Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

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The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366277]

Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

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Joel Robinson

Construction to commence at luxury Glen Iris townhome project, Orchard Mews

A rare new apartment development has been proposed on the fringe of St Ives Village.

Developer Newquest Property has lodged plans for a low-rise apartment project designed by well-regarded architecture firm Warren &amp; Mahoney, which is best known for its work in the multi-residential sector in Melbourne.

The building, proposed for a 1,916 sqm site on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-ives-residences-3-5-memorial-avenue-nsw-2075">Memorial Avenue</a> opposite St Ives Village Green, has been designed to blend into the surrounding natural environment.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c1c7437-2fba-4345-a6d7-05321714ad3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.28.46%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=KrYyMaJvNqR7vbx0xbB3Ef8sJ6FuHpmn" />

“Drawing inspiration from the pale trunks and flowering canopies of the scribbly gums and blue gums prevalent in the area, a considered material palette was developed,” the architectural design report states.

“This palette references the established materiality of the suburb while elevating it through refined finishes to achieve a more luxurious architectural expression.”

Of the 33 apartments proposed, 21 will be three-bedroom residences. The remaining mix includes nine two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom apartment and two four-bedroom residences. The development will be supported by 62 car parking spaces and 33 secure bicycle spaces.

The proposal would replace two single-storey brick buildings currently on the site.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21422eaf-09a9-4439-9278-b9bd9daf22a1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.38.10%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=v.fXSgcUcEscvOZzqcjG5nk3gVqk_Amt" />

St Ives remains a relatively untapped market for new apartment development. North Shore developer WINIM has a number of projects in the area, while INCA is nearing completion of Ellis Residences.

More recently, Traders In Purple has lodged plans for one of the denser projects proposed in the suburb, a 75-apartment development on a 5,900 sqm site on Cowan Road.

NewQuest, a construction, design and development firm, has delivered over 24 projects across commercial, residential, industrial, and lad markets.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: NewQuest Property proposes new St Ives apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centa-property-group">Centa Property Group</a> has achieved two major milestones at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bilinga-house-107-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga House</a> apartment development in the sought-after southern Gold Coast.

They've almost sold 50 per cent of the Golden Four Drive building, while at the same time announcing the commencement of construction through reputable builder Greyburn Construction.

The boutique 10-storey building, with 47 two- and three-bedroom apartments, now has a mid-to-late 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5333]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed project is positioned just 200 metres from Bilinga Beach and brings a relatively rare apartment offering to a market that has seen limited new supply in recent years.

Residences have been designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, with open-plan interiors, generous glazing, and material palettes that reflect the surrounding coastal landscape.

Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, and custom joinery, with layouts designed to adapt to both permanent living and lock-and-leave use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Rothelowman Senior Project Leader Matthew Tencate said the design approach centres on liveability and community.

“Providing curated on-site amenities and communal spaces for residents that facilitate a sense of community, liveability, and wellness,” Tencate said.

Residents will have access to a suite of private amenities including a pool, gym, sauna, and communal alfresco areas, alongside practical features such as surfboard storage and bicycle facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Centa Property Group Director Jason Yuen said the project has been designed to appeal to a range of buyers seeking flexibility in how they use their property.

“Bilinga House is designed for those who want the best of both worlds – a modern beachside escape with the flexibility to generate income when you're not there,” Yuen said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5338]

Bilinga remains one of the quieter pockets of the Gold Coast, sitting between the more established hubs of Coolangatta and Palm Beach. Its appeal has strengthened in recent years, supported by proximity to the Gold Coast Airport and the Oceanway coastal path.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150037]

Bilinga House apartments snapped up as Greyburn commences construction

Breaking into the Sydney property market has long felt out of reach for many first home buyers, particularly as median house prices sit above $1.6 million and unit prices push beyond $900,000.

But entry points still exist in pockets of Greater Western Sydney, where pricing, government incentives, and product mix are aligning to make ownership more attainable.

Understanding where those opportunities sit, and how the numbers actually stack up, is becoming increasingly important for buyers weighing up their next move.

<h2>Work out what you can actually afford</h2>

Sydney is expensive, but it isn’t uniformly expensive. The Greater Parramatta region continues to offer comparatively accessible entry points, particularly for buyers open to alternative configurations like studios.

There's an assumption that a first home needs to be a certain size, that anything smaller than a one-bedder is a concession rather than a choice. That assumption doesn't hold up against what well-designed studios in the right location actually offer: immediate liveability, strong urban amenity, and a price point that makes the deposit target realistic rather than theoretical.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/mason-main-merrylands-249-259-merrylands-road-merrylands-nsw-2160">Mason &amp; Main</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>'s multi-award winning precinct in Merrylands, studio apartments are unlike the typical studio configuration.

Starting from $498,000, the bedroom is fully enclosed, separated from the living area by a cavity sliding door, creating a genuinely private sleeping space that functions more like a one-bedroom apartment than a traditional open-plan studio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=359814]

At 42 sqm internally, with an open-plan kitchen, built-in robes, modern bathroom, and separate laundry, the apartments are designed for everyday liveability rather than short-term use.

With a five per cent deposit under the Federal Government's First Home Guarantee, that equates to a deposit of around $24,200, achievable for many first home buyers without the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

<h2>Understand the real cost of renting versus buying</h2>

For buyers weighing up the shift from renting to owning, the numbers are closer than many expect.

Here’s how the numbers stack up for a studio at Mason &amp; Main (based on a $498,000 purchase):

<ul>
	<li>Purchase price: $498,000</li>
	<li>Five per cent deposit (First Home Guarantee): ~$24,900</li>
	<li>Loan amount: ~$473,100</li>
	<li>Estimated mortgage repayment (6.29% variable, 30-year term): ~$675–$695/week*</li>
	<li>Estimated rental return: $590–$620/week*</li>
	<li>Rental yield: 6.16% - 6.47%</li>
</ul>

At this level, the gap between renting and owning is relatively narrow, particularly when factoring in long-term equity, with rental returns also making the apartments a viable option for investors.

The rental range reflects current asking rents for remaining studio stock in the development and, based on prevailing asking prices, equates to an indicative gross rental yield of up to 6.47 per cent.

For buyers seeking more internal space, Mason &amp; Main also offers a range of one-bedroom apartments from $629,000, alongside larger one-bedroom plus multipurpose room configurations priced from $680,000 - all priced under $800,000 and eligible for first home buyer incentives.

<ul>
	<li>Purchase price: $629,000</li>
	<li>20 per cent deposit: ~$125,800 (5% deposit on exchange: $31,450)</li>
	<li>Loan amount 80%: ~$503,200</li>
	<li>Estimated mortgage repayment: ~$720–$740/week*</li>
	<li>Estimated rental return: $650–$680/week*</li>
	<li>Rental yield:&nbsp;5.37% - 5.62%</li>
</ul>

One-bedroom apartments continue to present a balanced option for both owner-occupiers and investors, supported by steady rental demand across Western Sydney.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=359812]

<h2>Make sure you're across the government incentives</h2>

Government incentives continue to play a key role in reducing the upfront cost barrier.

At Mason &amp; Main, studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments are priced under $800,000, allowing eligible buyers to access a full stamp duty exemption under the NSW First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.

On a $498,000 purchase, that represents a saving of roughly $17,900 that would otherwise need to be paid at settlement.

Combined with the First Home Guarantee, which enables purchases with as little as a five per cent deposit, the total capital required to secure a home is significantly reduced compared to traditional lending pathways.

<h2>No waiting, no uncertainty</h2>

For first home buyers who want to move sooner rather than later, Mason &amp; Main removes one of the more common pain points from the purchase process entirely. The development is already complete and move-in ready, meaning buyers can walk through the apartments, inspect the finishes, and have full certainty about what they're purchasing before signing anything.

Coronation brought in renowned architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> to design the development.&nbsp;

"The project's design drew inspiration from the area's rich heritage, in particular the nearby brickworks and aqueduct, infusing a contemporary perspective to seamlessly integrate historical influences into the design," Woods Bagot Principal Dom Alvaro says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=736]

<h2>Factor in location and lifestyle</h2>

Beyond the apartment itself, the surrounding infrastructure matters, particularly for a first purchase. Merrylands Station sits 350 metres from the development, putting the Parramatta CBD a five-minute drive away and the Sydney CBD roughly 25 minutes via the Western Line. Directly across the road is Stockland <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>, one of Greater Western Sydney's major retail centres.

At street level, Mason &amp; Main's own retail and dining precinct has more than 30 tenants trading, including Iftar, Macelleria, Hayat, San Churro, Yuzu, and Fat Jaks. Residents also have access to a resort-style pool, a Technogym-equipped gym, private dining rooms, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across Parramatta, the Sydney CBD, and the Blue Mountains, all exclusive to the building.

Due to the mix of configurations, including studios which are rarely offered in today's new apartment market, first home buyers and investors have driven Mason &amp; Main to over 90 per cent sold.

Coronation Property Managing Director Joe Nahas says the development is driving a revitalisation of Merrylands, setting a high standard for future developments in the area.

Mason &amp; Main is move-in ready and is the latest in a series of award-winning mixed-use developments by Coronation Property.

Disclaimer: Mortgage repayment figures are estimates only, based on a 6.29 per cent variable rate over a 30-year term (Canstar, April 2026). Pricing and rental estimates are indicative and based on current listings and project information. Gross yield figures are indicative and derived from asking prices and estimated rental ranges. Stamp duty savings are indicative only. Buyers should seek independent financial and legal advice before proceeding.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=31751]

How first home buyers can enter the Sydney property market for under $500k

Australia’s housing debate has rarely been more urgent. The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council forecasts the country could fall around 262,000 homes short of housing needs by 2029, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing planners, governments and developers.

In response, much of the conversation has centred on high-density towers around transport corridors and strategic centres.

Diversified developer Coronation Property, while also focused on well-located, strategic sites, is incorporating an arguably underutilised typology, the terrace.

Difficult to integrate into true high-rise developments, terraces have become a defining feature of Coronation’s lower-rise portfolio, including projects in Ashbury and Erskineville. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/ashbury-terraces-165-171-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury Terraces</a> places a stronger emphasis on this housing type, forming part of a broader community mix.

At its Erskineville development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, terraces are more limited, with just a handful&nbsp;included within the wider, predominantly apartment-led precinct, one of the first developments to launch in Erskineville in several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368392]

Terrace residents at Lillian benefit from many of the same advantages as apartment owners, the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle and access to shared amenities like the rooftop wellness space, but with significantly more space.

Spanning multiple levels, the terraces also feature front and rear courtyards, providing direct access to the central landscaped gardens within the precinct.

<h3 data-end="212" data-section-id="1n97jye" data-start="191">The terrace model</h3>

Terrace housing has long been part of Australia’s urban fabric. From Paddington and Surry Hills to Glebe and Annandale, rows of terrace homes have shaped neighbourhood streets, offering a housing form that sits between detached houses and apartments.

The contemporary terrace, however, addresses many of the limitations of older designs, where narrow staircases and constrained layouts often compromised liveability.

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“Terraces represent one of the city’s most intelligent housing models,” says Joe Nahas, Managing Director of Coronation Property.

“They deliver density without losing the human scale that makes neighbourhoods liveable. In many ways, they provide a bridge between the Sydney we know and the Sydney we need to build. If Sydney is going to grow well, it can’t rely on towers alone.”

<hr data-end="1090" data-start="1087" />
<h3 data-end="1124" data-section-id="1a7l0gw" data-start="1092">The evolution of the terrace</h3>

That thinking has shaped Coronation’s approach at Ashbury Terraces, where the terrace typology has been reinterpreted for modern living.

Designed by SJB, the project recently received recognition at the 2026 Better Future World Design Awards, acknowledging its architectural clarity and response to the surrounding suburban context.

SJB Director Adam Haddow says the intent was to evolve a familiar housing form rather than reinvent it.

“The terrace is one of Sydney’s most familiar housing forms, so our approach at Ashbury was to reinterpret that typology in a contemporary way,” Haddow says.

“The homes are designed to sit comfortably within the existing neighbourhood while introducing more light, landscape and shared spaces that support modern living.”

Ashbury Terraces combines terraces, apartments and penthouses across a series of low-rise buildings, integrating contemporary architecture with landscaped communal spaces and resident amenity.

That same typology is now being carried into Coronation’s Lillian development in Erskineville, where a smaller number of terraces sit within a predominantly apartment-led precinct.

<hr data-end="2269" data-start="2266" />
<h3 data-end="2289" data-section-id="cazuws" data-start="2271">Buyer response</h3>

Coronation’s decision to include terraces at Lillian was informed by strong buyer feedback from Ashbury Terraces, where purchasers were drawn to the flexibility and scale the housing type offers.

One resident, Sweta Pursem, purchased a terrace as a single buyer, citing its long-term versatility.

“As a single buyer, it might seem surprising that I chose a terrace over an apartment, but I was thinking long term,” Pursem says.

“The terraces are incredibly versatile, catering to a range of lifestyles while still offering the space and privacy of a house.”

For Pursem, the multi-level layout provides a level of functionality not typically found in apartment living.

“Having a separate living area from the bedroom and home office makes everyday living feel both functional and comfortable. When friends and family come to visit, the layout gives a sense of privacy while still feeling open and spacious.”

Her terrace also supports a more connected, lifestyle-driven way of living.

“I love entertaining, and the courtyard is ideal for relaxed weekend drinks with friends. I tend to use each level differently throughout the day, it creates a natural rhythm between work, downtime and entertaining, which I didn’t have in apartment living.”

Ashbury Terraces is now complete and ready to move in, while Lillian in Erskineville is under construction and expected to welcome residents in mid-2027.

Coronation champions terraces as a key piece of Sydney’s housing mix

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 Sydney-based developer is set to create Aspire, a beachfront tower on the Surfers Paradise dress circle Garfield Terrace.

The 24-level development at 9-11 Garfield Terrace, currently home to the 1970s Anglesea Court complex, will offer standard size apartments of nearly 500 sqm, with 37 apartments on offer.

The Sydney architect&nbsp;Mosca Pserras Architects designed Aspire which will be broken down in to 30 three-bedroom apartments, six premium three-bed apartments, and one two-level penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111652 project_image_fid=202810]

The communal areas are located on the ground and first level, above four levels of basement parking, and will feature a swimming pool right on the beach, next to a lower lawn terrace which will offer direct access.

The level 24 mezzanine level includes further resident amenity, including a plunge pool with a waterfall, a spa,&nbsp;a barbecue and outdoor dining area, a gym, and a sauna.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111652 project_image_fid=197880]

The site, which was bought for $19 million in June, is located next door to the apartment building Beaches to the north and Dorchester on the Beach to the south.

Garfield Terrace is set for a wave of new apartments in 2022. The Sydney-based Iris Capital, currently selling their Broadbeach apartment project Victoria &amp; Albert, recently emerged as the buyers of a beachfront site at 71 Garfield Terrace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111652 project_image_fid=197885]

The apartment developer KTQ, famous for their Elements of Byron luxury hotel stay and their hugely successful stage one sell-out of their $450 million redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel, are planning to create beachfront apartments across their amalgamated mega-block.

The Melbourne-based developer Central Equity are also planning to launch Pacific One in the coming weeks.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=111652]

The site, which was bought for $19 million in June, is located next door to the apartment building Beaches to the north and Dorchester on the Beach to the south

Aspire Gold Coast to offer whole-floor apartments on Surfers Paradise beachfront

The Sunshine Coast developer, Cube Developments, has appointed National Construction Management to start building their luxury Maroochydore apartment development, Nature.

It will be NCM&#39;s third Cube build, following the now complete Curve Birtinya and the currently under construction Picasso apartment development in Mooloolaba.

Nature, located in the small waterfront suburb of Cotton Tree,&nbsp;was originally pinned for 13 opulent residences set over eight-storeys, but has dropped to 12 following a &lsquo;mega apartment&rsquo; amalgamation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172108]

To date, Nature by Cube has sold close to $39 million worth of apartments off-the-plan with all but one snapped up, including the sale of the enormous $7 million penthouse; a record price for the developer&rsquo;s portfolio.

Designed by Cottee Parker, Nature boasts a host&nbsp;resort-style amenities, including a 25-meter lap pool, gym, steam room and spa, yoga lawn, gardens, greenspaces and sun lounging areas - all programmed into a ground floor activity space.

Cube Development&rsquo;s Director Scott Juniper said it was a significant milestone to be starting construction, following the project&rsquo;s DA approval in July and the near sell-out success.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172109]

&ldquo;Nature will be home to some of the most luxurious apartments the Sunshine Coast has seen and we believe NCM has the capabilities and track record to deliver on this, including the bespoke nature of these apartments following amalgamations and customisations.&rdquo;

Director at Cottee Parker, Sandra Browne, said the quality of architecture far exceeds what is offered in the surrounding market.

&ldquo;We wanted to deliver a product that stood out amongst the crowd in terms of amenity, as well as being of a higher architectural spec and with an unrivalled, premium aesthetic.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172107]

&ldquo;The materiality of the building and the expansiveness of the open&nbsp;glass facade and viewing speaks to a quality of architecture that exceeds what is offered in the surrounding market,&rdquo; she said.

Construction on Nature by Cube is due to commence in the coming weeks and is scheduled to be complete by 2023.

One apartment remains for sale, priced from $3.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=89721]

Construction on Nature by Cube is due to commence in the coming weeks and is scheduled to be complete by 2023.



Cube to start building luxury Cotton Tree, Maroochydore apartment development, Nature

The Gold Coast is running out of apartments.

That's the data pulled by&nbsp;property consultancy firm Urbis, who say there is just over two months of stock left on the Gold Coast,&nbsp;if there were to be no new project released and current demand continued.

Local agents are reporting there is just not enough high-end stock to meet the demand for local and interstate buyers wanting to spend more on their holiday home, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are expecting a wave of buyers to be flying up from Sydney and Melbourne when the borders open, and are expecting little slowdown heading in to January

Urban has wrapped up the top apartments across the Gold Coast at the high-end price point.

Aperture, Broadbeach

Three-bedroom full-floor apartments from $2.1&nbsp;million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181283]

The hotly anticipated Aperture, which will be one of the most high-end apartment developments&nbsp;in Broadbeach when completed in mid-2023, will have just 29 apartments across its 35 levels.

There will be 26 full-floor apartments, each spanning over 200 sqm of internal and external space. Each will comprise three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and three parking spaces.

Following on from their successful first tower in Broadbeach, Signature, which sold out earlier this year, the Melbourne-based&nbsp;Little Projects&nbsp;took a different approach to&nbsp;Aperture, which refers to the opening of a lens's diaphragm through which light passes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181286]

The AU, Surfers Paradise

Three-bedroom full-floor apartments from $3.45 million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=184704]

The AU, a collection of just 12 exclusive full-floor oceanview sky homes and two opulent three-level penthouses, has just launched on the sought-after Esplanade in Surfers Paradise.

Archidiom put the plans together for the 19-storey tower, with a facade made almost entirely of golden glass.&nbsp; It allows each apartment to have clear panoramic views of the Surfers Paradise beach.

The developer, ASF Group, enlisted the expertise of the Sydney-based interior design legend Greg Natale to craft the interiors, something no other Gold Coast apartment development can boast.

The&nbsp;apartments will have the finest finishes, with natural stone bench tops, and gold fixtures and finishes throughout.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=184123]

Chevron One, Chevron Island

Four-bedroom sky homes from $3,325,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=167319]

Chevron One, set to reign as&nbsp;Chevron Island's only luxury high-rise apartment tower, recently released its Sky Home collection, starting from level 31 in the sought-after apartment development.

The Melbourne-based&nbsp;Bensons&nbsp;Property Group held off releasing the apartments publicly, but given the huge demand in ultra-luxury, large apartments in the sky, they decided to list them on the open market.

When complete,&nbsp;Chevron One&nbsp;will be the tallest tower on the exclusive island, and the tallest there ever will be, with the Gold Coast City Council two years ago bringing in strict planning laws, limiting future apartment projects to 33 metres, or 12 storeys.

There's a number of three and four-bedroom Sky Homes, some spanning half and full-floors. Four-bedroom apartments, with over 236 sqm of living space, are priced from $3,325,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=174033]

Emerson, Kirra Beach

Three-bedroom full-floor apartments from $2.95 million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106646 project_image_fid=184785]

Emerson, set on the dress circle Musgrave Street in Kirra Beach, Coolangatta, will home just 27 apartments when it is completed in late October.

There are only six apartments left to sell in the $85 million, 13-level development by the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen, who sold out The Hemingway at Palm Beach earlier this year. They're soon to launch their third Gold Coast project, Yves at Mermaid Beach.

Crowning Emerson, which will begin construction through Hutchies in February, will be an&nbsp;$8 million penthouse, which is yet to be snapped up.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106646 project_image_fid=184789]

123OBR, Broadbeach

Three-bedroom full-floor apartments from $2.65 million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31666 project_image_fid=184148]

The Brisbane-based developer Bottega Group are marketing their $52 million Broadbeach apartment block, 123OBR,&nbsp;described as&nbsp;vertically stacked verdant Queensland beach houses.

Named after its location of 123 Old Burleigh Road, one row back from Broadbeach, and designed by&nbsp;Woods Bagot, 123OBR will have 14 whole-floor&nbsp;apartments,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;a whole floor resort deck half way up the tower.

Priced from $2.65&nbsp;million, a typical whole-floor apartment at 123OBR will offer 224 sqm of living space with three bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, two bathrooms and an open plan living and dining areas which have views through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31666 project_image_fid=184193]

La Mer

Three-bedroom full-floor apartments from $3,245,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=171653]

Residents of the new luxury Main Beach apartment development, La Mer, will have the ultimate Gold Coast lifestyle on their doorstep when the whole-floor apartments are finished in late 2023.

Across the road from the beach on&nbsp;Main Beach Parade, La Mer comprises just 29&nbsp;apartments across its 34 levels, with only a handful of apartments remaining.

Just whole-floor apartments, starting from 307 sqm, La Mer is pitching itself as the ultimate downsizer development. "Transitioning from a house to an apartment has never been easier," NPA Projects, who are marketing the development, suggest.

Communal recreational facilities also sprawl across an entire floor, a blend of physical wellbeing and entertainment facilities. There's a 13-metre pool, which is cleverly designed to be private, while also being open plan to&nbsp;take advantage of the consistent Gold Coast climate and the views to the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=171648]

Local agents are reporting there is just not enough high-end stock to meet the demand for local and interstate buyers wanting to spend more on their holiday home, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

The best luxury Gold Coast apartments on the market for over $2 million

It&#39;s being labelled &#39;the new Surfers Paradise&#39; - and buyers now have the chance to snap up a slice&nbsp;in the near 800-apartment mega development Paradiso Place, in the heart of Surfers Paradise on Fer​ny Ave.

The highly anticipated launch will see 792 apartments hit the market, with a $4 million sales gallery to boot. At 750 sqm, that alone is the largest display suite-style marketing touch point in the southern hemisphere.

The apartments, across three towers, will be part of an ever wider precinct, which will include almost 150,000 sqm of retail, amenities, and residential living.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185857]

SPG Land chairman David Wang says Paradiso Place will create a long-awaited destination precinct to fill the gaping void in the Surfers Paradise cityscape.

&ldquo;Paradiso Place is strategically located between the Marriott Hotel, main beach and the traditional Surfers Paradise beachfront areas,&quot; Wang says.

&quot;We are looking to create a new destination that will provide a much-needed link that effectively becomes an extension of all that makes Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast renowned for.

&nbsp;&ldquo;The Gold Coast is evolving at a remarkable rate in terms of population growth and popularity, and we anticipate this evolution to skyrocket once borders are reopened.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

&ldquo;Paradiso Place will be the catalyst for a new Surfers Paradise, and we are extremely excited to be gearing up for the launch of what will be one of the most unique residential products the Gold Coast has seen.&rdquo;

The three towers, comprising 38, 40 and 42 storeys, is expected to bring a wide&nbsp;breadth of buyers into the apartment market, with each of its three towers featuring their own identity and offering residents unparalleled bespoke amenities.

Rothelowman designed the apartments so they all offered ocean views, and allowed for natural light and ventilation, with three metre high ceilings in the open plan living areas.

&ldquo;There is not a buyer that Paradiso&rsquo;s design hasn&rsquo;t accounted for,&quot; Alex McMahon, SPG Land&#39;s Director of Sales and Marketing.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185859]

&quot;Each of our towers has been crafted to embrace unique features of different life stages &ndash; be it downsizing, raising a family, or seeking a dynamic and social environment to become immersed in.

&ldquo;The combination of stunning design, exceptional finishes and the most substantial amenity offering ever delivered to the Gold Coast will be unparalleled.

&ldquo;We understand how sophisticated today&rsquo;s consumer is and we are sure they will appreciate the value in living in this new seaside neighbourhood. With a severe shortage of supply in the market, we expect all apartments will be snapped up within months of release.&rdquo;

Each tower will have its own podium level interconnected by walkways to create a unique elevated &lsquo;seaside village&rsquo; for residents, with each tower podium offering separate resort amenities. The towers also boast their own dedicated sky lounges occupying the entire 26th level, each with customised amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185860]

The development will also include a ground-level retail plaza, designed to activate the northern end of Surfers Paradise by offering a true destination experience featuring signature retailers and food and beverage operators.

The focal point for residents will be a unique circular infinity lagoon pool on the podium level which will host the signature communal space for the development and will be connected via link bridges to the other towers.

In a first for the Gold Coast, the project will also deliver a world-leading attraction &ndash; a suspended glass-bottom pool that will offer residents freestyle swimming with a clear view to street level 26 storeys below.

Apartment prices will start from $550,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $760,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=106566]

SPG Land chairman David Wang says Paradiso Place will create a long-awaited destination precinct to fill the gaping void in the Surfers Paradise cityscape

SPG Land's Paradiso Place, Surfers Paradise mega-apartment development, set to launch

Ray White Sur​fers Paradise Managing Director And​rew Bell reckons the Gold Coast market is now level pegging with other markets in Australia.

&quot;With a higher degree of owner occupiers now in apartments, we are now on level pegging&nbsp;with other markets in Australia and it will contribute to the old boom and bust scenario on the Gold Coast,&quot; Bell says.

Further reports from property consultancy firm Urbis are showing stock is tightening even further.

In September they advised there would be only four months worth of stock if there were to be no new project released, and based on current demand. That figure has been revised to just over two months of stock.

New apartment sales on the Gold Coast also hit an all-time high, officially making 2021 the hottest market since&nbsp;Urbis began monitoring the sector.

The number of apartment sales for the September quarter surged to 690, bringing the total of new apartments sold on the Gold Coast in the first nine months of this year to 1,882.

Owner-occupiers continue to account for the majority of sales, totalling 61 per cent in the September quarter.

Urban has wrapped up all of the moves on the Gold Coast over November.

BeckDev set for Palais, Coolangatta apartment development

<a href="/news/qld/beckdev-set-for-palais-coolangatta-apartment-development"><img alt="" height="831" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/palais_coolangatta_3.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The development of the small Gold Coast enclave of Coolangatta is set to continue, with the Melbourne-based BeckDev lodging plans for a new apartment tower.

The $130 million Palais, named after the Jazzland Dance Palais that has stood on the 2,355 sqm site since the 1930s, will have 175 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as resident facilities and a street-level plaza with retail space.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/beckdev-set-for-palais-coolangatta-apartment-development">click here</a>.

Morris Property Group set for Burleigh apartment tower after site purchase

<a href="/news/qld/morris-property-group-set-for-burleigh-apartment-tower-after-site-purchase"><img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/burleigh_hero_2_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Morris Property Group, the popular&nbsp;Canberra and Gold Coast developer, has landed its next apartment development.

It&#39;s in the hot Burleigh Heads market, where MPG, headed by development veteran Barry Morris, has secured a 2,024 sqm double block at 1873-1875 Gold Coast Highway.

They&#39;ve paid $12.9 million for the site, just 300 metres from the Burleigh entertainment and lifestyle precinct. MPG plans a development comprising predominantly two-bedroom,&nbsp;two-bathroom&nbsp;apartments to provide housing more affordable to a broader section of the community.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/morris-property-group-set-for-burleigh-apartment-tower-after-site-purchase">click here</a>.

Mirador apartments launched on Chevron Island, as apartment numbers gets halved

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=183047]

Citimark&nbsp;has cut more than half of the apartments that have now been launched in their contemporary&nbsp;Chevron Island&nbsp;apartment development, Mirador.

The South East Queensland apartment developer is seeking to chop the 164 apartments down to just 71 in the&nbsp;development, which will take the offering to a more high-end standard with larger apartments.

There will be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments, including the podium level Terrace Apartments, and the 17th level Sky Homes. Prices will start from $690,000, and range to $2.4 million.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/mirador-apartments-launched-on-chevron-island-as-apartment-numbers-gets-halved">click here</a>.

Iris Capital&#39;s $800 million Victoria &amp; Albert, Broadbeach apartments set for launch

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=184933]

The Sydney-based developer&nbsp;Iris Capital&nbsp;is getting closer to unveiling its debut $800 million Gold Coast apartment development, Victoria &amp; Albert Broadbeach.

The two towers, designed by&nbsp;DBI Architects&nbsp;over a subtropical recreational podium,&nbsp;will home over 400 apartments, two levels of premium offices and commercial facilities and a fresh food and dining retail on the street level.

Designed for&nbsp;the coastal environment, V&amp;A will comprise a mix of one, two&nbsp;and three-bedroom apartments on the lower levels,&nbsp;while the upper residences will offer a mix of three-bedroom apartments,&nbsp;with both towers topped by sub‐penthouses and penthouses.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/iris-capitals-800-million-victoria-albert-broadbeach-apartments-set-for-launch">click here</a>.

Turrisi Properties get sign off for mid-century, tropical modernist Broadbeach apartment development

<img alt="" height="958" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/turrisi_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Broadbeach&#39;s next apartment tower is set to come from Turrisi Properties, who has received sign off for their first Gold Coast apartment project.

The development, at 9-11 Armrick Avenue, will home 84 apartments across its 22 levels, a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a small collection of four-bedroom penthouses, each set to have their own rooftop decks with&nbsp;a spa, kitchen, living and dining facilities.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/turrisi-properties-get-sign-off-for-mid-century-tropical-modernist-broadbeach-apartment-development">click here</a>.

Broadbeach set for new 45-level, Ferro Chow-designed apartment tower

<img alt="" height="857" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/99_old_burleigh_road.jpg" width="1200" />

The burgeoning Broadbeach is set for another high-rise apartment development, as developers continue to try and keep up with the high demand for luxury product in the area.

Plans have been filed by Ferro Chow Architects&nbsp;for a&nbsp;46-level tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road,&nbsp;on the corner of Armrick Avenue and across the road from Broadbeach Park.

The development will only have 59 apartments, with half-floor apartments taking up the first half of the tower, then full-floor apartments from there up.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/broadbeach-set-for-new-45-level-ferro-chow-designed-apartment-tower">click here</a>.

The AU set to launch 14 luxury oceanview sky home apartments Surfers Paradise

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=184136]

The Esplanade is one of the Gold Coast&#39;s most sought-after strips of beachfront real estate, stretching over 1.5 kilometres across the beachfront, from the entry to Main Beach to the north, to the south where it becomes North​cliffe Terrace.

There&#39;s been little in the way of apartment development in recent years. There&#39;s Soul, one of the area&#39;s most well-known apartment buildings which is approaching 10 years&nbsp;built, and Merit​on&#39;s 400 plus apartments at Ocean, currently under construction.

But now the dress circle street is set for&nbsp;something completely different to what has been seen in decades.

The AU, a collection of just 12 exclusive full-floor oceanview sky homes and two opulent three-level penthouses, is set to launch, giving the strip an incomparable offering.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/the-au-set-to-launch-14-luxury-oceanview-sky-home-apartments-surfers-paradise">click here</a>.

New half and full-floor beachfront apartment tower heading for Main Beach

<img alt="" height="746" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3571_main_beach_parade_main_beach_1.jpg" width="1200" />

The developer push for more high-end apartment towers on the Gold Coast is set to continue at Main Beach.

Plans have been lodged for a 21-level apartment tower at&nbsp;3671&nbsp;Main Beach Parade, on the sought-after beachfront side, which will have just half and whole-floor apartments.

The application was lodged by local hotelier Bruce Donnachy, who runs the Arundel Tavern.

The half-floor apartments will run from levels three to nine. Level nine upwards will have just whole-floor three bedroom apartments, with 328 sqm of internal space and 80 sqm of external balconies.

To read more, <a href="/news/qld/new-half-and-full-floor-beachfront-apartment-tower-heading-for-main-beach">click here</a>.

New apartment sales on the Gold Coast also hit an all-time high, officially making 2021 the hottest market since Urbis began monitoring the sector

Gold Coast apartment insights: What happened on the Gold Coast in November

The Gold Coast apartment market has been one of, if not the most hotly&nbsp;contested markets across Australia in the off th​e plan apartment space.

Sell-outs are occurring at rapid pace, even before projects hit the open market.

Urban sat down with Andr​ew Bell, the managing director at Ray Wh​ite Surfers Paradise, to discuss the market in 2021, and what he seems for the immediate future.

JC: How have you viewed the performance of the GC apartment market (established and or off th​e plan) in 2021, and what are the strongest positive and negative factors that will influence outcomes in 2022 and 2023?

AB: The Gold Coast apartment market has been outstanding throughout 2021. &nbsp;

A unprecedented demand by owner occupiers was timely met by many property owners of apartments who either could not get returns on their investments due to closed borders and lockdowns, who chose to sell their AirBNB or rental properties rather than hold the properties, or were under some financial pressure back home which also caused them to sell their properties.

This resulted in a decline of investment held ownership of many Gold Coast properties and the significant rise in new owner occupiers or people simply buying apartments for personal use on a regular basis in a year. &nbsp;

In years gone by whenever there was an economic downturn in Australia, many investors would put their properties on the market to sell and this caused an oversupply of apartments for sale causing prices to fall proportionally more than other markets in Australia. &nbsp;

With a higher degree of owner occupiers now in apartments, we are now on level pegging&nbsp;with other markets in Australia and it will contribute to the old boom and bust scenario on the Gold Coast. &nbsp;

The unit markets are also the beneficiary of significant downsizing of people out of their houses whether here locally on the Gold Coast or indeed migrator&#39;s from interstate who chose to move into large apartments for the next phase of their life. &nbsp;This has seen significant growth and price increase for one&nbsp;per floor apartments or large 3 bedroom apartments. &nbsp;With an undersupply of such apartments on the Coast, there has been a significant amount of new development work to cater for this market. 
&nbsp; 
With the Gold Coast market now the number one go-to market for migrator&#39;s, many are opting for apartment lifestyle so the influence over 2022/23 will be the continuous development of new apartment buildings to meet this demand. &nbsp;New architecture, new buildings and new technical capabilities in newer buildings has also seen a flurry of new generation buildings which are simply stunning and will add to the appeal of the Coast. &nbsp;With international borders opening and the ease of return of expats and significant spike of enquiries from overseas investors, a strong platform has been established to meet those demands.

JC: What trend (short term or long term) has prompted your greatest enthusiasm for the GC apartment market, and what is the issue of most concern to you and or your clients? 
&nbsp; 
AB: What has prompted our greatest enthusiasm is the incredible volume of people looki​ng to buy apa​rtments and now an increasing supply of new brilliantly designed buildings to meet that demand. &nbsp;It was certainly frustrating over the past year to simply not have sufficient properties to offer the buyer demand but now it&#39;s so satisfying to be able to help people with a greater degree of choice with the building that they chose to be in. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The only issue of concern for me, is that there is a reality that some of the proposed buildings may ultimately not ever get built. &nbsp;Building costs have risen sharply and as a result some buildings where perhaps developers have paid too much for the land or where they are poorly funded developments, may find that they can&#39;t proceed to construction and that would prove frustrating for buyers who had made commitments to o​ff the plan sales. &nbsp;

It would be important for all buyers to make sure they are buying in buildings where developers have a proven track record and where clear undertakings can be provided that the buildings have either started construction or are starting construction shortly.

The Event, now in its third decade, will be held Sunday the 23rd of January at RACV Royal Pines, Beno​wa.

Andrew Bell is predicting the biggest auction on record due to the market conditions on the Gold Coast when the Event is held in January 2022

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Gold Coast now "level pegging" with other Australian property markets: Five minutes with Ray White Surfers Paradise Managing Director Andrew Bell

The developer push for more high-end apartment towers on the Gold Coast is set to continue at Main Beach.

Plans have been lodged for a 21-level apartment tower at&nbsp;3671 Main Beach Parade, on the sought-after beachfront side, which will have just half and whole-floor apartments.

The application was lodged by local hotelier Bruce Donnachy, who runs the Arundel Tavern.

The half-floor apartments will run from levels three to nine. Level nine upwards will have just whole-floor three bedroom apartments, with 328 sqm of internal space and 80 sqm of external balconies.

<a href="/new-apartments/3671-main-beach-parade-main-beach">To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here</a>

Crowning the DBI-designed development is the two-level penthouse, spanning some&nbsp;670 sqm of internal living space and a further 100 sqm of outdoor. The half-floor apartments will have 191 sqm of internal space.

The resident amenity is located on level 10, where there will be a gym, multi-purpose room, swimming pool with deck, and a barbecue area.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="725" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3571_main_beach_parade.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed facade. Image credit: DBI Architecture

DBI's brief was to design a contemporary coastal luxury 5-star residential apartment building that is timeless.

"The timeless architecture will set a new benchmark in the Main Beach Precinct," DBI advise in the submissions to the Gold Coast City Council.

<a href="/new-apartments/3671-main-beach-parade-main-beach">To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here</a>

"The architecture of the proposed luxury residential development is composed of simple curved and linear forms, white concrete spandrels, a textured and timeless material palette of travertine stone and timber screening, creating a rich and layered coastal effect.

"A series of planters on the facade add a layering and softening of the built form, reinforcing the importance of sub-tropical design."

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/3571_main_beach_parade_main_beach.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Renders of the proposed building. Image credit: DBI Architecture

The subject site sits at the eastern edge of the core Main Beach precinct.

"This project offers the opportunity to design a luxury residential apartment building that caters for the owner occupier," DBI's statement read.

The high-end development trend is sweeping the Gold Coast, as stock continues to tighten as the luxury owner-occupier demand continues to rise.

<a href="/new-apartments/3671-main-beach-parade-main-beach">To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here</a>

Nearby on Main Beach Parade is La Mer, one of the few developments in Main Beach currently selling which also targets the luxury owner-occupier.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=171652]

La Mer comprises just 29&nbsp;apartments across its 34 levels, start from 307 sqm. It is being&nbsp;pitched itself as the ultimate downsizer development by NPA Projects. "Transitioning from a house to an apartment has never been easier," NPA advise.

Only a handful of apartments remain.

Broadbeach is seeing more of an uptick in the luxury owner-occupier space than some of the surrounding Gold Coast suburbs.

Little Projects recently launched Aperture, which will have just 29 apartments across the 35 levels, with 26 full-floor apartments with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and three parking spaces.

They start from $2.1 million, with every level of the 120 metre building offering uninterrupted ocean views from the balcony off the living area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181282]&nbsp;

Ferro Chow Architects took a similar approach to the downsizer trend, offering half and full-floors at a prime corner&nbsp;Broadbeach site opposite the bowls club.

The 46-level tower will&nbsp;have 59 apartments, with half-floor apartments taking up the first half of the tower, then full-floor apartments from there up.

The smallest apartments have three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room. There are 36 three-bedroom apartments, 22 four-bedroom apartments, and a special penthouse toward the point end of the building.

Plans have been lodged for a 21-level apartment tower at 3671 Main Beach Parade, on the sought-after beachfront side, which will have just half and whole-floor apartments

New half and full-floor beachfront apartment tower heading for Main Beach

An apartment in the new Indooroopilly project, The Priory has been sold for $4.1 million.

It was the highest advised apartment sale in Queensland last week secured by estate agent Jarrod Perry at Hutton &amp; Hutton.

Completion is expected in early 2023.

Residence 8/100 Goldieslie Road has a total area of 172 sqm, plus 34 sqm in car spaces and storage of 19 sqm.

There are just 12 residences at The Priory, with floor plans from 196 sqm to 452 sqm of living space.

The communal space includes pool, spa, gym, steam room and fire pit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94742]

The estate was once owned by the late Colonel J. F. G. Foxton, whose house was built around 1888.

Justin Foxton was a notable Queensland politician and soldier.&nbsp;

The Priory has been a work in progress since 2016 with the 4069 sqm site bought in 2015 at $4.385 million.

Pitman Properties, which has been constructing multi-unit residential projects, commercial buildings and motels for four decades, is headed by Paul Pitman.

The Priory sits at the end of a cul-de-sac on Goldieslie Road with its design by Wiltshire Stevens Architecture amid landscaping by LAUDink.

Another new architectural landmark is set to rise in Indooroopilly after receiving planning approval from Brisbane City Council.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94742]

Located at 97 Swann Road, Ethereal Residences by North is a cross-studio collaboration between Rothelowman, Carr Design and Form Landscape Architects and will deliver a collection of 46 two- bedroom, two-bedroom plus multi-purpose room, and three-bedroom apartments.

North managing director, Scott Ginnivan, said the vision for Ethereal Residences was to deliver an exceptional standard of architecture to Brisbane&rsquo;s inner west that celebrates its elevated position.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94742]

The Priory will have 12 luxurious apartments in the estate

$4.1 million off the plan apartment sale in The Priory, Indooroopilly by Pitman Properties

Altura West Village, set to be the tallest tower in Sekisui House&#39;s West End, Brisbane masterplan development of a landmark heritage village, has focused on its health and wellbeing of its residents with every design step.

The most impressive is the rooftop, which core principle, according to Matthew Durning, principle landscape architect at RPS Landscaping,&nbsp;is to promote the residents&#39; health and well being.

&quot;There&#39;s different elements that relate to the senses, especially in the vegetation&quot; Durning said.

&quot;Rosemary and lavender plants heighten the smell as residents move out to the rooftop.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106960 project_image_fid=170168]

The aim of the rooftop, aptly titled the Wellness Regeneration Zone, was to create a space for residents to unwind physically and mentally.

There will be a&nbsp;fitness infinity pool as well as a heated magnesium plunge pool, a detoxifying sauna,&nbsp;sunken fire pit spaces and an outdoor kitchen.

When construction is completed, forecast for late 2022, there will be weekly rooftop yoga and tai chi classes on the roof, surrounded in the 600 sqm of lush landscaped gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106960 project_image_fid=170170]

&quot;[The amenities] are elements that when you come out on to the rooftop, you feel relaxed, and you feel like you&rsquo;ve walked out in to a place that&rsquo;s like no other,&quot; Durning suggested.

&quot;The rooftop will be a new benchmark in Brisbane.&quot; Durning said.&nbsp;

Away from the roof&nbsp;will be a shared electric bike service, exclusive for residents.

Carr Design Managing Director, Chris McCue, said a&nbsp;lot of the interiors are driven by a real connection, a visible connection to nature.

Atlura is West Village&#39;s tallest residential tower at 22 levels, part of the $1.1 billion redevelopment precinct in Brisbane&#39;s West End.

The mixed-use commercial, retail and residential precinct sees the historic Peter&#39;s Ice Cream factory, dating back to the late 1920s, as part of the redevelopment.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=106960]

The aim of the rooftop, aptly titled the Wellness Regeneration Zone, was to create a space for residents to unwind physically and mentally

How Sekisui House's Altura West Village apartments promote health and wellbeing

The prominent Sunshine Coast developer, Cube Developments, has bolstered its 2022 pipeline, securing four super lots in the growing Bir​tinya area.

The near 9,000 sqm Cardinal Place site will host up to 245 apartments, adding a further $100 million to Cube&#39;s Birtinya portfolio.

Cube Developments Director Scott Juniper said that he expected the new sites to relieve the pressure currently experienced in the Sunshine Coast housing market.

&ldquo;Our commitment to the Sunshine Coast is resolute and has culminated in a site where we can rapidly cater to the strong demand that we&rsquo;re experiencing,&rdquo; Juniper said.

&ldquo;For us, Birti​nya was the perfect location - it&rsquo;s one of the fastest growing suburbs on the coast and the site itself is nestled in the Birtinya Business Village, adjacent from the Town Centre and of course benefitting from stunning Lake Ka​wana with its waterfront vantage.

&ldquo;The property is just 20 minutes from Marooc​hydore and Cal​oundra, 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast Airport and just over an hour to land you in Brisbane CBD.&rdquo;

Cube&#39;s already solid Birtinya portfolio includes&nbsp;Seasons by Birtinya, a three-tower, 146-apartment project in its second stage release.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184863]

That&#39;s proved popular with&nbsp;first home buyers and investors, who were been attracted to&nbsp;the affordable $499,000 entry point for a two-bedroom apartment in the Cottee Park-designed development.

Juniper said there was significant interest due to&nbsp;the project&#39;s plethora of amenities and location.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve witnessed strong uptake from both first home buyers and investors who are drawn to Seasons&rsquo; amenities, which provides incredible value for money given the price point,&quot; Juniper says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184875]

&ldquo;All while being located in the heart of it all,&nbsp;Bir​tinya&nbsp;is really starting to come into its own; residents will enjoy waterfront vistas, beach access is just moments away and as it is a relatively new suburb, it has fantastic infrastructure to cater to demand.&rdquo;

Amenities include outdoor BBQ and gathering spaces, private dining room, lounging areas, sun decks, a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gym, yoga studio, spa and sauna.

Cube also has the&nbsp;50 sold-out lakeside residences at One Prosperity and the completed, 55-dwelling Curve project.

Cube has recently delivered Beach Life at Alexandra Headland project Beach Life, which settled at the start of this year, and its boutique Mooloolaba project Picasso is due for completion by mid next year.

Cube Developments Director Scott Juniper said that he expected the new sites to relieve the pressure currently experienced in the Sunshine Coast housing market

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