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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

PQD, a joint venture between Pomeroy Pacific and Quattro Corp, has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, an exclusive collection of just 18 luxury residences, offering resort-style living on a scale rarely seen in boutique developments.&nbsp;

Located on Kooyongkoot Road within <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>’s prestigious Scotch Hill precinct, Kooyongkoot brings together a mix of wellness and lifestyle amenities.&nbsp;Residents will have access to a private wellness centre, including infrared and traditional saunas, a massage and therapy room, cold therapy shower, a yoga and pilates studio, and a fully equipped gym.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355295]

Beyond wellness, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> features a curated suite of lifestyle amenities, from an immersive golf simulator with its own guest viewing lounge to a residents’ retreat designed for entertaining. Additional conveniences include a professional-grade car wash, dog wash station, 24/7 parcel lockers, and expansive private storage rooms for every resident.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355296]

"Kooyongkoot represents a shift in how boutique developments are imagined," said Mark Pomeroy, CEO of Pomeroy Pacific.

"We listened closely to what downsizers actually want – not just beautiful interiors, but lifestyle-enhancing amenities without the compromises of high-density living. This is not a project that was simply drawn and delivered. It is the product of dedication, discipline and a desire to create something truly enduring in Hawthorn’s most coveted precinct.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355298]

Designed by award-winning studio <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the building blends sculptural architecture with refined materiality. Residences feature oak timber floors, natural stone finishes, V-Zug appliances, and extensive custom detailing throughout. Penthouses elevate the experience further, with private lift lobbies, three-meter ceilings, and rooftop terraces with private pools and panoramic views.&nbsp;

Light and airflow were central to the building's design. A four-storey central garden lightcourt draws natural light and fresh air into every corridor, creating openness and calm throughout. The 18 residences span four floors, with two dedicated lift cores providing discreet access and reinforcing a sense of privacy and exclusivity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355289]

"Designing Kooyongkoot was about achieving intimacy without sacrificing luxury," said Chris Stribley, founding partner at Cera Stribley. "We’ve created spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life. Wellness, convenience and calm were essential design principles from the beginning.”&nbsp;

Positioned within walking distance of parklands, private schools, Auburn Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot offers a rare opportunity to reside in one of Hawthorn’s most tightly held residential enclaves, with the ease and amenity of true resort-style living.&nbsp;

The project is currently under construction, with registrations of interest now being accepted.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

PQD unveils Kooyongkoot, resort-style living in the heart of Hawthorn

Builder–developer Deicorp has unveiled yet another new apartment development in Greater Sydney.

This time, they’re breaking into the booming Lower North Shore market for the first time with the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a>&nbsp;in Crows Nest.

Named after its location on the corner of Falcon and Alexander Streets, and within walking distance of the Crows Nest Metro, the development has been designed by Turner and will comprise around 212 apartments above a ground-floor retail precinct and a hotel, the latter increasingly forming part of Deicorp’s strategic development mix.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135323 project_image_fid=351943]

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned around a central atrium and landscaped internal gardens. Higher-level residences will take in views toward Sydney Harbour, while interiors are framed by floor-to-ceiling glazing and finished with a mix of stone, timber and custom joinery.

In addition to the 140 private residences, 48 apartments will be delivered as part of an affordable housing component. A 100-room hotel will occupy the southern corner of the site, with residents accessing a private rooftop garden, dining room, and wellness spaces. Ground-floor activation will include space for cafés and small-scale retail.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135323 project_image_fid=351927]

Deicorp founder Fouad Deiri said the project marks a new step for the group’s portfolio.

“This is a community we deeply respect, and we’re proud to contribute with a project that reflects the character, energy, and potential of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>,” Deiri said.

“This is an iconic location, and a great location deserves a great design. With Falcon &amp; Alexander, we’re delivering more than just apartments; it will be a new landmark for Crows Next that not only delivers housing but will benefit the community with an activated retail offering."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135323 project_image_fid=351931]

Deicorp went through several design iterations for Falcon &amp; Alexander, clearing hurdles with both the local council and State Government to get the project to where it is now.

The builder–developer has already commenced construction on the building, one of several Deicorp is delivering across Sydney. The company currently has more than 2,000 apartments under construction, with plans for thousands more in the pipeline.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135323]

Deicorp launches Falcon & Alexander, Crows Nest apartments

Gold Coast developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> has made a strong market debut in Brisbane by selling nearly three-quarter of its recently launched South Brisbane apartment development, Symphony.

Sherpa fielded over 3,000 expressions of interest for the development which forms part of Sherpa's burgeoning Flourish brand, aimed at offering a more affordable entry point for first home buyers than what else is on the market.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a>, proposed for a prime 1,366sqm site at 21–23 Cordelia Street in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a>,&nbsp;will deliver 138 apartments across 25 levels, with 25 of the apartments priced under $1 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=5155]

“The affordability that Symphony presents to residential property buyers has created a remarkable level of enquiry for what we believe is a standout project for the South Brisbane market,” said Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet.

“The Flourish brand has been highly successful for us on the Gold Coast, and it’s evident that Brisbane buyers are equally drawn by the quality and amenity that Symphony offers in one of the most vibrant inner-city locations.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=353550]

Sherpa Group has been among the most prolific developers on the Gold Coast in recent years, undertaking 15 projects since 2018.

The company has currently seven projects in Palm Beach, with four of them under the Flourish brand that is delivering affordable beachside luxury for one of the most undersupplied markets on the Gold Coast.

Symphony, which is positioned at the junction of South Bank, West End, and Fish Lane, is located in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment, dining and leisure precinct. The location also offers exceptional walkability to QPAC, galleries, riverside parklands, the CBD, major universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

“As our first development for the Brisbane market, we saw this precinct as a strategic location for Sherpa to deliver attainable housing in one of Brisbane’s most connected and culturally vibrant neighbourhoods,” added Leet.

“Our vision for each project is always founded on a sense of community, which is why we have ensured that locals who already know and love this area were prioritised during the early release of Symphony residences.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351653]

Symphony has attracted strong interest from a range of buyers, including first home buyers, downsizers, local owner-occupiers, and investors.

Building on a solid reputation where 100 per cent of projects have been successfully delivered on the Gold Coast, Sherpa Group enlisted architectural firm HAL to design Symphony - envisaging an "architectural gem with activated street frontage and an array of amenities to rival five-star resorts."

Symphony features an expansive rooftop wellness and recreation area spanning more than 1,400 sqm across two levels, with all amenities designed to foster community, connection and wellbeing among residents.

The rooftop will comprise a heated pool, steam room, saunas, and hot and cold plunge pools; work from home spaces, private treatment room, pool deck cabanas and private outdoor BBQ areas; a private dining room and residents’ lounge; a fully equipped gym and yoga studio; and panoramic views of the Brisbane skyline and Mt Coot-tha.

Symphony buyers are given access to a full-time concierge service to provide off the plan assistance and construction updates; hard-hat tours during construction; and post-settlement move-in and appliance induction support.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7574]

Sherpa locks in $240m of sales at debut Brisbane apartment development Symphony

The well-trodden path to development on the Gold Coast typically involves taking an underutilised site, either a vacant block of land or an ageing low-rise apartment building, and turning it into something new and shiny.

Growing Gold Coast developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/polycell-group">Polycell</a> is taking a different approach. While they are indeed targeting underutilised assets, their focus is on redeveloping existing buildings, specifically ageing holiday resorts.

Polycell’s next project to launch will be the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-polycell-files-sandpiper-redevelopment-plans-after-owner-buyout">redevelopment of Sandpiper on Old Burleigh Road</a>. The existing 12-level building will make way for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/sandpiper-broadbeach-155-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">new 52-level tower</a> comprising around 200 two- to five-bedroom apartments. The lower portion of the tower will feature six apartments per floor, while the upper levels will offer a selection of larger residences.

This comes on the heels of their recent approval for the redevelopment of The Voyager Resort, also on Old Burleigh Road, where the 1997 timeshare building will be replaced with a 59-level tower.

Polycell’s debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Rochester</a>, was a more conventional acquisition. They purchased the Vaucluse block, which was easier to redevelop due to the small scale of the original walk-up apartment complex.

Much like The Rochester, Sandpiper will demonstrate Polycell’s commitment to high-level resident amenity. The building will offer three levels of dedicated facilities. The podium level will include a lap pool with floating daybeds, a communal kitchen, dining and lounge areas, a gym with a yoga room, a games room with a golf simulator, and a wellness zone with a spa, hot and cold plunges, and a sauna and steam room.

Levels 33 and 34 will host a residents’ club featuring similar amenities alongside meeting rooms, a two-level club lounge with a spiral staircase, a wine room with adjoining private dining spaces, a library, and a cinema.

Polycell is continuing its strategy of repositioning ageing holiday resorts. Their latest play is on Queensland Avenue, where they’ve been quietly acquiring apartments in the Barbados Holiday Apartments. The early-1980s building sits opposite Federation Park, midway between the beach and the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre.

The developer will no doubt be planning something in line with its three other projects, which together would push Polycell’s total apartment count toward 1,000 since entering the local market in 2023.

Exclusive first look: Polycell ramps up Broadbeach holiday resort buy-up

Developer builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>&nbsp;has launched the next stage of its award-winning Ashbury Terraces development.

The new release, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/milton-estate-ashbury-149-163-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Milton Estate</a>, is a mix of apartments and townhouses focused on resort-inspired living, a rarity in Ashbury given its status as one of few "heritage-listed suburbs" due to the&nbsp;Ashbury Heritage Conservation Area, which protects the character of the suburb's streetscapes and most of its homes.

As noted in the 2026 edition of the annual McGrath Report, this pocket of Sydney’s Inner West bordering Dulwich Hill is beginning to see rising values, yet opportunities remain for buyers seeking quality homes. With generous land allotments, period character and an emerging café scene, the area has largely flown under the radar until now.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/milton-estate-ashbury-149-163-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Milton Estate</a> introduces carefully scaled architecture that complements the surrounding conservation character. Brickwork façades, deep reveals and considered planting reference Ashbury’s established streetscapes, while interiors emphasise natural light, storage and everyday liveability.

“Milton Estate builds on the quiet character of Ashbury, drawing from its history of brickmaking and its generous landscape,"&nbsp;said Adam Haddow, Partner at SJB.

"The architecture is scaled to feel intimate and personal, with surprise moments to see the sky, capture breezes and enjoy long views through the canopy. When residents feel a genuine connection to their surroundings, they care for it, and that’s where the heart of great communities starts."

At the heart of the project is a heated pool with lounge areas immersed in greenery, and a fully equipped gym.&nbsp; Landscaped paths connect through the precinct and out to W H Wagener Oval, extending everyday access to local open space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134823 project_image_fid=355905]

&nbsp;

The offering includes three-bedroom terraces, some with rooftop spaces that capture district and city views, alongside one- to four-bedroom apartments. Many homes provide dual aspects, abundant natural light and flexible study zones to support evolving household needs. Buildings B and C will also enjoy access to communal landscaped rooftops and garden terraces, some with city views.

Coronation’s Managing Director, Joe Nahas, said&nbsp;Ashbury Terraces demonstrated that good design has the power to shape not just homes, but whole communities.

"To see that recognised on the world stage was incredibly rewarding,” Nahas said on its&nbsp;shortlisting at the 2024 World Architecture Festival.

“With Milton Estate, we’re deepening that legacy, delivering homes that combine architectural beauty with generous gardens and resort-style amenity – the ease and wellbeing people are craving in modern life. It’s a continuation of our belief that great neighbourhoods are built on connection, craftsmanship and care.”

Expressions of interest have commenced, with pricing stating from $780,000 for apartments and $2,285,000 for terraces. Construction has commenced and is expected to reach practical completion in Q4 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134823]

Coronation unveils Milton Estate, Ashbury Terraces second stage

Sherlock Construction Homes is advancing plans for another townhouse development in Caboolture’s emerging Goshawk Court precinct, lodging a proposal to deliver 50 dwellings over a 12,370 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/18-goshawk-court-caboolture-qld-4510">18 Goshawk Court</a>.

Located on the northern side of Goshawk Court and fronting Cottrill Road and Sims Street, the site is currently improved by a single dwelling and intersected by an existing drainage easement. Under the application, the land will be reconfigured into three lots to accommodate two residential parcels.

According to the Planning Report by Zone Planning QLD, the project comprises 50 two-storey townhouses designed by MODE Design Corp.

<img alt="18 Goshawk Court" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59ae0e02-93ff-4f3d-bbb0-c1ec1c385746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Caboolture%20master.png?VersionId=4v4cGDmtEceHzkJEcXajz5mAU2tk_N0K" />

Each townhouse will include a private open space of 15 sqm, a single lock-up garage, and additional driveway parking for 24 of the units. An internal driveway network will provide circulation across the bifurcated site, with access taken independently from both Goshawk Court and Sims Street.

“The proposal provides a well-considered and functional design outcome that responds to constraints and will complement and enhance the existing and emerging urban forms in the general locality,” Zone Planning QLD noted in their report.

Communal open space areas totalling 500 sqm will be split across the two lots, with landscaping designed to integrate larger canopy trees and native species reflective of the site’s riparian corridor.

<img alt="18 Goshawk Court" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53671bb1-3262-4204-83a7-ffda628ad1e6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Caboolture%20north.png?VersionId=6WXgLFGXR9t3wlkpjaaD5osGdDXyC_nQ" />

The 50-townhouse application follows Sherlock Construction Homes' broader push into the precinct. Just to the south and east, the builder is also pursuing approval for a significantly larger development across five parcels spanning 65–74 Goshawk Court and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/108-pumicestone-road-caboolture-qld-4510">102–114 Pumicestone Road</a>. That application proposes 165 three-bedroom townhouses delivered over four distinct parcels, connected via a new road extension, Kestrel Road.

As noted in the larger application’s assessment report, the surrounding area is “in a state of transition, with the historic rural residential settlement pattern transitioning to a more urban environment.” The adjoining proposal includes communal open space, stormwater infrastructure designed as regional trunk infrastructure, and a density of 51.6 dwellings per hectare, consistent with the Next Generation Neighbourhood Precinct zoning objectives.

First look: Sherlock Construction joins Caboolture townhouse boom

Plans for a $341 million mixed-use precinct, including 482 new homes, have been filed for a former drive-in cinema site in Caddens, a new masterplanned residential neighbourhood around two hours west of Sydney.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> for developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/holdmark-property-group">Holdmark Property Group</a>, the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) comprises 17 mid-rise buildings delivering apartments and shoptop housing, 3461 sqm of retail, new streets and community space, and an expanded public domain.

The 8.1-hectare site adjoins the existing Caddens Corner Shopping Centre and is organised around a new civic hub and ‘Six Seasons Walk’, linking a network of local and community parks that extend the existing Cumberland Plain ecology along the site’s northern edge. &nbsp;

The site, once home to Kingswood Drive-In, is located within walking distance of Western Sydney University’s expanding Kingswood campus and the Nepean Hospital health precinct, 50 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.

Holdmark Planning and Development Manager Eliyah El-Khoury says the revised scheme features a varied housing mix of apartments and terrace typology, reflecting both local demand and the long-term vision for the Werrington Enterprise Living and Learning (WELL) Precinct.&nbsp;

“By offering a diversity of apartment types – including 15 percent essential worker housing – and integrating new parks and a strong civic centre, we’re vesting a welcoming, walkable neighbourhood that supports residents to live and study in Caddens, bringing to life this hidden gem, just 5km from Penrith CBD and a short 15-minute drive from the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis precinct,” El-Khoury says.

The development also aligns with Western Sydney’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy, which positions Caddens as “a model for sustainable urban development” linked to major transport infrastructure and tertiary institutions.

<img alt="60–80 O’Connell Street, Caddens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86aa6f25-53d2-4135-8247-bf3a2653748f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/s68-80%20O%27Connel%20St%20Caddens_Forest%20Park%20and%20Karra%20Commons%20buildings%20-%20GroupGSA_2.jpeg?VersionId=deSc.hrokqF1PNgz39yOwSRd6S8JN1Is" />

&nbsp;

A series of Indigenous co-design workshops with local Aboriginal stakeholders shaped the cultural framework for the precinct. The design embraces water, sky and Country as key connectors, restoring natural ecologies, expanding habitat and integrating endemic plantings, organic built forms, natural materials and water-sensitive landscapes.&nbsp;

GroupGSA architect and project lead Alberto Murgia says the masterplan is structured around a permeable, walkable street grid that expands the existing retail precinct and strengthens local amenity.

“Our landscape-first, Country-led approach focuses on a mix of high-quality and affordable homes, delivered within a generous public realm that builds on the precinct’s evolving character,” he says.

“Preservation, restoration and celebration of the Cumberland Plain Woodland ecologies and creating ample opportunities for the community to engage with nature were key focuses for the project."

A cultural trail to the north weaves oral histories and site narratives into everyday paths of travel, while the Six Seasons Walk forms a central pedestrian spine linking the Village Green to the nature reserve on the precinct’s eastern edge.

Public open space is structured around three major parks – the Village Green, Local Park and Community Park – supported by a network of shared zones, rooftop terraces and private communal courtyards. The landscape strategy extends and strengthens the adjoining Cumberland Plain Woodland, creating a continuous ecological corridor across the site. Increased canopy cover supports the unique micro-climate, enhances shade and comfort, and supports biodiversity and habitat creation.

<img alt="60–80 O’Connell Street, Caddens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d00abb5-ef1d-4e61-8d43-5f9c4bf680e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/s68-80%20O%27Connel%20St%20Caddens_Village%20QuarterGroupGSA_1.jpeg?VersionId=f_d1IYvxEshSCSwMLBKhiJka_OXNTlrZ" />

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The built form responds to the changing edge conditions of the site, with two-storey terraces presenting to O’Connell Street South and modulated apartment buildings stepping in height across the precinct in response to site topography. The material palette for the ‘Karra Commons’ buildings to the north-east of the site draws on the colours and textures of the Cumberland Plain Woodland through brickwork, metal cladding, screening and layered planting to create an architectural expression intended to “recede into the landscape”.

The terraces on the southern boundary adopt a finely scaled architectural language of articulated brickwork, deep reveals and expressed thresholds, balancing robustness with domesticity.

Meanwhile, Village Quarter, where density is intentionally located adjacent to amenity, becomes the mixed-use urban heart that frames the Village Green with active frontages. Materiality responds to the adjacent retail centre, with stepped built forms defining planted edges and supporting a vibrant, welcoming public realm.

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“Our proposal delivers a village-scale centre that supports social interaction and community identity while demonstrating a long-term vision for sustainable growth within the WELL Precinct,” Murgia added.

“By pairing mixed-tenure housing with flexible communal indoor and outdoor spaces, the precinct is designed to foster social diversity, wellbeing and a strong sense of community ownership.”

Holdmark seeks 17-building mixed-use precinct at former Caddens drive-in site

Dubai-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada-australia">Arada Australia</a> is preparing to officially enter the Sydney apartment market, starting in Castle Hill.

Arada Australia, who signalled its intent by announcing a development pipeline of $4 billion and then saving, and acquiring, tier-one commercial construction company Roberts Co, has filed a State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a>, a three-building development in the Hills Showground Station Precinct.

The buildings, which will be delivered on a 1.1-hectare site fronting Fishburn Crescent, Carrington Road and Middleton Avenue, will have 431 apartments. They have been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Studio</a> with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>.&nbsp;

The buildings have been arranged around podium courtyards and open communal spaces, with Building A rising to 20 storeys, Building B stepping between 8 and 17, and Building C forming a U-shaped massing of 11 to 12 storeys.

According to the Design Report by Turner Studio, the development will deliver a "highly liveable, connected, and inclusive residential community,” incorporating rooftop terraces, shared indoor amenities, and pedestrian links through the site.&nbsp;

<img alt="Arada" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f00c8c47-8c25-4039-9d42-c4261906e286" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-15%20at%208.07.18%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=SRRxwfZcxygQuYxRn_AsHoh00vJ2_PMj" />

The project includes 25 affordable housing units, representing five per cent of total floor space, located within Building A. These comprise a mix of one and two-bedroom layouts.

The broader residential mix across the three towers includes one-bedroom (nine per cent), two-bedroom (57 per cent), three-bedroom (30 per cent), and four-bedroom (four per cent) apartments, with a strong emphasis on family-sized homes.

The landscape strategy, guided by Arcadia, integrates rooftop gardens, public open space, and a pedestrian connection between Fishburn Crescent and Sexton Avenue.&nbsp;

The design draws from the natural and cultural history of the site, including features of nearby Cattai Creek, and incorporates endemic planting and local materials.

<img alt="Arada" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c29a2ff1-3b45-4f51-851f-83b4b98148aa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-15%20at%208.07.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=8G9S8LrCc8H.JtPWdzr9q0HAijLRXAk7" />

Arada Australia’s submission under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway highlights the project’s alignment with Transport-Oriented Development principles, capitalising on the site’s 400-metre proximity to Hills Showground Metro Station.

Founded in 2017 in Sharjah, Arada Australia has delivered over 10,000 homes internationally and is now advancing a $4 billion pipeline in Australia. The Castle Hill project is one of several Sydney ventures by the developer, with other sites progressing in Campsie and Canterbury. Arada Australia opened its Sydney office in August 2024 and acquired local construction firm Roberts Co to scale up delivery capabilities.

The site sits within the Showground Priority Precinct, a transport-oriented growth area targeted for 9,000 new homes. The broader neighbourhood is already seeing transformation, with Deicorp’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/showground-pavilions-castle-hill-3-andalusian-way-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Showground Pavilions</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hills-showground-village-castle-hill-2-mandala-parade-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Hills Showground Village</a> introducing over 1,300 apartments alongside retail, open space, and transport upgrades.

Arada Australia aims to launch the project to the market next year, and commence construction by mid-2027.

Arada Australia pitches Wattle Green, Castle Hill apartment plans ahead of 2026 launch

Well advanced in construction of its current East Brisbane tower <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/murcia-residences-east-brisbane-9-overend-street-east-brisbane-qld-4169">Murcia Residences</a>, developer Sarazin has filed plans for its next project in the booming inner-Brisbane area.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sarazin">Sarazin</a>&nbsp;has sought approval from Economic Development Queensland for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/stanley-quarter-825-stanley-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Stanley Quarter</a>, a major two-tower mixed-use project that promises to reshape a key site between Stanley and Trafalgar Streets in Woolloongabba, next door to the iconic stadium.

Occupying a 4,332 sqm site within the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area, Stanley Quarter would comprise two slender towers, 53 and 36 storeys, rising above a shared six-level podium. The project marks the next phase in Sarazin’s transformation of the area following the adjacent Silk One development.

The towers will deliver 447 apartments, split across the two stages: 235 dwellings in the West Tower (36 levels) and 212 in the East Tower (53 levels). A rooftop recreation deck will crown each building. The East Tower, reaching approximately 190 metres, would become one of Brisbane’s tallest buildings outside the CBD, standing just shy of the 195-metre One One One Eagle Street.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=151722 project_image_fid=356087]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a>’s architectural design integrates subtropical principles, including vertical fins, glass detailing, and extensive greenery. According to the Urban Design Report, the podium will support “active frontages and human-scale interfaces” and house retail, dining, and commercial spaces at ground level, while upper levels contain residential amenities and parking.

A highlight of the proposal is the 1,160 sqm public plaza linking Stanley and Trafalgar Streets. Designed as a landscaped urban courtyard with dining edges and shaded canopies, it offers a direct pedestrian connection through the site. Landscape design is by Wild Studio.

Also planned is a landmark cultural facility, the STEAMM Gallery and Garden, anchored to the East Tower podium. As outlined in the planning documents, this multi-storey facility will include exhibition and studio spaces, with the report stating it represents “a genuine community benefit and cultural anchor for the precinct”.

The basement and podium levels will accommodate 614 car spaces and 483 bicycle spaces across residential, visitor, and commercial use. Vehicle access is proposed via Trafalgar Street, with a flood-resilient basement design and discrete servicing zones.

Positioned close to The Gabba Stadium and the new Cross River Rail station, Stanley Quarter is framed as a catalyst project for Woolloongabba’s ongoing urban regeneration. It supports EDQ’s ambition to create a “walkable, transit-oriented and subtropical mixed-use centre”.

If approved, the project will be delivered in two stages, with the West Tower proceeding first.

Sarazin is currently delivering Murcia Residences, on the fringe of Woolloongabba in East Brisbane.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151722]

Sarazin unveils twin-tower Stanley Quarter in Woolloongabba

Sydney may hold the dubious honour of being the world’s second most expensive housing market, outpriced only by perennial leader Hong Kong, but its appetite for prestige property shows no sign of slowing. At the heart of it all sits Sydney Harbour, where waterfront apartments command eye-watering prices that show few signs of slowing.

According to Westpac’s August Prestige Market Overview, the city’s luxury sector continues to outperform expectations, with top-end values rising 6.2 per cent across 2024. Over the past decade, prices for Australia’s most exclusive apartments have surged more than 40 per cent, while available listings remain nearly 20 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, data from Cotality reveals.

Much of Sydney’s recent luxury boom has centred on Circular Quay and Barangaroo, two glittering precincts now home to some of the country’s most expensive real estate. Yet one of the city’s most iconic waterfronts has, until now, remained surprisingly underdeveloped: Darling Harbour.

Long known as a playground for tourists and locals, Darling Harbour has never truly offered the chance to live there, until now. Recognising the untapped potential of this prime harbourfront, development powerhouse Mirvac has taken the lead in reimagining the precinct. The company is at the centre of a wider $15 billion revitalisation that will elevate Darling Harbour’s prestige to rival its glamorous neighbours.

At the heart of the transformation is Harbourside Residences, a $2 billion glass tower rising from the redeveloped Harbourside Shopping Centre. The project brings together an international design collaboration between Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and Australian practice Hassell, with interiors by Bates Smart. The tower will house 260 residences, with the yet-to-be-released penthouse collection, six sub-penthouses and three full-floor penthouses, expected to rank among Australia’s most exclusive homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=352378]

Buyers have already responded in force. The project’s first apartment release late last year became the most successful launch in Mirvac’s 54-year history, recording more than $700 million in sales in just one weekend, with more than $800m total pre-sales to date. Prices ranged from $1.7 million to $25 million, with more than 40 per cent of purchasers being repeat Mirvac buyers, a testament to the developer’s reputation for quality and delivery.

Mirvac has now unveiled the tower’s most coveted homes: a collection of three- and four-bedroom residences positioned across the upper levels of the 48-storey building. From this vantage point on the western edge of Sydney Harbour, residents will enjoy a striking and rarely seen perspective of both the city skyline and the water.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=352369]

Inside, luxury extends far beyond the apartments themselves. Harbourside Residences will feature wellness amenities on par with a five-star resort, including a traditional sauna, steam room, ice bath, indoor lap pool, gymnasium, and yoga and pilates studio. Private leisure spaces cater to the growing desire for exclusive community living, with a residents’ lounge, private dining rooms with commercial and show kitchens, a cinema room, and even a golf simulator.

Outdoors, the experience is just as impressive. Landscaped garden terraces frame a lagoon-style pool that looks directly across the harbour, offering some of the most intimate city views anywhere in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=352372]

Construction of Harbourside Residences is well underway. Mirvac, which designs, builds, and delivers its own projects, a model that reduces risk and ensures consistency, expects completion in late 2027. When finished, it will not only redefine Darling Harbour living but reshape Sydney’s skyline once again.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141327]

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