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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

Large development sites on the Gold Coast are in as short supply as the apartments at the moment, with Urbis data suggesting there are just over four months of supply of apartments if sales rates continue as they are and there are no new projects released.

Sites have become invaluable, and it&#39;s a case of picking off the old, tired buildings on prime land which will make way for new, flashy apartment towers.

That&#39;s seen the local site amalgamation specialists GV Property Group never busier.

GV Property Group&nbsp;founder Antonio Mercuri, who started the company around six years ago knocking on doors, along with his right hand man Luke Reaby, are starting to see an uptick in apartments vendors willing to band together to get the maximum price they can from developers, who are coming from all over the country to build apartments on the Gold Coast.

The duo&nbsp;recently&nbsp;launched&nbsp;2769&nbsp;Gold Coast Highway, a 2,595 sqm site, for sale, with big demand early on.

Within a week, Mercuri and Reaby managed to take the site a step further,&nbsp;amalgamating the site next door by contacting the owners of the adjoining six apartments at 16 Rosewood Avenue, adding a further 647 sqm to create the huge 3,242 sqm corner site which has&nbsp;unlimited height zoning.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gvpg-2769-gc-highway-2.jpg" width="1200" />

2769 Gold Coast Highway and 16 Rosewood Ave is for sale via expressions of interest, closing October 8. For more information, <a href="http://www.gvpropertygroup.com">click here</a>.

Reaby advises that the maximum tower floorplate on the Gold Coast is typically 750 sqm, suggesting &#39;the site could accommodate two towers which would fit perfectly within the site cover guidelines.

There&#39;s also a rare proposition of having two or three podium levels, which would create a striking facade from the street level and above ground parking.

Dual tower developments have seen great success in the past in the area, with Meriton Suites and Oracle still popular at Broadbeach.

And there&#39;s plenty of mega-developments in the pipeline with more than one tower planned for these larger amalgamated sites, with the aim to create a sky-high resort for residents.

The Shanghai-headquartered international property developer SPG Land, in a joint-venture with Australian developer Gordon Corp, has lodged $800 million plans for nearly 800 apartments to be built across three towers in the heart of Surfers Paradise.

<img alt="" height="750" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/spg_gold_coast_main_0.jpg" width="1200" /><img alt="" height="697" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_main_0.jpg" width="1200" />

They will be anchored by a new ground-level retail and dining plaza at the street level Ferny Avenue. The 1.15 hectare site will be bounded by Ferny Ave, one of Surfers main streets, as well as Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Pandanus Avenue and Ocean Avenue near the Surfers Paradise North light rail station.

The latest was of course the $1.25 billion plans laid by the Melbourne-based developer Gurner, led by the high-profile developer Tim Gurner, just up the road.

The 11,000 plus sqm site at 108 Ferny Avenue will be known as La Pelago, and will comprise four huge towers with nearly 1,000 apartments, around a quarter dedicated to a hotel.

&nbsp;

There&#39;s been international interest for a massive 5,726 sqm site at&nbsp;3006-3016 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, which already has development application application for Orion Towers, a mixed-use development with two towers and over 1200 apartments.

But Reaby reckons there&#39;s a great opportunity for a build to rent operator, with current vacancy rates at all time lows.

&quot;The site would allow for well over 200 apartments for a build to rent operator&quot;, Reaby says, however admits the likelihood is of two residential towers, or one hotel and one residential tower.

Sites have become invaluable, and it's a case of picking off the old, tired buildings on prime land which will make way for new, flashy apartment towers

Rare Broadbeach apartment development site gets rarer, with two apartment towers possible

An entire early 1970s apartment complex with high-rise development approval in Surfers Paradise has been sold in one line.

The price was reported as $19 million by the local paper to Sydney developer Stoyan Kiceec.

The site is currently Anglesea Court, a six-level apartment building incorporating 18 strata title units. 

It currently has a potential gross return of over $380,000 per annum.

The address 9-11 Garfield Terrace comes with 1037 sqm land holding some 1.5 kms from Cavill Avenue.

It had been listed by Ray White special projects.

It is zoned High Density Residential with a development approval in place for a 16-level boutique hotel comprising 115 suites and three food and beverage tenancies.

The vendor consolidated ownership of the 18 apartments last year in a $16 million outlay.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported the site was bought by Sydney interests.

One of the sellers had been in Anglesea Court since paying $78,000 in 1986.

The separate sale prices ranged from $609,000 to $1.4 million.

Other than the soon-to-be-completed $1.4 billion Jewel Residences, there has been no substantive opportunity for beachfront developments at Surfers Paradise in recent times.

Chevron One is the big project inland at Surfers Paradise.

Anglesea Court, a six-level apartment building incorporating 18 strata title units, has been sold in one line

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Anglesea Court, beachfront Gold Coast apartment block sold

The Concerto Apartments complex in Cooparoo has been sold in one line for $10.5 million.

The block at 17 to 19 Haig Street in Brisbane’s inner south east was bought by an interstate private investor.

It sold through Harry Borger, Tim Jones and Sam Byrne from the JLL Metro Sales & Investments team.
 
Completed in 2018, the apartments represent a modern, fully-leased residential development featuring 19 well-appointed apartments owned ‘in-one-line’ with the majority being spacious two-bedroom units with the top floor home to three-bedroom penthouses with city views.
 
JLL’s Harry Borger said Concerto attracted "immense market interest" given its investment fundamentals.  
 
The competitive EOI process resulted in 100 enquiries and eight offers.

The price represented an initial yield of 3.87% and "very little discount to the cumulative value of the unit if offered individually,” Borger said.
 
It came with a historically low vacancy in a precinct close to the CBD.

The result was very strong, representing an initial yield of 3.87%

19 unit Coorporoo apartment complex sold for $10.5m

Following the launch of its boutique Kirra Beach apartment development The Emerson, the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen are on to their next project.

They&#39;ve lodged plans for their recently acquired 1,905 sqm Mermaid Beach site, 7-9 Mermaid Avenue&nbsp;at the northern end of Mermaid Beach,&nbsp;which was bought back in June.

H&amp;F, led by the Melbourne lawyer Daniel Faigen and Richard Hirsch, has had&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;design Yves, which will comprise three&nbsp;25-level towers. They will home a total of&nbsp;145 apartments.

Following luxury developments at Palm Beach and Kirra Beach in Coolangatta, Hirsch &amp; Faigen have consciously gone for a more price appropriate product for the location.

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&quot;With Mermaid Avenue we&#39;re getting back to some more affordability,&quot; Faigen told Urban, adding that there&#39;s a need for a more price pointed product.

&quot;We&#39;re not on the beach, nor are we trying to do three of four million dollars per apartment for this one.

&quot;The investor market is super strong on the Gold Coast, and Mermaid already has established amenity with restaurants, cafes of course the beach.&quot;

Faigen said Mermaid is still the&nbsp;best suburb on the Gold Coast, with the millionaire&#39;s row Hedges Avenue fronting&nbsp;the beach. He said the&nbsp;apartment&nbsp;towers of this size fit the location better than the sites of their previous two developments.

<img alt="" height="690" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirsch_faigen_mermaid_beach_3.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Rothelowman aimed for a suburban approach to arrival in the communal lobby, designed as a greenhouse. Image source: Rothelowman

It&#39;s the third time in a row Hirsch &amp; Faigen have had Rothelowman handle the design of the project.

The in demand architecture firm call Mermaid Beach the Gold Coast&#39;s last humble vestige.

&quot;We all know the Gold Coast has changed a lot in the last 60 years, and as more and more people escape the crowded &lsquo;southern cities&rsquo;, we anticipate she will change even more,&quot; Rothelowman advised in their design statement.

&quot;Between the sleepless Broadbeach &amp; gentrified Burleigh, Mermaid Beach captures the diminishing modesty&nbsp;of the Gold Coast. 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;A deliberate and direct attitude towards enhancing the way in which buildings can add to the narrative of life of the Gold Coast is important in ensuring an &ldquo;Architecture of Place&rdquo; can be developed.&quot;

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They said the site presents&nbsp;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.

&quot;A rich part of the evolution of the Gold Coast is the challenge and opportunity posed by the emergence of high density precincts amongst the well-established lower intensity beachside villages of the City. This is very much a product of the desirability of living in the emerging City and the rapid shift towards a more urbanised environment along the length of the Coast.&quot;

There will be just eight one-bedroom apartments, which start from 60 sqm, across the towers, 101 two-bedroom apartments from 71 sqm and 30 three-bedroom units, which are upwards of 133 sqm in internal living space. The upper levels are reserved for three subpenthouses and three penthouses, the subpenthouse starting from 156 sqm and the penthouses from 287 sqm. The biggest apartment has 341 sqm of internal living area.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirsch_faigen_mermaid_avenue_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Two of the three towers. Image source: Rothelowman.

The building&#39;s are crowned with outdoor rooftop seating, with the residential amenity located in the shared lobby, which Rothelowman designed as a greenhouse to create a suburban feel.

There will be a north-facing swimming pool as the centrepiece, as well as a pool and yoga deck, a&nbsp;gym, sauna, recreation lounge and barbecue seating.

The design is also a nod to the history of coastal masonry walk ups.

&quot;Embedding the coastal traditions of this place within high density apartment precincts is not by any means a straight forward task,&quot; Rothelowman state.

<img alt="" height="1679" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hirsch_faigen_mermaid_4.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The lush, landscaped entry lobby. Source: Rothelowman

&quot;Mermaid Avenue seeks to humbly direct this thinking towards an outcome that promotes liveability and simplicity. The unique &ldquo;wedge-shaped&rdquo; site results in a dynamic built form that has been subtly articulated through a series of intersections in form and incisions in the overall mass. A layered approach to fa&ccedil;ade balancing glazing with masonry responds to climatic orientation, desire for views and outlook. A textural approach which balances reflectivity in glass with undulating precast patterned concrete will create a vibrancy through shadow and depth.

&quot;The low set podium is modestly scaled to engage with the neighbouring apartment buildings and continue the language of the street within the undercroft of the tower. Gardens prevail on all frontages ensuring a balanced relationship with the adjacent sites. The narrow streetscape interface is relaxed with generous setbacks allowing for the establishment of a landscape focused forecourt between the lobby and the footpath. Gardens are utilised to create a domestic tone, rich in coastal species, colour and textures.

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Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently entered the Gold Coast market with their luxury Palm Beach development Hemingway, and followed it with their even more upmarket&nbsp;Kirra Beach, Coolangatta development The Emerson.

Also designed by Rothelowman, The Emerson, across 13 levels,&nbsp;has just 27 apartments, priced from $3 million.

The crowning jewel is the four bedroom, 430 sqm penthouse on level 13 with two living areas, a master suite with walk in wardrobe and ensuite with double shower and double vanity.

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H&F, led by the Melbourne lawyer Daniel Faigen and Richard Hirsch, has had Rothelowman design three 25-level towers, which will home a total of 145 apartments.


Exclusive first look: Hirsch & Faigen lodge plans for Mermaid Beach apartment tower, Yves

A South Brisbane development opportunity has been listed for sale.

There is potential to develop up to 10-storeys on the site according to CBRE.

The 12 Merivale Street is a 921sqm offering, currently a two-storey 785sqm vacant office/warehouse unit.

The marketing suggests the site is located on "one of Brisbane’s most vibrant streets which is on the cusp of a transformation."

The property will be offered for auction on October 7.

CoreLogic advise the owner is the Queensland Performing Arts Trust.

The fflexible zoning (PC1) permits various development outcomes including residential apartments, build-to-rent, commercial office, hotel, medical and vertical retirement/aged care (STCA).

The property will be offered for auction on October 7

South Brisbane apartment development site listed for auction

South Brisbane is set for a new apartment tower.

The plans for the site at 9 Overend Street and 31-33 Wellington Road have been lodged to the Brisbane City Council by company&#39;s linked to the local Bitomsky family, headed by family patriarch, the Brisbane lawyer turned developer Greg Bitomsky.

They&#39;ve had Rothelowman design the 18-level tower, complete with rooftop terrace and set in&nbsp;landscaping by Aspect Studios.

&quot;The landscape vision of 9 Overend St &amp; 31-33 Wellington Rd aims to create a high quality public realm that reflects its landmark location and responds to Brisbane&rsquo;s subtropical climate by providing shade and shelter, fine grain active edges and passive surveillance of the street,&quot; Rothelowman advised in their architecture plans.

<img alt="" height="1351" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/overend_2.jpg" width="1200" />

There will be 181 apartments across the building, made up of 60 one-bedroom apartments, 13 of which come with a multi-purpose room, 101 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments.

The rooftop will feature an open pergola structure, a swimming pool with deck, a dining space with a barbecue and a lawned area with gardens.

&quot;The landscape design will respond to it&rsquo;s vertical village of inhabitants and add to the quality of life and well-being of the community,&quot; Rothelowman advised.

&quot;Tapping into the existing rich urban grit of Woolloongabba&rsquo;s local history, industry &amp; local culture craftsmanship, the development will contribute to the next wave of renewal for the precinct.&quot;

<img alt="" height="1001" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/overend_3.jpg" width="1200" />

The Overend project will also revitalize the streetscape. The lower mezzanine will feature work from home space, while there will be a new laneway with a collection of studios, workshops and&nbsp;collaboration zones, set within a landscaped setting.

Aspect Studios, who are handling the landscaping, called the development a vertical village that&nbsp;responds to it&rsquo;s inhabitants and the urban scale and takes advantage of the local subtropical climate.

&quot;The palette of raw materials with a reliance on brick, granite, concrete, timber and corten will create a simple and strong &lsquo;materiality&rsquo; for Overend &amp; Wellington,&quot; Aspect&#39;s submission read.

&quot;The public realm will generally focus on utilizing hard wearing materials which provide longevity in robustness and aesthetics.

&quot;The use of brick, granite, timber and corten within the landscape will reflect the historic industrial materiality of the Woolloongabba precinct.

&quot;In addition, the curated use of feature recycled &lsquo;found&rsquo; artifacts and salvaged materials will contribute towards cultural &lsquo;grit&rsquo; of the space as a place for makers.&quot;

"The landscape design will respond to it’s vertical village of inhabitants and add to the quality of life and well-being of the community," Rothelowman advised

Rothelowman-designed apartment tower set for South Brisbane

Brisbane-based Aria Property Group has consistently delivered not only popular developments, but those recognized officially as&nbsp;best-in-show for quality across Queensland and all of Australia by the UDIA, HIA, PCA, AIA and more.&nbsp;

Aria Property Group founder and&nbsp;managing director Tim Forrester said that since its inception in 2003, Aria&rsquo;s vision has been to create iconic residential and retail projects that we will be proud to walk our families past in 20 years&rsquo; time. Aria take great pride in the unique character, creativity and longevity of our projects and the leading role they play in the communities in which they reside.

They consistently work hand in hand with some of Australia&#39;s most decorated architects and interior designers recognising the need for top-of-the line expertise in every part of a development.

For three years, through 2017, 2018 and 2019, Aria was&nbsp;recognised by the UDIA as the Best High Density Developer in Australia. They have an even stronger track record in Queensland, awarded Best in Queensland in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012 and&nbsp;2009.

Some of their most decorated developments include Oxley + Stirling Residences which won 11 awards across a sweeping range of categories. The South Brisbane apartment tower where&nbsp;residents get free bicycles, newspapers and yoga classes was created in collaboration with the decorated team at Elenberg Fraser.&nbsp;

A recent example of their success is the winning of&nbsp;two awards at the 2021 QLD Master Builders Award for its West End apartment development, Tree House. Tree House, designed by Rothelowman, won the overall 2021 QLD Master Builders Award for Residential (Regional), as well as the award for residential high-rise building over $20 million.

Their latest project is Trellis, billed as their most sustainable development to date. Filled with, as one might expect trellises, Aria&#39;s sustainable efforts extend to more than just a green thumb.

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The four key areas of focus for Trellis&rsquo;s sustainability initiatives include landscaping and greenery,&nbsp;electricity, water and the apartments themselves, all with the goal of putting their best environmentally friendly foot forward, as has been a growing trend across their recent developments.

Aria has aimed to offset 100% of common area electricity costs,&nbsp;reducing reliance on air-conditioning,&nbsp;incorporating 60,000L of rainwater tanks and more like Tesla battery and wall charging.

All 110 of the two and three bedroom apartments in the 12 story building are have been designed by Rothelowman.

The 20 Edmondstone Street apartment building is home to more than 1,100 sqm of community amenity&nbsp;across the Residents&rsquo; Rooftop Club on level 13 and the&nbsp;Temple of Wellness on the ground floor.

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Set for completion in mid-2023, construction will be undertaken by the team at&nbsp;McNab Construction.

As the latest in their line of South Brisbane developments, Trellis takes inspiration from wide open spaces used in previous developments with a sweeping 590 sqm lobby and three metre high ceilings in the apartments themselves.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108278]

Brisbane-based Aria Property Group has consistently delivered not only popular developments, but those recognized officially as best-in-show for quality across Queensland and all of Australia 

jordan_55689

Aria Property Group: Check out the team behind Trellis and their award-winning track record 

Aria Property Group continue to improve sustainability across their South East Queensland residential apartment developments.

Their newest tower,&nbsp;Trellis, in South Brisbane, is their most sustainable to date.

Unabashedly green, as an homage to it&#39;s name, Aria&nbsp;have implemented environmentally forward practices across all aspects of the development, from the site itself, of which 60&nbsp;percent is covered in greenery of some variety, as well as the trellises within which improve biodiversity, to solar technology&nbsp;and Tesla batteries.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173594]

All 110 two and three-bedroom apartments in the 12-storey building&nbsp;feature&nbsp;cross flow ventilated corridors, operable architectural screen doors,&nbsp;double-glazed glass and more. Residents will experience significantly cooler apartments compared to competitor projects, reducing reliance on air-conditioning and facilitating cost savings

With the growing scale of landscaping and greenery on Trellis, Aria is incorporating 60,000L of rainwater tanks to capture as much rainwater as possible to irrigate planting. This will assist in reducing Body Corporate water costs and recycle rainwater typically wasted in most buildings.

This is in line with Aria&#39;s proven track record in more than just sustainability,&nbsp;recognised as the Best High Density Developer in Australia from 2017 - 2019 with&nbsp;Oxley + Stirling Residences, The Melbourne Residences and Botanica Residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173606]

ARIA say Trellis is one&nbsp;of their most liveable apartments to date. Designed by Rothelowman, they feature&nbsp;three metre high ceilings, Miele appliances, operable glazing and high-end contemporary finishes.

Reminiscent of an urban retreat, Trellis reflects a new style of resort living with&nbsp;1,119 sqm&nbsp;of recreational amenity across the Temple of Wellness on the ground floor and the Residents&rsquo; Rooftop Club on level 13. That features magnesium baths and an infinity pool with views across Brisbane.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173613]

The development also offer a podcast/boardroom, serving as a multi-use space for working at home. There&#39;s also a&nbsp;Residents&rsquo; Wine Cellar.

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for an apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000 to&nbsp;$1,224,000.

Completion is slated for mid-2023

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108278]

Unabashedly green, as homage to it's name, Aria have implemented environmentally forward practices across all aspects of the development

Aria Property launch South Brisbane apartments Trellis, their most sustainable development to date

The developer Aniko Group has continued to see huge success on Hope Island on the Gold Coast.

Since launching Athena Residences three weeks ago, Aniko has secured over 60 per cent, some $55 million, of sales at the $125 million Sickle Avenue&nbsp;development, with local owner-occupiers making up most of the purchasers.

Investors are continuing to creep back in to the market. They made up a third of sales.

The quick sales come following their sell-out of its&nbsp;$140 million development, No. 1 Grant Avenue, located across the road.

&ldquo;We are humbled and encouraged by this continued demand and support for our luxury waterfront apartment living in Hope Island, Aniko Group founder&nbsp;George Mastrocostas said.

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&quot;We are fortunate to be able to meet the market&rsquo;s expectations once again with an exceptional collection of high-end homes at Athena Residences.

&ldquo;Our sales program has steadily continued its pace from 1 Grant Avenue to Athena Residences unabated, which serves to confirm our deep-rooted belief in Hope Island as the leading residential precinct for luxury waterfront downsizer living,&quot;&nbsp;Mastrocostas added. 
 
Set on the opposite site to its No. 1 Grant Avenue, Athena Residences will have16 one-bedroom apartments, 153 two-bedroom apartments and an exclusive release of 16 luxury three-bedroom Skyhomes, which will range in size from 170 sqm to 260 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=169966]

Aniko are seeking to&nbsp;get private marina berths approved from the council for residents.

Mastrocostas said the key drivers for the downsizer trend has been&nbsp;the opening of the Hope Island Marketplace shopping precinct, as well as the pending Coomera Connector, which&nbsp;Mastrocostas says he has no doubt&nbsp; have really made Hope Island a sought-after, central location in which to live.

&ldquo;Notwithstanding we have tapped into a growing cohort of downsizers by creating a luxury, affordable waterfront apartment living that previously was lacking in the Hope Island precinct.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=174337]

Aniko are&nbsp;working on plans for another Hope Island development of waterfront townhouses on a recently acquired site nearby on Grant Avenue.

Peter Malady, Sales and Marketing Director at Aniko Group, said it&#39;s incredible to see the strength of the local market which has just been superseded by interstate interest in recent months.

&ldquo;Local downsizers and first home buyers have a strong appreciation of Hope Island&rsquo;s value and aren&rsquo;t going to sit idly by when a premium waterfront product such as this hits the market.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Athena Residences is a unique product in that it provides an adaptive layout typically unseen in apartment floorplans, allocating additional space to allow for the choice of working from home, plus the resort style facilities and the abundance of open space and greenery which covers a massive 60% of the site,&nbsp;Malady said.

The first release of Athena Residences encompasses 122 units &ndash; including two-bedroom and study and three-bedroom Skyhomes &ndash; ranging in price from $479,000&nbsp;to $1.5 million.

The quick sales come following their sell-out of its $140 million development, No. 1 Grant Avenue, located across the road

Aniko Group secure 60% of sales in newest Hope Island apartment development, Athena Residences

A $5.025m New Farm apartment sale topped weekend apartment results.

It was a dress circle Moray St, New Farm apartment.&nbsp;

The 339sqm four bedroom, two bathroom apartment at 4/29 Moray Street, New Farm sold through Ray White New Farm agents Matt Lancashire and Patrick Goldsworthy.&nbsp;

Its view spans the length of the Story Bridge, from Kangaroo Point to Fortitude Valley.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173597]

It was one of five tightly held whole floor apartments in the 2004 L&#39;stage complex which won the HIA&#39;s apartment complex of the year.

The agency also put another New Farm, Brisbane apartment but failed to find a buyer.

The bidding stopped at just over $7m when auctioned through Ray White on Friday.&nbsp;

The two-storey Brisbane penthouse at 11/170 Bowen Tce was passed in at $7.25m, well below advised expectations of a $10m sale.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163978]

It cost $3.6m off-the-plan in 2013.&nbsp;

CoreLogic calculated there were 359 apartment and townhouse auction listings over the weekend.

There was a national 61 percent auction clearance rate from the 279 results.

Just on 100 had been sold before auction given lockdown circumstances in the major capitals.

Sydney was the strongest market with 83 percent success rate with Brisbane at 43 percent and Melbourne on 30 percent.

Ray White’s auction secured a $5.025m for a Moray St, New Farm apartment

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