ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

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Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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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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.

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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. 

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“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

Miles Residences at Kirra Beach now 80% sold as fast-tracked construction begins

The New South Wales developer TOGA Group have officially broken ground at their long-awaited redevelopment of the Surry Hills shopping centre.

To be known as Surry Hills Village and due for completed in early 2024, the mixed-use development and precinct on the corner of Cleveland and Baptist Street will home 122 apartments and a 102-room hotel, as well as 12,000 sqm of commercial and retail spaces.

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SJB have designed the development in collaboration with development partners Iain Halliday and BKH, Aspect Studios director Sacha Coles and Studio Prineas architect and principal Eva-Marie Prineas.

The 12,000 square metres of commercial and retail spaces that will feature a Coles supermarket, specialty retail and parking for retail customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Around 50 per cent of the 122 apartments have sold. Apartment start at $875,000 for a 55 sqm, one bedder.

The 81 sqm two bedroom apartments are priced at $1.55 million and the 122 sqm three bedder is priced at $2.65 million.

There&#39;s been a mix of buyer types, from locals to&nbsp;international buyers who will be moving in once they&rsquo;re able to return home.

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The groundbreaking ceremony marked&nbsp;around five and a half&nbsp;years since TOGA paid nearly $95 million for the 1.2 hectare site in mid-2015.

TOGA managing director Allan Vidor AM was joined by Redfern local and Sydney&nbsp;Lord Mayor Clover Moore at an official ceremony marking milestone.

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Mr Vidor said the ground breaking marks the start of the much-anticipated regeneration of the iconic site. &nbsp;

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&nbsp;&ldquo;We are very proud to be leading the transformation of this important site that will be a catalyst for the future shape of Sydney&rsquo;s inner city. Our vision is to deliver a precinct that will celebrate the authenticity of the neighbourhood whilst also bringing the energy of new people and businesses to the suburb.&nbsp;

&ldquo;For our future residents, locals and visitors, we are creating a destination that will enrich the area, with exceptional dining and bars alongside some of Sydney&rsquo;s best providores within a new retail laneway, commercial office building and public park. In addition, the precinct will include a boutique 102 room hotel with roof top pool and bar making Surry Hills Village a truly unique, once in a generation project that the community will enjoy for many years to come&rdquo;.&nbsp;
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Lord Mayor Clover Moore said, as a Redfern local, she welcomes the revitalisation of the old Surry Hills shopping centre,&nbsp;bringing new life to the area and better serving the needs of the people who are living here.

Adam Haddow, SJB Architects director and a Surry Hills local, says because of the location of Surry Hills Village,&nbsp;near SJB&#39;s office, the team are hugely passionate about the significant project and the opportunity it presents for the neighbourhood.

&ldquo;Paying homage to the history of the site and building, while ensuring a blend of retail, residential, hotel and commercial space that feels at one with the street environment was a priority. We set out to revitalise the site and to create a space that locals can be proud of.&rdquo;

SJB have designed the development in collaboration with development partners Iain Halliday and BKH, Aspect Studios director Sacha Coles and Studio Prineas architect and principal Eva-Marie Prineas

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