<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.

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&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.

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&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."

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&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."

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&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.

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Joel Robinson

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

Kew has long been regarded as one of Melbourne's premier residential suburbs. It's a location defined by its grand period homes, leafy streets and some of the city's most prestigious schools, yet it has often sat just outside the spotlight cast on neighbouring Hawthorn and Camberwell.

Increasingly, however, buyers are recognising that Kew offers much of what draws people to those suburbs, with a quieter residential setting, exceptional amenity and long-term owner-occupier appeal.

Within a few minutes' walk, residents can access Kew Junction, one of Melbourne's most established village centres. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants, supermarkets, boutique retailers and everyday services are all on the doorstep, with local favourites including Centonove, Adeney Milk Bar Cafe, and Frank &amp; Harri creating the type of walkable lifestyle that has become increasingly difficult to find in Melbourne's inner east. Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, Glenferrie Road's renowned shopping and dining precinct in Hawthorn and the retail, dining and entertainment offerings of Camberwell Junction are both just a short drive or tram ride away.

The suburb is equally well connected. Tram routes 48 and 109 provide direct access to the CBD, while High Street and Cotham Road connect residents to the wider inner east.&nbsp;Nearby access to the Eastern Freeway also places the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne Airport within easy reach, adding another layer of convenience for weekend travel.&nbsp;It's a rare combination of connectivity and tranquillity, where quiet residential streets sit just moments from some of Melbourne's most established shopping and lifestyle precincts.

For families, Kew remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held addresses. Carey Baptist Grammar School, Xavier College, Methodist Ladies' College, Trinity Grammar, Ruyton Girls' School and Genazzano FCJ College are all nearby, while the Yarra River parklands, walking trails and sporting clubs provide another layer of lifestyle appeal.

It's within this established pocket that developer Ricdanic is delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wimba-ave-kew-9-11-wimba-avenue-kew-vic-3101">Wimba Ave</a>, a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings named after its location on the tree-lined Wimba Avenue,&nbsp;within one of Kew's most prestigious pockets where homes have been known to sell up to and above $8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=354809]

The residences prioritise the space that buyers are increasingly searching for but struggling to find in established suburbs. Living areas extend beyond five metres in width, ceiling heights range from three to five metres, and apartments open onto private gardens averaging around 125 sqm. Selected residences also feature balconies of approximately 60 sqm, while premium inclusions include Miele appliances, double-glazed windows, EV readiness, fully electric systems and a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.

Architect Chris Idle says opportunities to deliver homes of this scale within established suburbs have become increasingly uncommon.

"There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs," he says. "To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The architecture draws on Kew's established character through the use of handmade Krause bricks, while landscaping by John Patrick introduces 23 plant species, including nine native varieties, creating an environment which focuses just as much on nature as it does the building.

Construction on Wimba Ave is well underway by renowned high-end builder Sinjen, with completion expected in late 2027. Prices start from $2.22 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

The enduring appeal of Kew's tree-lined streets and village lifestyle

"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

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From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

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While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

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Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

As apartment buyers increasingly look beyond the four walls of their residence, the quality and depth of shared amenity has become a defining factor in how developments are designed and experienced, particularly in the high-rise, new apartment development space.

In Southbank, where high-density living continues to evolve, developers are placing greater emphasis on creating environments that support wellbeing, connection, and convenience as part of everyday life.

That approach sits at the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aura-at-melbourne-square-7-hoff-boulevard-southbank-vic-3006">AURA</a>, the latest residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/osk-property">OSK Property</a>’s $3.5 billion Melbourne Square precinct. Rising 67 storeys above Hoff Boulevard, the 673-apartment development has been conceived around what OSK describes as a “vertical wellness ecosystem”, a layered collection of amenities that extends throughout the building rather than being confined to a single podium level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370263]

The amenity offering begins on the seventh level within the AURA Club, a dedicated resident hub focused on health, relaxation, and daily convenience. Here, residents will have access to an indoor swimming pool, cold plunge, spa, sauna, and steam room, alongside a fully equipped gym, reformer Pilates studio, and yoga room.

The wellness facilities are complemented by a range of spaces that acknowledge the changing ways people live and work. Work-from-home lounges and co-working areas sit alongside a library, music room, games room, cinema facilities, and open-air terrace spaces, providing residents with flexible environments that can adapt throughout the day.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367468]

Beyond the internal amenity, AURA introduces a series of Japanese-inspired gardens that form a quieter counterpoint to the tower’s social spaces.

Landscaped retreats feature curated outdoor dining, tranquil courtyard seating, fire pit, and a tea house pavilion. Rather than functioning as simple recreational areas, the gardens have been designed as places for reflection and informal gathering, drawing on principles of balance, nature, and calm that underpin the project's broader design philosophy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367810]

The social amenity continues to evolve as residents move higher through the building. Levels 49 and 50 house the Meridian Club, where a lounge bar, conservatory spaces, and private dining rooms take advantage of elevated city views. At the summit of the tower, the exclusive Cumulus Club spans Levels 66 and 67, offering additional lounges, private dining, and meditation and treatment rooms positioned above Melbourne’s skyline.

For OSK Property, the extensive amenity offering reflects a broader focus on wellbeing as a core component of apartment living rather than an added feature.

“Aura stands tall as an exemplar of holistic wellness – its focus on social, physical and mental health culminate in a building that is calming, restorative and relaxing, where residents will have their own sanctuary within the well-connected and sought-after Southbank,” says OSK Property CEO Chong Boon Woon.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=367796]

AURA’s amenity strategy extends beyond the tower itself through its integration with the wider Melbourne Square precinct.

Residents will have direct access to Kennedy Park, Southbank’s 3,745 sqm landscaped public park, alongside a full-line Woolworths supermarket, childcare centre, hospitality venues, and approximately 1,600 sqm of additional retail planned within AURA’s lower levels. Together, these elements create a highly connected residential environment where daily needs, recreation, and wellness are woven into the fabric of the community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151921 project_image_fid=370253]

As Melbourne’s apartment market continues to mature, developments are increasingly judged by the lifestyle they provide beyond individual residences.

Through its combination of wellness facilities, landscaped retreats, social clubs, and precinct-wide amenity, AURA represents a shift toward a more comprehensive model of vertical living, one where shared spaces play as significant a role as the homes themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151921]

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

Builder-developer Scion is the latest to target Sydney's booming Hills Showground Metro precinct, filing plans for more than 100 apartments within walking distance of the station.

Scion has lodged a concurrent rezoning and State Significant Development Application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-33-middleton-avenue-castle-hill-nsw-2154">27–33 Middleton Avenue</a>, where it plans to replace four existing homes with an 11 and 14-storey mixed-use development comprising 109 apartments, six affordable housing dwellings, and a ground-floor café.

Designed by BHK Architects, the proposal includes three levels of basement parking with 174 spaces, more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space, and extensive landscaping across the 3,791 sqm site.

The development has been designed as two buildings connected by a recessed wintergarden spine, with the 14-storey building positioned to the south and the 11-storey building to the north.

<img alt="Scion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64dc359d-736b-43b8-87a8-70a8285cab47" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-25%20at%208.47.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PXh.m8id_aevBPHEckPf88wQ2RQThPos" />

The apartment mix has been weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 13 one-bedroom apartments, 55 two-bedroom residences, 31 three-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom lofts, and four four-bedroom homes. Six apartments will be dedicated as affordable housing in line with the NSW Housing SEPP.

According to the Architectural Design Report by BKH, the proposal seeks to create "a place-responsive architecture" inspired by the natural landscape surrounding Cattai Creek, while strengthening the public domain through landscaping, active frontages and a neighbourhood café.

Atlas Urban, in its Urban Design Report, says the proposal takes a different approach to increasing density around Hills Showground Station by favouring a more slender, vertically articulated built form over a conventional mid-rise outcome. The report argues this allows for greater deep soil planting, improved solar access and a better public domain outcome, while still delivering additional housing close to rapid public transport.

The site sits around 500 metres from Hills Showground Metro Station, within a precinct earmarked for significant residential intensification following the opening of the Sydney Metro Northwest line. Planning documents accompanying the application note that Greater Sydney's population has grown by more than one million people since planning for the precinct first began, reinforcing the need to accelerate housing delivery around existing transport infrastructure.

Scion is expanding its development pipeline which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/chatham-west-ryde-2-6-chatham-road-west-ryde-nsw-2114">Chatham in West Ryde</a>, 62 apartments which are approaching completion. They also have a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">145 apartments on Anzac Avenue</a>, also in West Ryde.

First look: Scion plots Castle Hill apartment development near Hills Showground Metro Station

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

The property we have to show you today showcases Rothelowman's elegant architecture, exudes sophisticated luxury and overlooks the pristine shores of Mermaid Beach. This is Yves.&nbsp;

Watch our recent display suite tour:

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<h2>YVES AT A GLANCE</h2>

Address:&nbsp;7-9 Mermaid Avenue, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218 
Developer:&nbsp;Hirsch &amp; Faigen Property 
Architect: Rothelowman 
Builder:&nbsp;Hutchinson Builders

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186070]

Located at 7-9 Mermaid Avenue, your brand new home at Yves is positioned to enjoy all that Mermaid Beach offers, with popular eateries, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre&nbsp;and some of the best wave breaks in Australia, right on your doorstep. You can also enjoy the vibrance of the neighbouring Broadbeach without living in the heart of it, returning home to your quiet retreat in just 3 minutes.&nbsp;

Transport in the area is easily accessible, with the Gold Coast Light Rail making navigating the city a breeze. You've also got the Gold Coast Highway which is just a block away, and the Pacific Motorway close by. Plus, the airport is only 16 kilometres away for convenient interstate and international travel.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

Architecturally, the development is a work of art, creatively using the triangular site to maximise the ocean vistas for residents.&nbsp;

Enjoy arriving home to a dramatic lobby, complete with lush subtropical planting for the authentic year-round hotel-living experience.&nbsp;

The apartments are designed with the owner-occupier in mind. Details such as integrated wine fridges, recessed drapes tracks and seamless flooring connecting living areas to your balconies suggest the team have thoughtfully designed each property for optimum resident comfort.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186079]

Yves balconies are also particularly generous, offering the opportunity to spend a lot of your time outdoors, enjoying the stunning view and ocean breeze.&nbsp;

The amenity selection has been carefully curated to ensure that you're not paying for facilities that you won't utilise. You'll most likely spend most of your time at the exquisite swimming pool on level 3, surrounded by built-in cabanas and verdant greenery.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186084]

You'll also have access to the level 24 rooftop terrace, with a private bookable dining space and residents' lounge for sunsets, drinks and relaxation.

Developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen have an exceptional reputation for creating unique residential developments both in Melbourne and on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Yves offers the perfect opportunity for buyers wanting a stylish, modern residence with incredible ocean views at a lower price point and a lot less maintenance. There are just 146 residences available, so request a call from a sales agent today via Urban.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=102451]

Olivia Round

Display Tour Video: Yves by Hirsch & Faigen Property at 7-9 Mermaid Avenue, Mermaid Beach QLD

The ever-busy South East Queensland apartment developer, Mosaic Property Group, has pivoted away from a hotel apartment development at its recently acquired Milton, Brisbane site.

Mosaic, led by Brook Monahan, secured 33 Railway Terrace, Milton, a near 1,600 sqm site not far from the Brisbane River, late last year.

The sale came with plans for a mixed-use hotel and apartment tower, however Mosaic, who are always keenly developing for the owner-occupier, has taken a change of direction, amending the plans to create 113 two and three-bedroom apartments across the 20 levels.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-manning-by-mosaic-33-railway-terrace-milton-qld-4064"><img alt="" height="531" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-31_at_9.13.56_am.png" width="965" /></a>

They had BDA Architecture amend the design, which will include Mosaic&#39;s signature luxury rooftop amenity level, as well as ground floor retail.

&quot;Intending to appeal directly to owner-occupiers, we have removed the previous plans for 73 hotel/accommodation suites and 500 sqm of office space, making it primarily a residential building,&quot; Mosaic&#39;s website read.

&quot;This move allows us to lower the number of basement levels from four to one, which will reduce the impact of excavation and piling construction works on the local community.

&quot;A strong focus on quality, sustainability, and amenity aligns with our award-winning reputation while at the same time respecting local context and Milton&#39;s distinct character.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-manning-by-mosaic-33-railway-terrace-milton-qld-4064"><img alt="" height="536" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-31_at_9.14.02_am.png" width="969" /></a>

&quot;Quality ground floor retail will deliver much-needed activation and rejuvenation, creating the opportunity to cultivate a sense of community within the building and the wider local area.&quot;

33 Railway Terrace, which will be dubbed The Manning by Mosaic,&nbsp;will pursue&nbsp;UDIA EnviroDevelopment certification, implementing a range of initiatives, from design to construction and ongoing maintenance.

Mosaic recently lodged plans for am 81-apartment tower&nbsp;in East Brisbane, which will be one of seven apartment projects they intend to launch across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, in 2022.

Mosaic&#39;s track record in Brisbane&#39;s inner-west is enviable.&nbsp;Last year alone they sold out both of their&nbsp;Toowong projects,&nbsp;The Patterson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kensington.

Mosaic, led by Brook Monahan, secured 33 Railway Terrace, Milton, a near 1,600 sqm site not far from the Brisbane River, late last year

Mosaic amend mixed-use hotel and apartment design for Milton tower to focus on owner-occupiers

The Gold Coast apartment market has been rocked with a $20 million sale, breaking every record in the Sunshine State.

The two-level penthouse in Glasshouse in Burleigh Heads, which features one of the most impressive rooftops money could buy, has sold for not only an apartment record (both of​f the plan and established) in the Gold Coast, but the whole of Queensland.

It&#39;s topped some of the best penthouses in Brisbane, and even the apartments that line Noosa&#39;s beachfront Hastings Street strip.

The penthouse, one of just three apartments in South East Queensland developer Spyre Group&#39;s dress circle project at 10 Goodwin Terrace, has been snapped up by an interstate buyer. They visited the impressive display suite, and intend to use the apartment as a holiday home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=189485]

It&#39;s the speediness of the sale that has shocked property watchers and local developers with proper marketing only really taking place earlier this year. Even some of Sydney Harbour&#39;s biggest&nbsp;sales take years to find a buyer.

There hasn&#39;t been a development produced on the Gold Coast that has come close to finding a $20 million apartment buyer. It&#39;s a figure more associated the purchase of a prime development site, as opposed to one of the apartments in the development.

The penthouse,&nbsp;which spans 970 sqm of living space, an area more than five times the size of an average home, has two separate living spaces, four bedrooms across two levels, six bathrooms, a media room, infrared sauna, fire pit, outdoor bar, multiple outdoor dining and lounge areas, a gym, wine cellar and private five car garage.

The staggered rooftop has never-to-be-built-out views over Burleigh Heads Beach, and features its own private pool and spa deck. The rooftop was an important factor in the purchase, CBRE Residential Projects Senior Director Nicholas Clydsdale said. &quot;It&#39;s a perfect space to share with family and friends and create memories,&quot;&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

Clydsdale added that there were three big drivers for the purchase; the location, the finish, and of course the rooftop.

&quot;This location perfectly combines proximity and amenity with an unsurpassed connection to the natural surrounds, all while ensuring the privacy of a stand-alone home is retained in this impeccable residence,&quot;&nbsp;Clydsdale added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=189487]

Spyre Group&rsquo;s director Andrew Malouf said the record sale is a crowning achievement for the company after laying plans last year to create in Glasshouse the ultimate coastal address in one of Australia&rsquo;s most sought-after locations.

&ldquo;We received a great deal of genuine interest in this property and the market was very accepting of the value proposition it presented,&rdquo;&nbsp;Malouf said.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a true reflection of what happens when a perfectly elevated, unrepeatable location is met with the very best of design detail and finish. To have a market so enthused by this level of offering is a great outcome and a call to where the Group is headed.&rdquo;

Glasshouse is the most exclusive project yet to be delivered by the Brisbane-based Spyre Group, which has had a stellar run of across six projects on the Gold Coast since 2018.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=188873]

The Burleigh Heads development comprises just three exclusive residences, each encased in floor-to ceiling glass to capture sweeping to capture the views across Burleigh Beach and north to Surfers Paradise.

The ground-floor apartment occupies the entire floor and features a lower-level terrace. Above will be the full-floor middle residence, with each of these lower residences delivering a commanding 300sqm of living space.

All three residences feature bespoke inclusions that have been likened to works of art, including custom handblown lights by SOKTAS and an impressive kitchen island bench and bathroom vanities which are crafted from Italian marble.

&ldquo;Each of these superb residences offer unrivalled style, scale and standard overlooking the Gold Coast&rsquo;s breathtaking coastal landscape,&rdquo;&nbsp;Malouf added.

&ldquo;The location is unique, iconic and without doubt the best place of anywhere in Australia to be delivering a project of this calibre to the market.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104773 project_image_fid=188871]

Clydsdale&nbsp;said that Glasshouse Burleigh offers a new level of luxury within Australia&rsquo;s most desirable beachfront enclave, where every element has been refined to the highest possible standard.

&ldquo;The calibre of this sale validates Burleigh Heads as a world-class destination worthy of a world-class penthouse,&rdquo;&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

Glasshouse is the latest in a series of successful projects undertaken by Spyre Group since it ventured out of its home market in Brisbane four years ago.

Among its milestone achievements was the sale of a full-floor penthouse at the $57 million Cala Dei Coolangatta last year to a local family for $7.1 million.

The company has evolved into one of the leaders in luxury apartments developments, with multiple award-winning projects across the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

It is close to completion on the $77 million Natura Residences on the Burleigh Heads Esplanade which sold out in one weekend in early 2020. The project was also marketed by Clydsdale.

Spyre Group is currently progressing toward a construction commencement for Glasshouse which is expected to be completed in late 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=104773]

The penthouse, one of just three apartments in South East Queensland developer Spyre Group's dress circle project at 10 Goodwin Terrace, has been snapped up by an interstate buyer

Spyre Group smash Queensland apartment record with $20 million Burleigh Heads penthouse sale

The Queensland-based developers MAYD Group have a growing pipeline of projects across Southeast Queensland, with four boutique residential development applications lodged with the City of Gold Coast.

Making a turn to focus more exclusively on luxury, boutique developments, residences will feature high-end finishes with coastal inspired interiors, shifting their focus to some of the most sought-after coastlines in Australia, like Mermaid Beach, where the group have lodged four multi-residential development applications for.

The Seagull Avenue project will see four full-floor units created, with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms.

<img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seagullave.jpeg" style="width: 1200px; height: 1440px;" title="Render of Seagull Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group" /> 
Render of Seagull Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group

Designed by Architects, Studio Workshop, there will be a private rooftop entertainment area, including a rooftop deck, bar and pool. Basement parking will be provided for all residents.

The groups Chairlift Avenue site sits on the corner of Chairlift Avenue and Petrel Avenue, where they will construct eight luxury units, including two lower-penthouses, and an upper penthouse, that will feature a rooftop terrace, alfresco, plunge pool and lounge area.

Designed by Plus Architecture, these units will be three-bedrooms and three-bathrooms, all with basement level car parking.

Alongside landscape design which provides a unique, contemporary, and sophisticated character, the design intends to cater for its residents&#39; modern lifestyle requirements and encourage outdoor living and an active engagement with the beach environment.

<img alt="" height="746" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/maydgroup.png" width="1324" /> 
Render of Chairlift Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group

MAYD will demolish an older residential building at 120 Hedges Avenue with plans for two luxury, four-storey houses.

Level one will comprise four-bedrooms, while the living areas, main kitchen and dining are on level two.

Level three is the rooftop level, inclusive of enclosed entertainment spaces, dry bars, and a rooftop pool, with the basement level featuring a wine/whiskey cellar, storage rooms, a surfboard storeroom, and a gym.

The group&rsquo;s final multi-residential development is for Seaside Avenue, which will see another three full-floor luxury units crafted, with a double-storey penthouse.

<img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seasideave.jpeg" width="1200" /> 
Render of Seaside Avenue development. Image supplied by MAYD Group

This development has plans for a rooftop pool and terrace, as well as entertainment areas scattered throughout.

The MAYD Group was founded last year in 2021 by Todd Mould, having&nbsp;previously worked as a builder, by trade, in the construction and property development industry for over 15 years.&nbsp;

Making a turn to focus more exclusively on luxury, boutique developments, MAYD Group has lodged four multi-residential development applications in Mermaid Beach 

MAYD Group to develop four boutique residential sites in Mermaid Beach 

Marquee Development Partners has marked the completion of its third&nbsp;Gold Coast project, with a ribbon cutting on the site of The Catalina, the apartment tower on Chevron Island.

The Acting Mayor Cr Donna Gates joined Marquee to commemorate the official delivery of what has become the first in a spate of art deco-inspired developments&nbsp;on the island, which is rapidly emerging as the city&rsquo;s arts and cultural capital.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s great to see buildings like this which connect the new residents directly into this amenity and culture,&quot; Gates said.

&quot;The Catalina is a great example of a medium density development that helps provide housing options and choices for locals to downsize, upgrade or purchase their first home.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6517 project_image_fid=194376]

The Catalina comprises 75 apartments over nine&nbsp;storeys, offering residents views across the river, city skyline and hinterland. Residents also get access&nbsp;to a range of private amenities including a pool, gym, private dining, cinema, and rooftop residents club.

All The Catalina apartments were sold prior to construction commencing. Buyers represented an even mix of locals and interstate purchasers, with many relocating from Greater Sydney up to the Gold Coast.

&ldquo;The Catalina helped provide an achievable housing option and choice for locals to downsize, upgrade or purchase their first home, without compromising on quality or amenity,&rdquo; Azura Griffen, sales manager at Marquee, said.

Local Queensland builder Rawcorp delivered the nine-storey development after construction was fast tracked on the back of strong sales.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6517 project_image_fid=194377]

&ldquo;We are delighted to have delivered yet another collection of high-quality residences for our= buyers who share our passion for this unique pocket of the Gold Coast&rdquo;&nbsp;Griffen added.

&ldquo;Rawcorp has done a remarkable job at bringing our visionary development to life and we are very proud to welcome The Catalina&rsquo;s very first residents into their stunning new homes.&rdquo;

The Catalina marked&nbsp;Marquee and Rawcorp&rsquo;s third&nbsp;completed project on the Gold Coast together, with Rawcorp now underway on the delivery of Marquee&rsquo;s sold-out Palm Beach developments, Palm Beach Residences and&nbsp;Northshore, which are due for completion in 2023.

&ldquo;Rawcorp has an impeccable track record with the timely and reliable delivery of projects across Southeast Queensland, and we look forward to carrying forward this partnership into future Marquee projects,&rdquo; Marquee Development Director, Steve Harrison, said.

The Catalina is Marquee&rsquo;s second Chevron Island development, following on from the sell- out success, Stanhill Residences, which was also delivered by Rawcorp and was awarded the 2020 Master Builders Queensland Housing and Construction Award for the best Medium Density Apartment Development.

All The Catalina apartments were sold prior to construction commencing. Buyers represented an even mix of locals and interstate purchasers, with many relocating from Greater Sydney up to the Gold Coast.

Marquee Development Partners compete sold-out The Catalina, Chevron Island apartments

The renowned South East Queensland apartment developer, Mosaic Property, has lodged plans for its latest Brisbane apartment project.

They&#39;ll be developing in East Brisbane, where they&#39;ve previously had quick-fire&nbsp;sell-out success with The Sinclair, which is to be completed later this year.

The latest project, at 89 Lytton Road, occupies a prime position across the street from&nbsp;Mowbray Park and the Brisbane River. The blue chip 2,563 sqm corner&nbsp;site, currently home to the East Brisbane Shopping Centre, also has street frontages to Northcote Street and Heidelberg Street. Mosaic secured the site mid-last year.

Mosaic had DKO Architiecture put together the creative plans, which saw them incorporate&nbsp;the Moreton Bay Fig trees at Mowbray Park in to their design.

<img alt="" height="700" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-29_at_9.21.08_am.png" width="730" />

&quot;The main design driver was to reconcile the need to provide shelter and respite from the inner city urban environment, and at the same time, open up to the fantastic views on offer, almost 270 degrees around the site,&quot; DKO noted in their submission to the Brisbane City Council.

&quot;We drew lessons from two major landmarks close to the site &ndash; the leafy sheltered spaces in Mowbray Park created by the Moreton Bay Fig trees as well as the bricks and verandas from Hanworth House.&quot;

The fig tree response saw DKO create a unique design. The columns throughout the tower take on the form of branches, with the structure transferring through the raking sculptured columns at ground then into the basement grid below.

&quot;Metaphorically and literally [the building is] expressing the form of fig trees,&quot; DKO note.

<img alt="" height="522" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-29_at_9.22.24_am.png" width="958" />

There will be 81 apartments across the eight-level building. Mosaic has always positioned itself as a developer for the owner-occupier. They&#39;re offering three different configuration types,&nbsp;33 two-bed apartments, 22 two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room, and 26 three-bedrooms plus multi-purpose rooms.

Residents will have access to the private wellness and gym space on the ground level, located beside two retail tenancies.

There&#39;s further private amenity on the rooftop, which will feature a luxury, resort-style pool, day beds, barbecue&nbsp;and dining areas, and extensive landscaping by Wild Studio.

The partially covered rooftop will offer panoramic views of the CBD skyline, Brisbane River, and Mt Cootha.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="354" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-29_at_9.21.44_am.png" width="436" />

Speaking to Urban earlier this year, Mosaic Property boss Brook Monahan said there is huge potential in the Brisbane apartment market, particularly in the owner-occupier space.

&quot;There&#39;s just not enough high quality built form for owner occupiers wanting bigger units, and world class amenity, in the five kilometre ring around Brisbane,&quot; Monahan said, suggesting there&#39;s been a chronic undersupply for that type of buyer&nbsp;since around 2018.

Mosaic is set to launch seven projects to the market this year, spread across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. They have their sights set on Broadbeach, Coolangatta and Bilinga on the GC.

Mosaic had DKO Architiecture put together the creative plans, which saw them incorporate the Moreton Bay Fig trees across the road at Mowbray Park in to their design

Mosaic lodge East Brisbane apartment plans, with unique Moreton Bay Fig tree design influence

It&#39;s a development that&#39;s been over two decades in the pipeline, and it&#39;s set to provide&nbsp;local and interstate prestige apartment seekers, and even tourists, something the Gold Coast hasn&#39;t seen before.

It was before the turn of the Millennium&nbsp;that the family behind the luxury hotel operator and apartment developer, KTQ,&nbsp;led by the visionary developer Peggy Flannery, started buying apartments on the dress circle Garfield Terrace, fronting Surfers Paradise beachfront. KTQ has now amassed a huge&nbsp;2,000 sqm corner site.&nbsp;

And now, after over 12 months of a rigorous design process, KTQ, who are behind the likes of Elements of Byron Bay and the Kirra Point development in Coolangatta,&nbsp;are announcing Serēn, a hotel and residences tower in one of the best spots in Surfers.

Serēn (pronounced serene),&nbsp;will comprise an independent luxury, 60-room hotel, with some suites offering over 100 sqm of living space. The hotel will occupy levels three to six, then above is the hotel and the residences pool and recreation decks. Then above the level nine wellness level are the 60 residences, the smallest on offer spanning a huge 350 sqm and offering three-bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

Toward the pointy end of the 42-level tower will be full floor apartments and a special two-level penthouse.

The&nbsp;second level,&nbsp;above a new oceanway and fronting the beach, will feature&nbsp;a world class restaurant and bar, with gun-barrel views over the beach and the ocean and south to Coolangatta.&nbsp;

<a href="/new-apartments/seren-27-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="1258" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-04-08_at_10.47.27_am.png" width="2312" /></a> 
The pool for the residences. Image supplied

&quot;Serēn furthers KTQ&rsquo;s commitment to developing a legacy of superior properties that align with our values and aspirations,&quot; KTQ Director Peggy Flannery said.

&quot;We are delighted to be creating something truly inspired for this site with this exceptional team we have assembled.&rdquo;

Serēn&nbsp;is the brainchild of&nbsp;Little Boat Projects, the design-led studio headed&nbsp;by architects Michelle Donnelly and Mark Damant, who worked with the national architecture firm&nbsp;Bates Smart, the first Gold Coast project for the renowned practice.

Speaking to KTQ&#39;s Development Director Jeremy Holmes, it&#39;s evident KTQ and the design team has considered every little detail.

There will be little to no crossover between apartment residents and hotel guests, with seperate entry&#39;s, separate beach-facing swimming pools, and separate lift lobby&#39;s. The only thing they&#39;ll share is the wellness centre on level nine,&nbsp;which will feature an impressive gym and day spa, as well as the restaurant and bar, which&nbsp;will be available to the residents, hotel guests, and the general&nbsp;public. This &nbsp;will all be operated by KTQ once construction is complete.&nbsp;

The residences and hotel crossover will also see&nbsp;residents benefit from the hotel&#39;s concierge team. They can order room service from the restaurant, have taxis booked, and call on housekeepers come to their residences, among other complimentary services.

Holmes says the apartments will attract two different camps; owner-occupiers who may want&nbsp;to downsize or relocate to the beachfront, or fly-in, fly-out business people who might have the apartments as a coastal holiday home.

<a href="/new-apartments/seren-27-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="1508" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ktq_facade.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
Image of the hotel suites with the bar tucked in below. Image supplied

&quot;Imagine you&#39;re in one of the eastern seaboard capitals. You can have a housekeeper freshen the sheets before your arrival, have a bottle of your favourite wine airing, and even pre-order room service from the restaurant below.&quot;

Proof of the extensive consideration to every element of the apartment design is evident immediately.&nbsp;Out of the private lift lobby is storage, big enough to fit a surfboard or beach supplies.

Entry to the apartments is located in the middle of the apartment plan, but the clever design of the apartment means residents are welcomed with immediate ocean views, with the eye-line on arrival looking through the main living areas out to the ocean. An ocean-facing balcony opens from the lounge. Before getting to the living space there&#39;s a sand room for a post-beach dust&nbsp;down.

The&nbsp;multi-purpose room has been designed to offer a potential second living space, or guest room,&nbsp;which opens up to a second outdoor area, again featuring a clever design which can protect it from the elements. Dubbed a Belvedere, the 20 sqm space, which will home an outdoor barbecue kitchen, can be closed off to the wind and the rain, but still make residents feel like they&#39;re outside.

Two of the bedrooms are located at the rear of the apartment, both with five metre frontages of floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views over the Nerang River and to the hinterland. The enormous master is at the front of the apartment, with its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. - spruce it up

&ldquo;As a client, KTQ continuously challenges and reinvents preconceived notions around what a building and development should be. Peggy approached this project as if she was designing something completely personal,&quot; Little Boat Projects Founder and CEO, Michelle Donnelly, said.

&quot;It was very important for her to envisage going on holidays or living at Serēn, occupying the space as if it was her own home.&rdquo;

After over 12 months of a rigorous design process, KTQ are announcing Serēn, a hotel and apartment tower in one of the best spots in Surfers.



KTQ set to bring Surfers Paradise the highest level of beachfront luxury

You can almost count on one hand the number of high-rise apartment developments to launch in Mermaid Beach in the last five years.

The last two, Dawn and Bela, both by the South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group, sold out all of its 90-or so apartments within a few weeks last year, such the rarity of high-rise opportunities.

The latest opportunity comes from the Melbourne developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen, who are seeing similarly quick-fire success at Yves, their $200 million, three-tower development at 7-9 Mermaid Avenue, designed by the renowned architecture firm Rothelowman.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

They&#39;ve sold half of the 146 apartments in the first two months of marketing, unsurprisingly with locals dominating the purchasing.

Hirsch and Faigen&rsquo;s QLD Sales Manager, Alex Jokovich, said the locality of buyers&nbsp;is a huge testament to Yves&rsquo; appeal to discerning locals who have a deep appreciation and understanding of the projects positioning in one of the coasts&rsquo; most coveted residential addresses.

Rothelowman&nbsp;noted the site presented a unique opportunity to create a transitional tower project at the junction between the intensity of cosmopolitan Broadbeach and the more traditional/ laidback vestiges that is well defined by places such as Mermaid Beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186075]

&quot;Between the sleepless Broadbeach &amp; gentrified Burleigh, Mermaid Beach captures the diminishing modesty&nbsp;of the Gold Coast,&quot;&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;wrote in their design statement to the Gold Coast City Council.

&quot;It is a microcosm with cafes, craft and culture. A community of locals and tourists relishing a more humble urban lifestyle than the north &amp; south.&quot;

Entry to Yves is through a&nbsp;deliberately intimate arrival experience which channels residents through lush subtropical plantings towards the entry, where residents and guests are then greeted by an expansive four-storey-height lobby space.

Yves comprises&nbsp;one, two and three-bedroom designs, in addition to the premium offerings of two four-bedroom, half-floor sub-penthouses and a single full-floor penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186074]

High-rise developments always offer a great opportunity to create more extensive amenity spaces than a low-rise development to service its higher density.

Yves residents get exclusive access to the residents&rsquo; level 03 recreation deck, which features a resort-style pool, a gym, a sauna, an outdoor barbecue area and a kid&rsquo;s play space.

There&#39;s further amenity on the level 24 rooftop terrace, with a private bookable dining space and resident&rsquo;s lounge offering views over the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=102451]

High-rise developments always offer a great opportunity to create more extensive amenity spaces than a low-rise development to service its higher density


Why the Yves, Mermaid Beach apartments, offer a rare opportunity in the exclusive suburb

The Brisbane-based Horan Group is branching out to the Gold Coast.

They&#39;re starting in Broadbeach, where they&#39;ve had DBI Architects submit plans for a 28-level tower at&nbsp;11 Rosewood Avenue, Broadbeach.

Dubbed ROSEWOOD, the project will have 120 apartments.

DBI say they have designed Rosewood to offer a truly distinctive lifestyle opportunity.

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&quot;ROSEWOOD is designed to respond to the local environment at both the macro and micro level,&quot; DBI&#39;s submission to the Gold Coast City Council read.

&quot;The development is broken down vertically into thirds; the ground plane base, expansive recreational space and residential tower.

&quot;Horizontally the tower residential levels form is broken into three parts; north and south facing wings, a recessed eastern edge and expressed rhythmic vertical spine.&quot;

There will be just five apartments per floor, with 96 two-bedders, a quarter with an additional multipurpose room, and 24 three-bedroom apartments. The internal living space for the two-bedroom apartments start at 80 sqm, with a further 12 sqm of balcony space.

The three-bed internal space is 115 sqm.

Level 3 will home the resident amenity. There will be an outdoor lap pool, with cabanas and day beds, a yoga lawn. Inside there&#39;s a lounge and workshare areas.

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&quot;All recreational spaces on Level 3 have been designed to blur the line between internal and external spaces, along with a 6.3m floor to floor, allowing maximum natural light throughout the day and views through perimeter subtropical planting,&quot; DBI advise.

Residents will be welcomed by a 12 metre high external lobby arrival, connecting to the double-height lobby.&nbsp;

ROSEWOOD is situated within walking distance from Cascade Gardens, Broadbeach Park, public transport, the Broadbeach foreshore and a 500m stroll from the vibrant Broadbeach urban hub.

The Horan Group&nbsp;have previously built Mirada at Suttons Beach in Brisbane&#39;s Moreton Bay region, and their flagship Peak Apartments in Brisbane.

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The new tower is just a few doors down from Asana, the first project on the Gold Coast by the Sydney-based Macquarie Developments.

Assana, which will be the tallest tower in Broadbeach at&nbsp;52-levels, topping the height of the nearby The Oracle Beach Tower, which peaks at 50 storeys.

The Gold Coast City Council gave the development the green light, after Macquarie&nbsp;amended the approved application after they bought the site in October through&nbsp;site amalgamation specialist GV Property Group.

Assana will now rise a further 11 levels, but will have considerably less&nbsp;apartments, down from 186 to 146, a move which sees the developer&nbsp;cater to growing trend of bigger apartments for the owner-occupier.

There&#39;s set to be further development, with&nbsp;GV Property Group seeking buyers for 4-6 Rosewood Avenue.

The 1,422&nbsp;sqm site would suit another high-rise.

Dubbed ROSEWOOD, the project will have 120 apartments

Tower reveal: Horan Group Gold Coast apartment tower, Rosewood in Broadbeach

The sustainably conscious apartment developer, ARIA Property Group, is set for further development in the exclusive South Brisbane pocket they&#39;ve been developing in over recent years.

They&#39;ve lodged plans on a triple block at 164-190 Melbourne Street, on the corner of Manning and Melbourne Street. The Melbourne Street sites are currently home to&nbsp;the former Malouf&#39;s Fruit Shop and the former Bond&#39;s Sweet Factory.

ARIA, led by Tim Forrester, has had Bates Smart team up with Richards &amp; Spence in what is expected to be the first of three towers across the amalgamated site.

The first tower will have 84 apartments across 14 levels, and extensive rooftop amenity, which, alongside their sustainability efforts, is fast becoming ARIA&#39;s signature.

<a href="/new-apartments/164-190-melbourne-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="432" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-25_at_1.31.08_pm.png" width="679" /></a>

&quot;33 Manning Street offers a variety of spacious dwellings in the central urban location of South Brisbane providing opportunity for a diverse population including families and students,&quot; the design statement submitted to the Brisbane City Council noted.

&quot;33 Manning Street is a simple and elegant tower which takes best advantage of the opportunities afforded by its location, climate and scale to provide a distinctive lifestyle opportunity for Brisbane.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/164-190-melbourne-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="425" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-25_at_1.31.39_pm.png" width="676" /></a>

&quot;Each apartment has been designed to maximise natural light and cross ventilation, taking advantage of the local climate,&quot; the design statement noted.

&quot;All practical considerations of living are considered including private bedrooms, generous kitchens and flexible living spaces.&quot;

The design statement also suggested that residential wellness is a key design consideration.

There will be a commercial gym tenancy located on the first level. At the heart of the rooftop amenity is the 20 metre pool. On the north-east edge of the roof is a plunge pool, positioned to take in the city views.

<a href="/new-apartments/164-190-melbourne-street-south-brisbane"><img alt="" height="477" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-25_at_1.32.53_pm.png" width="762" /></a>

There&#39;s an amphitheater which offers seating and lounging for an evening cinema, as well as a residents dining room.

The new tower, next to South Brisbane&#39;s famous Skyneedle, is around the corner from&nbsp;Trellis, one of ARIA&#39;s most sustainable projects to date. Some 60 per cent of the tower is covered in greenery. There&#39;s Tesla charging, solar technology, and extensive rainwater tanks.

It&#39;s also up the road from The Standard, ARIA&#39;s flagship development in the heart of the popular Fish Lane precinct.

ARIA, led by Tim Forrester, has had Bates Smart team up with Richards & Spence in what is expected to be the first of three towers across the amalgamated site.

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