Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

Joel Robinson

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

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

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

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

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

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

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

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?

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The longstanding Melbourne developer Dealcorp will soon be seeing buyers move in to MCKN, their boutique apartment development in McKinnon.

The south-east Melbourne project in the Glen Eira area has been a hit with families so far, as well as those planning to have kids, due to the size of each apartment and its proximity to McKinnon Secondary College, one of the state’s highest ranked schools.

There are just 41 apartments in the five-level Jasper Road complex, with around 70 per cent already snapped up before its August completion.

Urban has taken a look at why MCKN should be on a buyers shortlist.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939]

<h2>The Developer</h2>

Dealcorp have been developing property since 1984 when the company was founded by executive chairman and industry veteran David Korbitz, who continues to run Dealcorp with a small agile team of management experts.

Dealcorp have completed over 60 successful projects including AURA on Flinders Street, their biggest project to date with 275 apartments, as well as the double UDIA award-winning Polaris 3083 in Bundoora.

<h2>The Architect</h2>

Award-winning architect RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN have designed the development.

The façade is a bold, textured surface of fluted concrete panels, which guide flourishing young shoots up the building’s exterior.

MCKN pays homage to the functional designs of the neighbouring architecture, fitting in with its surroundings but adding its own chapter to McKinnon’s evolving architectural story.

<h2>The Builder</h2>

Hamilton Marino Builders is one of Victoria's most experienced and sought after multi-level apartment construction companies.

<a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon"><img alt="" height="788" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mckn_3.jpg" width="1200"></a>

RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN is led by the founders Gilad Ritz and Jean-Paul Ghougassian, who started the company in 2015.

The building sits in landscaping by John Patrick Landscape Architects. John Patrick himself is a highly recognised landscape architect deeply involved in horticultural writing, radio and television programs with a focus on gardens, plants, and history. He was a popular presenter on ABC’s television series Gardening Australia from 2002–2017.

<h2>The Location</h2>

MCKN sits on the corner of Jaspers Road and McKinnon Road, directly between McKinnon Secondary College and the McKinnon Train Station. Commuting to the CBD takes just half an hour.

A cafe is located below the development, a convenience store sits opposite and Hotel McKinnon is located across the road.

McKinnon Secondary College, one of the state’s highest ranked schools, is just a five minute walk which is also drawcard for the family buyers.

<h2>The Apartments</h2>

The apartments have been designed to take in natural light with floor-to-ceilings windows, with light also shining in from the building's central light column.

Indoor living flows to the outside area with glass doors opening onto a large balcony. The kitchen features natural stone surfaces and is fitted with Smeg appliances. The stone top island anchors the kitchen.

<a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon"><img alt="" height="955" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mckn_1.jpg" width="1600"></a>

Buyers also have the ability to customise their interiors and floorplan when buying off the plan.

<h2>The Price</h2>

The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments start from $720,000 and three bedrooms start from $1.1 million.

Buyers can currently save up to $40,000 off selected apartments due to the government grants and other bonus’s to assist those enter the property market.

 
</body></html>

The south-east Melbourne project in the Glen Eira area has been a hit with families so far, as well as those planning to have kids, due to the size of each apartment.

Why families are snapping up apartments in McKinnon's MCKN development

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Some 41 percent of people with a job worked from home at least once a week in February 2021.

It compared with 24 per cent at least once a week before March 2020, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

ABS Head of Household Surveys, David Zago, said the latest Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey conducted from 12 – 21 February 2021, showed employed Australians expected work from home arrangements to continue throughout the year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2772]

In the next six months, 47 per cent of employed Australians expected the amount of work from home to remain the same, 11 per cent expected a decrease and 8 per cent expected an increase.

The February survey came as the Leesman Index, the world’s largest benchmark for work, advised that staff are performing more highly as they come back into the office.

And it advised the staff are more inclined to want to return to more modern towers.

The boss of Lendlease has noted that that offices serve as a “clubhouse for culture” and if companies don’t have people in the office for most of the time problems can mount.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

Lendlease chief executive of property for Australia Kylie Rampa says the developer had re-opened its offices at Sydney’s harbourside Barangaroo precinct.

“People just love being able to come back and have a really good cup of coffee,” she told The Australian.

But Rampa acknowledged helping workers making the shift back to work could see the eradication of previous overloaded office lift peak times that came with the traditional 9-5 shift.
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Australians are still working from home more than they were before the pandemic, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

jchancellor

41% WFH, as bosses urge staff back to the city for a good cup of coffee

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Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties has paid $43.5 million for the former ABC headquarters at Brisbane's Toowong.

The riverfront 1.5 hectare site was offloaded by the ASX listed Sunland group who bought it in 2013 for a reported $20 million.

The ABC departed the site in 2006.

Many of its buildings have been demolished with the site remediated after concerns arose following a breast cancer cluster among female staff. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6257]

Consolidated Properties confirmed to The Australian it had purchased the Coronation Drive site with two undisclosed business partners.

Consolidated intends at least two luxury apartment towers, with concept planning now underway with community consultation set to begin.

Sunland put the Toowong site up for sale in late 2020 after its major development for the site, a "champagne flute" plan for three apartment towers designed by Dame Zaha Hadid was rejected by the Supreme Court in 2018.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94811]

The heights of the towers ranged from 22 to 25 storeys.

The site includes a heritage building known as Middenbury Home, set to be retained potentially as a restaurant, cafe or gallery.

Last October Sunland told its shareholders that it would wind down its operations over the next three-to-five years.
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Queensland developer Consolidated Properties has paid $43.5 million for Brisbane’s former ABC headquarters at Toowong

Consolidated Properties pays $43.5 million for Brisbane’s former ABC headquarters at Toowong

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Beulah executive Adelene Teh has said her group’s focus on downsizers and owner occupiers saw its Melbourne projects largely protected from the drop-off in foreign buyers.

“Australia has shown great resilience throughout the pandemic and this will be attractive to people who are looking to move,’’ Teh told a round table forum attended by some of the nation’s top developers hosted by The Australian for The List— Australia’s Richest 250.

William Deague, the chief executive of the Melbourne-based Deague family, William Deague, noted the apartment market had been transformed by policy changes before COVID, now followed by the loss of Chinese investment and immigration.

“I don’t think the future is just punching these little towers straight up, 500 or 600 (units) at a time. “It’s got to be more thought out than that,’’ he told the forum.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

Melbourne developer Tim Gurner suggested developers were “kidding themselves” if they launched apartment projects of 300 units or more in Melbourne.

Gurner not only expressed concern about the collapse in immigration caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but had fears about the Chinese government taking capital away from Australia, which would mean a “complete systemic change to our market”.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re selling high end in Toorak or wherever you are, it still affects you. 

“The big difference we’re seeing is the investment apartment, the 300 apartment stuff. I mean, you’d be kidding yourself to try to get something off the ground today.”

Sam Tarascio, managing director of the Salta Properties group, said there was a rental shortage before the onset of COVID, but it had “vanished”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

“We’ve got a huge oversupply of apartments available to rent. Rents have gone down — 30 to 40 per cent in some cases.”

Tarascio also noted apartment construction costs were rising 5 per cent a year.

“And we can‘t do anything about it." he said.

Last month it was reported Melbourne’s 2040 population will have half a million fewer people than forecast as the coronavirus pandemic closed the door on migrants.

A special feature from the developer roundtable event will be published in The List in The Weekend Australian on Saturday. 
 
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Beulah executive Adelene Teh said her group’s focus on downsizers and owner occupiers saw its projects largely protected from the drop-off in foreign buyers

Downsizers and owner occupiers the key to Melbourne apartment sales

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Brisbane's Indooroopilly is set for a new boutique apartment tower.

A company associated with local developer and Verrecchio Property Group director Sandro Alberti has lodged plans to the Brisbane City Council for a 35 apartment block on Clarence Road.

Alberti paid $3 million for the 1,215 sqm block at 109-113 Clarence Road which had been marketed by Cushman &amp; Wakefield as a boutique mixed-use development site which allows for up to eight storeys.

<img alt="" height="1625" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/fairmont_1.jpg" width="1600">

There's already plans by Prospect Architecture for an eight level tower, not including the two basement levels of garaging. Crowning the development will be a communal rooftop with swimming pool. 

The plans suggest the development will be called The Fairmont.

There will be three two bedroom apartments and two three bedroom units on each level.

"Each unit is designed to encourage open plan living, with kitchen, dining room and living room opening onto balcony private open space", the proposal reads.

<img alt="" height="897" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/fairmont_entry.jpg" width="1600">

"Visually, the contemporary building design is consistent with the intent and character of the precinct.

"This includes a variety of materials and textures through brick cladding, rendered and painted blockwork, horizontal cladding, and metal battens assisting in the reduction of overall built form.

"The proposed landscaping and open space areas ensure the site is adequately vegetated, providing amenity for residents as well as adjoining neighbours and the relevant streetscape."

<h2>QLD properties selling now:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26879]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13276]

 
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A company associated with local developer and Verrecchio Property Group director Sandro Alberti has lodged plans to the Brisbane City Council



Tower reveal: Plans lodged for boutique Indooroopilly tower in Brisbane

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The Melbourne developer Jinding Developments is launching in to the booming Queensland market, readying a new $75 million tower in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

The proposal at 9-11 Thornton Street is for 125 apartments across 27 storeys, designed by DKO Architecture. It will provide a range of one and two bedroom apartments.

Jinding Developments managing director Liz Ronson said the development firm had their eye on the Queensland market for quite some time, and Thornton Street was the perfect opportunity to make their move.

“The demand for residential development across Queensland is at the highest levels experienced over recent years, particularly in lifestyle locations such as the Gold Coast,” she said.

“We are excited to be making our mark on the Surfers Paradise area with quality apartments that will provide an incredible destination for Australians relooking at where they can live, given the new opportunity that working from home presents.”

Urban recently sat down with Liz Ronson to discuss the new project.

JR: Which buyer demographic will the development be pitched at and why?

LR: Like many of our new projects, Thornton Street is a high-end development designed to appeal to retirees and second or third home buyers who have chosen the Gold Coast to relocate to as part of the COVID-fuelled regional trend. This demand has left a gap for quality products under $1M, especially those with ocean views. The product will also be ideal for locals looking to rent in the desirable Gold Coast region.

JR: Are you predicting interest from Melbourne investors who know your reputation a bit more than QLD?

LR: I think the project is a compelling proposition in its own right. The metrics make sense, regardless of what investors already know about Jinding Developments. We will also be marketing the project through our media channels to ensure that everyone has access to it. 

JR: What do you expect buyers to love about the project?

LR: The location is hard to beat. The street, local surf club and nearby beaches give it a real coastal village feel, even before you overlay the proximity to the light rail and abundance of entertainment options. Combined with ocean views at accessible price points, we just know that buyers will fall in love with this project.  

JR: Was there a project in particular by DKO which led you to choosing them?

LR: Jinding Developments has worked with DKO in the past, and we wanted this project to be design-led. DKO are experienced and clever in their approach, and we know them for producing incredible design outcomes without comprising constructability.

About the developer

Jinding has a strong foothold in the Victorian market with the recent house and land developments The Patch Wollert, Octave at Junction Village and Harriott at Armstrong Creek. 

Jinding's Real Estate team has been operating in Queensland for the past three years. The Group formally opened their first office in Brisbane late last year. Jinding are now actively seeking further mid to high-rise development opportunities across Queensland as it looks to expand its national footprint. 

<h2>Other Surfers Paradise developments on the market</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057]

Shoreline is the latest Surfers Paradise tower to be created by Marquee Development Partners.

The boutique 27 apartment development across 17 levels offers residents a luxury unseen in the between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach for a number of years.
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The proposal on Thornton Street is for 125 apartments across 27 storeys, designed by DKO Architecture.



Jinding to develop first Gold Coast apartment tower: A chat with Jinding's managing director Liz Ronson

The stage two development application for the 50-storey mixed-use redevelopment Sydney&#39;s City Tattersalls Club has been lodged with the City of Sydney council.

The Melbourne-based developer ICD Property is handling&nbsp;the development alongside a consortium led by the Singapore-based First Sponsor Group.

The 50-storey building towering&nbsp;above Pitt Street has been designed by BVN and will home a 101-room hotel and 241 residential apartments, as well as&nbsp;new club facilities including&nbsp;ground floor retail, an upgraded lower bar and grill, new restaurants, a commercial fitness centre and event spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428]

The base of the tower&nbsp;transitions into a podium, creating a connection between the ground-floor club facilities and the newer tower above.

If given the green light, the project will begin construction in 2022 and be complete in 2026, if the stage two approval is granted by the end of this year.

<a href="/new-apartments/sydney-house-194-204-pitt-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1197" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/tatts_2.jpg" width="800" /></a>

BVN have designed the tower after winning an international design competition ahead of architecture firms Hassell, Bates Smart, SJB, Candalepas Associates, and DP Architects back in August 2020.

BVN has worked in close collaboration with fjmt studios, the appointed architects for the heritage components of the development who have also been selected to be the Club&rsquo;s interior architect

Matt Khoo, managing director of ICD Property, said the development submission&nbsp;is an extremely exciting milestone for the project and the result of many months of hard work by the entire project team.

&quot;The collaboration between BVN and fjmt has been incredible, particularly during the unusual work conditions we have been facing lately due to COVID-19,&quot; Mr Khoo said.

&quot;Where we would previously have the entire project team spend hours together in hands-on workshops, our whole design team has been innovating its approach and remaining agile through working behind a screen.

&quot;Despite these tough conditions the team has delivered a design that is respectful of the site&rsquo;s heritage components, existing Club, and its members; whilst also producing a beautiful addition to the Sydney skyline and a rich asset for the city that will add significant value to the public through activation on its Pitt Street frontages.&quot;

BVN principal architect Matthew Blair says the three parts of the project &ndash; Club, Hotel and Apartments &ndash; are purposefully articulated in the overall mass of the project, with fenestration informed by the existing exuberant heritage facades.

&quot;They weave together a story of a rich history and an optimistic future for this significant place in the middle of the CBD&rdquo;.

<a href="/new-apartments/sydney-house-194-204-pitt-street-sydney"><img alt="" height="1200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/tatts_3.jpg" width="800" /></a>

Richard Francis-Jones, design director at fjmt studio, says that home of the City Tattersalls Club will be transformed into a beautiful interconnection of exceptional heritage buildings and landmark heritage interiors with a new and exciting layer of contemporary design.

&quot;This new architectural layer will be like an organic ribbon of movement and light connecting all the great interior rooms of the club while also creating new modern spaces and facilities.

&quot;The new architecture also makes an appearance on Pitt Street infilling between some of the finest heritage facades in our city. This seamless blend of new and heritage represents both the unmatched heritage of the Club and its open, progressive, and innovative vision for the future,&rdquo; said fjmt studio&rsquo;s Design Director Richard Francis- Jones.

If the development&rsquo;s Stage 2 DA is approved, premium apartments will occupy the top floors of the tower offering impressive views over Sydney&rsquo;s CBD and harbour. Residents will also have access to exclusive amenities including several multipurpose rooms and an outdoor deck with BBQ and entertainment rooftop facilities.

Below the residential apartments, hotel conglomerate IHG has recently signed on to operate the upper-upscale hotel which will comprise circa 101 rooms and its own collection of amenities for guests, with its boutique Hotel Indigo brand.

City Tattersalls Club Group chief executive Marcelo Veloz said the significance of this redevelopment to their members and a CBD that is very much in need of reactivating is indescribable.

&quot;Pitt Street has been our Club&rsquo;s home for the last 125 years and this long-awaited redevelopment will allow us to safeguard our next 125 years by upgrading the existing structures and expanding the facilities we have on offer to create even more benefit to our members and the wider community/&quot;

The Melbourne-based developer ICD Property is handling the development alongside a consortium led by the Singapore-based First Sponsor Group.

ICD Property lodge stage two plans for Sydney's City Tattersall redevelopment

Soaring Melbourne house prices have got the downsizer demographic&nbsp;questioning whether now is the best time they'll get to let go of the family home.

And that's certainly the case in the Glen Eira precinct, with Heath Thompson, director at Projects by Buxton, saying there's been a&nbsp;strong response from apartment buyers in recent weeks.

"Off the plan buying provides&nbsp;significant stamp duty savings for owner occupiers and the opportunity to secure a property at today’s market value and sell their home at later date to take advantage of capital growth in a rising market makes a lot of sense.”

<div>
Urban have wrapped up four of the best apartments and townhomes&nbsp;on the market in the Glen Eira LGA. 
 
1. <a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon">MCKN, McKinnon</a> 
Developer:&nbsp;Dealcorp 
Prices: Two bedroom apartments start from $720,000
</div>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939]

The longstanding Melbourne developer Dealcorp will soon be seeing buyers move in to MCKN, their boutique apartment development in McKinnon.

The project, comprising just 41 apartments across its five levels, has been designed by the award-winning architects RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN and is already 70 per cent sold ahead of its expected August completion.

MCKN has been a hit with families so far, as well as those planning to have kids, due to the size of each apartment and its proximity to&nbsp;McKinnon Secondary College, one of the state’s highest ranked schools. 
 
2. <a href="/buildings/awaken-brighton-30-32-rooding-street-brighton">Awaken, Brighton</a> 
Developer:&nbsp;Skelton 
Prices: Two bedroom apartment&nbsp;from $1.15 million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30087]

Awaken is the latest luxury development by the developer Skelton. Leading Melbourne architect Travis Walton designed the building, set in landscaping by ACRE.

The facade's of the&nbsp;13 townhomes comprise locally-sourced European-styled brickwork and electro-bronze metal detailing.

3. <a href="/buildings/new-ormond-245-grange-road-ormond">New Ormond, Ormond</a> 
Developer: Sloane Property 
Prices: Three bedroom townhouses from $1,195,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28672]

New Ormond is the boutique townhouse project by Sloane Property, who have had Megowan Architectural create the development of just seven townhomes which sit in gardens by John Patrick Landscaping.

Slated for completion in July 2022, the townhomes each have three upstairs bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area which opens to a landscaped courtyard, and a lock-up garage for two cars.

4.&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/alia-240-250-mckinnon-road-mckinnon">Alia, McKinnon</a> 
Developer: BCentral 
Prices: Three bedroom apartments from $1.19 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24686]

The recently completed Alia in McKinnon, designed by the well regarded Bruce Henderson Architects, only has a handful of apartments left in the boutique McKinnon Road development.

Also popular for its&nbsp;proximity to&nbsp;McKinnon Secondary College, Alia is located less than 200 metres from McKinnon Station and boasts&nbsp;never to be built out views of the city skyline, bay and ranges.

To read more about Alia, <a href="/news/alia-luxury-living-in-the-heart-of-melbournes-mckinnon">click here</a>.

&nbsp;

Soaring Melbourne house prices have got the downsizer demographic questioning whether now is the best time to sell

The top four properties on the market in Melbourne's Glen Eira

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The national developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen have had sign off for their first project on the Gold Coast.

They'll be developing Hemingway, named after the famous author Ernest Hemingway, which will span 14-levels near the sand at Palm Beach. The project will comprise 78 residences fronting the exclusive Jefferson Lane beachfront enclave.

Rothelowman have designed the tower which has been described as a multi-storey reimagining of the area’s humble holiday shacks from the late 1950s and 1960s.

Hemingway will be made up of a variety of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

<a href="/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach"><img alt="" height="2801" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hemingway_2.jpg" width="2000"></a>

The development will also house its own ground-level café and expansive communal open space with a swimming pool, pool lounge, barbeque area and outdoor cinema.

The Melbourne-based developer is a partnership between the Hirsch family — also well-known for its petroleum, horse racing and wine interests — and property lawyer/developer Daniel Faigen.

Hirsch &amp; Faigen purchased the 1644 sqm corner site at 1267-1273 Gold Coast Highway, which also has frontages to both Seventeenth Avenue and Jefferson Lane, in 2016 for $3.85 million.

It lodged its development application in mid-2019 and despite concerns raised over the project’s height and high-density, Gold Coast council officers deemed the tower was “not considered to offend the local skyline” and was “appropriately serviced by infrastructure”.

<a href="/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach"><img alt="" height="1200" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hemingway_1.jpg" width="1600"></a>

An assessment of Hemingway’s design by the council’s Office of Architecture and Heritage provided a further tick of approval, citing that it would “reinforce the local identity” and “contribute to the emerging character of the area”.

“The development as a whole provides a distinct architectural appearance through its form which incorporate subtle design elements of the 1950s and 1960s beach house, articulated floorplate, sculptured columns and projections which are combined with high-quality material selections which include applied finishes in varied sandstone shades,” its analysis stated.

Hirsch &amp; Faigen director Richard Hirsch said the development approval for Hemingway reflected the architectural intelligence, innovation and intuition of its design as well as empathy for its surrounds and the Gold Coast’s beach heritage.

“We’re committed to design, sustainability, usability and creating timeless, contemporary buildings that improve the lives and wellbeing of all that interact with them,” he said.  

“This is a great design-led outcome that in time will prove to be an outstanding result not only for the site but also the whole of Palm Beach, which is one of the Gold Coast’s truly unique beachside treasures.”

<a href="/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach"><img alt="" height="1203" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hemingway_main.jpg" width="1600"></a>

Mr Hirsch said Rothelowman’s architectural vision for Hemingway was a reinvention of the suburb’s traditional beach houses, inspired by wrap-around decks and expansive views.

“Hemingway will be a slender residential tower with cut outs that dramatically expand the indoor-outdoor experience and reframe the view-lines through to the ocean to deliver true panoramic views,” he said.

“The design is a perfect fit for its unique location and will help define the future of the once sleepy suburb of Palm Beach, which has become highly sought-after and increasingly more exclusive but lost none of its charm.”

<h2>Other developments for sale on the Gold Coast</h2>

Shoreline, Surfers Paradise

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057]

Shoreline is the latest Surfers Paradise tower to be created by Marquee Development Partners.

The boutique 27 apartment development across 17 levels offers residents a luxury unseen in the between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach for a number of years.

Miles Residences, Kirra Beach

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

The Miles Residences Kirra Point will be one of Kirra Point's most impressive towers when it's completed in 2023.

The development of 118 apartments is part of the redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel. The brains behind the operation is the family-ran KTQ Group, led by Peggy Flannery, who are behind the award-winning Elements of Byron Bay.
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Rothelowman have designed the tower which has been described as a multi-storey reimagining of the area’s humble holiday shacks from the late 1950s and 1960s.



Tower reveal: Hirsch & Faigen secure approval for Palm Beach apartment project Hemingway

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It's been one of the best performing sales campaigns the Gold Coast has seen in a number of years, which is bad news for the punters of the Kirra Beach Hotel.

The Peggy Flannery-led developer KTQ Group have fast-tracked their luxury $380 million redevelopment of the historic Kirra Beach Hotel demolition of the historic Kirra Beach Hotel which will see Marine Parade site home four new mixed-use towers comprising a number of apartments and a five-star hotel.

The good news for Kirra regulars is they won't be out in the cold (or the lovely South East Queensland heat) for long.

The $180 million first stage will see a new pub and pavilion replace the 65-year-old Kirra Beach Hotel. Part of the first stage is Miles Residences, the hotly sought-after collection of 118 apartments.

<a href="/buildings/miles-kirra-beach-hotel-101-musgrave-street-coolangatta"><img alt="" height="1067" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kirra_beach_hotel_pub_2.jpg" width="1600"></a>

It took just three weeks following the December launch of Miles Residences for 50 per cent of the apartments to be snapped up.

Now the KTQ group has reached another milestone. Over 80 per cent of apartments have now sold, for a total of $145 million.

Hutchinson Builders won the building contract for Miles Residences, which has its one bedroom apartments priced from $550,000 and the three bedroom plus multi-purpose room apartments starting from $3 million.

The masterplanned project is expecting to create more than 1200 full-time direct and indirect jobs throughout the three stages of construction and on completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

Property advisory company MacroPlan Dimasi have indicated that the redevelopment will provide an economic boon for the southern Gold Coast, injecting $136 million in initial construction expenditure and an additional $61.3 million a year into the local economy. 

“The redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel will provide an economic injection for the Southern Gold Coast in terms of capital investment, construction employment, additional short stay accommodation provision and ongoing tourist expenditure,” it states.

KTQ Group, whose Elements of Byron has reshaped the luxury resort and hotel market in Byron Bay, prides itself on adding value to the community and developing high quality and functional large-scale spaces.

When completed the Kirra Beach project will include a second stage, comprising 90 apartments, and a final stage that will deliver an 80-room, luxury hotel and 15 retail outlets within a dining and retail precinct. 

<a href="/buildings/miles-kirra-beach-hotel-101-musgrave-street-coolangatta"><img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/kirra_point_miles_residences_pool_0.jpg" width="1600"></a>

“We’re on the cusp of a renaissance for Kirra Beach that will deliver an exciting new destination in its own right where locals and visitors will be able to live work and play,” KTQ Group development director Jeremy Holmes said.

“Our plans have drawn on the history of the site that for generations was the social heart of the southern Gold Coast.

“The incredible market response to our first-stage release affirms our faith in our vision for the site which will be delivered over the next few years.”

KTQ Group, a family-owned company, has owned the Kirra Beach Hotel and surrounding land since 2010 and has crafted its plans for the property with a view to enhance the unique character of the famed Kirra beachfront and to recreate the legacy of the pub that has operated there for so many years.  

The Kirra Beach Hotel was considered a major development of its time when opened in the 1950s, drawing an official opening by then Queensland premier Vince Gair.

Originally known as Lennons Kirra Hotel, the site has an extensive history with Australia’s surfing culture and was a popular social venue for the budding southern Gold Coast community in the 1950s and 1960s.

 
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It took just three weeks following the December launch of Miles Residences for 50 per cent of the apartments toe be snapped up

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