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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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

A significant addition to the Bella Vista Station Precinct is in the pipeline, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landen-property">Landen</a> formally lodging a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-memorial-avenue-bella-vista-40-memorial-avenue-nsw-2153">new apartment community on Memorial Avenue</a>.

Positioned beside the Elizabeth Macarthur Creek corridor, the project is among the first major transit-oriented residential proposals within the Metro precinct.

The masterplan, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Architects</a>,&nbsp;outlines a four-stage delivery, comprising four buildings between four and fifteen storeys, and includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited selection of four-bedroom penthouses and terraces.

The project places a strong emphasis on housing diversity and liveability, with apartment sizes ranging from 50 to 180 sqm. The first stage will deliver 213 dwellings, followed by 231 in the second stage. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, pending approvals.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb3d84b1-d2df-4e26-915a-31b27faf9b1a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View02_01-scaled.jpg?VersionId=Gb0AUtZ3VXsLxrqUaw_AwT_vcBwQ_FJu" />

As the first transit-oriented development (TOD) in the precinct, Landen’s Bella Vista community has been designed to align closely with the surrounding Metro infrastructure. The proposal integrates new pedestrian and cycling paths, a new bridge over Elizabeth Macarthur Creek, and direct access to Bella Vista Metro Station.

Lush communal amenities are also central to the design. 'The Grove' and the 'Garden Link' will create landscaped community areas that reflect the area's agricultural heritage and provide direct access to the creekside.&nbsp;

The ‘Garden Patio’ is conceived as a multi-use indoor-outdoor facility offering a gym, study nooks, and communal lounge spaces.&nbsp;Rooftop terraces across the buildings will offer views to the Blue Mountains and Parramatta skyline.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="778da409-d5cf-4e7d-9ba9-0c36990bf0b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/landen-bella-property-image.jpg?VersionId=ukPpmVcHF71xRc7U3MUT5rtGwOsntMMz" />

Landen’s Head of Property, Shane Harding, said the proposal highlights the developer’s precinct-scale ambition.

“As the first TOD proposal in Bella Vista, it highlights Landen’s ability to pioneer precinct-scale projects, integrate housing with infrastructure, and deliver outcomes that align with government priorities,” Harding told the Daily Telegraph.

The project arrives at a time of rapid growth in Western Sydney, with Bella Vista alone forecast to more than double in population by 2046. The development’s location, between the Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro stations, positions it as a connected lifestyle hub for families, professionals and downsizers seeking access to transport, schools, and employment centres.

Pending approval, the development is slated for completion in 2028.

Landen plans 444-apartment community in Bella Vista Metro zone

Developers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/equicentia">Equicentia</a>&nbsp;and Wingala Capital, have become the first in Manly to secure Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance.

The duo has recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/de-ville-manly-11-victoria-parade-manly-nsw-2095">De Ville</a>, an ode to the remnant heritage building that will be integrated into the final development. The&nbsp;new luxury project will be delivered on a long-dormant yet prime site at 9–11 Victoria Parade, positioned between East Esplanade and South Steyne.

<img alt="De Ville" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b2639bb1-d72c-4f28-b4dc-33190655e147" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-12%20at%209.38.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=orUAk2m2tTKAAasLvZg0IaGQyDaZcKYI" />

The site was originally earmarked for a 13-apartment scheme, but following its $23.5 million acquisition of the near-600 sqm parcel, the development team opted for a more refined approach, reducing the yield to just 12 two- and three-bedroom residences across a seven-level building.

Among them will be three full-floor penthouses boasting panoramic views across Manly Beach, North Harbour, and the city skyline. The apartments will sit above four ground-floor retail and commercial tenancies, designed to help activate Victoria Parade, an area long defined by its beachside character and interwar brick architecture.

<img alt="De Ville" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6922f4a-21fb-4a07-8e40-241d594c2538" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/int3.jpg?VersionId=7U1Qw79_YT3bOZKr7.H03JHOFm3QVYlE" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/platform-architects">Platform Architects</a>, De Ville’s sculpted form takes cues from the ebb and flow of Manly’s dual waterfronts, the ocean to one side and the harbour to the other.&nbsp;

The architecture’s soft curvature and rhythmic vertical brickwork reflect the natural patterns of the tide, while a refined palette of Lohas brick, sandy render and glass detailing allows the building to harmonise with its coastal context.&nbsp; Cascading greenery and deep balconies bring texture and shadow to the facade, reinforcing the building’s connection to nature and the street.

Buyers have a choice of two different colour palettes, Taj Mahal and Brescia Green, each layering soft tones and organic finishes to capture the coastal light.

<img alt="De Ville" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be78b114-88ed-4d33-a4ef-50e14d2f9064" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/int6a.jpg?VersionId=hBrZPvs1L2LwThSatcNMXTg0tltfEn4a" />

The development marks another significant milestone for the partnership between Ashwin Arumugam, Managing Director of Equicentia, and Christopher Howard, Managing Director of Wingala Capital, both former colleagues at Poly Developments &amp; Holdings, where they jointly led acquisitions and capital markets for one of China’s largest developers.

“As a Northern Beaches local for the past decade — and with my wife having lived here her whole life — it’s a genuine privilege to contribute to a community we deeply care about,"&nbsp;Howard says.

"This site has sat dormant for many years, and we’re proud to play a part in reactivating it in a way that respects and enhances the unique beauty of Manly."

Equicentia and Wingala have partnered with Monark Property Partners to deliver De Ville.

Tom Nadav, Director of Investments at Monark, said partnering with Equicentia &amp; Wingala Capital represents an exciting step in Monark’s east coast expansion strategy.

"Manly is a unique market, and collaborating with developers of this calibre underscores our focus on backing high-quality people with a clear vision. By leveraging the strength of strategic partnerships, Monark is providing the capital that enables outstanding projects like this to move from concept to reality.”

<img alt="Equicentia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b6d253d-372d-4204-86d6-37cb8d56f7e4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-15%20at%207.27.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=vzGFgOKEGLRuT_RulWT0N1YS6qDNKj8S" />

De Ville is the first development in Manly to fully protect its buyers with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance offered by Resilience Insurance.

The policy covers buyers for 10-years post-completion of the building, a first-resort cover again&nbsp;major structural or waterproofing defects.&nbsp;

Unlike traditional statutory warranties, which often require complex and lengthy claims processes, LDI ensures that if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds immediately - without the need to prove fault or pursue the builder or developer.

This new model of protection has been gaining traction among forward-thinking developers and financiers alike. For buyers, it offers tangible assurance of quality and accountability; for lenders and insurers, it reflects a measurable reduction in long-term risk.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151559]

Equicentia and Wingala bring Manly its first apartment development with 10-year Latent Defects Insurance

The redevelopment of Double Bay's&nbsp;InterContinental Hotel has cleared its final hurdle, with the&nbsp;NSW Government’s Sydney Eastern City Planning Panel giving the $1 billion redevelopment the green light.

Sydney developers Eduard Litver of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capitel-group">Capitel Group</a> and Allen Linz of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/rebel-property-group">Rebel Property Group</a>&nbsp;lead the consortium behind the project that will create a new&nbsp;mixed-use lifestyle destination on Cross Street, in the heart of the rapidly revitalising Double Bay village.

Lodged in November 2024, the DA was approved in under 12 months, marking a major milestone for one of Sydney’s most significant and historically rich village precincts.

The approval enables the demolition of the existing six-storey hotel and the construction of a new eight-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>-designed landmark building featuring high-end retail and dining, boutique accommodation, commercial offices, a wellness centre, a limited collection of luxury residences along with public domain improvements.

<img alt="33 Cross Street, Double Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b0ca753-2941-4e77-a6ac-5701087ac4e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/courtyard_intercontinental_double_bay_3D_render_by_VV.jpg?VersionId=18DBOpXgtpob.oZfYSeLgjSCQEgmaCpg" />

Rebel Property Group Managing Director Allen Linz said the approval was the culmination of a collaborative and constructive planning process.

“We welcome Woollahra Municipal Council’s decision and thank them for its constructive and professional approach,” Linz said.

“This approval marks a major milestone for Double Bay and reflects a shared commitment to see the village continue to evolve. We look forward to contributing something that will enrich the community and strengthen its appeal as Sydney’s premier harbourside destination.”

Capitel Group Managing Director Eduard Litver said the project would make a lasting contribution to Double Bay’s future.

“This site has long been part of Double Bay’s identity, and this approval allows it to play an even greater role in the community’s future,” Litver said.

“The project will deliver new retail and hospitality spaces that support local life and business, contributing to the ongoing vitality of the village.”

Having led the project team on behalf of the owner consortium throughout the planning and approval process, Metis Group Director Arian Galanis said the focus now turns to delivery.

“With the project now green lighted, our focus turns to delivery,” Galanis said.

“We’re working closely with the design and consultant teams to bring the vision for 33 Cross Street to life. We’re excited to deliver a project of enduring quality that will stand as a benchmark for mixed-use, lifestyle-led development in Sydney.”

$1 billion InterContinental Hotel, Double Bay, approved for mixed-use redevelopment

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has reached significant construction milestones at two of its landmark Melbourne residential communities, &nbsp;with topping-out ceremonies held at The Albertine, on the fringe of the CBD, and Prince &amp; Parade in Brunswick, &nbsp;marking the completion of the top floors of each apartment building.&nbsp;

Together, the two communities will deliver 265 new apartments, providing a vital boost to housing supply at a time &nbsp;when construction of new homes remains challenging.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> are part of Mirvac’s $7.4 billion Victorian development pipeline, which includes &nbsp;both residential and commercial mixed-use projects, such as Trielle at Yarra’s Edge, scheduled to top out in early &nbsp;2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294831]

Mirvac’s CEO, Development – Residential and Commercial Mixed Use, Stuart Penklis, said the milestones reflect the strong momentum of Mirvac’s Victorian projects and the continued demand for premium residences in sought after inner-city locations.&nbsp;

“We are proud to be delivering The Albertine and Prince &amp; Parade, two projects that embody Mirvac’s design excellence, commitment to quality, and focus on creating homes that connect people to their communities. With &nbsp;cranes rising high across Melbourne, Mirvac’s residential pipeline is moving strongly, and these milestones are a &nbsp;testament to that momentum,” Penklis said. &nbsp;

“We have recently opened our third build to rent community in Melbourne, LIV Albert at Brunswick, our fifth &nbsp;nationally, which together with our master-planned communities ensures that we are providing a full spectrum of &nbsp;housing options to Victorians."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138659 project_image_fid=294826]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> offers one- to four-bedroom residences across 14 storeys, complemented by exclusive resident-only &nbsp;amenity. This includes The Circadian Club, a wellness centre featuring an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and &nbsp;Pilates studio and sauna, and The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across &nbsp;Melbourne.&nbsp;

Since construction began in August last year, up to 240 workers have been on site daily, pouring 7,000 cubic metres &nbsp;of concrete across 72 pours and installing over 1,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement to bring the building to this &nbsp;landmark moment.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/prince-parade-by-mirvac-brunswick-701-park-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Prince &amp; Parade</a> marks Mirvac’s third collaboration with acclaimed design practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>, following the &nbsp;award-winning The Melburnian (2002) and The Eastbourne (2019). Offering a mix of one- to four-bedroom &nbsp;residences, the community will feature a residential lounge, shared dining room and kitchen, a courtyard designed &nbsp;by Jack Merlo, library, yoga room, gym, shared rooftop terrace, and concierge service.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4802 project_image_fid=217137]

Construction at the site is rapidly transforming the skyline, with significant milestones already achieved. Two &nbsp;buildings are now taking shape, supported by 73 slab pours and six fully constructed building cores.&nbsp;

Mirvac’s General Manager, Residential Development Victoria, Elysa Anderson said both projects remain on track, &nbsp;with completion expected in 2026.&nbsp;

“These communities have been well received, attracting strong interest from downsizers and professionals who &nbsp;value high-quality design, premium locations and the confidence of buying with Mirvac,” Anderson said. &nbsp;

Prince &amp; Parade has also achieved a record-breaking apartment sale in Brunswick, further underscoring the &nbsp;strength of the project.&nbsp;

“We’re incredibly proud to see Prince &amp; Parade set a new benchmark for Brunswick. This record-breaking sale is a &nbsp;testament to Mirvac’s design excellence, quality craftsmanship, and our strong reputation for delivering high quality residential communities across the country."

Mirvac celebrates dual topping out milestones in Melbourne

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/shenfield-property">Shenfield Property</a> will commence construction this summer on Banksia, its boutique apartment project in the heart of Cheltenham Village.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/roger-brayshaw-architects">Brayshaw Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/aldona-padjak-interior-design-apid">Aldona Padjak Interior Design</a>, the mixed-use development comprises just 29 one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences positioned above ground-floor retail and dining spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5518 project_image_fid=229827]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/banksia-cheltenham-216-226-charman-road-cheltenham-vic-3192">Banksia</a> has been tailored to the Bayside market, with flexible floorplans and a focus on environmentally efficient design. Apartments will feature full-height glazing, soft neutral palettes, and oak timber flooring, while kitchens are appointed with black Smeg appliances, stone finishes, and streamlined joinery.

Energy-efficient systems, integrated heating and cooling, and basement car charging facilities ensure sustainability is embedded in the project.

“Our vision with Banksia is to deliver residences that balance refined style and long-term liveability, while respecting the character of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cheltenham-vic-3192">Cheltenham</a> Village,” a Shenfield spokesperson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5518 project_image_fid=334174]

The project’s location on the beach side of Charman Road places residents within minutes of Southland Shopping Centre and Cheltenham Station, while the beaches of Mentone, Sandringham and Black Rock are all within a 10-minute drive.

Pricing ranges from $580,000 to $1.325 million. Construction is slated to complete in early 2027.

Shenfield has been a trusted developer for several decades in Melbourne's Bayside. They recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/joes-quarter-mordialloc-557-main-street-mordialloc">Joe's Quarter in Mordialloc</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/omnia-4-6-horscroft-place-moorabbin">Omnia in Moorabbin</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5518]

Shenfield to commence construction on Banksia, Cheltenham this summer

As the finishing touches take shape at Delano, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lindsay-bennelong-developments">Lindsay Bennelong Developments</a> is preparing to welcome its first residents before the end of the year.&nbsp;

Set just 450 metres from the newly opened Crows Nest Metro Station, this elegant low-rise development is poised to offer a lifestyle of both connectivity and character, perfectly timed for those hoping to settle into a new home by Christmas.

Located at 33 Falcon Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/delano-crows-nest-27-57-falcon-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Delano</a> comprises 81 residences across three boutique buildings, including a collection of townhomes and one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134072 project_image_fid=3334]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>, the project takes inspiration from the Art Deco influences that define the area, interpreted through a contemporary lens and framed by lush gardens.

“Our vision was to fashion a landmark that creates a transition between cosmopolitan Crows Nest village and the adjoining heritage conservation zone,” said Peter Campbell, Managing Director of Lindsay Bennelong.&nbsp;

“We worked closely with the community throughout the planning process to ensure the design respected and enhanced the neighbourhood's character.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134072 project_image_fid=3337]

The architectural response is careful and measured. The central five-storey apartment building steps down to three storeys along Falcon Street, while the townhouses along Hayberry Lane mirror the surrounding residential scale.&nbsp;

Inside, residences are finished with herringbone engineered timber floors,&nbsp;100% wool loop pile&nbsp;carpet, and natural stone benchtops paired with Miele appliances.

Designed for light, air, and longevity, all homes feature cross-ventilation and energy-efficient fittings. The communal areas also integrate sustainability principles, including site-wide water harvesting and natural ventilation in lobbies and corridors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134072 project_image_fid=3331]

Beyond the front door, residents will enjoy a gymnasium, shared electric vehicle, and an expansive communal lawn with barbecue and seating areas.&nbsp;

Leafy views toward Mosman and North Sydney elevate the upper-level residences, while street-level walkability to shops, cafés, and supermarkets reinforces Delano’s village-like convenience.

“Our focus has always been on securing premium sites, so we were excited by the opportunity to reimagine this significant location,” said Campbell. “With the new Crows Nest Metro Station now operational, this sought-after locale is firmly in the spotlight."&nbsp;

“I’m confident that we have collaboratively achieved a place to live poised to become an important part of Crows Nest's rich and diverse architectural fabric.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134072]

Move in before Christmas: Delano brings boutique living to the heart of Crows Nest

Apartments on Campbell Parade, no matter what size, will always draw significant buyer interest.

That seems to be the view of prominent&nbsp;Eastern Suburbs developer Vaughan Blank, who has submitted plans to add apartments above the heritage-listed&nbsp;Arnott’s Flats building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/32-campbell-parade-bondi-beach-nsw-2026">32 Campbell Parade</a>, toward the southern end of the sand.

The site, toward the southern end of the famous strip, is just over seven metres wide.

Rather than wholesale redevelopment given the heritage-listed status of the current building, the application proposes to retain the building’s Inter-War period façade, considered contributory within the Bondi Beach Heritage Conservation Area, while replacing much of the structure behind with a contemporary residential addition.&nbsp;

The submitted design, prepared by DARC Architecture, seeks to construct four additional storeys above the retained frontage, creating a total of five levels including the ground-floor retail.

The new building will add seven apartments,&nbsp;including a portion designated as affordable housing under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="32 Campbell Parade, BONDI BEACH NSW 2026" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2adce9ac-88ee-4725-af91-bae55278b514" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/campbell%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=6d5Vwp4dg1PLmngARhRD5vl_ofl7SlQf" />

“The design introduces a cantilevered setback to preserve the prominence of the heritage façade,” DARC wrote in its submission, adding that the upper levels will be "finished in a contemporary yet sympathetic material palette that complements nearby heritage items, including the Astra Hotel and Remola and Cenira Mansions”.

The original structure, known as Arnott’s Flats, was built in the early 1920s and is distinguished by its decorative pediment, Ionic pilasters, and engraved entablature.&nbsp;

The Statement of Heritage Impact prepared by Weir Phillips Heritage supports the partial retention approach, suggesting the development will "ensure the long-term viability and ongoing maintenance of this contributory item, thereby supporting the sustainable preservation of the Bondi Beach HCA”.

Vaughan Blank, a former executive at Glencore, has a penchant for investing and developing in Sydney's east. In 2017 he spent $33 million on a block of Art Deco flats in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/edgecliff-nsw-2027" target="">Edgecliff</a>&nbsp;in 2017, which at the time was highest price paid at auction for a residential property in Australia.

He has extensive holdings in Double Bay, Woollahra, and Tamarama. His development company, STM Realty, also has development sites on Hall Street and O'Brien Street.

&nbsp;

First look: Vaughan Blank plans skinny shoptop on Bondi Beach's Campbell Parade

One of Sydney’s most hotly contested urban landholdings is set for transformation, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest Property Group</a> lodging plans to redevelop the former Cyprus Club site in Stanmore into a $900 million mixed-use precinct of apartments and retail.

Dubbed Stanmore Village, the proposal has been submitted to the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for assessment under its state-significant development pathway. If approved, it would see the 9,140 sqm site, once home to the Cyprus Community of NSW, reimagined with 500 apartments above a new retail and lifestyle destination.

The site was acquired by Conquest for $55 million earlier in 2025 following a highly competitive sales campaign run by Cushman &amp; Wakefield on behalf of EY Parthenon, who were appointed administrators of the former club.

Marketed as one of Inner Sydney’s most significant residential opportunities in years, the property drew substantial interest from domestic and offshore developers, institutional investors, and education and healthcare operators.

<img alt="58-76 Stanmore Rd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8690f4be-8214-4eb4-9857-faf0cb7b336d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/58-76%20Stanmore%20Rd%20-%20aerial%20marked.jpg?VersionId=I_iKzGDILRSTqZu3au07.1aja4uv5rCJ" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK Architects</a> with planning by Principle Planning, Stanmore Village proposes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments situated above what will be known as the Queensbridge Shopping Centre. The retail component will feature a full-line supermarket, specialty stores, a gym, and activated communal spaces across multiple levels.

According to the Urban Design Report, the scheme is framed by a stepped massing strategy that addresses the site’s dual context - fronting the commercial spine of Pacific Highway while responding to the finer grain of Church Lane.

In addition to market housing, the project incorporates a dedicated affordable housing component, located on levels two and three, comprising 10 apartments delivered in accordance with the Housing SEPP 2021. This enables the proposal to qualify for floor space and height bonuses under the state’s planning framework.

Design features include deep soil landscaping, communal rooftop and ground-floor open spaces, a new pedestrian laneway connecting both street frontages, and the adaptive reuse of the existing heritage shopfront building, formerly known as The Cloisters Antique Store.

The project follows the drawn-out administration process of the Cyprus Community of NSW, which entered voluntary administration in 2023. The Supreme Court ultimately permitted the sale without member approval, with creditors to be repaid in full and a significant surplus earmarked for the Community’s future endeavours.

If approved, construction of Stanmore Village could begin in 2026, with completion expected by mid-2028.

Conquest unveils $900m Stanmore Village vision for landmark Inner West site

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gcap-group">GCAP Property</a>&nbsp;has been approved for its high-end new Surfers Paradise tower on Hamilton Avenue.

It will be one of the only towers in Surfers Paradise to offer predominantly full-floor apartments, with just 20 apartments slated for the 18-storey building just 80 metres from the beach.

There will be half-floor apartments, full-floor, four-bedroom apartments spanning 312 sqm, and&nbsp; apartment will span 312 sqm, and&nbsp;a two-level penthouse with its own rooftop pool, cellar, and private wellness features.

&nbsp;

<img alt="GCAP Property secures DA Approval for $100 million Hamilton Avenue project in Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd1fefe0-b74c-44f6-aa3b-fafae87d1e00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/GCAP_Hamilton%20Ave_Living.jpg?VersionId=dHNiHqwcrFm6XhxUxDEIkDSFz.5Xyq2a" />

“Securing approval for Hamilton Avenue is an important milestone for us as we bring our experience as both developer and builder to the Gold Coast,” said Adam Philps, Director of GCAP Property.&nbsp;

“We believe if you’re going to create something special, you should assemble the right team and create it with every fibre of knowledge and expertise that we have. This philosophy underpins everything we do.&nbsp;

“With Hamilton Avenue, we’ve challenged the norm of coastal design to deliver homes with space and character, not just views. Working with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO</a> and partnering with a proven builder gives our buyers confidence we’ll follow through.”

Every apartment will capture uninterrupted ocean views, safeguarded by the unique orientation of the site, which sits parallel to the coastline.

<img alt="GCAP Property secures DA Approval for $100 million Hamilton Avenue project in Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="942a4002-100a-4235-acd8-18d6f5f0c76b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/GCAP_Hamilton%20Ave_Lobby.jpg?VersionId=i.4rLPzd2LgEyvqMHGz.cZBB7lNzVLIF" />

Podium-level amenities will centre on wellness and lifestyle. They will include an ocean-facing pool and residents’ lounge, a private dining room, and a fully equipped wellness centre with spa, sauna, steam room, ice bath and treatment spaces.

For GCAP, Hamilton Avenue marks a significant entry into the Gold Coast market after more than two years of collaboration with award-winning architects and interior designers DKO.&nbsp;

Hamilton Avenue’s design deliberately shifts away from the light, white and bright coastal schemes. Instead, its interiors will be inspired by New York and Manhattan style, blended with modern Art Deco, reflected in the finishes and materials such as stone, timber, warm textured surfaces and bronze-toned detailing.&nbsp;

The façade will continue the design story, with strong architectural lines and timeless geometry that deliver a sophisticated point of difference.

<img alt="GCAP Property secures DA Approval for $100 million Hamilton Avenue project in Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef82f52b-c4fc-4701-9b74-4853ade11238" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/GCAP_Hamilton%20Ave_Superman.jpg?VersionId=qMvsYMncFnhEqMEhQydIwDMrNT1sv7bq" />

Project marketing will be led by One:PM, with Senior Sales Executive Simon Worthington highlighting the market’s appetite for homes that balance style, location and lifestyle.&nbsp;

“Hamilton Avenue has been designed for buyers who value quality, considered space and architectural character,” said Worthington. &nbsp;

“We’re seeing strong interest from locals, downsizers and interstate buyers who are tired of the generic coastal aesthetic.&nbsp;By drawing on Manhattan style with modern Art Deco influence, Hamilton Avenue brings an international feel that still fits with the locale."

GCAP will partner with prominent Australian builder APGC Group to deliver the project. GCAP’s partnership with APGC brings together two groups with a shared commitment to quality and reliability, ensuring the project is not only design-led but backed by proven delivery capability.

Work is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026, with completion anticipated for mid-2028.&nbsp;

Full-floor apartments set for Surfers Paradise beach precinct

Developer Homecorp's move into the high-rise residential market in Surfers Paradise has been approved by the Gold Coast City Council.

The $210 million development, dubbed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Florence Residences</a>, will rise 25 storeys on Monte Carlo Avenue. It has been pitched as a "holistic lifestyle destination" with wellness-inspired amenities "rarely seen in the local market."

The building will have a&nbsp;dedicated wellness centre with a resort-style pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, and a gym with a yoga and Pilates studio.

The project will also feature social and community-focused spaces, including a resident-only lounge with private dining and a rooftop bar, outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, and pet-friendly perks such as a heated dog wash.

<img alt="Unveiled: Homecorp’s exclusive $210 million wellness-infused Florence Residences secures green light" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbd20c69-6a95-4bd8-8aea-809c56fb7f3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Monte_Carlo_Avenue_Homecorp_Garden_View_Gold_Coast_Beach_Hinterland_Views.jpg?VersionId=aEsJkWqTQCYSeZxC_vDfBmmfk3f7TfbT" />

The tower will deliver 116 residences, comprising 85 two-bedroom apartments, 27 three-bedroom residences, and four ultra-exclusive four-bedroom homes, including an elevated sub-penthouse and penthouse collection.

“We are creating a skyline legacy that will withstand the test of time,"&nbsp;said Ron Bakir, CEO and Founder of Homecorp.

"Florence Residences has been designed not just with luxury in mind, but with a focus on community, connection and wellbeing, perfectly complementing the iconic Gold Coast lifestyle. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a residence that truly enriches the lives of those who call it home."

<img alt="Unveiled: Homecorp’s exclusive $210 million wellness-infused Florence Residences secures green light" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ceae036-1f02-493d-9b90-f654732f9f08" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Monte_Carlo_Avenue_Homecorp_Surfers_Paradise_Development_Landscaped_Gardens_Gold_Coast.jpg?VersionId=l03889CgdnxiNdV7ypM4b6CYWOY0NlbY" />

The project is the latest milestone in Homecorp’s multi-storey portfolio on the Gold Coast, following the success of Eve Residences in Labrador, which was completed in 2024. The development went on to win multiple national accolades, including honours at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and the HIA Gold Coast Housing Awards.

Homecorp also commenced construction earlier this year on the $250 million second stage of Cienna Varsity Ridge, set to deliver 289 residences by 2027 in the heart of Varsity Lakes.

Recognised as one of Australia’s leading residential developers, Homecorp secured a place among the Top 20 Queensland homebuilders in the 2025 HIA Housing 100 report and ranked as the 10th largest builder in South Australia this year.

Florence Residences is set to launch to the market in the coming months, with construction expected to kick off in early 2026 and anticipated to wrap by late 2027. Early site works will commence later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

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