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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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?

Bayside remains one of Melbourne’s most resilient residential markets, with its middle-ring suburbs, stretching from Brighton through to Beaumaris, continuing to see strong demand from long-time locals who do not want to leave the region.

While larger homes have long defined the streetscapes, the past few years have brought a clear shift towards smaller-scale, design-led developments tailored to the needs of the Bayside local. According to the latest ABS Census data, nearly 40 per cent of Bayside’s 110,000 residents are over 50. While there is no strictly defined age at which people downsize, 50 is often a point where those who had children in their 30s begin to see them leave the family home.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/noorden">Noorden</a> Real Estate director David Lamond says downsizers make up the majority of his enquiries, with buyers prioritising local amenity and low maintenance over sheer size.

“Those approaching 60 who have been in the property market for two to three decades do not need to wait any longer to downsize,” Lamond says. “They have been through several market cycles, and their homes have multiplied in value four or five times over that period. Good-quality new homes are coming to Bayside, allowing long-time locals to stay in the area while moving into something more manageable and at a small percentage? of the price of their now oversized and under-used family home.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140140 project_image_fid=219620]

All buyers at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/marlu-hampton-29-service-street-hampton-vic-3188">Marlu Hampton</a>, a boutique development of just seven luxury townhomes by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/thomas-constructions">Thomas Constructions</a> and designed by David Dubois, are local downsizers. The substantial homes, offering more than 260 square metres of internal space and a lift servicing all three levels, are attracting multi-generational families as well as households with older children preparing to leave home.

The project’s success is also closely tied to its walkable setting. From Service Street, it is an eight-minute stroll to Hampton’s dog-friendly beach, passing cafés such as Merry Men and Brown Cow, with the Sandringham Yacht Club just beyond. The area is also well served by parks, public and private schools, and the retail amenity of Hampton Street.

Four of the seven townhomes are already spoken for, ahead of their early 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112854 project_image_fid=350992]

Elsewhere in Bayside, David Lamond is also seeing a different type of downsizer emerge. While many want something only slightly smaller than the family home, others are looking to significantly reduce their footprint.

“There is a cohort of downsizers who truly want to downsize,” David Lamond says. “They are seeking a lock-and-leave apartment where two or three bedrooms, space for entertaining, and a balcony are more than enough. They are redirecting the proceeds from their family home into superannuation, retirement planning or travel, rather than another large home.”

This trend is evident nearby at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumin-hampton-26-crisp-street-hampton-vic-3188">Luminè</a> on Crisp Street, a development of just 15 two and three-bedroom apartments. Located within walking distance of Hampton Beach and the everyday amenity of Hampton Street, it reflects the same underlying demand driving Marlu: highly liveable homes in familiar territory. Completion at Luminè is scheduled for early 2027, with prices starting from $1,175,000.

Why wait? Two paths to downsizing in Hampton

Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett is set to create a new landmark on the Brisbane River.

Adsett, a longtime architect who has more recently turned his attention to designing and developing his own buildings, has filed plans for his latest project to date: a 23-storey tower comprising 90 “large-format” apartments on the corner of Coronation Drive and Lang Parade in Auchenflower.

The project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/355-coronation-drive-auchenflower-qld-4066">dubbed Bloom</a>, would deliver a mix of 36 two-bedroom and 54 three-bedroom apartments, arranged within a sculptural tower rising above a publicly accessible ground-level landscape and lobby. The site occupies approximately 1,430 square metres and is identified as a landmark site under the Toowong–Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan.

<img alt="First look: Plans lodged for landmark riverfront apartment tower at Auchenflower’s Coronation Drive bend" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50ae7821-2c09-4f44-94d8-2185c5b968ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Auchenflower%20bdlg%20pers.png?VersionId=if5_VZhHJcMz7LvBS5sCfVkLNhVX9Dht" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>&nbsp;describes the building as a "response to both the riverfront setting and Brisbane’s subtropical climate" in the planning documentation submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

“Through its sculptural architectural expression and carefully considered landscape integration, the proposed development responds thoughtfully to its prominent riverfront setting while reinforcing the evolving urban character of Brisbane’s inner west," the architectural statement read.

The tower form is articulated by soft, undulating balcony edges and layered façades intended to reduce perceived bulk while maximising outlook toward the Brisbane River, the CBD and Mt Coot-tha. Integrated planting is proposed throughout the building, including within balconies and communal areas, with a shared rooftop terrace positioned at the crown of the building.

At ground level, the proposal includes a publicly accessible landscaped garden and pedestrian-focused open space at the corner of Coronation Drive and Lang Parade. A triple-height lobby and a near-10-metre-high void are proposed to maintain visibility and permeability through the site, reinforcing its role as a prominent arrival point to the Dunmore residential precinct.

<img alt="First look: Plans lodged for landmark riverfront apartment tower at Auchenflower’s Coronation Drive bend" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f1a055f-d6cd-424a-be35-a50a1e9b885d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Auchenflower%20bdlg%20podium.png?VersionId=H0ZbsFDwHKYDTa2yzGHoq8mIQqZQ9m2M" />

Mewing Planning Consultants, in their Town Planning Assessment, describe the ground plane as a key public benefit of the scheme, stating that “an activated lobby and landscaped publicly accessible open space / outdoor garden is provided on ground level, offering a pleasant pedestrian experience to the site and reinforcing a sense of arrival to the Dunmore residential precinct.”

For future residents, the Milton ferry terminal is less than 400 metres from the front door, while the Bicentennial Bikeway runs within 50 metres of the site.

Adsett has delivered several projects since branching out into property development. He recently completed Rockpool Rainbow Bay, one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the area, as well as a luxury apartment development in Moffat Beach.

In Brisbane, the team is preparing to launch Amari Toowong, 28 three-bedroom apartments on Glen Road.

Joe Adsett scales up, proposes riverside apartment tower in Auchenflower

Australia’s largest private builder, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, has locked into the commencement of construction on the fourth project being undertaken by seasoned Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a> in Rainbow Bay.

Hutchinson will start construction early next year on the $250m residential project <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia</a> after S&amp;S privately funded its own early works, demonstrating the group’s confidence in the southern Gold Coast property market.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284544]

Radia is the fourth project undertaken by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, following behind Flow Residences, Awaken Residences, and Esprit, which has helped transform the waterfront enclave into a premium lifestyle destination.

Situated on a 1,355 sqm site on Boundary Street, Radia will comprise just 38 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments across a 14-storey building. Prices start from $2.4 million.

“It’s fantastic to see Radia begin to take shape,” said Paul Gedoun, Founding Director of S&amp;S Projects.

“We chose to fund the early works because we are confident in the strength of the Gold Coast market and committed to delivering this project on time."

Gedoun described Rainbow as an "iconic location on the Gold Coast.

"There is such a high demand for residential projects, with buyers recognising the value and unrivalled lifestyle that’s on offer. To now have partnered with Hutchinson Builders, one of Australia’s most experienced contract builders, is an exceptional milestone for us, and signals the next stage of Radia.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284553]

Launched to the market in 2024, Radia has attracted strong interest from affluent, coastal mindned buyers, as well as downsizers and investors, looking for spacious apartment living in the Gold Coast’s premier coastal suburb.&nbsp;

Strategically located at 271 Boundary Street, Radia showcases panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline across both sides of the Queensland-New South Wales border, a rare feature in today’s market.

Anchored by wellness and balance, Radia will feature a lap pool with a heated magnesium spa, ice bath, infrared sauna, thermal room, steam room, gymnasium, residents’ lounge and private dining room.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284543]

“Each amenity is designed to capitalise on the lifestyle of Rainbow Bay, ensuring residents can enjoy the relaxed coastal experience, the enclave is famous for,” Gedoun added.

“As we edge closer to getting off the ground backed by one of the country’s biggest builders, we believe Radia will become one of the Gold Coast’s most compelling opportunities for buyers looking to live the ultimate coastal lifestyle."

Hutchies is forecasting a late 2027 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140491]

S&S appoints Hutchies to build Radia Rainbow Bay apartments

Designed around how residents move, recharge, and live day to day, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a> is the newest residential address by South East Queensland developer SIERA.

Located in the sought-after pocket of Northcliffe, a calm stretch of beachfront between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise, just steps from the sand, Exhale marks SIERA's third Gold Coast project and a landmark addition to its growing coastal portfolio.

Designed in collaboration with long-time architecture partner BDA, Exhale will rise from the corner of Enderley Avenue and Garfield Terrace, a site <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> spent more than a year securing off-market for its rare beachside position in the heart of Northcliffe.

Perhaps the most striking element is Exhale's sculptural glass curtain wall façade, a complex architectural and engineering achievement developed with specialist local façade engineers whose experience extends to supertall towers. It is designed to do two things at once: create a timeless presence on the Northcliffe skyline and maximise panoramic coastal views for every resident.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

SIERA Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson says the building has been shaped around a simple question: how will residents actually live here?

"We started with the lifestyle, not the floor plate," Thompson says. "How ever you want to live here, whether you're up early for a run along the Oceanway, surfing before work, using the gym on a quiet weekday, or arriving for the weekend to unwind, the building makes it effortless. That's why you'll find surf craft and beach storage, a magnesium pool, a Pilates and yoga studio. Every space has been designed to make coastal life easy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

Exhale's two-level wellness podium is designed around movement and mindfulness, the active side of daily life on the coast. Residents will find a fully equipped gymasium, heated magnesium pool, spa, sauna, Nordic cold shower, and biophilic designed landscaped gardens. Dedicated bike storage and the High Tide Room with its surfcraft and beach amenities mean the transition from sand to home is sandless and seamless.

Inside, the building shifts to calm. A dedicated Pilates and yoga studio, library and reading retreat, cinema lounge, and private dining room with a private bar and wine cellar offer a quieter, more social side of life at Exhale. A boardroom ensures the building works just as well for those who need it during the week as it does on the weekend.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359600]

Exhale's residences have been designed around how space is experienced, not just measured. Most feature more than 30 metres of glass frontage, drawing natural light and ocean views deep into every room, from the kitchen through to the bedrooms.

Layouts create distinct living and sleeping zones, with generous kitchens, full laundries, and entertaining areas proportioned for everyday living. Across five residence types, each floor plate has been shaped to make the most of the building's rare width and coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

From level 14 the tower's form tapers upward, creating a sculptural profile that softens its presence against the skyline while enhancing light and views for upper-level residents.

BDA Director John Lightbody says the design draws directly from the coastal landscape.

"We took inspiration from the sand dunes, the utilitarian forms of ocean racing sail boats, and the built environment around the site," Lightbody says. "The podium is organic, textured like wind-blown sand undulating in response to the landscape. The tower grows from this as a sculptural glass form shielded by the smooth white sails of the western façade."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355937]

Exhale is SIERA's third Gold Coast project. Founded by Brent Thompson in 2014, the developer built its reputation across a decade of delivery in Brisbane's inner ring before turning to the coast. Its first beachfront project, PIPIS in Bilinga, a boutique collection of 19 residences, recently sold out. Its second, Tapestry on Chevron Island, is a 113-apartment building already 95 per cent sold with construction well advanced and completion due later this year.

Construction of Exhale is already underway, with demolition taking place on site and piling works to follow. Completion is scheduled for 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA makes waves beachside in Northcliffe with the unveiling of Exhale

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda Property Group</a> has unconditionally acquired a $100 million-plus site on St Kilda Road where it will deliver an 18-storey tower.

Kokoda is now working with Studio McCue to design a new apartment building on the 6,085 sqm site at 441 St Kilda Road, a site which has been owned by Dymocks Properties for several years.&nbsp;

They will create a development that "brings integrated wellness, design-led living, and a curated ground-floor hospitality and retail offering to one of Melbourne’s most distinguished boulevards."

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said the acquisition reflects Kokoda’s continued confidence in Melbourne’s residential market and the future of St Kilda Road.&nbsp;

“After a cautious period, buyer sentiment is stabilising, and capital is returning to quality, design-led residential projects in prime locations," Steven said.

"At the same time, Victoria’s competitive construction market offers a window of opportunity to deliver best-in-class developments without compromising craftsmanship."

St Kilda Road and its surrounds are going through a development boom, with several new developments either underway or in the planning phase.

Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury, just off the main strip on Queens Road, Mirvac is well advanced in construction of The Albertine just a few doors down from The Queensbury, Samuel recently completed Louise on Louise Street, and Dexus has plans for over 400 new apartments at 636 St Kilda Road.

Located just 3km from the CBD and directly interfacing Fawkner Park, the Kokoda site offers uninterrupted park frontage and seamless connection to the Domain Precinct, South Yarra, Southbank, and Melbourne’s arterial transport network.

“441 St Kilda Road is one of the boulevard’s last true super sites," Stevens added.

"With dual frontage to Fawkner Park and St Kilda Road, it provides a rare opportunity to deliver a landmark parkside address, pairing wellness-focused amenity with the urban connectivity today’s buyers value."

Kokoda says their design ambition for 441 St Kilda Road is to establish an internationally benchmarked residential address, a collection of ultra-luxury homes in the sky, inspired by the world's great park-side apartments.

They say floorplans will draw on the elegance of New York’s finest residences overlooking Central Park, featuring dramatic ceiling heights and protected winter gardens that serve as four-season living rooms, as well as internal wellness sanctuaries and sculptural kitchens.

Kokoda Property Group will now progress concept design ahead of a future planning process.

Kokoda's $100m St Kilda Road play

Sydney developer Podia has finalised what it intends to do with its prominent undeveloped parcel at the northern gateway to Kingscliff's well-known Salt precinct, where it is planning a mix of land, townhouses, and now apartments.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/podia">Podia</a>, the developer behind Bonobo by Raes in Byron Bay and Wirra in Neutral Bay, has filed a State Significant Development Application to the NSW Government for the final 4,455 sqm of the 1.59-hectare <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/4-8-bells-boulevard-kingscliff-nsw-2487">Bells Boulevard block</a>, at the entry to Salt Village between Cudgen Creek and South Kingscliff Beach.&nbsp;

Having already secured approval for a mix of 14 land lots and 12 terrace-style homes, Podia is now seeking to complete the community with a five-storey, 69-apartment building with&nbsp;ground-floor retail designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB Architecture</a>.

<img alt="First look: Podia plans mixed-use gateway project at Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c15e9c34-7b1d-4b61-bf79-4b8e41272c18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%20G%20-%20Architectural%20Perspectives%2002.jpg?VersionId=.R2FZakx.eEVaQy4dV4rzr9x_W5FQmPQ" />

SJB noted in its Urban Design and Architecture Report that the area is dominated by low-density residential and significant natural features, however a small mixed-use area is clustered around the Salt Precinct, creating a destination for the precinct.

"The site’s location at the heart of the precinct offers the opportunity for future development to complement existing mixed-use, to form a genuine town centre that enhances the experience for local residents and visitors. At the site scale, the opportunity to create a distinct marker and entry point for the town centre becomes apparent, assisting with legibility for people arriving by car, bike or on foot."

The architecture draws inspiration from coastal Kingscliff using natural, durable materials that echo the textures and tones of local landmarks like Salt Surf Life Saving Club and Peppers Resort. The building will wrap around a central courtyard for the wider community, while residents will have access to private facilities like&nbsp;indoor communal areas and a rooftop swimming pool.

<img alt="Kingscliff" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97308293-3380-4d55-a3a2-e34f56e5b4cd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-02-09%20at%202.17.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=zz2uyR8tDj8PZWifNCvg9e6P6g8hE54V" />

&nbsp;

"For some time now, we have been looking to work with the Tweed community so we were thrilled to secure a unique site where we can make a positive contribution to the Salt Village town centre," Podia noted on the project website.

"On this last consolidated lot of undeveloped Salt Village land, we have the opportunity to deliver a mix of housing types, retail and services in a vibrant village atmosphere. [The building]&nbsp;will offer diverse, comfortable living choices. Thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings, the project will support local businesses, enhance community connection and leave a lasting legacy for Kingscliff."

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Podia is approaching completion of its luxury Neutral Bay apartment development Wirra, just 20 high-end apartments that start from over $5 million. Their Bonobo by Raes development, a joint venture with luxury hotel operator Raes, will comprise 41 hotel-apartments on Jonson Street.
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First look: Podia pitches final stage of new Kingscliff community

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/city-beach-wa-6015">City Beach</a>’s tightly held coastline is preparing for one of Western Australia’s most closely watched apartment launches, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/blackburne">Blackburne</a> set to launch Ocean Grand on the weekend.

Located at 3 Kilpa Court, overlooking Ocean Village Park and just a short walk from the beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/ocean-grand-city-beach-3-5-kilpa-court-city-beach-wa-6015">Ocean Grand</a> is a 264-apartment development that signals a new scale of apartment living for Perth’s western suburbs. The project arrives at a time when City Beach has cemented itself among Perth’s most expensive postcodes, underlining the depth of demand for high-end housing in established coastal neighbourhoods.

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Ahead of the public launch, Ocean Grand has already recorded more than $200 million in sales, with 57 apartments secured prior to release. The early sales performance places the project among the highest-value residential developments ever undertaken in Western Australia and marks a clear shift in Blackburne’s product mix towards the upper end of the market.

Ocean Grand comprises a mix of large-format apartments and penthouses, with pricing spanning from around $2 million through to $10 million. Many of the buyers to date are understood to be long-term City Beach residents and coastal homeowners seeking to downsize locally while retaining space, privacy and proximity to familiar amenities.

The development includes an extensive suite of resident-only facilities more commonly associated with large resort-style projects. These include a pool with cabanas, alfresco dining areas with barbecues and a pizza oven, multiple private dining rooms and lounges, a fully equipped gym and yoga studio, and a comprehensive wellness offering with sauna, steam room, spa and cold plunge. A concierge service and golf simulator further reinforce the project’s positioning at the top end of the market.

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At ground level, Ocean Grand will introduce a new retail and dining precinct designed to integrate with Ocean Village Park. Plans include a boutique supermarket, cafés, restaurants, a wine bar, health and medical services, retail spaces and a new playground, aimed at activating the street edge and reinforcing a village-style centre for the broader neighbourhood.

Blackburne Founder and Managing Director Paul Blackburne has described the project as a response to changing housing preferences in established suburbs, where larger homes are increasingly giving way to well-designed apartments that allow residents to remain connected to their community.

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Blackburne to launch Ocean Grand, City Beach amid strong early demand

South East Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> has commenced construction on its $240 million Flourish <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a>, its debut Brisbane apartment development.

They've already sold 86 of the 134 apartments, around $134 million worth of sales.&nbsp;

Sherpa Group, headed by property industry veteran Christie Leet, has tapped into the much-needed affordable residential model at a time when apartment prices have grown exponentially across the region.

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“We are so pleased to officially be breaking ground at Symphony after such an extraordinary run of sales, demonstrating the demand for high-quality, affordable apartments in the southeast Queensland apartment sector,” Leet said.&nbsp;

Symphony will deliver 138 apartments across 27 levels, offering a vast array of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom residences.

Sales were largely driven by local Brisbane buyers who accounted for 45 per cent of the purchases, SEQ buyers made up a further 35 per cent, as well as first home buyers who made up 12 per cent of the total.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many locals and first-home buyers at Symphony – that’s what Flourish is about, giving the community a real opportunity to secure a home," Leet added.

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Residents will have access to the renowned Flourish rooftop, which showcases a wellness and recreation area spanning more than 1,400 sqm across two levels, with all amenities designed to foster community, connection and wellbeing among residents.

The rooftop will showcase a heated pool, steam room, saunas, and hot and cold plunge pools; work from home spaces, private treatment room, pool deck cabanas and private outdoor BBQ areas.

There will also be a private dining room and residents’ lounge, a fully equipped gym and yoga studio, and panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline and Mt Coot-tha.

The start of construction follows closely behind Sherpa’s successful run in Palm Beach, with Flourish Amargo 85% sold, and Flourish Oasis now launched to market.&nbsp;

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“We hope to carry the strong momentum from our Flourish Palm Beach projects, as we step into our Brisbane chapter,” Leet said

“Flourish is truly about delivering attainable, lifestyle-focused apartments, and we are thrilled to Symphony resonate with so many buyers in Brisbane.”

Located at 21–23 Cordelia Street, Symphony is strategically positioned at the junction of South Bank, West End, and Fish Lane, at the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment, dining and leisure precinct. The location also offers exceptional walkability to QPAC, galleries, riverside parklands, the CBD, major universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

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Sherpa have teamed up with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> to deliver Symphony, which is expected to be completed in Q3 2028.

Sherpa Group has been among the most prolific developers on the Gold Coast in recent years, undertaking 15 projects since 2018. The company now has seven projects in Palm Beach, with four of them under the Flourish brand that is delivering affordable beachside luxury for one of the most undersupplied markets on the Gold Coast.

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Sherpa Group breaks ground on $240 million Symphony apartment development in Brisbane

Construction is underway at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/kings-lane-south-kingsville-50-58-new-street-south-kingsville-vic-3015">Kings Lane</a>, a boutique townhouse development by local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/blue-run">Blue Run</a> in Melbourne’s inner-west suburb of South Kingsville, with completion targeted for Q3 2026.

The 25-residence project is taking shape at 56 New Street, responding to sustained demand for low-density, family-oriented housing in established inner-urban locations where standalone homes have increasingly moved out of reach.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Kings Lane comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom townhouses, all-electric and arranged to prioritise privacy, internal space, and long-term liveability. The homes are priced from $995,000, positioning the project among a shrinking cohort of new-build townhouses within eight kilometres of the Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The architecture and interiors reflect Rothelowman’s focus on practical, enduring design. Kitchens are configured as central living spaces with porcelain benchtops, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and generous island benches, while bathrooms and ensuites incorporate skylights, double vanities, and full-sized baths. Across the homes, layouts emphasise efficient circulation and clearly defined living and sleeping zones.

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Sustainability has been embedded into the project’s construction and performance profile. Each residence is fully electric, supported by rooftop solar, double glazing, and water-sensitive urban design measures. The development will achieve a 7-Star NatHERS rating, with EV charging provisions included to support future household needs.

Landscape design by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a> introduces private courtyards and shared green spaces, using layered planting and native species to enhance privacy while reinforcing a sense of neighbourhood connection.

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Kings Lane is located just off Blackshaws Road, within walking distance of the Vernon Street shopping strip and the emerging Union Quarter retail precinct. Broader amenity is provided by nearby centres including Altona Gate, Yarraville Square, and Williamstown’s retail strip, while Edwards Reserve and Newport Lakes offer accessible green space.

Transport connectivity remains a key drawcard, with Spotswood Station within walking distance and the West Gate Freeway only a short drive away. Recent major infrastructure upgrades associated with the West Gate Tunnel project have further improved access to the CBD and Melbourne Airport.&nbsp;

With construction now underway and delivery forecast for Q3 2026, Kings Lane adds to a limited pipeline of new townhouse supply in the inner-west.

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Construction underway at Blue Run’s Kings Lane townhouse project in South Kingsville

Developer Polycell has commenced the sales campaign for its highly-anticipated redevelopment of the Sandpiper Resort in Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">Sandpiper</a>, a new 51-storey tower on Old Burleigh Road, is yet to officially launch to the public, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/motiv">MOTIV</a>&nbsp;have already secured over $300 million in sales through its pre-market coming soon campaign.

Nearly 100 of the 204 apartments have been snapped up in the space of four weeks.&nbsp;

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“We’ve seen strong early momentum for Sandpiper through a highly curated, VIP-only campaign, well ahead of the full public launch,” said Carly Cottam, Director at MOTIV.

“That response speaks to the depth of demand we’re seeing from design-literate buyers who are actively seeking a more refined coastal lifestyle in Broadbeach.”&nbsp;

The interest to date has come from a mix of downsizers, interstate lifestyle buyers from NSW and Victoria, and short-term investors seeking flexible, well-appointed holiday homes.

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Rising just shy of 200 metres above Old Burleigh Road, Sandpiper comprises 204 two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, as well as an exclusive range of half and full floor residences from levels 42 and above.

Residences are offered across two distinct tiers: the Classic Residences, which deliver resort-style living with curated services and Level 4 amenity access; and the Private Residences, located from Level 26 upward, offering elevated finishes and exclusive access to two more levels of wellness retreat.&nbsp;

Buyers will have the option of&nbsp;two light palettes (white or green stone) and one dark palette (black stone), along with premium inclusions such as optional ZipTap systems and timber flooring upgrades. Upper level residences benefit from full stone benchtops and enhanced detailing, reinforcing the project’s commitment to understated elegance.&nbsp;

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A major point of difference for Sandpiper lies in its wellness and lifestyle amenity, designed to rival top-tier branded residences, without the hotel badge. All residents will have access to the Level 4 retreat, which includes a magnesium lagoon pool, gym, yoga room, steam and sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, treatment suites, BBQ areas, indoor and outdoor lounges, private dining and games rooms.

Above, the Residents’ Club, exclusive to Private Residence owners, spans two entire levels and features another pool, further wellness zones, a zen garden, personal training gym, office suites, cinema, music studio, library, club lounge and multiple entertaining spaces.

Further reinforcing this sense of exclusivity, Sandpiper has been thoughtfully designed with separate entrances, lobbies and lift cores for the Classic and Private Residences, ensuring privacy for the upper residence-only levels and a seamless arrival experience.&nbsp;

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“This momentum builds on the proven success of The Rochester Broadbeach, which continues to progress ahead of programme,” Cottam added.

“That delivery performance has been critical in reinforcing buyer confidence and further cements Polycell’s strength as both developer and builder in this market.”&nbsp;

With demolition underway and development approval secured, Sandpiper is on track to commence main construction in late July 2026, following the completion of demolition. Final completion of the project is forecast for July 2030.

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