since 2012, with a combined value exceeding $2 billion, and has an additional $2 billion in projects either under construction or in the immediate pipeline. Currently, Mosaic is progressing three other sold-out addresses in Brisbane, all on track for completion in 2025.

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic - kitchen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5d085e3-f413-465f-865a-427a7d042efa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SPH%20Kitchen.jpg?VersionId=vKtm2TMBPDu_e7sOHwY1lX2J.wBbTVsH" />

Mosaic’s in-house construction arm, now ranked among the top-tier builders in Australia, will undertake The Bedford’s build.

Mosaic Construction recently earned a triple ISO certification in Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety Management, cementing its reputation as a builder that meets the industry’s highest standards of quality, sustainability and safety.

Mosaic is gearing up for the official sales release of The Bedford, with prices starting from $1.3 million. Early construction is set to commence in 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134792]

Mosaic is gearing up for the official sales release of The Bedford, with prices starting from $1.3 million

Mosaic secure $210m in pre-sales at The Bedford by Mosaic in Kangaroo Point

Builder-developer GRAYA is continuing its development push in Brisbane's <a href="/developments/new-farm-qld-4005">New Farm</a>.

Having recently completed <a href="/buildings/chalk-by-graya-228-230-moray-street-new-farm">Chalk</a> and currently delivering&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/york-new-farm-299-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">York</a>&nbsp;in the popular riverside suburb, <a href="/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> has submitted plans for Ivory New Farm, just four luxury apartments on the Brisbane River.

The 17 Julius Street site spans 688 sqm and has 32-metre frontage to the river. It was bought by the Gray family for $8.5 million in late 2022&nbsp;from developer Tom Dooley, who had approved plans for a luxury four-level home.

It was reported that a home at that scale, on that rare of a site, would be worth around $20 million. A mid-1990s home sits on the block currently.

Ivory New Farm will have three full-floor apartments and an impressive two-level penthouse.

<img alt="Ivory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f986697-7948-4fcf-bfef-c45765dc0493" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-11%20at%201.47.46%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XYxPX5iKxTAF2SZTUFVtnOcDgTSPleKU" />Each of the full floor apartments will have three bedrooms, kitchens with butler's pantries, and either a rumpus room or a bar with adjoining wine cellar.

The two-level penthouse has the same floor plan as the apartments on levels two and three, but has its own private rooftop terrace with rumpus room and second kitchen and steam room, a swimming pool, fire pit and lounge area, and stairs leading to a spa.

<img alt="Graya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91192fe9-fde1-41e2-99cc-0af4aa29b651" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-11%20at%201.47.39%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nkJ.Mpz6jnO.SRxzj4Ld9J.TVGopkXvh" />

GRAYA is operating across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in both the luxury house and apartment market.

They're seeking offers over $5 million for the final penthouse at Chalk.

They have Arc in <a href="/developments/kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Kangaroo Point</a> on the river, as well as <a href="/new-apartments/kloud-palm-beach-154-jefferson-lane-palm-beach">Kloud</a> and Ripple, both in <a href="/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> on the <a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>.

GRAYA is operating across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in both the luxury house and apartment market

First look: GRAYA files plans for Ivory New Farm apartments

Despite an interest rate cut not materializing in 2024 as many had anticipated at the start of the year, first home buyers appear content to enter the Sydney off the plan apartment market, somewhat reassured that rates are unlikely to rise in the short to medium term.

Data collected by MatterFact showed that first home buyers made up over 60 percent of enquiries in 2024 across New South Wales on Apartments.com.au, driven by more affordable stock coming to market outside the city, particularly in and around suburbs along the recently opened Metro line.

Speaking with first home buyers across Sydney in 2024, the main driver of their purchase is the ability to afford the deposit, having saved up while living at home. However, many feel they are not yet ready to take on a mortgage. They are looking to enter the property market but aren't prepared to begin repayments just yet, so they're opting to buy into new developments at the earliest possible stage, knowing that the construction period will likely be at least two years, by which time they will be better positioned to begin repayments.

In this article, we explore the most popular suburbs in Sydney for first home buyers in 2024, highlighting some of the most sought-after developments in these areas.

<h2>Castle Hill</h2>

<a href="/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>&nbsp;has been one of the most popular suburbs for several years in the off the plan space.

Previously starved of new supply, the $1 billion Hills Showground precinct opening up to development sparked a frenzy of developers wanting to add to the new apartment pipeline.

The large developments that have come in recent years have catered for all markets, offering one-bedroom apartments, tailor-made for first home buyers and investors, through to larger apartments for downsizers.

Adding to the appeal for first home buyers is the newly opened Metro which connects to the centre of Sydney in around 30 minutes. That's now making Castle Hill a viable living option for those who need to work in the city, where prices for new apartments are considerably more expensive.

Tapping into first home buyer demand is <a href="/new-townhouses/larool-crescent-castle-hill-2-22-larool-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Larool Crescent</a>, one of the only developments to launch in Castle Hill in 2024 while others complete.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289121]

First home buyers have jumped at the opportunity to buy a one-bedroom apartment at $650,000, several of which have been snapped up. The two-beds currently come in at just over $900,000, which is generally a price of a one-bedroom apartment in the Sydney inner-ring.

The low-rise project is made up of five architecturally designed buildings around a central courtyard near Castle Towers, one of Sydney's largest shopping centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289164]

Larool Crescent is one of few developments in Castle Hill which is covered by Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance, a policy which protects buyers from any structural defects of the building for 10 years post-completion.

Larool Crescent is slated for completion in mid-2026.&nbsp;

<h2>Crows Nest&nbsp;</h2>

Another suburb to benefit from the metro boom is <a href="/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>.

Previously relying on heading to the neighbouring St Leonards for a train, Crows Nest is now just minutes from the centre of Sydney on the metro, which is drawing first home buyers.

One of the most popular projects for the year, and it only launched a few months ago, is <a href="/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the apartment development being delivered literally above the Crows Nest Metro Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309367]

Third.i, and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, have seen a great response to the 130 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that have been designed by Woods Bagot.

One-bedroom apartments, which are under $1 million, are being seen as a great investment given the rarity of a TOD (Transit Oriented Development) so close to the city, one which isn't easily repeatable.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309368]

Not just first home buyers, but any buyer at Elevate can buy an apartment with just a $10,000 deposit, rather than the standard 10 per cent.

<h2>St Leonards</h2>

St Leonards is another benefitting from the spill over from Crows Nest.&nbsp;

Those projects that are in St Leonards, but bordering Crows Nest, are particularly attractive, like <a href="/developers/twt-property-group">TWT Property Group</a>'s recently released first stage of The Collective.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94318 project_image_fid=293323]

One-bedrooms at $935,000 are the most attractive proposition for first home buyers. Belle Property, the agency in charge of the sales, has said most of the apartments sold so far have been grabbed by locals.

<h2>Merrylands</h2>

Builder-developer <a href="/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a> targeted <a href="/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>&nbsp;in Sydney's west,&nbsp;as an area where they could lift the supply of affordable housing

Rapidly gentrifying, Merrylands offers connectivity to Sydney and lifestyle at the doorstep, two factors high on a first home buyers wishlist.

Coronation's project,&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/mason-main-merrylands-245-merrylands-road-merrylands-nsw-2160">Mason &amp; Main</a>, is a rare new development with studios, an apartment configuration barely ever seen in the new market. They start at $520,000, meaning first home buyers are exempt from paying stamp duty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=257777]

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments also aren't subject to stamp duty given they start from $760,000, under the $800,000 threshold.

Part of Mason &amp; Main is an integrated&nbsp;'Eat Street', which has proven an attractive addition for first home buyers who don't have to travel far to dine out.

<h2>Rockdale</h2>

<a href="/developments/rockdale-nsw-2216">Rockdale</a>, in southern Sydney has emerged as a popular spot for first home buyers, one of the closest to the beach.

Near Brighton-Le-Sands but with the transport links and amenity of being in an inner-city suburb, Rockdale has garnered interest from those looking to live near the sand without the pricetag.

The newest development in the suburb is&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale">Marque Rockdale</a>, a seven-level building with one-bedroom apartments designed for modern living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277072]

Marque also offers the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy, which buyers are willing to pay a premium for when deciding to purchase a new apartment

Already topped out and advancing to a late 2025 completion date, one-bedroom apartments in Marque start at $650,000.

The Sydney suburbs first home buyers are looking to buy off the plan apartments

Downsizers and rightsizers have dominated the new and off the plan apartment market in 2024.

The two camps, downsizers in particular, are the least impacted by the continued high interest rates compared to a first home buyer or investor, positioning them as a key target for developers. Most of the new apartment developments that have come to the market in 2024 have been large apartments that suit the size and budgets of a downsizer.

Many downsizers have built significant equity in their family homes over the years and are now looking to move into more manageable living spaces, while also securing funds for retirement.

But where are downsizers and rightsizers looking to buy?&nbsp;

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Melbourne for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas.

<h2>Glen Iris</h2>

The leafy <a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>, regarded as the geographical centre of Melbourne, is a suburb that, once you live there, you will never want to leave, which makes it an ideal suburb to be developing for downsizers.

The 3146 postcode offers a perfect blend of suburban charm and connectivity to greater&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>. It boasts some of the best schools in the city, as well as easy access to the central business district.

Heath Thompson, Director at Projects by Buxton, has sold out several new apartment developments over the years and notes that&nbsp;<a href="/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;has long been regarded as one of&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>’s top suburbs for families and downsizers.

"You find that those who move to&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;often stay for generations," Thompson says.

"Generally speaking, young families move to&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;to enjoy a family-friendly lifestyle, with some of the best schools and parks in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>. As they approach the empty-nesting phase, these parents often look to downsize locally because soon enough they’ll be grandparents, and their children will likely raise their families in&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;as well. This creates a generational knock-on effect, making&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>&nbsp;a really tight-knit community," Thompson explains.

Thompson has just one apartment remaining in <a href="/buildings/galerie-glen-iris-1538-1540-high-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">GALERIE</a>, which will be welcoming buyers in the coming months. Downsizers have driven the majority of the sales of the 29 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112375 project_image_fid=250357]

Equally popular over 2024 has been <a href="/new-apartments/lori-glen-iris-1610-malvern-road-glen-iris">Lori</a>, which brings a different lens of downsizing to Glen Iris.

Offering low maintenance townhouses which are due to complete in March 2025, only two homes remain for sale in the development by billionaire Larry Kestelman's LK Property Group.

The three-bedroom townhouses have been designed by Megowan Architecture and&nbsp;feature high ceilings and full-length windows to maximise natural light and provide views of the preserved 100-year-old trees on the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114100 project_image_fid=246529]

The most recently launched new apartment development for downsizers in Glen Iris is <a href="/new-apartments/avery-glen-iris-1542-1544-high-street-glen-iris-vic-3146">Avery</a>, just 24 apartments next door to GALERIE on High Street.

<a href="/architects/alta-architecture">Alta Architecture</a>, embraced&nbsp;the principles of wabi-sabi, a Japanese design philosophy that emphasises natural simplicity and strength.&nbsp;

Alvin Xu from Alta said the aim was to create tranquillity within the busy city environment, integrating natural elements and gardens into indoor living spaces to foster a sense of calm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22546 project_image_fid=288305]

Demand for downsizers is expected to continue into 2025, particularly when Time &amp; Place <a href="/news/vic/first-look-time-place-and-woolworths-greenlit-for-glen-iris-mixed-use-precinct">launch their mixed-use project</a> with Woolworths that will see 60 two and three-bedroom apartments developed on Burke Road.

<h2>Brighton</h2>

Brighton has long been one of Melbourne's bluechip suburbs, with house prices among the highest in the city.

It's another suburb that those who have lived in Brighton for most of their life, don't want to leave. It is also a suburb for the aspirational buyer in the new apartment market. The buyer who can't afford a house in the affluent suburb, but could downsize or rightsize into it.

"Brighton offers one of the best lifestyle offerings in Melbourne," developer Adam Sloane said.

"There’s the beach, the parks, the café culture, cinemas, retail… it has it all."

<a href="/developers/sloane-property">Sloane</a> is currently developing <a href="/new-townhouses/111-carpenter-brighton-111-carpenter-street-brighton">111 Carpenter</a>, just seven townhouses near Brighton Station. All seven townhouses are north-facing, and some feature a master bedroom on the third level which overlooks neighbouring rooftops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=229014]

Each townhouse has either three or four bedrooms across two of three levels. The open plan living area opens through bifold doors to private landscaped gardens by&nbsp;<a href="/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>&nbsp;Landscape Architects. Each home has a double garage.

"I knew 111 Carpenter was a fantastic, central site for a townhouse project based on the tree-lined streets, shops, schools and transport which are all at your door," Sloane added.

"It is the ideal spot to base your family and explore all that Bayside has to offer."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=214119]

Golden Age will try and tap into the more luxury townhouse market in the new year when it launches its high-end development on the former site of&nbsp;Xavier junior school.

They have <a href="/news/vic/victorian-planning-minister-approves-golden-age-townhouse-development-in-brighton">plans approved</a> for 84 new homes across the <a href="/new-townhouses/47-south-road-brighton-vic-3186">3.3-hectare site at 47 South Road</a>.

<h2>Ivanhoe</h2>

The north-east Melbourne suburb of&nbsp;<a href="/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a>&nbsp;has been starved of new apartments in recent years.

Only a quarter of dwellings are apartments, according to the latest census data.&nbsp;

Alternative investment managers <a href="/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>&nbsp;saw a gap in the market and is currently delivering&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, strategically located at the entrance of Ivanhoe Village and near to all the community has to offer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169535]

The neighbourhood has a WalkScore of 90 out of 100, ideal for young families and downsizers with access to parks, restaurants, and prestigious schools.

Candela will comprise just 62 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments designed by <a href="/architects/john-demos-architects">John Demos Architects</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169551]

In addition to enjoying all the surrounding neighbourhood has to offer, Candela Ivanhoe also includes communal spaces, such as multiple outdoor seating and dining opportunities amid landscaping, an atrium, a wine bar, a providore, and a rooftop garden.

<h2>Hampton/Hampton East</h2>

Much like Brighton in 2024, new apartment supply in Hampton and its neighbouring Hampton East has been geared toward larger-scale apartments.

Despite Hampton East's population rising above 5,000 from the 2016 census to the most recently collected census in 2021, the percentage share of apartments declined.

Chad Arbid Projects Director Chad Arbid said it's no wonder Channel 9 chose Charming St in Hampton East to film The Block in 2023.

"<a href="/developments/hampton-east-vic-3188">Hampton East</a> is an affordable Bayside suburb known for parks, the beach, the best schools, shopping strips – like Hampton St, Bay St and Church St, restaurants and cafes, gyms, golf courses and medical centres - all within easy reach," Arbid says.

Arbid is marketing&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/casa-tranquila-hampton-east-15-19-king-street-hampton-east">Casa Tranquila</a>&nbsp;by <a href="/developers/marcopolo-property">Marcopolo Property</a>, just around the corner from the five Block houses which sold for suburb record prices last year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113441 project_image_fid=208735]

Casa Tranquilla, one street back from the South Road thoroughfare comprises one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

<a href="/developers/wickton">Wickton</a> was another developer focusing on downsizers and rightsizers at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton">Linacre Rise</a>, next door to Linacre Private Hospital, a consdieration a lot of downsizers have when buying.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=229694]

Linacre Rise will have 27 apartments, 15 two-bedroom apartments and 12 three-bedroom apartments.

<h2>Elsternwick</h2>

<a href="/developments/elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick</a>&nbsp;hasn't typicallly procued apartments that cater for downsizers or rightsizers. Not until design-driven developer Milieu revealed <a href="/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, its garden community next door to the landmark Rippon Lea Estate.

<a href="/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> leaned into the fact the site no Gordon Street shares the boundary with the heritage-listed gardens that surround the 1880s-built mansion, with a private, secure gate that only future residents of Elsternwick Gardens can access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Aside from being located next door to Rippon Lea Estate, future Elsternwick Gardens residents will be a short walk from the centre of Elsternwick to the south, with its train station, shopping precinct and range of restaurants and cafes and the vibrant village or Ripponlea Village to the northwest.&nbsp;

The precinct will also include amenities such as health and wellness facilities, a simulation golf area, and for pet care, car washing facilities and hobby workshops, as well as a hospitality offering.

Milieu Managing Director Michael McCormack said Elsternwick Gardens is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288414]

Also seeing interest from rightsizers and downsizers is the larger apartments at&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/eva-elsternwick-village-apartments-241-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick">EVA</a>, suited to those who want to be in the heart of the village&nbsp;just 130 metres road from Elsternwick Station.

The large three-bedroom apartments, not common in the local area, are some of the largest Elsternwick has seen.&nbsp;

The completed development by builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/pitard-group">Pitard Group</a>&nbsp;was completed in 2023.

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Melbourne for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas

Melbourne’s most popular suburbs for downsizing and rightsizing in 2024

<a href="/developers/aniko-group">Aniko Group</a>, one of Queensland’s leading builder-developers, is getting set to embark on one of the most sought-after projects to be launched on the Gold Coast in recent years.

Aniko Group, headed by George Mastrocostas, is taking registrations of interest at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-landmark-mermaid-beach-14-seaview-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Landmark</a>, a groundbreaking $2 billion mixed-use project located in Mermaid Beach.

The ambitious development will consist of four towers, blending apartments, high-end office spaces, a fine dining precinct, and an internationally branded upper-luxury hotel.

The first release consists of 240 apartments. There will be around 800 in the overall precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134338 project_image_fid=311027]

“We are incredibly excited to bring The Landmark to life in <a href="/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” said George Mastrocostas, Founder and Managing Director of Aniko Group.&nbsp;

“This project reflects our dedication to creating iconic spaces that not only redefine residential living but also enrich the surrounding community.

“We are encouraging those interested to register early, as The Landmark promises to be a highly sought-after address for those looking to experience a premium coastal lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134338 project_image_fid=311026]

Landmark’s two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed to maximize views of the beach, city, and river.

Designed in collaboration with renowned architects at Plus and the expert team at Aniko Group, The Landmark merges contemporary coastal architecture with luxurious amenities that enhance the lifestyle experience.&nbsp;

Residents of The Landmark will enjoy an exceptional suite of amenities, which include a pickleball court, an outdoor lagoon pool, a dedicated Pilates studio, a golf simulator, an arcade, a sauna, spa, and a fully equipped gymnasium featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134338 project_image_fid=311031]

Strategically positioned on Mermaid Beach, the development grants residents convenient access to the area’s pristine beaches, premier shopping at Pacific Fair, and a wide selection of dining and entertainment venues, including The Star Casino and the lively precincts of Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Aniko Group brings a proven track record of delivering exceptional large-scale projects on schedule and with a commitment to quality. Following the successful completion of a $500 million waterfront transformation at Hope Island and the upcoming $145 million Orama project on Chevron Island, Aniko Group has further solidified its reputation as a trusted and reliable developer-builder. The company is preparing to redeploy its skilled construction teams to The Landmark in early 2025, ensuring the project will be built to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

With its distinctive design, comprehensive amenities, and prime location, The Landmark is positioned to become a defining addition to the Gold Coast skyline and a coveted address for buyers and investors from across Australia and beyond.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134338]

Landmark’s two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed to maximize views of the beach, city, and river.

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