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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368157]

“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.

Joel Robinson

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

Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221669]

At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368410]

Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

<a href="/developments/brisbane-qld">Brisbane</a> continues to outperform the eastern seaboard capitals in both its house and unit market.

Units rose 1.1 per cent again over December to be 12.2 per cent higher than they were at the start of 2023, data from CoreLogic found.

Urban.com.au data shows significant interest in Brisbane over 2023, spiking in months when a new project launched given the lack of new supply in the Queensland capital.

We've looked at the top five most popular Brisbane apartment developments that captured the attention of prospective buyers in Q4 2023.

<h2>Ruby Ruby</h2>

National apartment developer Kokoda Property launched its new apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/ruby-ruby-milton-12-crombie-street-milton">Ruby Ruby</a> in <a href="/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>, toward the end of 2023.

The 21-level apartment development at 12-18 Crombie Street comprises 144 two and three-bedroom apartments, including several luxury penthouses.

The <a href="/new-apartments/ruby-ruby-milton-12-crombie-street-milton">Ruby Ruby Penthouse Collection</a> offers six sub-penthouses and two master penthouses ranging from 188 to 392 sqm, starting from $3.75 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139032 project_image_fid=232277]

Kokoda strategically acquired the Crombie Street site just behind the Milton Train Station, a three-minute train ride to Roma Street Station. The train lines also reach as far as <a href="/developments/springfield-qld-4300">Springfield</a> and Ipswich to the south and the Redcliffe Peninsula to the north.

Milton is also quickly gaining attention for its quirky cafe and brewery scene, attracting young professionals.

Ruby Ruby amenities include a large rooftop infinity pool with a thoughtfully landscaped BBQ space and deck, floating daybeds and cabanas, a fire pit, elegant private dining and bar, a state-of-the-art private cinema lounge, billiards room, versatile meeting rooms, and a rejuvenating health and wellness space with a sauna, spa, plunge pool, yoga studio, and a fully equipped gym.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139032 project_image_fid=232307]

The pet-friendly building also caters to furry friends with its onsite dog-washing facility.

Construction is slated to commence in early 2024, with a target completion date in late 2025.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139032 project_image_fid=232280]

"Brisbane is rapidly transforming into a new world city; its culture, business centre, technology, and lifestyle are evolving with over $40 billion of infrastructure investment planned, so naturally, there is a shift occurring with demand now skewed towards sophistication and luxury residential design," Kokoda Property Founder Mark Stevens says.

<h2>Murcia Residences</h2>

<a href="/new-apartments/murcia-residences-east-brisbane-9-overend-street-east-brisbane">Murcia Residences</a> has attracted attention due to its prime location, just 300 metres from the heart of the Olympics.

That's what prominent Woolloongabba developer <a href="/developers/sarazin">Sarazin</a> is offering with their latest project, Murcia Residences, a literal stone's throw from the hallowed turf of The Gabba.&nbsp;

The Overend Street project and its 187 apartment residents will benefit from the substantial investment in the Olympic precinct. Both government and private investors are injecting billions of dollars to establish a thriving 24/7 precinct that will endure long after the conclusion of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=214636]

Beyond the convenience of entertainment, nature is also at the forefront of the location. Opposite The Gabba, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer a river walk and cycle path alongside the Brisbane River. Exiting Murcia and heading east, within 500 metres, Woolloongabba Rotary Park and Norman Creek, surrounded by trees and greenery, await.

For families, Murcia is also strategically positioned near three major university campuses – UQ, QUT, and Griffith South Bank – and falls within the catchment for Brisbane’s first new inner-south high school in over 50 years.

While central to everything, Sarazin will also provide even closer amenities, with new cafes on the ground level of the building. The second level will house a resident gym and bike repair workshop.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135094 project_image_fid=214684]

Topping Murcia Residences is an expansive, landscaped amenity space offering sweeping panoramic views across the city skyline. The focal point will be the infinity swimming pool, complemented by private poolside cabanas, sun loungers, a wellness area with cold and warm magnesium plunge pools, a sauna, steam room, and outdoor showers, as well as alfresco private dining and barbecue facilities.

Each apartment has been meticulously crafted to open onto a covered balcony from the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. Several apartments include multi-purpose rooms and study nooks, allowing future residents the flexibility to tailor their living space to their preferences.

<h2>The Allere Collection, West Village</h2>

<a href="/new-apartments/the-allere-collection-west-village-mollison-street-west-end">The Allere Collection</a>, featuring two side-by-side towers, Uno and Duno, will become the latest addition to the <a href="/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a> master plan upon completion in late 2024. This marks a decade since <a href="/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui</a> initiated the award-winning redevelopment of the beloved Peters Ice Cream factory site.

Proving popular across diverse demographics, from first-home buyers and pet owners to young and established families, the Mollison Street project holds appeal due to its proximity to everything.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204860]

Renowned architecture firm Rothelowman has designed Uno and Duo to soar 20 storeys above the West End precinct.

Residents of the Allere Collection will benefit from double the amenity, with shared access to both Uno and Duo rooftops.

The Uno tower will feature a pool, enclosed dining space, seating areas, a vegetable garden, a conservatory, and a 'Paw Pavilion' – an off-leash dog space on the rooftop. Meanwhile, the Duo Tower will boast a pool, heated spa, enclosed lounge room and dining space, outdoor barbecue facilities, and sun loungers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=207148]

Sekisui is also gearing up to launch the final stage of West Village. This FJMT studio-designed 15-storey building will be their most owner-occupier focused, comprising around 70 three and four-bedroom apartments. It represents the last opportunity to buy into this thriving community.

West Village spans approximately 6,500 sqm of public spaces, including The Common, a 1,400 sqm landscaped green space along West End's Boundary Street.

<h2>Monarch Residences</h2>

<a href="/new-apartments/monarch-residences-toowong-600-coronation-drive-toowong">Monarch Residences</a>, the <a href="/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> development by <a href="/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties</a> in collaboration with funding partner Qualitas, was the best selling apartment project in Brisbane in the July and September quarters, according to Urbis.

Upon completion, <a href="/new-apartments/monarch-residences-toowong-600-coronation-drive-toowong">Monarch Residences</a> will house 224 apartments and penthouse residences across two buildings on the 1.2-hectare riverfront 600 Coronation Drive site in Toowong.

Consolidated Properties Group Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke attributed the success of the project to robust demand from buyers seeking larger riverfront apartments and the capability of <a href="/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>.

“Monarch Residences is one of Brisbane’s most sought-after addresses, with Urbis data showing this project has accounted for a third of all apartment sales in the city over the past six months,” he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=211498]

Sales have experienced a significant uptick leading to Christmas as individuals contemplate their property and lifestyle aspirations for the upcoming year. O’Rorke mentioned that River 2 now has fewer than ten residences remaining for sale, all featuring home-size three-bedroom floor plans, with prices starting from $1.875 million.

O'Rorke emphasised the project's uniqueness, attributing its success to its prime riverfront location surrounded by expansive public parkland and its exceptional offerings, designed by renowned architects Wardle and Cottee Parker.

Residents of Monarch Residences will enjoy a range of amenities, including a riverside pool, gym, sauna, and an expansive rooftop terrace with dining and entertainment areas.

The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

<h2>Panorama</h2>

Completing the list is the completed Bowen Hills apartment development, <a href="/buildings/panorama-bowen-hills-37-mayne-road-bowen-hills">Panorama</a>, by national developer <a href="/developers/arden-group">Arden Group</a>.

The project's top four selling points are its affordability, location, architecture-designed interiors, and extensive amenities.

Panorama, consisting of 256 one and two-bedroom apartments spread over 25 levels, is competitively priced compared to similar apartment developments in Brisbane.

The development has reached its final release, providing buyers the last opportunity to secure their dream homes in this architecturally designed development.

Designed by Arqus Design, the apartments boast the finest quality and style, featuring spacious designs with expansive balconies, good natural light, and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7711 project_image_fid=196813]

On the ground level, Panorama offers residents convenient retail services in a boutique tree-lined laneway. The Panorama Retreat on level five features a lap pool with an adjoining plunge pool, a Zen garden, a landscaped north-facing ‘quiet zone,’ barbecue, an entertainment terrace, gym facilities, and a sauna.

Level 26 also boasts the Panorama Skydeck with private nooks, a cinema, a bar, and a kitchen.

Panorama provides an on-site property manager to ensure residents receive excellent service and support.

Situated just over two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and less than a ten-minute walk to some of Brisbane’s best retail, commercial, and employment hot spots, Panorama is in a highly desirable location.

The 27-level building is 200 metres from Bowen Hills train station and is just a ten-minute ride to Brisbane airport.

Panorama presents an exceptional opportunity for those looking to invest or find their dream home in Brisbane, with its completed apartments ready for purchase. With a proven track record of 0 per cent vacancy rates, owners can expect immediate returns, with rental payments made every week.

Some of Brisbane's biggest developers, such as Sarazin and Sekisui House Australia, make the list

Brisbane’s top five most popular off the plan apartment developments on Urban in Q4 2023

Broadbeach is set for it's next luxury apartment tower with Sola, the 22-level tower by Ature Group who founded popular retailers SABO and Zaco, securing approval from the Gold Coast City Council to develop the project.

<a href="/new-apartments/sola-158-surf-parade-broadbeach">Sola</a> features&nbsp;a slender design, penned by Prospect Apartment Architecture and Esat Studio, seamlessly melding a contemporary beach house narrative with sophisticated sculptural details more akin to architecture and details from the Mediterranean.&nbsp;

The site was purchased in 2022 for an around $6 million and will deliver 20 exclusive full-floor apartments with custom stone and wood interiors, as well as top-tier amenities. The three-bedrooms apartments are expected to start from $2.75 million when they launch in February through MOTIV.

<img alt="SABO fashion house founders receive Planning Approval for Luxury 22 Storey Broadbeach tower ‘SOLA.’" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba705f2d-a880-42ee-99da-b2c183f3475c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SOLA%20tower.png?VersionId=t7EKW4HQjpMUaXv2P.zsLJSVASXGixAx" />

The tower will take up just 269 sqm of the 640 sqm Surf Parade site, designed in response to the solar aspect and to the capture the famous Gold Coast views, whilst remaining sympathetic to neighbouring buildings.&nbsp;

The founders of Ature Group siblings George Kouzoukas and his sister Thessy Batsinilas, and George’s wife Yiota, who together have been making a name for themselves in luxury fashion since 20. They've also quietly been developing commercial and luxury residential properties for over a decade, delivering nine projects. Thessy and Yiota have also been featured in &nbsp;Asia’s coveted Forbes 30 under 30 list.&nbsp;

Sola represents Ature Group’s largest and most high-end project to-date. It will be the first residential project in Queensland directly influenced by the design aesthetics of fashion, drawing inspiration from the trio’s travels as they introduced the SABO and Zaco brands to the world stage. &nbsp;

Ature Group aims to leverage the enduring demand for penthouse-inspired lifestyles, with Sola designed to attract discerning buyers seeking a distinctive and elevated living experience.&nbsp;

The synergies between SABO, Zaco, and Ature seamlessly align, as each of the brands are progressively driven by sophisticated design. Ature Group serves as the manifestation of the SABO founders' vision in the realm of property development, delivered with their trademark luxurious resort aesthetic.&nbsp;

<img alt="SABO fashion house founders receive Planning Approval for Luxury 22 Storey Broadbeach tower ‘SOLA.’" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bee48fe9-9742-4972-a031-76b28b9784f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SOLA.png?VersionId=wMxK2onI0lYIJIPpf3AuBTxfOl4aLGKt" />

“Through the evolution of our fashion labels SABO and Zaco, we have been lucky enough to travel the world, visiting luxurious locations and high-end homes, which has served as inspiration for our fashion ranges,"&nbsp;<a href="/developers/ature-group">Ature Group</a> Director&nbsp;George Kouzoukas says.

"Sola is an organic extension of our commitment to exploring our creative abilities. Drawing from the same principles that have shaped our fashion house, we’re embarking on crafting living spaces where sophistication converges with innovation, weaving the artistry of design into the fabric of contemporary living.&nbsp;

“The aim for Sola was to create a beach house in the sky, under the same guiding influences. We have fused bespoke finishes and design with incredible protected views to deliver refined living for our clients, that reflect Broadbeach’s bold identity as the heart and soul of the Gold Coast."

Three of the apartments will be held for the SABO founders, underpinning their confidence in the project as a milestone development for <a href="/new-apartments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> in terms of luxury and lifestyle.&nbsp;

Sola is due to launch to the market in February 2024 through MOTIV.

Ature Group aims to leverage the enduring demand for penthouse-inspired lifestyles, with Sola designed to attract discerning buyers seeking a distinctive and elevated living experience

SABO fashion house founders secure approval for luxury Broadbeach apartment development Sola

Harry Triguboff's apartment giant Meriton has revealed the full plans for its debut apartment development in Brisbane.

Having bought the Gardens Apartments building at <a href="/new-apartments/204-alice-street-brisbane">204 Alice Street last year</a>, <a href="/developers/meriton">Meriton</a> has filed plans for two massive skyscrapers with 795 apartments designed by their go-to architect in Queensland DBI, who has designed Meriton's recent Gold Coast portfolio.

The $1.3 billion development on the 5,485 sqm site directly across the road from the City Botanic Gardens from the Alice Street frontage, will also include a childcare centre, retail and food and beverage spaces, and communal open space facilities like swimming pools, an outdoor gym and play space on the level five podium level, before it gives way to the main tower structure.

<img alt="Alice St Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="724f2714-7819-4b3f-bc80-6358ab5cb9fb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-10%20at%208.48.32%20am.png?VersionId=YmnsitwRbYgiW33GJ4xxve8r4_D6C8Yh" />

The majority of apartments are two-beds (521), while every one-bedroom apartment (208) has a study. There's 156 three-bedroom apartments and 32 four-bedders.

There's 913 parking spaces across the five basement levels and four podium levels.

DBI said in their Urban Design Context Report submitted to the <a href="/new-apartments/brisbane-qld">Brisbane</a> City Council that the&nbsp;two-tower development takes cues from the surrounding context including the city’s urban fabric as well as the Botanic Gardens and seeks to compliment the adjacent heritage and place character.

"The development is set to become a landmark Brisbane destination and provides a visable presence on the skyline of the city.

"The tower plates have been carefully shaped to maximise the amenity of future residents and visitors and provide generous balconies offering access to Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle. The towers are strategically located to minimise overshadowing and over-dominating the Botanic Gardens. The sculpted subtropical podium conceals a multilevel carpark, sleeved by activated uses and features a double-height lobby framed by the backdrop of the Botanic Gardens."

<img alt="Meriton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d36ce6c-c90d-4b09-95f9-8c1bb093a16b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-10%20at%208.48.04%20am_0.png?VersionId=vXDDD85FhAZcyacVbmE1uVKkJgmFdYN0" />

They said 204 Alice Street is at "the centre of a critical mass of new activity, urban living and commerce."

"The area around 204 Alice Street is positioned for further dynamic growth in the years to come with a proposed transformation of the Eagle Street Pier Precinct into a world class mixed-use riverside destination, Waterfront Brisbane," DBI said.

"Another large-scale development within Brisbane’s CBD is the Queen’s Wharf project, set to transform the river’s edge into a cultural and entertainment precinct by April 2024, placing Brisbane on the international stage."

Tower A, positioned on the Alice Street frontage of the site, is the taller tower at 79 levels The slender tower is broken down into three golden beaks which reduces the built form's scale from podium to rooftop.&nbsp;

"The tower design draws inspiration from the neighbouring Botanical Gardens with a finer grain branch like pattern that invites a sense of movement and physically draws the eye away from the centre of the built form emphasising the towers articulated footprint and corners," DBI say.

The neighbouring tower, Tower M, references the Margaret Street frontage of the large site.

The upcoming design phases will include a Public Art Strategy to identify strategically located and integrated works of art that enhance and activate the site.

"The precinct has been designed to create a symbiotic relationship between the architecture and landscape," DBI added.

"Brisbane’s sub-tropical environment is reflected in the dense planting of the podium, outdoor terraces, and elevated green spaces, creating an ideal refuge for residents and visitors. Lush vegetation, natural stone and textured materials provide a sense of calm and tranquility that transitions the site towards the City Botanic Gardens."

<img alt="Meriton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ce546c9-b9c1-4a0a-9cb9-2e0e30b1b7f7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-10%20at%208.48.12%20am.png?VersionId=sU7NsvGPPCWz0V2CYLMyz4oO5HXMkUlm" />

Town Planning Report by Urban Planning Services said&nbsp;the proposed development will reinvigorate the subject site and its setting within the City Centre, delivering high-quality apartments in a well serviced centre of the City promising to improve the choice and availability of housing to meet the substantial demand presently being experienced in South-east Queensland.

The proposed redevelopment, providing new residential living opportunities in a location where residents will benefit from ease of access to all of the shops, services and attractions of the Brisbane CBD, including high frequency public transport services, and the greenspace and recreational opportunities afforded by the proximity to the City Botanical Gardens and river corridor, represents a logical and responsible approach to its renewal.

Overall, the proposed development will deliver a substantial investment in the rejuvenation of this centrally located site, securing efficient use of the site to provide much needed new housing opportunities, together with tourist accommodation and active commercial frontages, including a much sought pedestrian laneway through the site. The proposals will contribute positively to the economy and vitality of the City Centre.

In September&nbsp;<a href="/developers/meriton" target="">Meriton</a>&nbsp;was recognised as the busiest builder in Queensland for 2022-23, despite challenges in the construction sector.

The company has also been named Australia's top apartment builder in the HIA COLORBOND® Steel Housing Top 100 Report and has a 4.5 Gold Star iCIRT rating.

First look: Meriton's full plans for first Brisbane apartment development revealed

The landscape of Broadbeach is changing ever year.&nbsp;

Nearly two years ago I wrote a <a href="/news/qld/why-its-all-about-broadbeach-in-2022">piece about Broadbeach and its lifestyle and location factors</a> drawing both buyers and developers, with&nbsp;Mosaic Property boss Brook Monahan and CBRE Residential Gold Coast Projects Director Nick Clysdale explaining what it was about <a href="/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> that buyers and developers saw in the suburb just south of <a href="/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a>.

Monahan put his money where he mouth was so to speak, securing two sites for his first two projects in the suburb, Marella by Mosaic and Lily by Mosaic, both of which have had huge sales success since launching.

Broadbeach has remained a top spot for developers since then, with a number of development sites transacting. There's a healthy mix of large scale, full-floor apartments for the more affluent buyer, and higher density two and three-bedroom apartmens which cater to a wider market.

A number of projects are looking like they'll go ahead in 2024. We've taken a look at five developments which caught our eye.

<h2>Project: SOLA Broadbeach</h2>

<h3>Location: 158 Surf Parade, Broadbeach QLD 4218</h3>

<h3>Developer: Ature Group</h3>

The Queensland-based&nbsp;AtureGroup, well known for the popular fashion boutique Sabo Skirt and Zaco, will launch SOLA Broadbeach this year on one of Broadbeach's most popular streets.

SOLA, located at 158 Surf Parade, is designed to cater to owner-occupiers, comprising 20 three-bedroom apartments across 22 levels.&nbsp;

Designed by Prospect Apartment Architecture, the development focuses on high-quality architectural expression, orienting the building towards the east to maximise parkland and ocean views while ensuring privacy from neighbouring buildings.&nbsp;

<img alt="SOLA Broadbeach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79fdeb92-619a-4eaa-a0c9-068920df580f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-09%20at%2010.08.58%20am.png?VersionId=.pZtFBbNKdhdkpzAMXoN7Wh07N20gTnA" />

Each 200 sqm apartment includes three bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, and a kitchen with a butler's pantry. The master suite features an ensuite and a walk-in wardrobe.

Residents will also have access to several amenities on the podium level including a wellness zone with a mineral spa, ice pools, gym, steam room, a sauna, a covered indoor-outdoor swimming pool and a communal deck area.

The Kouzoukas family, signalling confidence in the project, plans to retain several apartments for extended family use.&nbsp;

To find out more about SOLA, <a href="/news/qld/first-look-sabo-skirt-family-file-debut-gold-coast-apartment-tower-on-broadbeachs-best-street">click here</a>.

<h2>Project: Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach</h2>

<h2>Location: 42-46 Chelsea Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218</h2>

<h3>Developer: Amalgamated Property Group</h3>

Following the successful launch of Amaya Broadbeach at 30 First Avenue, Canberra-based apartment developer Amalgamated Property Group (APG) is expected to launch its second Broadbeach project in as many years.

They snapped up an 1,820 sqm Chelsea Avenue site from Raptis, who had approved plans for a 41-level tower designed by Archidiom.

APG has had DBI make some amendments, changing the apartment mix to make 148 two-beds, a number with a study, and 37 three-bed apartments.

The recreational amenities for residents will be situated on the fourth level, offering a range of facilities such as a swimming pool, residents' lounge, community living area with barbecue and outdoor dining space, gardens, gym, sauna, and a yoga/meeting room.&nbsp;

<h2>Location: 33-37 Armrick Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218</h2>

<h3>Developer: Armrick Developments Pty Ltd</h3>

Former footballer Scott Crow is expected to launch his debut Gold Coast apartment development in Broadbeach after securing approval for the 33-level apartment tower in December.

The tower across an amalgamated 1,750 sqm triple site at 33 Armrick Avenue will home 203 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Plus Architecture designed the tall, curved tower, with the intention of the design to embrace the sub-tropical coastal lifestyle of the Gold Coast.

The recreation level, located on the third floor of the podium, offers a range of amenities, including a gym, outdoor lounge with a fire pit, yoga deck, cold pools, a large pool, floating day beds, a spa, private cabanas, sauna and steam rooms, barbecue areas, and a bar nook.

<img alt="Armrick" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8bb67bc5-12df-41eb-acae-39d12d5b8695" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-09%20at%2010.12.12%20am.png?VersionId=VKUoEjLeTgaAPBBSrh8JkCy7_x41_C8J" />

Apartment levels start from the fifth floor, with eight units per floor up to level 21. The upper levels of the tower feature a collection of sub-penthouses and penthouses.&nbsp;

Level 31 includes four sub-penthouses, each equipped with a master suite, additional bedrooms and bathrooms, a laundry room, a multi-purpose room, a butler's pantry, and an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space leading to a private outdoor area.

The development culminates in two mirroring two-storey penthouses featuring three bedrooms. The eastern side of the penthouses features a pool, sun deck, outdoor kitchen, barbecue area, dining space, and a fire pit.

The new tower will be located near Morris Property Group's Crest Broadbeach at 13 Armrick Avenue.&nbsp;

<h2>Project: Lusso Sky Homes Broadbeach</h2>

<h3>Location: 11 Anne Avenue, Broadbeach QLD 4218</h3>

<h3>Developer: Di Carlo Property Group</h3>

Brisbane-based Di Carlo Property Group is another who has development approval for their Broadbeach tower, Lusso Sky Homes.

Lusso, which means luxury in Italian, marks a return to the Gold Coast apartment market for the Brisbane-based developer.

The project at 11 Anne Avenue will comprise&nbsp;15 full-floor apartments designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects.&nbsp;

The four-bedroom apartments offer over 200 sqm internally, complemented by a balcony of over 40 sqm.&nbsp;

<img alt="Di Carlo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08885c56-4b8b-441e-bb16-d7c71b96319b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-09%20at%2010.15.32%20am.png?VersionId=z.pypCcvmFHyPoo_kL2CNb7AhuHsp682" />

Alfie Di Carlo anticipates strong interest from local downsizers seeking spacious living without compromising on luxury and from interstate or Brisbane-based holidaymakers and weekenders seeking a high-end holiday home.

"We produce boutique, owner-occupier developments in Brisbane so we definitely wanted to stay in our lane and produce something that would service that type of buyer on the Gold Coast,"&nbsp;<a href="/developers/di-carlo-property-group" target="">Di Carlo</a>&nbsp;told Urban.

"Its a really nice pocket of the Gold Coast and it's always been on the agenda."

To read more about Lusso Sky Homes, click here.

<h2>Location: 155 Old Burleigh Road</h2>

<h3>Developer: Polycell Group</h3>

It might be ambitious for Polycell Group, developer of The Rochester in Broadbeach which is over 50% sold on Surf Parade, to get to the stage of launching their second Gold Coast apartment development on Old Burleigh Road.

Last year Polycell acquired 19 apartments in the Sandpiper building at 155 Old Burleigh Road, paying&nbsp;$15.5 million for the apartments from developer Peter Priest of Trenert.

The Sandpiper building was at the centre of a legal dispute earlier in the year when Trenert decided to abandon its plans to buy out the remaining owners, claiming that rival developers used confidential information to secure apartments and thwart the redevelopment.

<img alt="Sandpiper" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ea7dc21-37a0-46ec-98bd-641c0e9ecade" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-09%20at%2010.07.51%20am.png?VersionId=ibacJlFsngOGz_HJpCdo.H.O7D6S.Ku_" />

The 1,828 sqm site of the Sandpiper building is situated on the corner of Broadbeach Boulevard and Albert Avenue directly opposite Kurrawa Park, providing unobstructed views of the beach and ocean.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/exclusive-the-rochester-developer-polycell-locks-sights-on-next-gold-coast-apartment-project">Exclusive: The Rochester developer Polycell locks sights on next Gold Coast apartment project</a>

Broadbeach has remained a top spot for developers, with a number of development sites transacting

What to look out for in the Broadbeach off the plan apartment market in 2024

Sydney builder developer Luxcon Group's debut <a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast apartment development</a>, Escape, is set to begin its construction phase after securing $75 million worth of sales in the Garfield Terrace, <a href="/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a>&nbsp;building.

The $250 million <a href="/new-apartments/escape-surfers-paradise-63-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise">Escape</a> comprises 31 full-floor private residences and two double-level penthouses. Nine apartments have sold so far, predominantly to Gold Coast locals.

The apartments, priced from $6.45 million, each have 360-degree views of Gold Coast’s famous shoreline and its beaches, as well as the hinterland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=221791]

Project sales and marketing agency TOTAL Property Group saying the sales, secured before the display gallery was opened, demonstrated the “unprecedented” high demand for ultra-premium apartments in Gold Coast’s most desirable beachfront location.&nbsp;

TOTAL Property Group Managing Director Adrian Parsons says demand for Escape’s elite full-floor sky home apartments can be attributed to the absolute beachfront location, the quality of the architectural and interior design and confidence in the builder developer's reputation for the impeccable level of attention taken to deliver some of Australia’s most prestigious private apartment residences.

“Luxcon is a vertically integrated builder developer with a strong reputation for successfully delivering ultra-luxury residential projects in some of Australia’s most highly desirable and exclusive locations,” Parsons said.

“They have an impressive portfolio of award-winning high-end developments in Sydney and Melbourne’s exclusive residential areas and this gives prestige property purchasers a great deal of confidence when buying off the plan.

“Being an award-winning builder-developer that specialises in the construction and delivery of exclusive ultra-luxury residential projects, we expect apartment sales to increase when construction begins.

“The opportunity to develop a premium absolute beachfront site and an unprecedented demand for this type of luxury on the Gold Coast motivated Luxcon Group to create a premium apartment development and offer two different floor plans that meet the unique needs and wants of prestige property purchasers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=221792]

Buyers of the full-floor sky homes, designed by PBD Architecture with interiors by Coco Republic, have the option of two floorplan configurations that include one with a master bedroom on the beachfront for people who want to wake up and look at the ocean and the second floorplan for people who want to maximise their living and entertaining spaces looking out to the beach and ocean. The floorplans range from 311 sqm to 293 sqm.

Exclusive residents’ amenities include a beachfront pool, outdoor lounge and cabanas, surfboard storage, oceanfront business centre with boardroom facilities, private fitness centre, and sauna and steam room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=221790]

Parsons says the&nbsp;architectural design and two whole floors of extensive five-star amenities have been extremely favourable with apartment buyers.

<a href="/developers/luxcon-group">Luxcon Group’s </a>Founder and Managing Director Ilya Melnikoff said it was encouraging to see early market acceptance for the Group’s first Gold Coast development of five-star private sky home residences at Escape.

“Working with PBD Architecture, Coco Republic and TOTAL Property Group in planning Escape, the focus was to create a point of difference in the beachfront apartment living with Australia’s natural coastal beauty and complement the unique cosmopolitan style of the Gold Coast,” Melnikoff said.

“Our vision for Escape is to offer beachfront residences characterised by unparalleled style and quality.

"We are thrilled by the incredibly positive reception, particularly from local buyers who are demonstrating strong confidence in the development. As the builder and developer responsible for delivering this project, we will ensure the building will be delivered to the same ethos as we show in all of our marketing and past projects and philosophy that will follow throughout our project.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113448]

Adrian Parsons says the architectural design and two whole floors of extensive five-star amenities have been extremely favourable with apartment buyers.

Luxcon to commence construction on Escape, Surfers Paradise apartments after first release sellout

Veteran Brisbane developer <a href="/developers/stockwell">Stockwell</a> is continuing to expand its Fish Lane residential portfolio.

Their latest step in development surrounding the sought-after pocket toward the northern end of South Brisbane is a 30-level tower at <a href="/new-apartments/175-melbourne-street-south-brisbane">175 Melbourne Street</a>, South Brisbane, a 1,40 sqm site on the corner of Melbourne Street and Edmondstone Street. The site is next door to The Standard by ARIA Property Group, the developer of Fish Lane's buzzing retail and dining strip.

Stockwell, the family-run developer who has been developing in Brisbane since the early 1950s, is producing a heavily-targeted owner-occupier tower, with the majority of the 130 apartments four and five-bed. They're proposing just 27 two-beds and 25 three-beds, some 52 four-bedroom apartments, and 26 five-bedroom apartments.

The apartments will sit above a three-level parking podium and a ground level commercial tenancy, while resident amenity is provided in the form of a rooftop garden with a 17-metre swimming pool and spa, a function room with an outdoor terrace, a gym, yoga lawn and dog park. There will be 240 parking spaces and 164 bicycle spaces.

Stockwell will be delivering the project in two stages, the first being the basement, podium, and tower up to level 20, and the second stages level 21 to 30.

<img alt="Stockwell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6ca72ac-bdeb-4565-8310-517046e43164" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-05%20at%201.56.55%20pm.png?VersionId=rZ06E5KS5q41KGsSWy744by6KlYWmKf8" />

Architecture firm MODE said in their design statement that the&nbsp;design has been developed to provide a high-quality building with extensive landscaping and materiality to further enhance Melbourne Street as a sub-tropical boulevard.

"The front edge of the building is landscaped with large deep planters to soften this edge and contribute to the sub-tropical nature of Melbourne Street," the report read.

They said the design of the streetscape has many opportunities for the display of public art.

"The lobby and tenancy raised to the required flood level, gives the opportunity to introduce a prominent grand entry staircase and ramp integrated with extensive landscaping. Large glazed facades are featured on the entry lobby and tenancy to facilitate street activation and casual surveillance."

Mode said the&nbsp;existing seats, artwork and planting on Melbourne Street will be retained and create a dialogue with the new entry steps.

The podium façade is clad in a brick skin and brick fins in reference to the local context and identity of South Brisbane, a material&nbsp;featured along Melbourne St and Fish Ln on both historic and new buildings including Stockwell's under construction apartment developments Croft on Fish Lane and Cremorne on Fish Lane.

<img alt="Stockwell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3acab36d-6b9b-4d18-b8e5-a5d487b4a810" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-05%20at%202.02.46%20pm.png?VersionId=1YrEmL.LJXruJsK.Tt01PJupuKQnaDmF" />

Stockwell, led by managing director Mark Stockwell, has a number of projects in development across Brisbane.

Their most impressive is Stones Corner Village, where they're intending to redevelop their current retail and dining precinct just off Hanlon Park.

They've proposed a new mixed-used precinct at 405 Logan Road, which will incorporate 209 apartments across two towers, dubbed Logan and Cleveland, which will sit above 3,000 sqm of retail.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/first-look-stockwell-plot-stones-corner-village-redevelopment">First look: Stockwell plot Stones Corner Village redevelopment</a>

Stockwell has owned the 5,709 sqm site since 2006, which currently homes 20 retailers and is anchored by an Aldi. Over 500 new car parking spaces will be provided, and 252 bicycle spaces.

Stockwell also has a&nbsp;build to rent project in West End at 399 Montague Road, a few doors down from <a href="/news/qld/first-look-mcnab-file-for-montague-street-west-end-apartment-development">McNab''s recently filed plans for the redevelopment of the former Dixon's Tannery</a>.

Stockwell, led by managing director Mark Stockwell, has a number of projects in development across Brisbane

First look: Stockwell to pad out Fish Lane precinct with more apartments

Tier-one builder Multiplex has been appointed to build Gordon Corp's $300 million <a href="/new-apartments/the-mantaray-marina-residences-503-seaworld-drive-main-beach-queensland-4217">Mantaray Marina and Residences</a> in <a href="/new-apartments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>.

The ultra-luxury development on the Southport Spit is being developed by&nbsp;Gordon Corp founder Tim Gordon and Bruce Mathieson Group baron Bruce Mathieson. The project marks the first significant development of The Spit since the establishment of Palazzo Versace over two decades ago.

The Rothelowman-designed development comprises 24 waterfront two, three, and four-bedroom apartments and villas, as well as the&nbsp;exclusive Mataray Health Club and a 67-berth superyacht marina and resort facilities. The standout feature is The Mantaray Club, an exclusive on-water lounge accessible only to members.

The Mantaray Club, positioned as the superyacht precinct's focal point, includes an arrival and departure lounge, restaurant and bar facilities, sun deck, and private dining and meeting rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110018 project_image_fid=234897]

Members of The Mantaray Club will also enjoy access to general superyacht marina services, boat and berth hire, and concierge services.&nbsp;

The superyacht marina itself, designed to 'Platinum' Gold Anchor standards, offers long and short-term berth leasing, immediate ocean passage through the Gold Coast Seaway, year-round deep-water access, top-notch marina operations, on-site security, and full-service concierge.

The 250 sqm Mantaray Health Club offers premium gym and training facilities, hot and cold-water plunge pools, yoga, sauna, and steam rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110018 project_image_fid=234896]

Residents will also benefit from a dedicated concierge service offering personalised assistance, reinforced by 24/7 onsite security personnel and a state-of-the-art CCTV system.

An activated retail plaza and high street promenade will link The Mantaray Marina and Residences to the surrounding area and provide access to leading restaurants and cafes.

Residences at <a href="/new-apartments/the-mantaray-marina-residences-503-seaworld-drive-main-beach-queensland-4217">The Mantaray</a>, starting from $8.5 million for three and four-bedroom units and $14.4 million for the penthouse collection, target a discerning clientele seeking a new standard of luxury in Australia's real estate landscape.

The mixed-use project <a href="/news/qld/gordon-corp-launches-mantaray-residences-on-the-spit-with-two-12-million-sales">has already seen two $12 million villas sold</a> to one Gold Coast family on its launch late last year.

Construction, led by Multiplex regional director Michael Sinclair, will commence in early 2024. The project is expected to generate up to 300 jobs during its two-year construction phase.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110018]

The mixed-use project has already seen two $12 million villas sold to one Gold Coast family on its launch late last year

Multiplex to build $300 million Mantaray Marina and Residences in Main Beach

The final apartments have been offered to the market in Brisbane's priciest apartment development, <a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen Street</a>.

Hutchies is putting the final touches to the 47-level tower having <a href="/news/qld/hutchinsons-take-over-probuild-construction-of-cbus-propertys-brisbane-apartment-tower-443-queen-st">taken over the build from Probuild in mid-2022</a>.

Aptly named <a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen Street</a> after its prime location adjacent to the heritage-listed Customs House, the project by prominent developer CBUS has been a huge success as far as sales are concerned since initially launching back in 2017.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6226 project_image_fid=37149]

Now the final opportunity to buy in the building has presented itself, with just a handful of apartments recently hitting the market.

The one-bedroom apartments start from $950,000 and top $1.5 million for the 81 sqm configuration. The two-bedrooms are priced from $2.3 million and span just over 100 sqm and have a car space, while the four-bedroom units have over 200 sqm of space and start from $5 million.

Prices at <a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen</a> had initially started from under $500,000, with the four-bedroom apartments selling at $2 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6226 project_image_fid=37148]

443 Queen Street was designed by globally renowned architectural firms WOHA and Architectus to harmonise with Brisbane's subtropical climate. They say the building is a living, breathing entity, ensuring a constant flow of natural and fresh air.

“We believe in innovative, sustainable architecture based on a clear humanist social agenda," WOHA's Richard Hassell said.

"People do not want to live in stacked, sealed boxes."

The emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient design sets <a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen Street</a> apart as a world-class development. Lush gardens integrated throughout the building enhance aesthetic appeal and contribute to reducing energy consumption.

<a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen Street's</a> appeal is further elevated by a dedicated full-floor recreation deck on level seven which comprises a 25-metre riverside infinity pool with cabana lounges, a gym, yoga terrace, and a dining room with terrace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6226 project_image_fid=37091]

<a href="/buildings/443-queen-street-brisbane-443-queen-street-brisbane">443 Queen Street</a> also includes a boardwalk-level restaurant, providing a dining experience complementing its location on one of Brisbane’s last remaining riverfront sites.

Strategically located between Queen Street and the <a href="/new-apartments/brisbane-qld">Brisbane</a> River, 443 Queen neighbours a small park and sits within close proximity to the CBD's best cafes, restaurants, and retailers.

Prices at 443 Queen had initially started from under $500,000, with the four-bedroom apartments selling at $2 million.



Last knockings for Brisbane's priciest apartments as prices at 443 Queen Street double since launch

Brisbane-based developer Frank Developments has seen huge success at its luxury maiden Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">MIRA</a>.

The 25-level tower at <a href="/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">61 Garfield Terrace</a>, the dress circle address in Surfers Paradise&nbsp;is made up of just 12 apartments which have been pitched as vertical beach houses. The project has already secured eight sales.

The average sale price so far is $8.25 million, with the final four apartments priced from $8.5 million.

Each of the apartments has two levels, except from the tri-level penthouse which feature its own rooftop terrace and private pool.

Frank Development CEO and Founder Frank Licastro says the double-level floorplan is traditionally reserved for the penthouse purchaser.

"At MIRA, every apartment is dual-level, meaning every resident will experience the penthouse way of life – private, elevated and life enhancing."

<img alt="MIRA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82d4947a-037b-4c03-92d5-084785347bce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-04%20at%2011.23.19%20am.png?VersionId=j2al1kDlu6bf17W_ZZDbpQML6XT0quMd" />

The two-level apartments, designed by Ferro Chow Architects and BYculprit, span&nbsp;376 sqm and feature open-plan living spaces with oceanfront balconies that capture expansive views of the beach, skyline, river, and hinterland.&nbsp;

Inspired by the natural landscape of its iconic beachfront address, MIRA's design incorporates refined details, native tones, natural lines, and a neutral palette of raw stone, organic timber, and curved glass.

Each unit at MIRA comprises four ensuite bedrooms and a versatile multi-purpose room.

<img alt="MIRA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ae83412-76b7-4883-8640-47dbe43ba3e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-04%20at%2011.22.50%20am.png?VersionId=ZXAJ288OCAKgY9OSU3gZncfdMEbhnIj5" />

Residents at MIRA will enjoy a host of resident amenities including a private beach cove, an infinity-edge pool, a wet deck, a gymnasium, a sauna, a yoga space, as well as an alfresco barbecue kitchen and dining area surrounded by tropical landscaping.

MIRA is located on Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise's premier beachfront strip. It's just two blocks away from the renovated Northcliffe Beach Club.

Construction of <a href="/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">MIRA</a> is currently underway and is expected to be completed in late 2025.

MIRA is located on Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise's premier beachfront strip. It's just two blocks away from the renovated Northcliffe Beach Club

Frank Developments secures sales success at luxury Surfers Paradise apartment development, MIRA

Local Brisbane developer Silverstone Developments has filed plans for a shoptop apartment development in <a href="/new-apartments/ascot-qld-4007">Ascot</a>.

The plans for The Windermere, designed by PDT Architects at&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/the-windermere-ascot-77-racecourse-road-ascot">77 Racecourse Road</a>, a few streets back from Kingsford Smith Drive and Bretts Wharf Ferry Terminal, are for 30 apartments above seven retail tenancies.

The building will be crowned with a rooftop lawn, infinity edge swimming pool and spa, communal function room, a gym with a sauna, and a number of seating areas and barbecue spaces.

<img alt="Racecourse" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad404215-8cc6-4718-8e6d-640172b64aa3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20at%209.44.40%20am.png?VersionId=H2Akhmysscw5HUSbkKTeFSaHCmvyXVRx" />

PDT Architects said in their proposal that the aim of the design was to reflect the traditional and green nature of the suburb, which has been retained due to the nearby Eagle Farm Racecourse.

"[The] Eagle Farm Racecourse in 1863 drove a lot of further development and attention in the area over time, leading to increased stables within the suburb and thus larger properties remaining in the area over time. This provided the foundations for a traditional and green nature in the suburb.

"The development strives to pay homage to this character through a raw material palette with extensive landscaping to act as a ‘feature’ piece."

<img alt="77 Eagle Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c24bf68-1342-49c0-92e6-def6c881f076" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20at%209.44.04%20am.png?VersionId=mMYOYV0Q6Q3hOyIOeRbvlw3dNKJk6JRq" />

They said while the proposal drives to activate further Racecourse Road by harnessing pedestrian human scale at entries, heavily landscaped building mass with simplistic but intentional materiality.

"The rigid form promotes the eye to focus on the draping greenery and regular pattern forms through detailed balustrade treatments. The colour scheme aims to embrace natural colours whilst contrasting bold black trim and dark treatments to the light wells &amp; plant screening.

"The architectural approach is holistic, to provide a mass that utilises simple raw materials that allows prominent and extensive landscaping to become the feature of the site, this pays respect to the green and traditional character of Ascot whilst providing a striking and modern design presence to the street. It provides new high quality spaces for retail users and a striking destination to call home for residential users that situates itself well into the street and suburbs identity."

<img alt="77 Racecourse" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39fff363-db7e-4086-a36c-469aa3929921" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-01-03%20at%209.44.14%20am.png?VersionId=.R9Rms2x6aKq5LP9EPu3Gvo.TTLZFdFP" />

PDT added that while the 3,162 sqm site is in close proximity to the city it still maintains a strong suburban and homely character.

Silverstone is seeking to target the owner-occupier with the large apartments. There are just three two-bedroom units and 27 three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment features its own balcony, with an average balcony size just under 40 sqm.

Urban Strategies noted in their Town Planning Report that the proposal is considered to be in line with the zoning of the site and the relevant outcomes sought under the Racecourse Precinct Neighbourhood Plan.

"The proposed development is anticipated to provide uses which will service the immediate local catchment and activate the street," the report read.

"The proposal is of a high quality design and revitalises an underutilised site. The proposal is designed to remain of a human scale and to reinforce the precinct’s identity and sense of place."

&nbsp;

The Racecourse Road site currently comprises a commercial building with a grocery and convenience store, pharmacist, and liquor store, while the eastern part of the site is currently an open air car park.

It's a return to residential for Silverstone, who also work in the commercial space. They have recently completed the Spring Hill Day Hospital among a number of other commercial projects. They were prominent in the residential development space back in 2015 and 2016, completing a number of projects in Kangaroo Point, Bulimba and Milton.

&nbsp;

Latest Queensland Property News

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Queensland Property News

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News