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?

Australian home prices will have surged 22 per cent by the end of 2021, economists at Westpac now calculate.

They have upgraded their forecast from 18 per cent annual growth.

Their research update advises prices across major cities have risen 17 per cent to September and are on track for a 1.5 per cent rise during October.

The biggest growth will be 27 percent in Sydney, followed by Hobart on 25 percent and Brisbane on 22 percent.

Melbourne will see an 18 percent gain during 2021.

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Westpac&rsquo;s Bill Evans and Matthew Hassan expect the reopening after lockdowns in NSW and Victoria to trigger boosts that more than offset any initial drags from recently announced macro-prudential measures.

&ldquo;This strong momentum will carry into 2022. However, the pace of gains is expected to slow, levelling out over the course of next year before moving into a correction phase in 2023.&rdquo;

Price growth is expected to slow to 8% in 2022, up from its previous forecast of 5%, with most of that increase loaded into the first half of the year.

Brisbane will lead the 2022 growth with 10 percent price gains tipped by Westpac.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107345 project_image_fid=172022]

&ldquo;As we move into 2023, the impact of the RBA&rsquo;s tightening cycle will weigh more heavily on housing markets as borrowing capacity is impacted directly and as sentiment turns,&rdquo; Evans and Hassan said.

They expect the housing market to dip 5 per cent in 2023.

Prices across major cities are up 17 per cent to September and on track to jump 1.5 per cent this month

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Westpac sees 9% annual housing price growth difference between Sydney and Melbourne

It is more than just the affordable price and a desirable Bayside location that stand out about Southend Property Group&rsquo;s boutique apartment development, Southend, Brighton.

The 22 apartment have been carefully designed by the team at Metaxas Architects to match their prestigious address.&nbsp;

Every apartment across the three level building features elegant open plan living spaces that flow cleanly to a balcony or terrace.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94152 project_image_fid=171495]

The indoor and outdoor spaces have an organic flow and are intended to offer maximum functionality in a luxurious setting, with large sliding glass doors creating a welcoming space for entertaining or relaxing.&nbsp;

A sleek design aesthetic is shown across the carefully appointed kitchens. Blossom White cabinetry blends with stone benchtops and mirrored splashbacks, while Miele appliances and ample storage create a useful culinary space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94152 project_image_fid=171496]

Select two-bedroom apartments also feature a study with apartment sizes ranging from 81 sqm - 93 sqm.

Southend completely blends with the relaxed beachside lifestyle that is synonymous with Brighton while remaining affordable for both first-home buyers and investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94152 project_image_fid=171494]

Prices start as low as $549,000 for one of the 10 one-bedroom apartments at Southend, and $694,000 for one of the 12 two-bedroom apartments, almost half the price of the next-most affordable apartment complex in Brighton.

Completion is estimated for December 2022.

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The 22 apartment have been carefully designed by the team at Metaxas Architects to match their prestigious address.

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The design behind the first home buyer friendly Brighton apartments, Southend Brighton

The Melbourne property developer, Hive Properties, nailed their proposed design of The Gratis, a collection of the most luxurious residents in Deepdene.

Hive had Embrace Architects design the building, which features a metallic finish to concrete soffit, double glazed aluminium windows, and natural stone cladding.

The interiors of the 12 three-bedroom apartments were handled by the renowned designer&nbsp;Adele Bates.

<a href="/buildings/the-gratis-918-920-burke-road-deepdene" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/exterior_0.jpg" /></a>

Located on Burke Road in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-eastern suburb of Deepdene, the residences boasts contemporary finishes and high-quality features.

Open-plan living and dining, a built-in fireplace and the choice of two colour schemes are among the offerings in these boutique apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7337 project_image_fid=170647]

There&#39;s hardly a difference in the completed apartment compared to the renders produced, particularly of the luxury kitchen, the focal point of the open plan entertaining area.

That opens to extensive outdoor space through floor to ceiling glass doors.

<a href="/buildings/the-gratis-918-920-burke-road-deepdene" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kitchen.jpg" /></a>

The kitchens feature&nbsp;herringbone oak flooring, a Vintec wine fridge, a natural stone island,&nbsp;and integrated fridge and freezer.

Entry to the development is as luxurious as the apartments.&nbsp;

The grand lobby features a chandelier, Control 4 automated entryway and natural stone tiling.

<a href="/buildings/the-gratis-918-920-burke-road-deepdene" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lobby_entrance.jpg" /></a>

&ldquo;We really curated each interior of the twelve to be unique in its own way in terms of ensuring the space planning was really resolved, and how we best maximise the space for entertaining, for living&rdquo;, Adele Bates said.

There is a&nbsp;built-in cocktail bar, Zip HydroTap, natural stone benchtops and brass finishes that harmonise with the interior styling in the kitchen and bathroom.

The ensuite&nbsp;bathroom includes a free-standing bath and fluted glass shower screens.

<a href="/buildings/the-gratis-918-920-burke-road-deepdene" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ensuite.jpg" /></a>

The Gratis sits in landscaped gardens designed by one of Melbourne&#39;s most popular landscape architects, Jack Merlo.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The&nbsp;Gratis&nbsp;offers a unique opportunity for people who might be coming out of a larger home or property in the area with all the beautiful leafy streets and gardens,&rdquo; he said.

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The interiors of the 12 three-bedroom apartments were handled by the renowned designer Adele Bates

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Render Vs. Reality: How Hive got it right with Deepdene luxury apartment development, The Gratis

The higher demand for new super-prime apartments has prompted a 36 per cent value lift since June 2015, outperforming the established apartment market, according to recent Knight Frank research.

There had been a 31 per cent increase in established apartment values across the major cities in the same period.

However Sydney was the only city to buck the trend with its older stock up by 48 per cent compared to 30 per cent for new apartments, with limited new luxury products being launched across Sydney.

Knight Frank defines super-prime as the top 1 per cent of each market by value &ndash; a threshold of more than $10 million in Sydney and Melbourne and $7 million in Brisbane, Perth and the Gold Coast.

Sales of luxury apartments worth more than $10 million surged during the first half of 2021, compared to the decade average, the Knight Frank research shows.

The report calculated 67 super-prime luxury apartments changed hands around the nation, although the majority were at Crown Residences at One Barangaroo.

<img alt="" height="666" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/one_barangaroo_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Inside the One Barangaroo penthouse

&ldquo;The first half of 2021 was the first time it&rsquo;s been possible that exchanged sales in the super-prime Crown Residences at One Barangaroo have been captured within the total residential sales volume by our research team,&quot; aid Michelle Ciesielski, Knight Frank&rsquo;s head of residential research.

&ldquo;What we saw in this time was the top five super-prime apartment sales in Sydney average $39 million, and four of these five apartment sales took place at One Barangaroo - reflecting the demand of our ultra-wealthy population for super-prime luxury homes in the sky.&rdquo;

&ldquo;The widening gap between buyer demand and appropriate property supply remains concerning, and residential construction difficulties continue to delay delivery of new products,&quot; said Michelle Ciesielski.

<img alt="" height="638" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/one_barangaroo_living.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Inside the One Barangaroo penthouse

&ldquo;The shortage of suitable product, particularly at the top end of the market where rightsizes play, has been exacerbated by developers unable to easily secure sites in prime locations adding to the highly pressurised buying environment across Australian cities.&rdquo;

When it comes to prime residential, generally defined as the top 5% of each market by value across Australia, Knight Frank&#39;s latest report advised Sydney saw the greatest rise in apartment prices, some 10.6 percent, followed by 10 percent in the Gold Coast.

Knight Frank definition of prime sees a threshold of more than $3 million in Sydney and Melbourne and $2 million in Brisbane, Perth and the Gold Coast.

Prime price apartment prices increased 3.2% in 2020 to $25,500 psi, ranging from $13,000 psm to $65,000 psm.&nbsp;

Values for new apartments have jumped by 36 per cent since June 2015

One Barangaroo leads as super-prime apartment off the plan sale prices strengthen

It was important to Jinding to nail the design of their first ever Gold Coast development.

Jinding, who has been developing property in Melbourne for a number of years, engaged the local DKO Architecture to create SORA, Japanese for sky, in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

&lsquo;Sora&rsquo;s architecture pays homage to the sun, sand and water it is surrounded by; it is a layered, authentic expression of structure and materiality which is shaped by these elements, providing a sheltered haven for its residents to explore and embrace their coastal surroundings and lifestyle,&quot; DKO&#39;s design leader, Kai Chua, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94825 project_image_fid=177744]

Chau said the&nbsp;project embraces its unique coastal environment through an architecture which both opens up to the views, and protects its inhabitants from the sun and wind.

&quot;The majority of the apartments are orientated east, with some to the north and south to take advantage of the view as well as protect the residents from the brunt of the afternoon sun,&quot; Chau advised.

DKO worked with the&nbsp;existing Norfolk Pines on the site, incorporating them at the base of the building to form part of the entry. The first apartment level, above two mezzanine levels, with the first apartment level starting at the tops of the canopy.

It&#39;s the lifestyle that SORA is selling, says Jinding&rsquo;s managing director of development, Liz Ronson.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94825 project_image_fid=177732]

&quot;It&#39;s not just the homes that they can live in anymore, but the lifestyle and the year-round destination that SORA offers,&quot; Ronson&nbsp;says.

&quot;There&#39;s the sun and surf lifestyle, with the beach less than 100 metres from the front door,&quot; Pennings suggested, adding that the foodie culture is also growing around the area.

&quot;There&#39;s a really good case for those part-time, holiday makers and investors, to make SORA apartments home.&quot;

Ronson says the mix of unique selling points are attracting a variety of buyer groups, however it&#39;s the amenity which is one of the main drivers.

There will be a&nbsp;ground floor pool and gym, barbecue area, games room, and rooftop with an outdoor room and two multi-purpose rooms.

The 122 apartments were launched via Jinding&#39;s database&nbsp;first, seeing significant interest from investors and repeat customers.

Jinding then went locally with a soft launch,&nbsp;and saw an even split from all facets of the market, with investors, first and second home buyers, and downsizers all showing keen interest.

Locals made up the most enquiry traffic, but there was also strong interest from Sydney.

One-bedroom apartments start from $456,000, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $719,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94825]

Locals made up the most enquiry traffic, but there was also strong interest from Sydney

Jinding launch Surfers Paradise apartment tower, SORA

Keysborough, south-east of Melbourne, has become one of the most popular destinations during the COVID-enduced exodus from the city.

The suburb, near Dandenong, has established itself as a combination of affordable property, family-friendly lifestyle choices, and a commutable distance to the city.

Keysborough has attracted a number of young families, young professionals, and even downsizers, in the last few years, with the suburb recording price growth of 17.2 per cent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59642]

It&#39;s close to surrounding beaches, including Aspendale and Parkdale Beach, as well as a number of parks, the biggest being Tatterson Park, which features an outdoor soccer pitch, a dog park, and an outdoor gym.

There&#39;s education for all, from the newly-built Keysborough Gardens Primary School, to Haileybury College, which the&nbsp;local council has announced plans to build&nbsp;a kindergarten and community event space, next to&nbsp;the Keysborough South Community Centre.

One of the most popular Keysborough developments that is being snapped up by young families is&nbsp;Haven Townhomes, the affordable townhouse collection developed by Aultun Property Group.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59637]

The Keysborough&nbsp;development has been designed&nbsp;by Cera Stribley Architects, who designed&nbsp;luxury developments like Edition in Toorak and Tate in Kew.

There are currently only a handful three-bedroom townhomes still for sale, priced from $714,000.

Each townhome is surrounded by verdant greenery, and the Haven Gardens is a central feature of the development, offering residents a green community space.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8082]

Keysborough has attracted a number of young families, young professionals, and even downsizers, in the last few years, with the suburb recording price growth of 17.2 per cent

Why Keysborough is attracting young families, as well as first home buyers

Haven Townhomes, in the family-friendly suburb of Keysborough, 27 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, has proven&nbsp;popular in the past few months with more than 75 per cent of the 59 townhomes already sold.

The development has been featured multiple times on Urban&#39;s most popular projects among&nbsp;first home buyers and investors, due to its larger, and more affordable townhouses.

Aultun Property Group developed the townhouse collection, which was&nbsp;designed by the highly regarded Cera Stribley Architects, the design team behind luxury developments like Edition in Toorak and Tate in Kew.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59641]

There are currently only a handful three-bedroom townhomes still for sale, priced from $714,000.

Situated surrounded by thriving wetlands and meandering walking trails, each of the 59 Haven Townhomes are in a prime position for sweeping views, access to nature and convenient amenities.

Each home itself is surrounded by verdant greenery, and the Haven Gardens is a central feature of the development, offering residents a green community space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59637]

Part of the appeal of Keysborough is it&#39;s strong investment fundamentals,&nbsp;the suburb has continued to develop infrastructure and facilities to meet growing&nbsp;demand, including golf courses, shopping centres and wetlands.

Completion has been&nbsp;estimated for December this year.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8082]

The development has been featured multiple times on Urban's most popular projects among first home buyers and investors, as it has been well received throughout 2021

Haven Townhomes in Keysborough more than 75% sold

The Gold Coast&nbsp;apartment market is continuing its bull run of sell-outs.

The latest comes from Palm Beach, where The Tally, the 45-apartment development on Twenty-Eighth Avenue, sold out in under three months.

The marketing began in mid-July, where half of the apartments were accounted for in less than two weeks through KM Sales and Marketing agents Todd Matheson and Chez Fraser.

Matheson says around 70 per cent of apartments went to locals.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95222 project_image_fid=170590]

&quot;It was a huge success, with big pricing per square metre bettering anything else that side of the Gold Coast Highway&quot;, Matheson added.

The Tally, to the western side of the Gold Coast Highway but still just a stone&#39;s throw from the beach, was the work of Scott Dolso&#39;s MVGS Property Group.

They had BDA Architecture design the nine-level building, which in their design statement said was inspired by the natural landforms of Burleigh Headland and Tallebudgera Creek, the fluid movements of waves, and the subtle curves of the creek.

&quot;The architectural form and colour tones pay homage to the local context and history,&quot; the statement read.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95222 project_image_fid=170588]

A raft of first home buyers hit the enquiry submission early in the marketing campaign, with the one-bedroom apartments priced from $450,000, which included a car space Unsurprisingly, they were the first to be snapped up.

MVGS recently developed Canopy, a similar development of 49 apartments&nbsp;also designed by BDA, nearby at 3-7 Twenty Fourth Avenue.

A number of the buyers in The Tally came&nbsp;from Canopy.

The Tally, just a stone's throw from the beach, was the work of Scott Dolso's MVGS Property Group

MVGS secure sell-out of The Tally, Palm Beach apartments

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with both breathtaking vista's and convenience.

Designing a building offering a collection of 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, the award-winning Rothelowman Architects has placed people at the cornerstone of their design.

Located on the building’s rooftop is a variety of communal spaces providing residential facilities and green spaces, with views of Melbourne’s city skyline and parks.

Brimming with amenity, the project boasts a communal lounge area, kitchen and entertainment dining, providing a refreshing work from home space or a quiet corner for a good book.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85958]

The apartments are described as a&nbsp;blank canvas, designed to fulfill resident's needs&nbsp;through clean&nbsp;open-plan living.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide connectivity to Melbourne, casting light on&nbsp;timber floorboards. The synergy between neutral interiors and the exteriors homage to Brunswick's industrial heritage inspire the ideal of hardwork and creativity a blank slate brings.

Canvas is located in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, among&nbsp;universities and a short walk from Princes Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85966]

Situated on the bustling Barkly Street, Canvas provides absolute convenience with private and secure access to an on-grade car park, with no car lifts or parking stackers.

Each apartment also benefits from at least one bike space and on-site bike maintenance facilities are available.

Green living was taken as a requirement with additions such as all communal areas in the complex make use of solar technology and the rooftop garden collects rainwater for greywater harvesting diminishing the building carbon footprint.

Canvas has a&nbsp;walk score of 97/100, located less than a minute from nearby shops and just three minutes&nbsp;walk to the nearest tram stop.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29358]

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with both breathtaking vista's and convenience

Rediscover working from home at ID_Land's Canvas in Brunswick

The number of new loan commitments amongst owner occupiers (rightsizers) while&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;to taper off, remains up 33.5 per cent for the year,&nbsp;according to the ABS.

While not as exaggerated as earlier this year, ABS data shows that new loan commitments by the demographic&nbsp;fallen most strongly across newly built dwellings.&nbsp;

This can be attributed in part to spring selling season with the market's stock growing and reducing the competition as demand wavers, while the skyrocketing growth towards the start of 2021 was due in part largely to a number of government initiatives including the HomeBuilder Grant.

Despite this new and existing owner occupier&nbsp;loan commitments have continued to make solid ground. Urban has highlighted the developments in the suburbs most popular amongst rightsizers&nbsp;for the month of September.

<h2>Hawthorn East</h2>

Hawthorn East is consistent feature on the most popular investor and first home buyer&nbsp;suburbs list as one of&nbsp;Melbourne’s most blue chip suburbs.

One development highlighting this nature is Hawthorn Park, close to the shops and restaurants on Glenferrie, Burke, Auburn, Burwood, and Riversdale Roads.

The recently completed&nbsp;Hawthorn East development is surrounded by heritage homes and buildings, cafes, boutiques and bars, in addition to a well connected public transport system.

Dahua Group had architecture firm ROTHELOWMAN, one of Australia’s leading architecture practices, collaborate with the landscape architect Jack Merlo on the Camberwell Road development of 330 residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730 project_image_fid=171604]

Residents enjoy the property’s landscaped green spaces and parks that feature fruit and vegetable gardens for dwellers to grow their own produce. The project also features a sky boardwalk, splash pool, sky lounge, massage suites and fully-equipped gym.

<h2>Brunswick</h2>

Brunswick is a popular spot for the owner occupier demographic, among first homer buyers and those buying their second home and beyond in Melbourne's north.

When COVID lockdowns lift, Brunswick will again be home to live music, upbeat pubs and beer gardens. At the area's heart,&nbsp;Sydney Road&nbsp;has Middle Eastern and Mediterranean eateries, offbeat shops, shisha lounges and cafes along its considerable length. Neighbouring East Brunswick is more upscale, home to upwardly mobile professionals and craft-beer bars.

It is a true lifestyle destination with 4 Ballarat Street proven consistently popular in the area, due in large part to it's location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160734]

Located in the heart of Brunswick, a popular location for cafes and restaurants,&nbsp;Assemble&nbsp;Futures are also&nbsp;offering a&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model which has made this development particularly popular amongst first home buyers.

Designed by&nbsp;Fieldwork Architects&nbsp;and with landscaping by Rush Wright, 4 Ballarat places an emphasis on providing a seamless transition to the natural environment, with each apartment running on 100% renewable energy.&nbsp;

<h2>Geelong</h2>

Geelong has remained consistently popular among buyers of every demographic, making an appearance on many of Urban's top investors suburb lists.&nbsp;

For good reason, as one of Urban's most popular projects, Ryrie Home, find's itself in Geelong. Ryrie Home sits in the heart of the regional city’s art precinct, pitching its proximity to Melbourne and cheaper housing prices as a drawcard for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

The project was listed as Urban's most popular investor project for Q1 2021 thanks to Geelong’s low vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent and the 10 per cent per annum growth in apartments over the last three years.

The transport improvements in Geelong, including the $100 million fast rail and the $6.7 billion Westgate Tunnel which will shave 20 minutes off any commute, has rightsizers keen on securing a property in the growing area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

Designed by Architectus, the project boasts an authoritative and restrained grid façade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies.

<h2>Chelsea Heights</h2>

Chelsea Heights, in Melbourne’s exclusive Bayside precinct, is one of the most-sought after, and most expensive, areas of real estate in Victoria.

So it's no surprise that Sixth Avenue's premium location appeals to all kinds of owner occupiers.&nbsp;Chelsea Heights features great access to arterial roads such as the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Eastlink, Nepean Highway and Beach Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136 project_image_fid=93835]

Designed by Point Architects in the near coastal suburb Chelsea Heights, south-east of Melbourne, Sixth Avenue features light-filled interiors, bespoke landscaping and recreational amenities within easy reach. &nbsp;

Boasting a collection of 59 two, three and four-bedroom residences, they are surprisingly affordable&nbsp;with prices starting from just $630,000 for a two bedroom townhouse and $730,000 for a three bedder.

The number of new loan commitments amongst owner occupiers (rightsizers) while beginning to taper off, remains up 33.5 per cent for the year, according to the ABS

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