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?

Buxton Projects has purchased a park-front Malver​n East site for $10.5 million.

The 3987 sqm site at 50 Sycamore Street will likely become a townhouse project.

It was sold by Colliers agents Hamish Burgess and Joe Kairouz after offers closed in mid-October.

Set close to Waverley Oval, it was described as an &quot;unrepeatable and scarce development proposition in a quality inner eastern location.&quot;

Another site is currently for sale with approved plans and permits for seven 2-bedroom apartments and two contemporary 3-bed townhouses designed by Cactus Architects.

The 867 sqm site at 74 Chadstone Road, Malvern East is for sale through Thomson Malvern with a $2.5m to $2.7 m price guide.

Developers often face competition from local schools for sites.

In 2017 the site at 385-387 Wattletree Road, Malvern East was sold for $12,650,000 to Caulfield Grammar.

The 2230sqm site opposite Central Park, delivered the two vendors a $5650 a square metre windfall.

The site sits within the popular Stonnington municipality

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Buxton Projects secures Malvern East townhouse site 

Byron Bay&rsquo;s sustainable master-planned community Harvest, by Tower Holdings, will be the biggest house and land release in Byron in decades.&nbsp;

It will feature 149 energy-efficient homes set on a 150 acre property.

Every home will include water tanks, solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and Tesla home batteries. 
&nbsp; 
Existing bushland within site will be retained and enhanced through rehabilitation works.&nbsp;

The site plan will also conserve 38.4 hectares of existing vegetation, including 2.9 ha of existing frog habitat, to preserve endangered species of Wallum Froglet and Wallum Sedge-Frog.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="600" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/byron_bay_townhouses.jpg" width="1200" />

The community will have a strict &lsquo;no dogs and cats as pets&rsquo; rule to further protect native wildlife.

Terry Agnew&rsquo;s Tower Holdings paid $7m for the then-farming zoned parcel in 2014 with his then partner Villaworld hoping for a 300-lot estate.
 
&nbsp; 
Two of Australia&rsquo;s leading building companies, Metricon and Brighton Homes, have designed Harvest&rsquo;s homes on the site off Ewingsdale Road.

Knight Frank agent Adam Ross will be heading the sales in conjunction with Byron Bay First National&rsquo;s Chris Hanley and Su Reynolds who marketing the initial batch of homes, expected to sell for over $3 million each. There will be a 10 lot auction on December 18.

The last big estate launch was in 2015 when the late John &#39;Strop&#39; Cornell sold his 40 plus Fig Tree Fields, Ewingsdale building blocks, with buyers then designed their own homes.

Metricon and Brighton Homes have designed Harvest’s homes

Harvest, Byron Bay to have 149 energy-efficient houses

First-time buyers in NSW are overwhelmingly looking to buy a home rather than an investment property, according to exclusive research by InfoTrack.
 
The latest InfoTrack Property Market Update revealed 84 per cent of first-home buyers in NSW purchased as owner occupiers.

Some 47 per cent sought a house and 37 percent went for a strata property.

Another 15 per cent were buying vacant land with the plan of becoming an owner occupier.
 
The data also showed that the majority of first-home buyers said they would consider paying an average of $600,000 to $700,000 for a home – the top of the threshold to avoid expensive stamp duty fees in NSW.
 
“This strategy tells me these buyers are savvy and want to make the most of every exemption available to them. While it does limit property choices, it ultimately drives first-home buyer behaviour and lightens the load at settlement time when the costs come together,” according to InfoTrack CEO John Ahern.

Ahern noted throughout 2021 that first-home buyer activity has been in decline after peaking in March. 

Mr Ahern said despite this decrease, those getting into the market know just what they want.

“Buying a first home in a location based on affordability seems to be step one towards owning a property in a more desirable location. 

"Given the recent hike in property prices, securing a first home can really set buyers up with healthy capital gains in a relatively short timeframe. 

"It’s also a sensible move that offers them an opportunity to think about what their second property purchase might look like,” he said.

Over the past 12 months, a majority of first-home buyers in NSW (55 per cent) made their property purchase alone, or only listed one name on the title. 

“What I see when I look at this data is that property ownership is an attractive investment strategy regardless of whether you purchase independently, or jointly with others. It also indicates that there are more individuals with higher disposable incomes who can afford to buy their first home self-sufficiently,” Mr Ahern said.



The data showed that the majority of NSW first-home buyers said they would consider paying between $600,000 to $700,000 for a home 

NSW first time buyers prefer owner occupying rather than investment

It&rsquo;s been nearly two years of rolling lockdowns, but Melbourne is officially open for business. Not just to residing Melburnians, but to interstate travellers, office workers, and the rest of the world, all factors which contribute to experts&rsquo; belief that inner-city apartment prices are ripe for growth.

Buyers wanting to secure an apartment in the City of Melbourne LGA, which includes the CBD as well as popular surrounding areas of Southbank, Dockl​ands, Carlton and North Melbourne, <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions">can save 50% in stamp duty</a> on new&nbsp;apartments&nbsp;worth up to $1 million.&nbsp;If the property has been on the market for more than 12 months, then stamp duty is waived completely.

But the expectation is prices will have jumped significantly by then. Despite the pitfalls of 2021, from lockdowns, lack of interstate and international travel, and the exodus of office workers from the CBD for the best part of nine months, the median apartment value in the City of Melbourne LGA is still up 7.5 per cent year to date, research from property data firm CoreLogic shows.

Scott Jessop, the sales and marketing director at OSK Property who is currently developing the $2.8 billion mixed-use precinct <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> in <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, said there&rsquo;s been a major uptick in enquiry volumes since Melbourne&rsquo;s lockdown was lifted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=139891]

&ldquo;Since mid-October we&rsquo;re trending up week on week,&rdquo; Jessop says, adding that there&rsquo;s been activity from across the board, from buyers walking in to display suites to those making appointments.

Jessop says he just dealt with a foreign purchaser who is buying for his daughter who is studying in Melbourne. &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t seen one of those transactions in over 18 months&rdquo;, Jessop says, expecting that he will be seeing more as international students return.

&ldquo;The combination of the generous stamp duty concessions, the continued affordability gap between house prices and apartments, and the reactivation of the CBD, will no doubt see growth ahead.

&ldquo;A perfect storm is coming for the Melbourne apartments, it&rsquo;s just a matter of when.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137896]

Jessop says as demand grows, developers are likely to reduce the incentives that they are currently offering buyers. Buyers of apartments at <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> can save up to $120,000 on an apartment with an average sale price of $850,000. The savings include the government stimulus and a range of free incentives such as furniture packages and design stylist consultations.

Dennis Wilson, the managing director of <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> who is currently selling <a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">Focus</a>, the soon to be complete 600-apartment Southbank apartment tower, and the completed <a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">Melbourne Grand</a>, Lonsdale Street apartments, expects the City of Melbourne to bounce back strongly in 2022.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62353]

&ldquo;The federal and state governments are working to open borders and increase business migrant intakes, stimulate the tourism industry, re-invigorate major events and welcome back international students. The City of Melbourne should be a beneficiary of this,&rdquo; Wilson says.

The general consensus is that buyers are coming back from the surrounding suburbs, having spent the last few years outside of the city.

&ldquo;As well as seeing buyers already living in the inner-city, we are seeing interest from people who are looking to move from the suburbs, wanting to be closer to their workplace as offices reopen, shops and all the conveniences that come with inner city living,&rdquo; Wilson added.

&ldquo;For many the inner city is a more affordable option than living in their existing suburbs.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62320]

Elysa Anderson, General Manager of Residential Victoria at <a href="/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>, said the Mirvac team is focused on accelerating their supply of high-quality apartments in Melbourne, as they anticipate a shortage of owner-occupier residences in premium locations in the future.

&ldquo;We anticipate Victoria&rsquo;s population growth and demand for apartments to continue to strengthen in line with the Victorian Government&rsquo;s Roadmap to Recovery and various state budget stimulus packages,&rdquo; Anderson said.

&ldquo;The strength of the established housing market and the opening up of international borders will continue to drive very strong demand for well-designed and quality constructed apartments,&rdquo; Anderson added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=180326]

Mirvac has tweaked the design of Tower 9, in their master-planned Yarra&rsquo;s Edge precinct in the burgeoning Docklands&nbsp;area.

The ASX-listed developer saw a considerably stronger market for their projects in 2021 than in 2020, with <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager</a>, the recently completed eighth tower in Yarra&rsquo;s Edge, seeing a 20 per cent increase in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period the year before.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=167751]

Around 80 per cent of the buyers were owner-occupiers, but Anderson says they are seeing investors slowly creep back in.

&ldquo;Investors have begun to return to the market, primarily focused on master planned communities but demand is also gathering pace in the apartment markets.&quot;

For more information on stamp duty savings in the City of Melbourne,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1637718410495000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WoR6xmIwVttUthAfW2SKq" href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions" target="_blank">read more here</a>.

The suburbs that can save on stamp duty:

<a href="/new-apartments/kensington-vic-3031">Kensington</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North</a><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051"> Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/parkville-vic-3052">Parkville</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/east-melbourne-vic-3002">East Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/south-wharf-vic-3006">South Wharf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic?bedroom-prices2=1000000&amp;any-bedrooms=1&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=5&amp;any-bathrooms=1&amp;bathrooms%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;bathrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=3&amp;any-parking=1&amp;parking%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;parking%5Bvalue2%5D=4">Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a>.

Parts of <a href="/developments/flemington-vic-3031">Flemington</a>, <a href="/developments/carlton-north-vic-3054">Carlton North</a>, <a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> are also eligible&nbsp;for stamp duty concessions.

Buyers wanting to secure a new apartment in the City of Melbourne can save 50% in stamp duty on properties under $1 million.


Why now is the right time to buy a Melbourne inner-city apartment: What the experts say

Melbourne&#39;s top apartment sale in the past week was an off m​arket deal in the Eastbourne complex in East Melbourne.

The 1104/296 Victoria Parade apartment fetched $2,337,500.

It sold through Caine Real Estate agents Peter Hannon and Toby Campbell.

The 138 sqm apartment in the Mirvac project designed by architects, Bates Smart first sold off the plan in 2017 at $1,905,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1003 project_image_fid=15327]

The marketing of the parkside block commenced in 2016 ahead of its 2019 completion.

It boast hotel-style amenities such as a 24-hour concierge, pool, spa, gym, yoga-pilates room, private lounge, wine cellar, dining room, theatre room and business centre.

Melbourne&#39;s second highest advised sale was a twonhouse at 30a Park Crescent, Caulfield North which fetched $2,310,000.

The third priciest was a townhouse at 6 Mills Street, Albert Park.&nbsp;

The off market sale was apartment 1104 in the Eastbourne complex

$2.3 million Mirvac-built Eastbourne resale tops Melbourne's weekly apartment sales list

A whole floor apartment in the Allure, Surfers Paradise complex has been sold for $3,615,000.

Apartment 8 is a three bedroom, three bathroom plus study residence.

It is one of only 12 whole floor apartments, plus the two storey penthouse at 1 Northcliffe Terrace.

The 8th floor includes exotic timber, granite, marble and European appliances.&nbsp;

It has 336sqm space with secure private entry foyer, plus three car garaging and storage.

It is set on the beachfront on the corner of Northcliffe Terrace and Enderley Avenue.&nbsp;

The boutique building offers direct beach access, gym, pool, spa and steam room.

It was sold by Russell and Bob Rollington at First National Real Estate Surfers Paradise having last sold in 2016 at $3.4 million.

The sixth floor sold earlier this year at $3.05 million having sold in 2016 at $3,265,000.

There is another project with the same name, Allure which is Macquarie York&rsquo;s new development, a 17-storey luxury residential tower constructed on Chevron Island in Surfers Paradise.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21132 project_image_fid=33506]

It has been designed by award-winning Gold Coast firm BDA Architecture.

The apartment last sold at $3.4 million in 2016

$3.6 million Allure, Surfers Paradise apartment tops SEQ's weekly sales list 

A recently completed sub penthouse in the Adelaidean has been sold for $4.35 million topping the nation&#39;s weekly sales list.

It was the last remaining sub penthouse in the project undertaken by Kyren Group founder Theo Samaras.

The sale of three bedroom, three bathroom 3502/19 Frome Street was advised on sales websites by Nick Pelvay from Pelvay Group who listed it in April.

The adjoining sub penthouse was sold in June.

The 35th floor sub penthouse apartments have a private lift lobby.

No short stay accommodation (Airbnb etc) is allowed in the building which has become a mostly owner-occupier community among the 75 apartments.

The apartments sit atop Adelaide&rsquo;s newest hotel Crowne Plaza, with the residents having their own lift.

The hotel has 329 guest rooms located from the third floor to the 20th floor in the building designed by architects Brown Falconer. 
&nbsp; 
It has 3 metre high ceilings with Adelaide Oval, riverbank and parkland views.

The topping out of the 36 storey $150 million project was in late 2019 at 135 metres.

Construction got underway in February 2018 with completion achieved last year.

The site had contained a number of buildings and retail/commercial tenancies including Urban Cow Studio, The Rhino Room and Eckersley&rsquo;s Art &amp; Craft and a multilevel Wilson&rsquo;s car park.

Realm Adelaide with 310 luxury apartments in the 40-storey skyscraper ranks as the city&rsquo;s second tallest residential tower at 132 metres.

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the $200 million tower was built by Maxcon for Parallel Property.

Both are taller than Westpac House, the 1988 office complex owned by Abacus.

Monument, a stalled 2017 approved Adelaide apartment project could see a construction start next year after the site at 300 Rundle Street was bought by Ross Pelligra&#39;s Pelligra Group.

It is set to be rebranded.

It was one of two sub penthouse apartments on level 35 in the Adelaidean

$4.35 million Adelaide apartment tops the nation's weekly sales list

The Perth apartment developer, Edge Visionary Living, has a big 2022 in store.

Edge, led by their executive director&nbsp;Gavin Hawkins, will start developing arguably the two best apartment developments across the state next year, both beachside, and both set to become local icons of their respective area&#39;s.

They&#39;ll be starting in Scarborough with&nbsp;their $120 million beachfront apartment development, The Dunes, some 200 apartments across two buildings on a vast 6,600 sqm site, expected to launch around March time.

&quot;The Dunes will change the face of Scarborough apartment living,&quot; Hawkins said about the Hillam Architects-designed buildings that front the beach. They will also feature 25 metre lap pools and sunset beach bars.

&quot;There will be something for everyone,&nbsp;from one-bedroom apartments for the first home buyer demographic&nbsp;to significant penthouses for the downsizer,&quot; Hawkins added.

<img alt="" height="639" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/dunes_scarborough.jpg" width="1200" />

Hawkins compares Scarborough&#39;s rejuvenation to Melbourne&#39;s St Kilda, everything but the pristineness&nbsp;of the beach.

&quot;Scarborough is an eclectic mix of communities, with a lot of government money spent on it in recent years,&quot; Hawkins says.

&quot;It&#39;s really going through a renaissance in terms of social and public amenity in the area, and The Dunes really taps in to that redevelopment.&quot;

The significant site sits at the Northern end of the Gateway Precinct Zone, which Hilliam Architects said calls for developments to respond to the relaxed coastal setting by emphasising a relaxed coastal aesthetic.

&quot;The design of The Dunes has specifically taken on coastal cues and a softer curved form to meet this objective,&quot; they noted.

The Perth market has continued to be strong for the of​f the plan apartment, with a combination of&nbsp;high house prices&nbsp;and limited supply of high quality o​ff the plan apartments meaning high prices are being achieved for good product in good locations, Hawkins says.

Contributing to the somewhat limited supply is the lack of skilled work migration, paired with high construction costs.&nbsp;Hawkins says the developers who didn&#39;t plan far enough head&nbsp;will be pushing their proposed developments back, which is resulting in a supply shortage for those looking to downsize from the family home.

&quot;There will be a real shortage for the next 12 to 24 months,&quot; Hawkins says. &quot;We [Perth developers] won&#39;t be able to build quick enough.&quot;

Edge are well on track&nbsp;however, and are currently working on the designs for their redevelopment of the Ocean Beach Hotel, right on the beach in Perth&#39;s most affluent beach suburb of Cottesloe.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/obh_cottesloe.jpg" width="1200" />

&quot;Everyone in WA who is over 21 has had a beer at the OBH,&quot; Hawkins says, suggesting the area is Perth&#39;s version of Bondi Beach.

Edge will be working in collaboration&nbsp;with the longtime publican&#39;s of Ocean Beach Hotel, the Quinlivan family, for three towers that will home just shy of 200 apartments. They&#39;ll be a little larger and more premium than those at The Dunes.

Part of the redevelopment will see the OBH brought in to the 21st century. The above renders are proposed, as the development is still going through consultation prior to development application&nbsp;submission.

Hawkins compares Scarborough's rejuvenation to Melbourne's St Kilda, everything but the pristineness of the beach.

Edge Visionary Living line up apartment developments on two of Perth's best beaches

GurnerTM, the luxury apartment developer, has appointed the national construction firm ICON Construction to build the&nbsp;first 68-level tower at its massive Gold Coast project La Pelago

The build price is estimated to be over $350 million, and will take just over three years to complete.

It's the first of four towers on the sprawling Ferny Avenue&nbsp;site, and will be the tallest at 68 levels, the fourth tallest tower on the Gold Coast. It will home over 350 apartments, a 200-room hotel, a health and wellness precinct, a private resort and club, and a level 42 sky bar, as well as premium retail and hospitality space.

<a href="/new-apartments/aquia-la-pelago-108-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise">Be the first to register your interest on the project by enquiring here.</a>

There will be&nbsp;90 residences across the penthouse collection, ranging from levels 43 to 68.

Formal launch of apartments at La Pelago is expected in Q1 2022.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="724" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_pool.jpg" width="1200" />

Architecturally designed by Warren and Mahoney, ‘La Pelago’ centralises on a “private island” theme, whereby each building is surrounded by over 9,000sqm of amenity, lush tropical landscaping and pool-side water retreats.

“We are very excited to have appointed ICON to lead the construction on such a major project for us and the Gold Coast, where we will be really pushing the boundaries of what is possible in luxury property," Gurner boss Tim Gurner says.

<a href="/new-apartments/aquia-la-pelago-108-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise">Be the first to register your interest on the project by enquiring here.</a>

“We have now delivered eight projects with ICON, so we have tremendous confidence in the team’s ability to deliver a project of this scale and complexity.

"This project is very important to our business, and we are looking forward to working closely with ICON to deliver a new level of amenity and luxury for Australia."

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_4_0.jpg" width="1200" />

Two-bedroom apartments are the most popular across the residential buildings, accounting for more than half of the apartments in each tower.

Tower four is the second biggest, and will home 248 apartments, with between four to 16 per floor across its 34 levels.

Tower one will have 150 apartments across 30 levels&nbsp;and tower two the most boutique, with between two and four apartments per floor across its 25 levels, totalling 95 apartments.

All up the proposal will see over 1088 apartments and hotel rooms built.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="852" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_lobby_entry_1.jpg" width="1200" />

“La Pelago will allow us to draw on our unique experience in the retail, signature amenity and urban regeneration space, and apply it on a grand scale," Gurner said.

“When designing the project it was really about me dreaming about where we all want to be right now and for me that is a hot and sunny luxury private island. Something that offers sun, pools, amazing service, luxury amenities and residences – something right now you cannot get in Australia."

Warren and Mahoney&nbsp;design principal, Barrington Gohns, said&nbsp;La Pelago’s design will provide much more immersive experiences than previous projects, with stunning attention to detail across the four towers.

<a href="/new-apartments/aquia-la-pelago-108-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise">Be the first to register your interest on the project by enquiring here.</a>

"The design very much respects the crisp, natural island experience utilising integrated landscape and pools, lots of white, timber and glass in its form, with bespoke elements in each ‘island’," Gohns said.

“The foundation of La Pelago is steeped in context and identity, acknowledging the tension between river and coastline, and the design only takes what it can give back. A strong focus on health wellness resonates throughout, along with a carbon neutral manifesto we continue to drive with GURNERTM.”

Snapshot:

Mixed use development consisting of:

<ul>
	<li>4 x multi-storey Residential towers</li>
	<li>Three level podium</li>
	<li>Ground floor indoor/ outdoor communal recreation and amenities</li>
	<li>Food and Beverage</li>
	<li>Residential lobbies with on-site porte cochere drop offs</li>
	<li>Service areas/ Back of house</li>
	<li>1,000 car parks across two basement levels and two above grade levels</li>
	<li>200 hotel rooms</li>
	<li>Over 5,500sqm of retail, commercial, conferencing amenity, a day spa and business club</li>
	<li>A world-class retail precinct anchoring the ground plane</li>
	<li>2,000sqm private health and wellness Club</li>
	<li>Over 12,000sqm of resident and hotel amenity across the four towers</li>
</ul>

The build price is estimated to be over $350 million, and will take just over three years to complete

Gurner appoints ICON to build first tower in $1.25 billion Surfers Paradise mega apartment development, La Pelago

The shift to larger apartment types has continued, according to Urbis.

Its latest survey on the sale of new apartments illustrates the highest level of three bedroom or larger apartments sales that has been recorded in the Urbis Apartment Essentials survey since it began in 2015.

"This flips the pre-pandemic result of Q3 2019 where 15% of apartments sold had 3 bedrooms or more, 53% had 2 bedrooms and 33% had one bedroom or were a studio"  the report noted.

It additionally calculated the actual size of each apartment type has been creeping up too, with the average 2-bedroom 2 bathroom increasing from 86 sqm to 91 sqm in the year to Q3 2021 and a 3-bedroom 2 bathroom increasing from 127 sqm to 134 sqm. 

The trend co-incides with owner occupiers making up a larger share of demand.

It noted owner occupiers ranging from 55% in Inner Brisbane to 75% in Sydney. 

Overseas buyers that were once a major driver of the apartment market have fallen from a peak of 29% in 2016 to only represent 5% of buyers in Q3 2021. 

Urbis noted this buyer pool has been significantly impacted by Covid induced restrictions on travel and inbound international students to Australia, along with foreign buyer taxes.


The pipeline of completions has trended down in 2021, most noticeably in Sydney and Melbourne

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