A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

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?

The owner-occupier-focused Melbourne developer, Lowe Living, have concentrated on a specialist market since they started developing back in 2015.

While the term &quot;prominent Bayside developer&quot;&nbsp;is banded around&nbsp;(which they certainly are), my recent chat with Lowe Living Founder and Managing Director, Tim Lowe, showed the builder developer&nbsp;to be much more than that.

&quot;Really we operate anywhere in what I would call the Bayside corridor,&quot; Lowe told Urban.

Lowe Living have previously&nbsp;had successful developments as far south as&nbsp;Chelsea, in the City of Kingston area on the coast, running right through to Elwood in Port Phillip to the north of the Bayside area.

&quot;We know our demographic is downsizers who are seeking a lifestyle upgrade. We know the Bayside corridor&nbsp;can offer that,&quot; Lowe added.

Construction recently commenced at Lowe&#39;s Sera Brighton development, a project of just 13 apartments by architecture firm Warren &amp; Mahoney&nbsp;in the heart of Dendy Village.

And Lowe Living&#39;s most recent Bayside launch saw them secure over 50 per cent of sales at Hampton Hill, which Tim says wasn&#39;t a surprise.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110170 project_image_fid=185822]

&quot;We knew we had the right location, and the offering was different to what else was being offered in Hampton,&quot; Lowe said, adding that there was plenty of demand for premium stock in the small suburb.

&quot;We were also excited for our first collaboration with Woods Bagot, a brand which would underpin the strength of the product,&quot; Lowe added.

It was all about timing and experience for Lowe Living, with the structured phases of pre-launch campaigns and the launch timed to perfection.

&quot;Most people are starting to digest the market again after January and in to Feb, so we knew we&#39;d see traction toward the end of February and in to March.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110170 project_image_fid=185810]

It bodes well for Lowe Living&#39;s next project, just a few hundred metres around the corner.

&quot;The Ocean Street development will be more of a residential offering, more appealing to those who don&#39;t want to live right amongst Hampton Street, or want a pet with a ground floor and some yard,&quot; Lowe said.

Targeting the downsizer more so than the rightsizer, the Ocean Street project will have just 10 apartments.

&quot;It&#39;s really cool in that it offers the convenience of being right on the fringe of the activity centre, while having the added benefits of being on a quiet street&nbsp;just one block down from the beach.&quot;

Tim Lowe said however because they know their demographic, they know they can dip in to other markets than the Bayside corridor.

&quot;Putting good quality apartment living in good location along the Bayside corridor has been successful for us, but our capability and strength can see us developer outside of Bayside.&quot;

&quot;We are confident in the revenue and location, and confident we have a great following and a great pool of clientelle which is will allow us to branch further in to some city pockets,&quot;&nbsp;Lowe added.

The team is soon to start construction on&nbsp;Larnook, another boutique project of just 11 apartments&nbsp;in the inner Melbourne suburb of Armadale. Lowe are set to commence construction of the&nbsp;Warren &amp; Mahoney-designed building in the new few months.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106276 project_image_fid=169742]

&quot;We&#39;re definitely looking at a few plays on projects closer to the city,&quot; Lowe said.

Following Ocean Street in Hampton, Lowe will be looking to develop again in Parkdale, another coastal spot south of the Bayside area.

They&#39;ve recently submitted plans for 30 apartments on Como Parade East, not far from their successful Topaz which has sold out all of its 22 apartments, and three of its four townhouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29852 project_image_fid=89862]

Lowe are in a secure position moving forward in to 2022, a year which has already been problematic for a number of developers.

They have their own&nbsp;construction arm, Lowe Create, which builds their developments.

&quot;We&#39;ve certainly seen first hand the changing in costs of materials and labour, however we&#39;re a little more protected as a builder developer than maybe a traditional developer who has to negotiate fiercely with construction companies,&quot; Lowe added.

&quot;It also gives buyers security knowing that the developer is also building the project, which means we control the whole process from start to finish. Having our own construction company means we can deliver on the promises we make to off the plan buyers surrounding the quality of the built form.&quot;

An important principle which Lowe Living keenly follow is to be respectful to the local community when looking to develop new projects.

&quot;We know a lot of our buyers come out of the local community they are the ones impacted first hand by development, so it&#39;s important for us to listen to community feedback when putting forward plans for a new project.&quot;

Lowe Living recently secured over 50 per cent of sales at their recently launched Bayside project, Hampton Hill, which Lowe says wasn't a surprise.



Why Lowe Living develop for the owner-occupier: Five minutes with Tim Lowe

The Queensland-based developers MAYD Group have a growing pipeline of projects across Southeast Queensland, with four boutique residential development applications lodged with the City of Gold Coast.

Making a turn to focus more exclusively on luxury, boutique developments, residences will feature high-end finishes with coastal inspired interiors, shifting their focus to some of the most sought-after coastlines in Australia, like Mermaid Beach, where the group have lodged four multi-residential development applications for.

The Seagull Avenue project will see four full-floor units created, with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms.

<img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seagullave.jpeg" style="width: 1200px; height: 1440px;" title="Render of Seagull Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group" /> 
Render of Seagull Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group

Designed by Architects, Studio Workshop, there will be a private rooftop entertainment area, including a rooftop deck, bar and pool. Basement parking will be provided for all residents.

The groups Chairlift Avenue site sits on the corner of Chairlift Avenue and Petrel Avenue, where they will construct eight luxury units, including two lower-penthouses, and an upper penthouse, that will feature a rooftop terrace, alfresco, plunge pool and lounge area.

Designed by Plus Architecture, these units will be three-bedrooms and three-bathrooms, all with basement level car parking.

Alongside landscape design which provides a unique, contemporary, and sophisticated character, the design intends to cater for its residents&#39; modern lifestyle requirements and encourage outdoor living and an active engagement with the beach environment.

<img alt="" height="746" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/maydgroup.png" width="1324" /> 
Render of Chairlift Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group

MAYD will demolish an older residential building at 120 Hedges Avenue with plans for two luxury, four-storey houses.

Level one will comprise four-bedrooms, while the living areas, main kitchen and dining are on level two.

Level three is the rooftop level, inclusive of enclosed entertainment spaces, dry bars, and a rooftop pool, with the basement level featuring a wine/whiskey cellar, storage rooms, a surfboard storeroom, and a gym.

The group&rsquo;s final multi-residential development is for Seaside Avenue, which will see another three full-floor luxury units crafted, with a double-storey penthouse.

<img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seasideave.jpeg" width="1200" /> 
Render of Seaside Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group

This development has plans for a rooftop pool and terrace, as well as entertainment areas scattered throughout.

The MAYD Group was founded last year in 2021 by Todd Mould, having&nbsp;previously worked as a builder, by trade, in the construction and property development industry for over 15 years.&nbsp;

Making a turn to focus more exclusively on luxury, boutique developments, MAYD Group has lodged four multi-residential development applications in Mermaid Beach 

MAYD Group to develop four boutique residential sites in Mermaid Beach 

Marquee Development Partners has marked the completion of its third&nbsp;Gold Coast project, with a ribbon cutting on the site of The Catalina, the apartment tower on Chevron Island.

The Acting Mayor Cr Donna Gates joined Marquee to commemorate the official delivery of what has become the first in a spate of art deco-inspired developments&nbsp;on the island, which is rapidly emerging as the city&rsquo;s arts and cultural capital.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s great to see buildings like this which connect the new residents directly into this amenity and culture,&quot; Gates said.

&quot;The Catalina is a great example of a medium density development that helps provide housing options and choices for locals to downsize, upgrade or purchase their first home.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6517 project_image_fid=194376]

The Catalina comprises 75 apartments over nine&nbsp;storeys, offering residents views across the river, city skyline and hinterland. Residents also get access&nbsp;to a range of private amenities including a pool, gym, private dining, cinema, and rooftop residents club.

All The Catalina apartments were sold prior to construction commencing. Buyers represented an even mix of locals and interstate purchasers, with many relocating from Greater Sydney up to the Gold Coast.

&ldquo;The Catalina helped provide an achievable housing option and choice for locals to downsize, upgrade or purchase their first home, without compromising on quality or amenity,&rdquo; Azura Griffen, sales manager at Marquee, said.

Local Queensland builder Rawcorp delivered the nine-storey development after construction was fast tracked on the back of strong sales.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6517 project_image_fid=194377]

&ldquo;We are delighted to have delivered yet another collection of high-quality residences for our= buyers who share our passion for this unique pocket of the Gold Coast&rdquo;&nbsp;Griffen added.

&ldquo;Rawcorp has done a remarkable job at bringing our visionary development to life and we are very proud to welcome The Catalina&rsquo;s very first residents into their stunning new homes.&rdquo;

The Catalina marked&nbsp;Marquee and Rawcorp&rsquo;s third&nbsp;completed project on the Gold Coast together, with Rawcorp now underway on the delivery of Marquee&rsquo;s sold-out Palm Beach developments, Palm Beach Residences and&nbsp;Northshore, which are due for completion in 2023.

&ldquo;Rawcorp has an impeccable track record with the timely and reliable delivery of projects across Southeast Queensland, and we look forward to carrying forward this partnership into future Marquee projects,&rdquo; Marquee Development Director, Steve Harrison, said.

The Catalina is Marquee&rsquo;s second Chevron Island development, following on from the sell- out success, Stanhill Residences, which was also delivered by Rawcorp and was awarded the 2020 Master Builders Queensland Housing and Construction Award for the best Medium Density Apartment Development.

All The Catalina apartments were sold prior to construction commencing. Buyers represented an even mix of locals and interstate purchasers, with many relocating from Greater Sydney up to the Gold Coast.

Marquee Development Partners compete sold-out The Catalina, Chevron Island apartments

The renowned South East Queensland apartment developer, Mosaic Property, has lodged plans for its latest Brisbane apartment project.

They&#39;ll be developing in East Brisbane, where they&#39;ve previously had quick-fire&nbsp;sell-out success with The Sinclair, which is to be completed later this year.

The latest project, at 89 Lytton Road, occupies a prime position across the street from&nbsp;Mowbray Park and the Brisbane River. The blue chip 2,563 sqm corner&nbsp;site, currently home to the East Brisbane Shopping Centre, also has street frontages to Northcote Street and Heidelberg Street. Mosaic secured the site mid-last year.

Mosaic had DKO Architiecture put together the creative plans, which saw them incorporate&nbsp;the Moreton Bay Fig trees at Mowbray Park in to their design.

<img alt="" height="700" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-29_at_9.21.08_am.png" width="730" />

&quot;The main design driver was to reconcile the need to provide shelter and respite from the inner city urban environment, and at the same time, open up to the fantastic views on offer, almost 270 degrees around the site,&quot; DKO noted in their submission to the Brisbane City Council.

&quot;We drew lessons from two major landmarks close to the site &ndash; the leafy sheltered spaces in Mowbray Park created by the Moreton Bay Fig trees as well as the bricks and verandas from Hanworth House.&quot;

The fig tree response saw DKO create a unique design. The columns throughout the tower take on the form of branches, with the structure transferring through the raking sculptured columns at ground then into the basement grid below.

&quot;Metaphorically and literally [the building is] expressing the form of fig trees,&quot; DKO note.

<img alt="" height="522" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-29_at_9.22.24_am.png" width="958" />

There will be 81 apartments across the eight-level building. Mosaic has always positioned itself as a developer for the owner-occupier. They&#39;re offering three different configuration types,&nbsp;33 two-bed apartments, 22 two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room, and 26 three-bedrooms plus multi-purpose rooms.

Residents will have access to the private wellness and gym space on the ground level, located beside two retail tenancies.

There&#39;s further private amenity on the rooftop, which will feature a luxury, resort-style pool, day beds, barbecue&nbsp;and dining areas, and extensive landscaping by Wild Studio.

The partially covered rooftop will offer panoramic views of the CBD skyline, Brisbane River, and Mt Cootha.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="354" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-29_at_9.21.44_am.png" width="436" />

Speaking to Urban earlier this year, Mosaic Property boss Brook Monahan said there is huge potential in the Brisbane apartment market, particularly in the owner-occupier space.

&quot;There&#39;s just not enough high quality built form for owner occupiers wanting bigger units, and world class amenity, in the five kilometre ring around Brisbane,&quot; Monahan said, suggesting there&#39;s been a chronic undersupply for that type of buyer&nbsp;since around 2018.

Mosaic is set to launch seven projects to the market this year, spread across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. They have their sights set on Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Bilinga on the GC.

Mosaic had DKO Architiecture put together the creative plans, which saw them incorporate the Moreton Bay Fig trees across the road at Mowbray Park in to their design

Mosaic lodge East Brisbane apartment plans, with unique Moreton Bay Fig tree design influence

It&#39;s a development that&#39;s been over two decades in the pipeline, and it&#39;s set to provide&nbsp;local and interstate prestige apartment seekers, and even tourists, something the Gold Coast hasn&#39;t seen before.

It was before the turn of the Millennium&nbsp;that the family behind the luxury hotel operator and apartment developer, KTQ,&nbsp;led by the visionary developer Peggy Flannery, started buying apartments on the dress circle Garfield Terrace, fronting Surfers Paradise beachfront. KTQ has now amassed a huge&nbsp;2,000 sqm corner site.&nbsp;

And now, after over 12 months of a rigorous design process, KTQ, who are behind the likes of Elements of Byron Bay and the Kirra Point development in Coolangatta,&nbsp;are announcing Serēn, a hotel and residences tower in one of the best spots in Surfers.

Serēn (pronounced serene),&nbsp;will comprise an independent luxury, 60-room hotel, with some suites offering over 100 sqm of living space. The hotel will occupy levels three to six, then above is the hotel and the residences pool and recreation decks. Then above the level nine wellness level are the 60 residences, the smallest on offer spanning a huge 350 sqm and offering three-bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

Toward the pointy end of the 42-level tower will be full floor apartments and a special two-level penthouse.

The&nbsp;second level,&nbsp;above a new oceanway and fronting the beach, will feature&nbsp;a world class restaurant and bar, with gun-barrel views over the beach and the ocean and south to Coolangatta.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/seren-27-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="1258" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-04-08_at_10.47.27_am.png" width="2312" /></a> 
The pool for the residences. Image supplied

&quot;Serēn furthers KTQ&rsquo;s commitment to developing a legacy of superior properties that align with our values and aspirations,&quot; KTQ Director Peggy Flannery said.

&quot;We are delighted to be creating something truly inspired for this site with this exceptional team we have assembled.&rdquo;

Serēn&nbsp;is the brainchild of&nbsp;Little Boat Projects, the design-led studio headed&nbsp;by architects Michelle Donnelly and Mark Damant, who worked with the national architecture firm&nbsp;Bates Smart, the first Gold Coast project for the renowned practice.

Speaking to KTQ&#39;s Development Director Jeremy Holmes, it&#39;s evident KTQ and the design team has considered every little detail.

There will be little to no crossover between apartment residents and hotel guests, with seperate entry&#39;s, separate beach-facing swimming pools, and separate lift lobby&#39;s. The only thing they&#39;ll share is the wellness centre on level nine,&nbsp;which will feature an impressive gym and day spa, as well as the restaurant and bar, which&nbsp;will be available to the residents, hotel guests, and the general&nbsp;public. This &nbsp;will all be operated by KTQ once construction is complete.&nbsp;

The residences and hotel crossover will also see&nbsp;residents benefit from the hotel&#39;s concierge team. They can order room service from the restaurant, have taxis booked, and call on housekeepers come to their residences, among other complimentary services.

Holmes says the apartments will attract two different camps; owner-occupiers who may want&nbsp;to downsize or relocate to the beachfront, or fly-in, fly-out business people who might have the apartments as a coastal holiday home.

<a href="/new-apartments/seren-27-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="1508" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ktq_facade.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
Image of the hotel suites with the bar tucked in below. Image supplied

&quot;Imagine you&#39;re in one of the eastern seaboard capitals. You can have a housekeeper freshen the sheets before your arrival, have a bottle of your favourite wine airing, and even pre-order room service from the restaurant below.&quot;

Proof of the extensive consideration to every element of the apartment design is evident immediately.&nbsp;Out of the private lift lobby is storage, big enough to fit a surfboard or beach supplies.

Entry to the apartments is located in the middle of the apartment plan, but the clever design of the apartment means residents are welcomed with immediate ocean views, with the eye-line on arrival looking through the main living areas out to the ocean. An ocean-facing balcony opens from the lounge. Before getting to the living space there&#39;s a sand room for a post-beach dust&nbsp;down.

The&nbsp;multi-purpose room has been designed to offer a potential second living space, or guest room,&nbsp;which opens up to a second outdoor area, again featuring a clever design which can protect it from the elements. Dubbed a Belvedere, the 20 sqm space, which will home an outdoor barbecue kitchen, can be closed off to the wind and the rain, but still make residents feel like they&#39;re outside.

Two of the bedrooms are located at the rear of the apartment, both with five metre frontages of floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views over the Nerang River and to the hinterland. The enormous master is at the front of the apartment, with its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. - spruce it up

&ldquo;As a client, KTQ continuously challenges and reinvents preconceived notions around what a building and development should be. Peggy approached this project as if she was designing something completely personal,&quot; Little Boat Projects Founder and CEO, Michelle Donnelly, said.

&quot;It was very important for her to envisage going on holidays or living at Serēn, occupying the space as if it was her own home.&rdquo;

After over 12 months of a rigorous design process, KTQ are announcing Serēn, a hotel and apartment tower in one of the best spots in Surfers.



KTQ set to bring Surfers Paradise the highest level of beachfront luxury

You can almost count on one hand the number of high-rise apartment developments to launch in Mermaid Beach in the last five years.

The last two, Dawn and Bela, both by the South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group, sold out all of its 90-or so apartments within a few weeks last year, such the rarity of high-rise opportunities.

The latest opportunity comes from the Melbourne developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen, who are seeing similarly quick-fire success at Yves, their $200 million, three-tower development at 7-9 Mermaid Avenue, designed by the renowned architecture firm Rothelowman.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

They&#39;ve sold half of the 146 apartments in the first two months of marketing, unsurprisingly with locals dominating the purchasing.

Hirsch and Faigen&rsquo;s QLD Sales Manager, Alex Jokovich, said the locality of buyers&nbsp;is a huge testament to Yves&rsquo; appeal to discerning locals who have a deep appreciation and understanding of the projects positioning in one of the coasts&rsquo; most coveted residential addresses.

Rothelowman&nbsp;noted the site presented a unique opportunity to create a transitional tower project at the junction between the intensity of cosmopolitan Broadbeach and the more traditional/ laidback vestiges that is well defined by places such as Mermaid Beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

&quot;Between the sleepless Broadbeach &amp; gentrified Burleigh, Mermaid Beach captures the diminishing modesty&nbsp;of the Gold Coast,&quot;&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;wrote in their design statement to the Gold Coast City Council.

&quot;It is a microcosm with cafes, craft and culture. A community of locals and tourists relishing a more humble urban lifestyle than the north &amp; south.&quot;

Entry to Yves is through a&nbsp;deliberately intimate arrival experience which channels residents through lush subtropical plantings towards the entry, where residents and guests are then greeted by an expansive four-storey-height lobby space.

Yves comprises&nbsp;one, two and three-bedroom designs, in addition to the premium offerings of two four-bedroom, half-floor sub-penthouses and a single full-floor penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186074]

High-rise developments always offer a great opportunity to create more extensive amenity spaces than a low-rise development to service its higher density.

Yves residents get exclusive access to the residents&rsquo; level 03 recreation deck, which features a resort-style pool, a gym, a sauna, an outdoor barbecue area and a kid&rsquo;s play space.

There&#39;s further amenity on the level 24 rooftop terrace, with a private bookable dining space and resident&rsquo;s lounge offering views over the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=102451]

High-rise developments always offer a great opportunity to create more extensive amenity spaces than a low-rise development to service its higher density


Why the Yves, Mermaid Beach apartments, offer a rare opportunity in the exclusive suburb

The Brisbane-based Horan Group is branching out to the Gold Coast.

They&#39;re starting in Broadbeach, where they&#39;ve had DBI Architects submit plans for a 28-level tower at&nbsp;11 Rosewood Avenue, Broadbeach.

Dubbed ROSEWOOD, the project will have 120 apartments.

DBI say they have designed Rosewood to offer a truly distinctive lifestyle opportunity.

<a href="/new-apartments/rosewood-11-rosewood-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218"><img alt="" height="832" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-28_at_2.15.19_pm.png" width="1250" /></a>

&quot;ROSEWOOD is designed to respond to the local environment at both the macro and micro level,&quot; DBI&#39;s submission to the Gold Coast City Council read.

&quot;The development is broken down vertically into thirds; the ground plane base, expansive recreational space and residential tower.

&quot;Horizontally the tower residential levels form is broken into three parts; north and south facing wings, a recessed eastern edge and expressed rhythmic vertical spine.&quot;

There will be just five apartments per floor, with 96 two-bedders, a quarter with an additional multipurpose room, and 24 three-bedroom apartments. The internal living space for the two-bedroom apartments start at 80 sqm, with a further 12 sqm of balcony space.

The three-bed internal space is 115 sqm.

Level 3 will home the resident amenity. There will be an outdoor lap pool, with cabanas and day beds, a yoga lawn. Inside there&#39;s a lounge and workshare areas.

<a href="/new-apartments/rosewood-11-rosewood-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-28_at_2.15.44_pm.png" width="1394" /></a>

&quot;All recreational spaces on Level 3 have been designed to blur the line between internal and external spaces, along with a 6.3m floor to floor, allowing maximum natural light throughout the day and views through perimeter subtropical planting,&quot; DBI advise.

Residents will be welcomed by a 12 metre high external lobby arrival, connecting to the double-height lobby.&nbsp;

ROSEWOOD is situated within walking distance from Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach Park, public transport, the Broadbeach foreshore and a 500m stroll from the vibrant Broadbeach urban hub.

The Horan Group&nbsp;have previously built Mirada at Suttons Beach in Brisbane&#39;s Moreton Bay region, and their flagship Peak Apartments in Brisbane.

<a href="/new-apartments/rosewood-11-rosewood-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218"><img alt="" height="792" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-28_at_2.15.48_pm.png" width="1392" /></a>

The new tower is just a few doors down from Asana, the first project on the Gold Coast by the Sydney-based Macquarie Developments.

Assana, which will be the tallest tower in Broadbeach at&nbsp;52-levels, topping the height of the nearby The Oracle Beach Tower, which peaks at 50 storeys.

The Gold Coast City Council gave the development the green light, after Macquarie&nbsp;amended the approved application after they bought the site in October through&nbsp;site amalgamation specialist GV Property Group.

Assana will now rise a further 11 levels, but will have considerably less&nbsp;apartments, down from 186 to 146, a move which sees the developer&nbsp;cater to growing trend of bigger apartments for the owner-occupier.

There&#39;s set to be further development, with&nbsp;GV Property Group seeking buyers for 4-6 Rosewood Avenue.

The 1,422&nbsp;sqm site would suit another high-rise.

Dubbed ROSEWOOD, the project will have 120 apartments

Tower reveal: Horan Group Gold Coast apartment tower, Rosewood in Broadbeach

A limited series of just 20 apartments, La Storia&nbsp;is a considered residential building designed to pay homage to both Carlton and Italy.

M3 Design, led by father and son, Frank and Gianni Mancuso, are behind the interiors, delivering a range of three-bedroom apartments within Marcocci Property Group&rsquo;s development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111979 project_image_fid=194080]

Each residence prioritises natural light and airflow, with functionality at the heart of each floor plan. The design has been inspired by the designs of the late legendary&nbsp;Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa.

The exterior takes on a monolithic presence to reflect the idea of immutability, with finer details of honed stone carrying Scarpa&rsquo;s legacy with mixing the old and the new. The development has four different&nbsp;residences available; Residenza Lusso, Residenza Centro, Residenza Giardini, and Residenza Allegria.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://kuula.co/share/collection/7qdBC?logo=-1&amp;info=0&amp;fs=1&amp;vr=1&amp;zoom=1&amp;initload=0&amp;thumbs=-1&amp;ovd=floodslicer.viewin360.co%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E"><img alt="" height="1420" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-16_at_4.06.38_pm.png" width="2544" /></a>

Residenza Lusso offers vast entertaining area, with the building&rsquo;s largest living room and balcony, which face toward the city.

Residenza Centro sits at the corner of Cardigan and Argyle Square, facing the east. With the largest overall floor space, these residences fearure a large kitchen island bench with seating, further encouraging entertaining and interaction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111979 project_image_fid=194085]

Residenza Giardini focuses on the green with the lush trees of Argyle Square immediately in view. Residents can choose to split these apartment in two, placing the living quarters to one side, with the ability to spill out onto the generously-sized balconies.

Residenza Allegria draws on its environment and the hive of Carlton&rsquo;s activity and neighbouring suburbs. Taking in the Scarpa aesthetic &ndash; filtering light with natural reflections, the residences glow and change in various organic tones depending on the time of the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111979 project_image_fid=194093]

Located at the corner of Cardigan and Pelham Street, La Storia finds its home on the park lined streets of Carlton.

Inspired by the rich history of its surroundings and it&rsquo;s famous immigrant culture, La Storia has been designed to age gracefully and to leave its mark on an area that has provided so much to the culture of Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=111979]

Each residence prioritises natural light and airflow, with functionality at the heart of each floor plan.

Marcocci Property Group launch Carlton apartments, La Storia

The sustainably conscious apartment developer, ARIA Property Group, is set for further development in the exclusive South Brisbane pocket they&#39;ve been developing in over recent years.

They&#39;ve lodged plans on a triple block at 164-190 Melbourne Street, on the corner of Manning and Melbourne Street. The Melbourne Street sites are currently home to&nbsp;the former Malouf&#39;s Fruit Shop and the former Bond&#39;s Sweet Factory.

ARIA, led by Tim Forrester, has had Bates Smart team up with Richards &amp; Spence in what is expected to be the first of three towers across the amalgamated site.

The first tower will have 84 apartments across 14 levels, and extensive rooftop amenity, which, alongside their sustainability efforts, is fast becoming ARIA&#39;s signature.

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&quot;33 Manning Street offers a variety of spacious dwellings in the central urban location of South Brisbane providing opportunity for a diverse population including families and students,&quot; the design statement submitted to the Brisbane City Council noted.

&quot;33 Manning Street is a simple and elegant tower which takes best advantage of the opportunities afforded by its location, climate and scale to provide a distinctive lifestyle opportunity for Brisbane.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/164-190-melbourne-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="425" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-25_at_1.31.39_pm.png" width="676" /></a>

&quot;Each apartment has been designed to maximise natural light and cross ventilation, taking advantage of the local climate,&quot; the design statement noted.

&quot;All practical considerations of living are considered including private bedrooms, generous kitchens and flexible living spaces.&quot;

The design statement also suggested that residential wellness is a key design consideration.

There will be a commercial gym tenancy located on the first level. At the heart of the rooftop amenity is the 20 metre pool. On the north-east edge of the roof is a plunge pool, positioned to take in the city views.

<a href="/new-apartments/164-190-melbourne-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="477" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-25_at_1.32.53_pm.png" width="762" /></a>

There&#39;s an amphitheater which offers seating and lounging for an evening cinema, as well as a residents dining room.

The new tower, next to South Brisbane&#39;s famous Skyneedle, is around the corner from&nbsp;Trellis, one of ARIA&#39;s most sustainable projects to date. Some 60 per cent of the tower is covered in greenery. There&#39;s Tesla charging, solar technology, and extensive rainwater tanks.

It&#39;s also up the road from The Standard, ARIA&#39;s flagship development in the heart of the popular Fish Lane precinct.

ARIA, led by Tim Forrester, has had Bates Smart team up with Richards & Spence in what is expected to be the first of three towers across the amalgamated site.

ARIA lodge plans for South Brisbane apartment tower

The nationally recognised builder Hutchinson&#39;s, one of the best construction firms across Australia, dates back well over a centurry.

Founded in 1912, current chairman, Scott Hutchinson, is now the fourth generation Hutchinson to preside over the business.

Their extensive workbook sees Hutchinson&#39;s deliver around $2.5 billion worth of projects annually, everything from sports stadiums to hotel towers.

They&#39;&#39;re always one of the most sought-after building firms when it comes to residential apartment development. Of​f the plan buyers get an almost unwavering sense of guarantee when Huthcinson&#39;s is appointed the builder of the project.

We&#39;ve taken a look at the top six Gold Coast apartment developments Hutchinson&#39;s have been commissioned to build, some already with construction underway. 
 
1. Emerson Kirra

Developer: Hirsch &amp; Faigen 

Architect: Rothelowman

Hirsch &amp; Faigen have continued their legacy of pioneering excellence on the Southern Gold Coast with Emerson, a boutique edition of 27 residences at Kirra, designed by Queensland&rsquo;s premier architecture studio, Rothelowman.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106646 project_image_fid=184786]

Just the second Gold Coast project for Hirsch and Faigen, Emerson Kirra is located parkside at 100 Musgrave Street, looking over the canopy of Norfolk Pines towards an unspoilt Kirra Beach.

Emerson features sophisticated amenities that enrich a social, active and productive lifestyle, including a residents&rsquo; lounge, recreation deck, resort-style pool and sun lounge, while bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer unrivalled views across the ocean and distant Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106646 project_image_fid=184785]

With a strong run of sales at the start of the year, only four half-floor apartments remain amongst the 27, as well as the $8 million full-floor penthouse.

The build is expected to be complete by September 2023.

2. Yves

Developer: Hirsch &amp; Faigen

Architect: Rothelowman&nbsp;

Yves is a contemporary collection of three towers, launched just before the end of 2021, marking&nbsp;Hirsch and Faigen&#39;s&nbsp;third Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

The $200 million Yves project will have 145 apartments across the three 26-level towers, designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/rothelowman" target="_blank">Rothelowman</a>, who have been Hirsch and&nbsp;Faigen&#39;s go-to architect on the Gold Coast.

Crowning Yves is the penthouse, spanning 335 sqm of internal space, plus an additional 71 sqm of private external living. It will have&nbsp;four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a multi-purpose room and a study.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186071]

The building&#39;s are topped with outdoor rooftop seating, with the residential amenity located in the shared lobby, which&nbsp;were designed as a greenhouse to create a suburban feel.

There will be a north-facing swimming pool as the centrepiece, as well as a pool and yoga deck, a&nbsp;gym, sauna, recreation lounge and barbecue seating.

3. Cala Dei

Developer: Spyre Group

Architect: bureau^proberts

Hutchies are currently constructing the sold-out Cala Dei, Spyre Group&#39;s redevelopment of the Hotel Kommune in on Coolangatta&#39;s dress circle Marine Parade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89840 project_image_fid=171557]

They&#39;re transforming the&nbsp;Komune Resort&nbsp;into a 12-level residential development designed by&nbsp;bureau^proberts, homing a total of 31 apartments.

Spyre Group&nbsp;director Andrew Malouf said the company had taken a considered approach to developing the site.

&ldquo;The site was originally intended for a 27-storey development, but we have significantly reduced this footprint,&quot; Malouf said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89840 project_image_fid=171556]

&quot;Instead, we propose to create luxury residences that complement the world class surfing reserve status of the southern Gold Coast beaches,&quot; Malouf said at the time of lodgement.

4. The Monroe

Developer: Lacey Group

Architect: Plus Architecture

Hutchinson&#39;s are currently construction The Monroe, the Lacey Group&#39;s luxury development&nbsp;on the Southern Gold Coast&rsquo;s exclusive Jefferson Lane, in the heart of Palm Beach. Designed by Plus Architecture, The Monroe all-but&nbsp;sold out all of its&nbsp;apartments in May 2021, after just two weeks of being on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89711 project_image_fid=193837]

The project will see&nbsp;33 two&nbsp;and three-bedroom apartments created, as well as a townhome and penthouse. Some 250 sqm of space will be dedicated to the rooftop terrace, which will feature a rooftop infinity pool, a fire pit, barbecue facilities, and a residents&rsquo; terrace comprising of indoor and lush outdoor lounges and recreation spaces, all set amongst panoramic ocean and hinterland views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89711 project_image_fid=193835]

Architecturally inspired by the Gold Coast&rsquo;s varying landscapes, The Monroe features floor to ceiling glass in living areas, maximising views and natural light throughout the apartments, while all corner apartments allow for cross ventilation.

Offering direct access to Palm Beach, transitioning between home and nature is designed to be as fluid as its surroundings.

5. 123OBR

Developer: Bottega Group

Architect: Woods Bagot

The Brisbane-based developer Bottega Group are behind the $52 million Broadbeach apartment block, 123OBR,&nbsp;described as&nbsp;vertically stacked verdant Queensland beach houses.

Named after its location of 123 Old Burleigh Road, one row back from Broadbeach, 123OBR will have 14 whole-floor&nbsp;apartments,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;a whole floor resort deck half way up the tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31666 project_image_fid=184162]

Designed by&nbsp;Woods Bagot, the typical whole-floor apartment will offer 224 sqm of living space featuring three-bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, two-bathrooms and an open-plan living and dining arrangement, which have views through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Included in the 14 apartments is a two-level penthouse crowning the building and a two-level pool house starting from the ground floor.

The pool house spans 388 sqm across two levels, with five-bedrooms, all with walk-in wardrobes, two powder rooms, a separate laundry, a home cinema/family room, a wine cellar, a private pool, garden and a separate balcony.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31666 project_image_fid=184148]

The two-level penthouse covers 384 sqm, comprising four-bedrooms, each with walk-in wardrobes, as well as three-bathrooms, two powder rooms, two internal verandas and two separate living and dining areas, a private study and a gym.

All residents of 123OBR will enjoy five-star resort amenities on level six with a poolside retreat adorned with curated artwork.

This space provides residents an extension of their private living spaces with the inclusion of additional facilities such as a commercial kitchen, space for a shared home office or library and private dining for guests.

6. Hemingway

Developer: Hirsch &amp; Faigen

Architect: Rothelowman&nbsp;

Hemingway, just off the sand at Palm Beach,&nbsp;was the first Gold Coast development for Hirsch and Faigen, delivering a variety of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24532 project_image_fid=86679]

Rothelowman&nbsp;have designed the tower which has been described as&nbsp;a multi-storey reimagining of the area&rsquo;s humble holiday shacks from the late 1950s and 1960s.

Hemingway is located at 1267-1273 Gold Coast Highway and&nbsp;will front the&nbsp;exclusive Jefferson Lane beachfront enclave.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24532 project_image_fid=86678]

The team reimagined the standard bulky apartment block into an innovative shape form, utilising curvature and cut outs to maximise and enhance views from every Hemingway apartment.

Residents of Hemingway will have access to a range of lifestyle amenities including its own ground-level caf&eacute; and communal open space with a swimming pool, pool lounge, barbecue area and outdoor cinema.

Coined after the famous author and featuring a distinct blush fa&ccedil;ade, construction of the 14-level building is expected to be complete by September 2023.

The $75 million project sold out all of its 78 apartments within a few months of its launch earlier last year.

Their extensive workbook sees Hutchinson's deliver around $2.5 billion worth of projects annually, everything from sports stadiums to hotel towers.



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