"For me, it's the location." That was the first thing Chris pointed to when reflecting on why he and his wife Marita decided to purchase at Candela Ivanhoe, the under-construction new apartment development by Salter Brothers in the heart of the north-eastern M​elb​ourne​ suburb. ​

"We've lived here before… everything is here," Chris said.

"Our doctor is around the corner, there's dentists, pilates, everything we need, restaurants, fast food places, two train stations, Ivanhoe and Darebin, both in walking distance. You don't need anything else."

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Just 10 kilometres from Melbo​urn​e's CBD, Ivanhoe combines direct city connectivity with the amenity of an established village community. Residents have access to highly regarded schools, expansive parklands, public transport, and a thriving retail and hospitality precinct centred around Upper Heidelberg Road, all within a neighbourhood that has retained its leafy character despite its proximity to the city.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a> sits within the heart of this established landscape, positioned just moments from Ivanhoe Village and within walking distance of many of the suburb's most sought-after amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

From Candela, residents can access cafés, grocers, wine bars, restaurants and essential services on foot, while Ivanhoe Station and Darebin Station provide direct connectivity across Mel​bour​ne. The development is also surrounded by some of the suburb's best-known lifestyle destinations, including Pinkie, Laurent, Enni, Docasa and Woodfire Pizza e Cucina, alongside Ivanhoe Plaza, Woolworths, pharmacies and specialty retailers.

Green space is another defining feature of the suburb. Darebin Parklands, Ivanhoe Park, Nellie Ibbot Park and the Yarra River trail network provide extensive opportunities for recreation, while Ivanhoe Golf Course and Ivanhoe Tennis Club continue to underpin the area's long-established lifestyle appeal.

The suburb's education offering further strengthens demand. Ivanhoe Grammar School, Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, Mary Immaculate Primary School and Ivanhoe Primary School have helped establish the area as one of Melbou​​rne's most sought-after schooling precincts, attracting families and downsizers alike who want to remain connected to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357510]

While location was the priority for Marita and Chris, the project itself also needed to meet their expectations.

"Whilst location was paramount, I was also looking at design of the environment and Candela ticked every box," Marita said.

"We're just thrilled with our choice."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336455]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>, Candela Ivanhoe has been designed to complement its village setting, with an emphasis on generous floorplans, natural light and practical everyday living.

Residents will have access to a range of shared amenities, including a communal rooftop garden and dedicated residential lounge, complemented by a ground-floor café and lifestyle wellbeing centre, helping foster the sense of community already emerging among future owners.

That approach has resonated strongly with the market. More than 90 per cent of purchasers at Candela Ivanhoe are owner-occupiers, with buyers ranging from downsizers and second-home buyers to young families and first home buyers, creating a genuinely multi-generational community of grandparents, parents and children. It reflects a broader shift across Melbo​​urne's apartment market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising neighbourhood quality, lifestyle amenity and long-term liveability.

Currently under construction by Ironside, Candela Ivanhoe comprises 58 apartments. Candela Ivanhoe is scheduled for completion in the coming months, and residents can move in from September. One to four bedroom residences, prices from $649,000 and limited opportunities remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Joel Robinson

Location and lifestyle drive demand at Candela Ivanhoe

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

AURA elevates amenity living at Melbourne Square

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

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its scaled-back plans for a pair of towers rising up to 49 storeys directly opposite Bella Vista Metro Station.

The builder-developer will deliver 674 apartments and a new mixed-use hub at the gateway to the station precinct.

The State Significant Development Application has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway for the 6,979 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-11-mawson-avenue-bella-vista-nsw-2153">9-11 Mawson Avenue</a>, with the apartments sitting above a mixed-use podium. Initial plans were for closer to 900 apartments across two 40-storey towers.

Located around 30 metres from the Bella Vista Metro Station entrance, the development is intended to act as a catalyst for the long-planned Bella Vista Station Precinct, transforming a vacant site into a transit-oriented residential and commercial destination.

Planning documents describe the project as delivering "a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c08216-589e-490d-ad08-2d88b6fa62d9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20podium.png?VersionId=3TnwjjQCNwTsmyQRaWnFrLTSAF0CJeka" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, the project comprises 674 apartments, including 102 affordable housing dwellings representing 15 per cent of the residential floor space. The housing mix spans studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of townhouse-style residences integrated into the podium levels. The development also includes specialist disability accommodation and an elevated provision of adaptable and liveable housing.

The mixed-use podium has been designed to create an active urban centre around the Metro station, incorporating a 1,423 sqm supermarket, a 3,029 sqm gym, specialty retail spaces, a 100-place childcare centre and a publicly accessible "city room" community space. A secondary laneway, active frontages and landscaped public areas are intended to improve pedestrian connectivity through the site and strengthen links between the station precinct and surrounding neighbourhood.

In the project's design report, Turner said the proposal responds to Bella Vista's emerging role as a higher-density centre within Sydney's north-west growth corridor.

"The project transforms a strategically located site into a high-density mixed use destination that combines housing, retail and community-serving uses in a highly accessible setting," the report states.

"Active frontages, a publicly accessible city room, a secondary laneway and a mix of uses including a local supermarket, child care centre and gym create a more complete and socially useful urban environment for residents, workers and the wider community."

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fde6220-82de-4f6a-9b63-d0fd8157acc9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bella%20vista%20da.png?VersionId=7hEmuSutH8plTd_RqqdmPu055F6qe554" />

Urban Property Group has been one of the busiest developers across Greater Sydney this year.

The developer is progressing around 1,000 apartments across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-urban-property-group-plans-next-major-wollongong-tower">two projects in Wollongong</a>, with several thousand more homes in the pipeline across Newcastle, Castle Hill, Little Bay and Penrith.

First look: Urban Property Group plans 674-apartment Bella Vista towers opposite Metro station

Burwood's southern town centre precinct is set for another major injection of housing, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/holdmark-property-group">Holdmark</a> unveiling plans for three mixed-use towers containing 900 apartments above new retail and commercial space.

The State Significant Development Application covers a consolidated 10,265 sqm site at 36-46 George Street and 16-26 Elsie Street, immediately south of Burwood's commercial core and within walking distance of Burwood Station, Westfield and Burwood Park.

The proposal comprises <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-46-elsie-street-burwood-nsw-2134">three mixed-use towers</a> ranging between 32 and 43 storeys.

<img alt="First look: Holdmark unveils 900-home mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84b90b18-a54c-426d-885b-6f205bc2b883" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/burwood%20da1.png?VersionId=cJrb7Snn7qNpRzgXBOXK13PKF2CK021Z" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc">Studio.SC</a>, the scheme is positioned as a significant extension of Burwood's evolving high-density centre. The project would be delivered across two interconnected development parcels, replacing existing commercial buildings and creating a new pedestrian-focused precinct linking George Street, John Street, Elsie Street and Railway Crescent.&nbsp;

The design report describes the proposal as "a contemporary response to this evolving urban condition," adding that it seeks to "reinforce George Street's role as a human-scaled, active street while contributing to the broader rhythm and grain of the town centre."

The development features a mix of residential, commercial and retail uses, with activated ground-floor frontages intended to strengthen pedestrian connections between Burwood Station, Burwood Place, Westfield and the wider town centre.&nbsp;

The proposal also incorporates extensive communal facilities, landscaped open space and new through-site links designed to encourage public movement across the precinct.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Holdmark unveils 900-home mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89a6bccc-b78b-4a97-a49f-cac1761f34b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/burwood%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=6HBYg_pKxAc3yCND_wDKZmfMfzfneHmz" />

Studio.SC said the project draws inspiration from Burwood Park and the area's mature tree canopy, with "warm, earthy tones and robust materials such as brick and sculpted concrete" used to anchor the buildings within their urban context.

The scale of the proposal reflects Burwood's growing role as one of Sydney's key metropolitan centres. Planning documents note the suburb's strong population growth, high apartment living rates and increasing transport accessibility, particularly with the future Burwood North Metro station expected to further strengthen the area's connectivity. The development is designed to capitalise on those transport links while introducing a substantial amount of new housing stock into the town centre.

Burwood is expected to see a development boom, with the NSW Government rezoning the Burwood North Metro Precinct, a move expected to deliver around 15,000 new homes surrounding the new station.

Earlier this month, Nascon lodged plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-nascon-targets-burwood-growth-corridor-with-112-unit-apartment-tower">100-apartment development on the edge of the town centre</a>.

Holdmark's broader portfolio includes plans for nearly 800 new homes at Macquarie Park, currently before the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority. The developer is also behind a significant portion of the Melrose Park masterplanned redevelopment, as well as the former Caddens Corner drive-in site, where around 500 homes are planned.

First look: Holdmark unveils 900-apartment, mixed-use precinct for Burwood town centre

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.

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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?

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

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

The family-owned Gold Coast developer, Lacey Group, are advancing their plans for their two luxury Gold Coast apartment developments, after securing two quick-time sell-outs.

Having just appointed the leading Queensland construction company Hutchinsons, Lacey Group, headed by director Adam Lacey, are fast-tracking construction for their $35 million The Monroe at Palm Beach, and the $63 million Del Ray apartments at Kirra.

The Monroe all-but&nbsp;sold out in May after just two weeks, while Del Ray didn&#39;t even hit the open market, selling all of its 72 apartments prior to its launch.

&ldquo;We are thrilled with the consecutive sales success of the Monroe and the Del Ray, both of which have been incredibly well received,&rdquo; Adam Lacey, Director of Lacey Group, said.

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The entry of Del Ray at Kirra. Image supplied

&ldquo;Palm Beach and Kirra are arguably two of the hottest beachfront markets on the coast right now, so it&rsquo;s an exciting time to be pioneering the next generation of luxury living on its shores.&rdquo;

Demolition works on both sites has now been completed, with full scale construction scheduled to take off in October.

On the construction partnership, Lacey said&nbsp;Hutchies have a brilliant reputation on the coast for delivering a dynamic portfolio of projects,

&quot;We have full confidence that they will do justice to each project&rsquo;s remarkable design.&quot;

The Del Ray, designed by Plus Architecture, will encompass 72 two and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses, as well as&nbsp;a rooftop infinity pool and terrace, with sweeping&nbsp;views over the ocean, and an exclusive resident&rsquo;s lounge.

Located at 7-11 Miles St, the project is within close proximity to the highly anticipated re-development of the Kirra Beach Hotel, set to offer the bustling Kirra Beach suburb a new entertainment hub and dining pavilion.

The Monroe will sit further south on Palm Beach&#39;s Jefferson Lane dress circle. The project at 124-126 Jefferson Lane will see&nbsp;33 two&nbsp;and three-bedroom apartments created, as well as a townhome and a luxury penthouse. That too will have a 250 sqm rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, fire pit area and views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89711 project_image_fid=193834] 
The Monroe&#39;s luxury rooftop pool. Image supplied

A large portion of purchases within The Monroe came from previous Lacey Group buyers.

Before the recent sell-outs at The Del Ray and The Monroe, Lacey Group had success with&nbsp;Jefferson, also at Palm Beach, and&nbsp;Southbreak in Kirra.

The Monroe all-but sold out in May after just two weeks, while Del Ray didn't even hit the open market, selling all of its 72 apartments prior to its launch

Lacey Group appoint Hutchinson's to build sold-out Gold Coast apartment developments The Monroe and Del Ray

The $140 project, Ferny Grove Central, in Brisbane&rsquo;s north-west has seen 70% of its apartments sold two months after its construction began.

The Fernery comprises of 82 apartments featuring 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in the low rise project.

Some 85% of the buyers come from surrounding suburbs through Colliers since the April launch.

Some 70% of the sales have been to owner-occupiers. For investors, based on an appraisal by local agents, the yield is likely to be circa 5%.

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Apartments prices at The Fernery start from $349,000.&nbsp;

There will be a resort-style rooftop recreational deck with 15-metre pool set among landscaped sub-tropical surrounds.

The Fernery is a joint venture project by Honeycombes Property Group and MaxCap Group.

The Fernery is the residential centrepiece of Ferny Grove Central, the $140 million landmark urban renewal project, which has been almost eight years in the making.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100681 project_image_fid=162782]

It will transform the northern Brisbane suburb with a new Transit Oriented Development (TOD) which combines apartment living, a major retail centre and an entertainment precinct .

Its construction contract is with builder Broad Construction, a subsidiary of CPB Contractors, part of the ASX-listed CIMIC Group.

Peter Honeycombe is managing director of Honeycombes Property Group, which has over 25 years had more than $1.5 billion in projects that are either completed or&nbsp;under construction.

More than 800 full time jobs are being supported by the development, including about 285 jobs directly tied to the construction project.&nbsp;

Construction of Ferny Grove Central is expected to take 28 months with completion set for late-2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100681 project_image_fid=162785]

The most high-profile example of Honeycombes&#39; urban redevelopment projects is the award-winning Coorparoo Square, a $252 million urban renewal development completed in 2018.

With property projects at the fore, MaxCap Group has invested more than $11.5bn across more than 450 projects since its inception in 2007.

The Fernery comprises of 82 luxury apartments at 47 Conavalla Street, Ferny Grove, with a resort-style rooftop recreational deck for residents 

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Fernery, Brisbane apartments in Ferny Grove, hit 70% sold

Chevron One, the luxury apartment tower on Chevron Island, is one step closer, as the Melbourne-based developer Bensons have appointed the well regarded and experienced construction firm, ICON, to build the 41-level building.

Construction will begin October 11 on what will be the only high-rise on the island, with the build&nbsp;expected to take just over three years to complete. Bensons are aiming for completion before Christmas 2024.

ICON are one of Australia and New Zealand&#39;s largest and most experienced construction providers. Currently that have over 75 buildings under construction, including the sell-out Signature Broadbeach tower nearby.

They&#39;ve previously built the modern Auckland apartment, retail and hotel tower, The Pacifica, and recently signed off on the luxury Circular Quay, Sydney apartment development, The Harrington Collection.

On the appointment, Bensons Property Group Managing Director Rick Curtis said&nbsp;&ldquo;For us, it&rsquo;s about selecting a builder who is able to not only execute our commitment to the design, quality and timely delivery of Chevron One, but one that can do so in a way that reflects our company mission to deliver exceptional living, whilst making a positive contribution to local communities&rdquo;.

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Luke Young, ICON Director of QLD, WA and NT, called Chevron One a landmark project for the Gold Coast.

&quot;ICON are proud to be partnering with Bensons for the construction of the project of such significance. Bensons have an established reputation of developing high quality apartments, which is something that we pride ourselves on being able to offer,&quot; Young said.

&quot;We are excited to be underway.&quot;

Chevron One is the vision of the Bensons chairman,&nbsp;philanthropist and art patron&nbsp;Elias Jreissati, who spends a considerable amount of time each year on the Gold Coast with his wife Colleen.

He wants to create an offering that epitomises understated luxury that Melbourne is accustomed to, combined with uninterrupted panoramic views over Surfers Paradise, all within an exclusive island location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=174033]

Bensons has&nbsp;just released their Daylight Sky Homes collection, occupying the upper levels of the tower, with the best, never-to-be-built-out views of Surfers Paradise. They start from&nbsp;$1.5 million, and range up to $15 million, the price tag for the huge 1,000 sqm sub penthouse.

They held back the apartments, but there has been such demand for luxury, larger apartments in the area.

Jreissati will be hanging on to the penthouse, the largest ever created on the Gold Coast spanning nearly 2,000 sqm.

Designed by global architecture practice Marchese Partners, Chevron One is built on the principle of a strong integration between indoor/outdoor living, with oversized balconies one of the key liveability factors.

There&#39;s around 2,000 sqm of resident amenity, including two pools (one an outdoor lagoon style with a floating cinema and one indoor),&nbsp;an indoor/outdoor beach, a gym, a number of spas, a residents&nbsp;lounge with BBQ area and an outdoor sun-lounge on the podium level.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6515]

Bensons appoint ICON to build luxury Chevron Island apartment tower, Chevron One

Brisbane apartment values continued to grow over September, figures from the property data firm CoreLogic found.

In their monthly index, CoreLogic found that Brisbane values rose 0.6 per cent over September.

It was a return to a normal growth pattern for Brisbane, following a 1.4 per cent growth spike over August. Prior to the spike, there were 0.8 per cent gains in July and 0.7 per cent gains in June.

The 2.8 per cent rolling quarterly gains, more than double the gains seen in Melbourne, see values 8.3 per cent higher than at the start of 2021.

Back then the median value was $390,000. Now it&#39;s $430,000.

The price gap between houses and units in Brisbane however has widened, with Brisbane&#39;s median house price standing at $709,000, around $280,000 higher than the median apartment price.

New listings in Brisbane are slowly on the up ahead of the traditional listing increase in spring. The same can be said for Adelaide, Perth and Hobart, however the trend remains weak in the locked-down&nbsp;Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Queensland has benefitted from record low vacancy rates, with southern state dwellers heading north during the pandemic over 12 months ago.

The June 2021 quarter data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland showed that nearly&nbsp;two thirds of local government areas in Queensland recorded their lowest or equal lowest residential vacancy rates since 2010.

Of the 35 local government areas, 20 saw their vacancy rates tighten, 10 remained static and five saw them slightly rise in the June quarter.

Brisbane&rsquo;s vacancy rate dropped from 2.1 per cent&nbsp;to 1.7 per cent&nbsp;from the previous quarter. The Gold Coast&rsquo;s remained static at a tight 0.6 per cent&nbsp;and the Sunshine Coast&rsquo;s was slightly higher, from 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to 0.6 per cent.

<h2>Urban&#39;s top Brisbane projects</h2>

1. Trellis, South Brisbane

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173596]

Aria Property Group are a decorated Queensland developer who have continued to improve sustainability across their South East Queensland residential apartment developments with their&nbsp;newest tower, Trellis.

Described as both the most sustainable and livable to date, all 110 of the two and three bedroom apartments in the 12 story building&nbsp;have been designed by Rothelowman.

Reminiscent of an urban retreat, Trellis reflects a new style of resort living with 1,119 sqm of recreational amenity across the Temple of Wellness on the ground floor and the Residents&rsquo; Rooftop Club on level 13.&nbsp;

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for a two-bedroom,&nbsp;two-bathroom apartment. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000 to $1,224,000.

2. Bide, Newstead

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163979]

Bide is the latest Newstead residential offering by Dibcorp Properties. It has been designed in collaboration with architects from Twohill &amp; James, Lat27 and Wiltshire Stevens Architecture.

It presents a new way of inner-city-living, with a range of special inclusions and an urban green space exclusively for residents to relax, unwind and even work from home.

Bide comprises 89 spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments just three kilometres from the CBD.

Two-bedroom apartments start from $635,000.

3. Silk Lane, Woolloongabba

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107345 project_image_fid=172022]

Silk Lane&nbsp;will give residents the best seats in the house when the sporting arena is back in a post-lockdown world.

The building&rsquo;s architectural fa&ccedil;ade, designed by&nbsp;Nettleton Tribe Architects, draws inspiration from the angular shapes of metal structure incorporated in the neighbouring Brisbane cricket ground, The Gabba.&nbsp;The appropriately named Skystand will look over the wicket for The Ashes, and the main hub of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic track and field events.

Developed by Sarazin, Silk Lane will home&nbsp;306 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Prices start from $449,000.

4. Rivello, Hamilton

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102922 project_image_fid=171473]

There&#39;s only a handful of apartments left at Rivello, the luxury apartment development by Brookfield Properties in Hamilton.

The 21-level building designed by&nbsp;Cottee Parker Architects has netted over 80 per cent of sales of the block of 150 apartments.

Brookfield Residential&nbsp;Properties&rsquo; Managing Director, Lee Butterworth, said buyers had responded well to Rivello.

&ldquo;There is certainly significant demand for Brisbane property in the current market and buyers recognise Rivello represents a rare opportunity to purchase a new apartment in a building on the Brisbane River,&rdquo; he said.

&nbsp;

The 2.8 per cent rolling quarterly gains, more than double the gains seen in Melbourne, see values 8.3 per cent higher than at the start of 2021

Brisbane apartment insights: What happened to Brisbane apartment values in September?

Any fears of oversupply across the Gold Coast were well and truly quelled in September, with data form Urbis suggesting that, if the current sales demand continues&nbsp;and no new developments are released, there would only be around four months of apartments left.

There&#39;s been a continued uptake in residential apartment projects, with some developers still seeing exceptional results in the early weeks of launching.

Urban has wrapped up all of the moves in the apartment market

Chevron One adds further level of luxury, with the new Sky Homes release featuring the Gold Coast&rsquo;s biggest ever penthouse

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Chevron One, set to reign as Chevron Island&#39;s only luxury high-rise apartment tower, is about to achieve another level of luxury the Gold Coast hasn&#39;t seen before.

The Melbourne-based Bensons Property Group has released its Sky Home collection, starting from levels 31 and rising to level 41, soaring nearly 100 metres in the air. Bensons hadn&#39;t released the high-level apartments, but are now seeing high demand in ultra-luxury, large apartments in the sky.

When complete, Chevron One 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.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/chevron-one-adds-further-level-of-luxury-with-the-new-sky-homes-release-featuring-the-gold-coast-s-biggest-ever-penthouse">click here.</a>

Victoria &amp; Albert Broadbeach set to launch in October 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928]

The Victoria &amp; Albert Broadbeach apartment project marketing campaign will commence in October through Colliers.&nbsp;

The $800 million mixed-use development will feature more the 330 apartments across two residential towers rising 30 and 40 levels.&nbsp;Construction is expected to begin mid next year and take two years to complete, the first of many Gold Coast projects envisaged by&nbsp;Iris Capital, Sydney developer, Sam Arnaout.

The East tower known as The Albert will comprise 114 two, three and four-bedroom apartments over 30 levels.

The west tower, known as The Victoria, will rise over 40 levels and deliver 219 apartments of one, two and three bedrooms.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/victoria-albert-broadbeach-set-to-launch-in-october">click here</a>.

Final five apartments released in Chevron Island&#39;s Allure as locals dominate sales

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21132 project_image_fid=33509]

The final five apartments in the sought-after Allure development on&nbsp;Chevron Island&nbsp;have been released to the market, at a time where the supply of new apartments is nearing record lows.

Each of the apartments left in the Macquarie York-developed, BDA Architect-designed building at 26-28 Dalpura Street, have three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

Macquarie York founder Roy Skaf said that the timing of launching Allure, which has netted over $72 million in sales,&nbsp;coincided with a demand for high-quality residences in the heart of the Gold Coast.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/final-five-apartments-released-in-chevron-islands-allure-as-locals-dominate-sales">click here</a>.

Locals, Sydneysiders and Melburnians swoop on Esprit, S&amp;S Projects Rainbow Bay apartments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

It took just a weekend soft launch for the luxury developer S&amp;S Projects to secure over half of the sales in its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Esprit.

Esprit, at 217-227 Boundary Street, in the sought-after Rainbow Bay location in Coolangatta, sold over half of the 97 apartments on offer in the two interconnected Cottee Parker-designed buildings.

No surprise in the quick-fire sales by KM Sales and Marketing agent Jayde Pezet given the location, the fact Esprit is crowned by Club Esprit, the Gold Coast&#39;s first ever residents-only rooftop wellness centre, and the size of the apartments.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/locals-sydneysiders-and-melburnians-swoop-on-esprit-s-s-projects-rainbow-bay-apartments">click here</a>.

Exclusive first look: Hirsch &amp; Faigen lodge plans for Mermaid Beach apartment tower, Yves

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=179069]

Following the launch of its boutique&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;apartment development&nbsp;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.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/exclusive-first-look-hirsch-faigen-lodge-plans-for-mermaid-beach-apartment-tower-yves">click here.</a>

Brisbane-based developer Siera lodges Chevron Island apartment development plans

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=179071]

The Brisbane-based development and construction firm, Siera Property Group, are the latest in a wave of developers heading to the Gold Coast for the first time.

Seira, headed by the managing director&nbsp;and founder Brent Thompson, has laid plans on the sought-after&nbsp;Chevron Island&nbsp;for a 17-level project dubbed Tapestry, paying homage to the Island&#39;s new Home of the Arts precinct.

The plans by the local BDA Architecture will see 83 apartments built on&nbsp;a 1,518&nbsp;sqm site at&nbsp;39-43 Darrambal Street, toward the southern end of the island.

Thompson, who sits on the board of UDIA QLD and chairs the Brisbane&nbsp;City Council&nbsp;Policy&nbsp;Committee, sees it as a shift in thinking for the company, who made their name in the Queensland capital developing luxury townhouses in Brisbane&#39;s inner ring.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/brisbane-based-developer-siera-lodges-tapestry-chevron-island-apartment-development-plans">click here</a>.

Sherpa branch out from Palm Beach, lodge plans for Perspective Broadwater in Biggera Waters

The Gold Coast developer Sherpa Property, who have been developing and finalising plans for a number of luxury apartment projects in Palm Beach, are broadening their horizons.

Sherpa, led by chief executive&nbsp;Christie Leet, are continuing the trend of their Perspective collection in&nbsp;Biggera Waters,&nbsp;lodged plans for a boutique apartment development overlooking The Broadwater at 536 Marine Parade.

The exclusive building will have just seven apartments, six full-floor, three-bedroom apartments&nbsp;and&nbsp;a two-storey penthouse overlooking Broadwater and the surrounding parklands.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/sherpa-branch-out-from-palm-beach-lodge-plans-for-perspective-broadwater-in-biggera-waters">click here</a>.

There's been a continued uptake in residential apartment projects, with some developers still seeing exceptional results in the early weeks of launching

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

The Monaco, the luxury Main Beach apartment development by the local developer Ignite Projects,&nbsp;has secured a sell-out.

The Rothelowman-designed,&nbsp;24-level tower, with just 24 half and full-floor apartments, sold with an&nbsp;average sale price of $4.6 million. The penthouse secured $9.5&nbsp;million when bought by a Sydney buyer, who was in lockdown at the time of purchase.

The tower will rank as one of, if not the most expensive on the Gold Coast, not counting&nbsp;the smaller, boutique beachfront projects that might only rise five or six levels.

&nbsp;It&#39;s not the first time&nbsp;Ignite boss&nbsp;Josh Foote has seen stellar results recently, having quickly knocked over his apartment development at&nbsp;Palm Beach.

They sold out Cabana, a collection of 32 beachfront apartment, in six weeks, one of the quickest sell-outs the Gold Coast had seen for a long time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=83445]

&quot;The Monaco naturally took a little longer, given the near $5 million average apartment price&quot;, Foote says.

&quot;The buyer pool is considerably smaller, less than one per cent of buyers can spend that much.&quot;

&ldquo;The building is setting a new standard for the suburb, which is getting a well-deserved facelift thanks to the $205 million revitalisation of the Spit to turn it into the Gold Coast&rsquo;s version of Hyde Park and a 300-berth marina at The Southport Yacht Club.&rdquo;

The Monaco saw a mix of local buyers, and those interstate from Sydney and Melbourne, NPA Projects Director Andrew Erwin, who exclusively handled the sales, said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=83447]

&quot;It will be a second home for a lot of the buyers, but some will be calling it home&quot;, Erwin told Urban.

The Sydney-based buyer of the expansive two-level 630 sqm penthouse was impressed by the design and unrivalled location, and plans to use it for his &lsquo;forever home&rsquo;.

Construction is now underway by McNab Builders, with an estimated completion date of 2023.

Foote says there&#39;s no surprise to see the heightened demand for the Gold Coast, which he expects to continue now the country has seen what locals have seen for years.

&quot;It&#39;s just all about lifestyle, 100 per cent&quot;.

The developer worked on a few projects with a friend in his native Auckland before moving to the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26730 project_image_fid=140973]

&quot;It wasn&#39;t the value of the Gold Coast that brought me here, it was the lifestyle, and then the value become apparent.&quot;

Foote expects to be heading back to the Southern end of the Gold Coast for his next development, but like many in the industry, is finding it difficult to find a suitable site, for the right price.

&quot;I like developing down there. It&#39;s where I live, and it&#39;s probably the most beautiful part of the Gold Coast.

&quot;But it&#39;s that competitive at the moment, it&#39;s hard to find a site that will stack up. Land value is so high due to the demand for houses in desirable locations, even really old houses where an interstate buyer can knock down and rebuild and still see value.&quot;

He reckons great sites with any development potential have nearly doubled in price in the last 12 months or so. Crazy times.

Construction is now underway by McNab Builders, with an estimated completion date of 2023

The Monaco, Main Beach secures sell-out as one of Gold Coast's most expensive apartment towers

The longstanding South East Queenslander developer, Drew Group, have submitted plans for their next project.

It&#39;s set in the heart of Main Beach at 11 Cronin Avenue, where they have plans to develop two soaring apartment towers dubbed Lagoon Main Beach.

Drew Group, led by Jonathan Drew since 2005, have history in the area and know it well,&nbsp;having previously created the 16-level, 29-apartment developer Cerulean on&nbsp;Pacific Street.

&ldquo;As a local I feel an overwhelming responsibility to deliver an outstanding result for the Main Beach community and the future residents of Lagoon and this concept will be the central focus throughout the project until future residents move in,&quot; Drew said.

The company, founded in the early 1980s, have recently developed&nbsp;The Beach Houses, a collection of 15 luxury villas at Kirra Point, and their latest project The Village, 72 apartments and beach houses at Palm Beach.&nbsp;That was the fastest selling project in the Gold Coast over 2019 and 2020, securing all of the apartments in just three months.

Lagoon Main Beach will be one of their&nbsp;highest&nbsp;density projects, homing 248 apartments across two towers. It will be set however across a sprawling 4,000 plus sqm site, an amalgamation not seen since the 1980s. Drew Group will reduce&nbsp;the seven existing cross overs to just three.

The towers&nbsp;will be linked by a central resort-style heated swimming pool and spa area, hence the name Lagoon. Here will also be barbecue areas, pool lounges, and a 65 sqm gym with treatment rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=188180]

Tower 1 will be the larger of the two towers, soaring 31 levels in to the sky and having 137 apartments. It&#39;s a mix of 100&nbsp;two-bedroom apartments, which start from 91 sqm of internal space, and 34 three-bedrooms which start from 154 sqm of living area. The typical floorplan will see five apartments per floor, up until level 27, where the larger three-bedroom sub-penthouses start.

The three four-bedroom penthouses&nbsp;start from level 30 and are spread across two levels.&nbsp;The ground level homes three of the four bedrooms, as well as the kitchen living and dining space. Upstairs is the master suite, a media room, and a huge terraces reaching over 100 sqm terrace with outdoor kitchen, dining area, and private plunge pool.

Tower 2 will rise 23 levels and have 111 apartments, a breakdown of 89 two-bed apartments and 22 three-bedders.

Both will have level 15 residential lounge, where there will be a focus on the new work from home life, with a number of work from home booths, a meeting room,&nbsp;multi purpose rooms&nbsp;and terraces.

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Drew Group appointed Plus Architects to design the development with sustainability, environmental, infrastructure and urban renewal at the forefront of their brief resulting in a well crafted design that answers the needs of modern apartment living.

The towers have been oriented to maximise the views by Plus, who say it&#39;s all about the water.

&quot;[It&#39;s] beach side living with resort-style lifestyle&quot;, Plus wrote in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council.

&quot;The design is approached with simple vision inspired by the rolling waves and soft natural forms of the coastline,&quot; the executive summary by Plus read.

&quot;The towers are shaped to enhance the visual experience of its residents, forming undulating waves along the Northern and Southern facades generating a highly articulated form. The stagger of building form direct views from each apartment, providing a curated experience of the coastline and hinterlands.&quot;

The towers will be set in landscaping by&nbsp;FORM Landscape Architecture, who have focused on the landscape vision to connect to the poolside, create a statement identity on arrival, instal vertical greenery on the tower, and engage ground landscape and street interface.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=188174]

<h2>Executive Summary</h2>

The design is approached with simple vision inspired by the rolling waves and soft natural forms of the coastline. The towers are shaped to enhance the visual experience of its residents, forming undulating waves along the Northern and Southern facades generating a highly articulated form.

The stagger of building form direct views from each apartment, providing a curated experience of the coastline and hinterlands. These elegant forms are reinforced by adopting a refined and timeless palette.

The proposed design provides a high level of lifestyle and amenity with generous recreational facilities on the podium including an expansive lagoon inspired pool and spa with integrated lounges and cabanas linking the two towers. Connected to this is a gymnasium, BBQ and dining areas. Additional recreation space punctuates the tower forms at the 15th level offering all residents access to work from home suites, shared lounges and terraces to further experience the expansive views.

This document is to be read in conjunction with the development application report prepared by UPS for the development of a 2 tower, 23 and 31 storey residential development at 11-23 Cronin Avenue, Main Beach. The locality contains a mixture of existing and future developments up to 36 storeys.

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<h2>About the developer</h2>

Drew Group have been delivering apartments across SEQ for the last 15 years. Drew Group is a family owned property development and investment company that has been operating in Queensland since 1982. Jonathan Drew has been managing director of the company since 2005.

&ldquo;Our focus on opportunities has been market driven, giving us a wide scope of experience across a range of project types including residential, retail, commercial and hotel developments,&quot; Drew Group note.

&ldquo;As a group we focus on attention to detail with all our projects and look for opportunities to exceed in design, location and results. Through a very &ldquo;hands on&rdquo; approach to all aspects of the development process we manage to successfully obtain optimal outcomes for our buyers and investors.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=188176]

Lagoon Main Beach will be a higher density project for Drew Group, homing 248 apartments across two towers

First look exclusive: Drew Group submit plans for two-tower apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach

The Melbourne-based developer, Goldfields, are expanding in to Brisbane.

Their first project, a joint venture with Icon Development Australia, will be in Milton, the riverside suburb in the inner western ring of the city. They&#39;ve submitted plans for a 20-level tower designed by Rothelowman at&nbsp;29-35 Manning Street, a combination of the two lots totalling 3,511 sqm.

Goldfields Chief Executive, Lachlan Thompson, told Urban that the time was right to go in to the Brisbane apartment market.

&ldquo;As a national property developer, we are constantly looking for areas that offer strong development potential and we were impressed with Milton&rsquo;s amenity and connectivity to all things lifestyle related,&quot; Thompson said.

&quot;We are of the strong opinion that Milton, as a suburb, is on the cusp of significant capital value growth due to limited supply and its proximity to the bustling Park Street retail strip.

<img alt="" height="818" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/29-35_manning_st_milton_4.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The 20-level tower draped in landscaping. Image credit: Rothelowman

Rothelowman say the proposed 131-apartment building is a&nbsp;homage to the vernacular intelligence of the traditional Queensland Home.

&quot;The Queensland Home, with its wide verandahs and eaves, is a perfectly adapted architectural response to the local climate,&quot; Rothelowman advised in their plans submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

&quot;Our approach aims to capture the open friendliness of the traditional Queensland Home, a characteristic born of the warmer regions of Australia.

&quot;It is aiming to reflect and acknowledge the semi-outdoor lifestyle, a unique expression of the way people have adapted to their environment.&quot;

<img alt="" height="737" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/29-35_manning_st_milton_5.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The apartments are oriented to take advantage of river and city views. Image credit: Rothelowman

Oriented to maximise the eastern aspect and minimise north-west exposure, the building responds&nbsp;directly to its immediate urban context, while also celebrating the views of Brisbane CBD and the Brisbane River.

There will be 14 one-bedroom apartments, 91 two-beds, 16 with a multipurpose room, 18 three-bedroom apartments and eight four-bedders, located across the top two levels.

The tower&rsquo;s floor plate maximises both the eastern and southern aspect, river and city views from the apartments.

The building will be crowned with Sky Terrace, a generous recreational space for&nbsp;residents featuring a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and&nbsp;dining area.

<img alt="" height="734" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/29-35_manning_st_milton_3.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed rooftop Sky Terrace. Image credit: Rothelowman

Landscaping is a big feature, with FORM&nbsp;Landscape Architects installing&nbsp;vertical greenery on the podium and on the rooftop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thompson says the apartments will appeal to young professional in particular.

&quot;This includes the &ldquo;three day a week owner occupiers&rdquo; that split their time between the Sunshine Coast and inner-city Brisbane, but don&rsquo;t want to compromise on quality or safety, as well as strategic investors,&quot; Thompson said.

<img alt="" height="732" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/29-35_manning_st_milton_roof.jpg" width="1200" />

Goldfields entered the Queensland market four years ago with a $350 million, 1,000 lot master-planned community in Ripley, in Ipswich.

Next the company will be announcing a&nbsp;mixed-use acquisition in East Elimbah that will, in time, deliver over a billion-dollar multi sector development.

&quot;We have been hungry to grow and further diversify our presence here with built-form opportunities within the inner suburbs of Brisbane,&quot; Thompson said.

As we continue to build our Queensland portfolio, we are considering a number of development opportunities from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and look forward to making further announcements in the near future.&rdquo;

Goldfields also have a presence in Sydney, having recently launched The Livingstone, a collection of townhouses in Sydney&#39;s affluent Pymble.

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Rothelowman say the new 131 apartment building is a homage to the vernacular intelligence of the traditional Queensland Home.

Melbourne developer Goldfields take first step in to Brisbane

A Windsor offering comprising four two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats sold at recent auction for $2,410,000.

There were 10 Brisbane bidders at the auction which prompted its sale at 25 per cent above reserve through Ray White Special projects agents Matthew Fritzsche and Andrew Burke. 

The 885sqm site has development approved for a four-lot subdivision with freehold title houses. 

The property received 150 enquiries prior to auction.

Burke noted flats and boarding houses that tended to transact in the sub-$5 million category were sought after by ‘Mum and Dad’ or first time investors.

“Blocks of flats as an investment class are seeing benefit from Brisbane having one of the tightest rental markets nationwide, with a vacancy rate of 1.30 per cent recorded for May 2021,” he said. 




The property received 150 enquiries prior to auction, and 10 registered bidders on the day

10 investors seek Windsor, Brisbane apartment offering

A Norman Park riverfront complex has secured its first off the plan sale ahead of its late 2022 completion.

One of the four river homes at Rivera River House, 88 Wynnum Road, has been sold to an interstate buyer. Another is on the market for $5.995 million through Trevor Egan of Belle Property Bulimia.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94593]

The two direct riverfront houses will have a 12m boat mooring. The Brenta at Rivera river houses will be built on the 1688 sqm site.&nbsp;Ekko Point Properties who commissioned O&#39;Neill Architects to design the offering.

Each of the new four homes will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms over three levels, with pools and private lifts. They will be built by Scott Harris Constructions.

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One of the four river homes at 88 Wynnum Road has already sold to an interstate buyer.



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