<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365684]

Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

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Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Joel Robinson

Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323057]

The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323055]

Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146358 project_image_fid=323052]

The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

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MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

Apartment developers in the Gold Coast are finding new, creative ways to differentiate themselves from competing projects, as new supply starts to flow through up and down the Coast.

Developer BIG Projects brought in the renowned Sydney-based design studio YSG Studio to craft the interiors for The Frederick, BIG Projects' new Mermaid Beach project and YSG Studio's first move into the multi-residential development space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5346]

It was a strategic move for BIG Projects to bring in a Sydney eye to the development.

“Our role is to give our design partners the space and freedom to explore,” says Matt Barrett, Director of BIG Projects.

“We wanted YSG Studio to capture the essence of Nobby’s, to design a building that embraces life, light and connection, while creating a genuine sense of place.”

There are only 39 apartments in The Frederick, including a striking beach house, just 100 metres from the booming Nobby Beach precinct.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5347]

Yasmine Ghoniem, Director of YSG Studio, says their vision&nbsp;for The Frederick "reinvents coastal living."

“Nobby’s has such an iconic energy, it’s one of those rare pockets of the Gold Coast where the community, the beach, and the streets all feel connected,” Ghoniem says.

"Responding to the neighbouring coastline, soothing curves add a relaxing regional overlay, while unique detailing really sets it apart. It’s a place that feels lived in from the moment you step inside.”

A standout feature of The Frederick is its rooftop terrace, an uncommon inclusion for a boutique, low-rise building, where amenity is typically concentrated at ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110588 project_image_fid=5360]

Positioned to capture panoramic views from the hinterland to the ocean, the rooftop has been designed as a series of intimate zones. It includes a pool, sauna, sun decks, workspaces and dedicated entertaining areas.

“The rooftop was conceived as a collection of spaces where residents can unwind and connect, an extension of the Nobby’s lifestyle,” Barrett says.

Architecture for the project was led by Plus Studio, with landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture.

SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale, who is handling sales at The Frederick, says the majority of enquiry is coming from South East QLD and Victorian buyers who have been actively searching between Broadbeach and Mermaid Beach for some time.

"They’ve reviewed a number of projects, however this one has stood out for its unique detailing and compelling design,"&nbsp;Clydsdale says.

Site demolition is slated for this month, with construction commencing soon after. BIG Projects is targeting a late 2027 completion.

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Sydney’s YSG Studio makes Gold Coast multi-residential debut with BIG Projects at The Frederick

Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366285]

The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366277]

Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

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Construction to commence at luxury Glen Iris townhome project, Orchard Mews

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?

Multi-billion-dollar&nbsp;developer GURNERTM has been given the green light&nbsp;for the redevelopment for its first private residences and club concept, Club Maison.

The permit comes for the reinvigoration of a historic former bluestone church and former Sunday school hall at 145–151 High Street in Prahran 12 months after&nbsp;GURNERTM filed the plans to create 45 luxury apartments across six levels.

Also part of the plans, which was signed off by the City of Stonnington Council, is&nbsp;a 324 sqm food and beverage tenancy at ground level, and a 262 sqm rooftop bar, infinity pool and lounge with extensive views of Melbourne.

Long-time collaborators Warren and Mahoney Architects have designed the project with John Patrick Landscapes designing the lush greenery and exterior amenity.

The design is both sympathetic to the historical significance of both heritage buildings which date back to the 1870s, and representative of the new use as a high-end club-style offering designed for the discerning clientele.

GURNERTM general manager of boutique, Brooke Formosa said that to have enjoyed such a collaborative and supportive process with council underpins and reinforces their vision for this site which will reinvigorate this historic Gothic Revival building and inject new life into the site.

"We are incredibly happy that Council shares our affinity for this site and our plans to breathe it back to life as part of the vibrant Chapel Street precinct," Formosa said.

Formosa said Club Maison is a new asset class they are investing heavily into over the next 2 – 5 years, with aspirations to acquire, develop and hold a number of accommodation assets in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

“This Club Maison project will bring everything for which GURNERTM is so well known – amenity, service, concierge, impeccable design and quality – together and recreate it for a new market.

“We have a passion and proven track record for reinvigorating heritage sites and this project will be no different."

Warren and Mahoney Principal Architect, Barrington Gohns said the Club Maison designs really evoke a fuller lifestyle offering.

"The striking geometry of the gothic design has strongly informed our design for the residences, which take on a more contemporary feel and boast all the luxuries and amenities today’s discerning professional aspires to,"&nbsp;Gohns said.

“Like many of the projects we’re collaborating with GURNER on, the design challenge has been a trifecta of respecting and honouring the past, creating aspirational dwellings and, importantly, designing a lived experience that goes well beyond the aesthetic and function of the building.

&nbsp;

Long-time collaborators Warren and Mahoney Architects have designed the project with John Patrick Landscapes designing the lush greenery and exterior amenity

Gurner gets sign off for first Club Maison project in Prahran

The luxury Awaken apartment project in Melbourne&#39;s Brighton has shown its class as one of the best new projects in the exclusive Bayside suburb.

Developed by the Skelton and designed by Melbourne architect Travis Walton, Awaken pushes the envelope for quality and finessed detail. Built by Brompton Construction, this is the second Bayside success by this development team.

Penthouse 201, part of the boutique 13-residence Awaken, sold in June for an undisclosed price, but it&#39;s believed to be in the mid&nbsp;$3&nbsp;millions.

Developer Michael Skelton said there haven&rsquo;t been many sales in the upper end of the Brighton market in recent times, particularly while still at the off-the-plan stage and not yet complete.

&quot;This penthouse sale represents one of the best of​f-the-plan Brighton apartment sales in recent times,&quot; Skelton says.

&quot;It&#39;s really a testament to&nbsp;the detailed design and quality being delivered here,&quot; Skelton adds, as the wraps and scaffolding starts to come down from the striking Rooding Street project.

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It was an owner-occupier who secured Penthouse 201. They were looking for a city pad that featured strong architectural styling and a quality design delivered beyond expectations.

&quot;The couple initially enquired around two months ago when we had a virtual display for Awaken,&rdquo; Skelton said. He added however the clincher was when they came and inspected the apartment again, when the feature brickwork and dark electro-bronze detail were all but finished.

&quot;They were able to see how the building had come together, and the end product surpassed well beyond their expectations,&quot;&nbsp;Skelton adds.

&quot;We took the buyers on a tour of the building while under construction, with the apartment just at a shell stage. They could vision how it was going to look and what it would be like living there, with the bay and city views that the third-level delivers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30087 project_image_fid=143715]

&ldquo;The choice came down to not &lsquo;if an Awaken penthouse was right&rsquo;, but which one to choose,&quot; Skelton says.

Penthouse 202, quietly positioned at the rear of the development, with city and bay views, is still up for grabs.

Each of the half-floor penthouses are very different, Skelton says.

&quot;They&#39;re not just a replicated floor plan front to back. Penthouse 202 has dedicated space for dining, with the kitchen and living area spanning the full width of the building. Beams of light from the eight skylights illuminate the penthouse throughout the day while the expansive balcony offers brightly lit city views at night.&rdquo;

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&quot;The entry to Penthouse 202 is designed as an intentional statement on arrival, with a large skylight shining light into the entry which would lend itself to some feature art or a sculpture.

The second and third bedrooms are located in a separate wing of the penthouse, set on the other side of the living space and away from the master wing.

Both penthouses feature an exceptionally large integrated marble fireplace, as well as featured kitchen&nbsp;island benches with waterfall stone edges.

Projects by Buxton agent Heath Thompson is marketing the remaining penthouse with a $3.45 million asking price.

There are just a few other apartments remaining, one three-bedroom apartment on the ground floor with an&nbsp;expansive private courtyard garden, as well as another three-bed apartment on the first level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30087 project_image_fid=177705]

Skelton said there are a number of buyers ready to come and inspect the remaining apartments now that the scaffolding has come down. Buyers will now be able to see the entire project, particularly the European-style brickwork and contrasting electro-bronze metal detailing, in all its detail.

Every buyer so far at Awaken has been an owner-occupier, a mix between empty nesters and families with grown up kids. Purchasers are still working with Skelton on final custom packages for their apartments ahead of the Spring completion and move in date.

Architecture firm Travis Walton&#39;s&nbsp;brief for Awaken was to take&nbsp;a contemporary and restrained approach to bayside luxury living with architectural details and landscaping, synonymous with a project by Skelton Group.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30087 project_image_fid=177706]

The refined architectural composition draws focus to the layered and extensive landscape, combining natives and evergreen plants to create softness and seasonal change.

Awaken&#39;s unique positioning in a quiet, blue-stoned edged, laneway-style street in Brighton combines quality architecture, interiors and landscaping to deliver one of the most high-end offerings in Brighton.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=30087]

Awaken's unique positioning in a quiet, blue-stoned edged, laneway-style street in Brighton combines quality architecture, interiors and landscaping to deliver one of the most high-end offerings in Brighton


Awaken apartments show Brighton prestige with big off the plan penthouse sale

STH BNK By Beulah, one of Australia&#39;s most talked about apartments towers in Melbourne&#39;s Southbank, is set to have&nbsp;the most comprehensive collection of amenities in any Australian skyscraper.

Set to become Australia&rsquo;s tallest tower, STH BNK By Beulah will offer its residents a suite of residential amenity, allowing buyers to carve out a bespoke, wellness-inspired lifestyle as part of a series of unique residents&rsquo; clubs fitted out with pools, lounges and wellness areas.

The curated approach to STH BNK&rsquo;s amenity offering aligns to Beulah&rsquo;s ethos in creating healthy environments for a healthier lifestyle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200218]

A sculptural form composed of two twisting towers, STH BNK By Beulah provides residents with an urban retreat in the sky, with four distinct residential collections offering one-bedroom apartments through to five-bedroom homes, each with their own access to corresponding clubs.

STH BNK&rsquo;s most gregarious residents will be able to live the entertainer&rsquo;s dream, with access to intimate private dining rooms alongside catering kitchens meaning guests are able to host dinner parties without the hassle of the clean-up.

Taking nightcaps to new heights, residents are will also have access to an exclusive bar and lounge, featuring deep lounges, a fireplaces and unparalleled views of the surrounding CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200213]

Fitness-focused residents will have access to the infinity pool, along with the steam, sauna, spa and shower.

For higher intensity, residents can opt for views of Port Phillip Bay while working out in a full-line gym.

Cinephiles will have access to a boutique cinema, to bring friends and family together to watch new films or the big game on the big screen, followed by karaoke into the night, while lovers of literature are able to spend the day nestled in the private library.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200219]

Additionally, the Residents&rsquo; Club will provide access to a broadcast room, complete with a green screen for professional content creation, virtual reality technology, including a multi-sport simulator like golf and tennis, as well as a multi-purpose room that can be transformed from a daytime children&rsquo;s playroom into an evening event space, complete with a media wall and kitchenette.

Residents within the Sky Rise collection will have access to the ultra-exclusive Sky Rise Residents&rsquo; Club, where rest and relaxation are the key focus, featuring a hydrotherapy pool and spa, complemented by a series of treatment rooms and relaxation pods also available for remedial massages and wellbeing appointments, as well as a wine room and lounge, private dining, games room and more.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200221]

All residents at STH BNK By Beulah will have access to a variety of resident-only STH BNK Concierge services, available at the push of a button. These range from housekeeping, shopping and child minding to pet services, an on-call doctor, beauty treatments and massages in their own residence, in addition to the recently announced STH BNK Auto Club, a first-of-its-kind fleet of luxury vehicles including BMWs, Teslas, Porches and Range Rovers for residents to use via a car-sharing model.

As the residential towers rise into the sky, pocket parks will punctuate the building form and create a green oasis for the exclusive use of residents.

There are eight parks across the east tower, each designed to have its own unique character and function, from active spaces to places of rest and relaxation.

Acting as a local neighbourhood park and a private place for residents to get back to nature, features include exercise platforms, relaxation gardens, play spaces, urban farms, outdoor cooking and dining, and multi-storey landscaping filled with greenery.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200217]

At the helm of the global collaborative project, Beulah Executive Director Adelene Teh said they were excited to offer residents a lifestyle like nothing Australia has seen before.

&ldquo;It was important to us to offer residents an exclusive place to recharge the body, rest the mind and reconnect with friends, family and neighbours,&rdquo; she said.

&ldquo;We have taken a tailored approach to the evolution of how people live, work, play and rejuvenate. People are time-poor and want the convenience of having the world at their feet; STH BNK By Beulah will offer world-class services and amenities in one place, giving back the luxury of time and enjoying all life has to offer.

&ldquo;These amenities are impeccably designed; complete with state-of-the-art technology, these spaces will offer a place to enjoy life at your own pace, whether working out at the gym and indulging in wellness services, winding down in front of the private cinema&rsquo;s big screen, or just taking in the view from your own private bar.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200214]

&ldquo;With OC fees priced from just $4,000 per year, buyers have been driven by the remarkable value for money STH BNK By Beulah offers,&rdquo; added Teh.

&ldquo;Given premium gym memberships are usually priced from $2,000 and hot-desk memberships at co-working spaces from approximately $4,000 per year, residents with access to all of this and more on their doorstep understand the appeal.&rdquo;

Elevating the pulse of Southbank, residents will have access to the lifestyle podium; a wellness and culture precinct comprising premium retail, cultural events and entertainment, community activities, a childcare centre and inspiring place space, outdoor gardens and rooftop spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8804 project_image_fid=200220]

STH BNK By Beulah will also be home to Four Seasons Melbourne, as well as the country&rsquo;s first innovative cultural centre for young people, overseen by the globally-revered Centre Pompidou.

Last month, STH BNK By Beulah experienced a record-breaking launch day with $400 million-plus in apartment sales including a record-breaking $35 million sub-penthouse, making it one of the strongest single day apartment sales in the country

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=8804]

The curated approach to STH BNK’s amenity offering aligns to Beulah’s ethos in creating healthy environments for a healthier lifestyle.



STH BNK By Beulah to feature a host of world-class amenity 

Leading diversified property development group Goldfields is continuing to invest in Australia's regional markets, securing a site in&nbsp;Grantville,&nbsp;on the east coast of Western Port, Victoria.

The $17.8 million purchase of the 13-hectare site will see around 160 lots created as part of a masterplanned residential community.

Strategically located between Phillip Island and Melbourne, and a stone’s throw from Grantville Pier, the estate will offer easy access to Western Port Bay and surrounding beaches, the Bass Highway, Phillip Island, natural bushland and nearby retail and food outlets.&nbsp;

The acquisition bolsters Goldfields’ commitment to investing in regional centres, following the developer’s recent purchase of sites in Margaret River, Western Australia, and Shepparton, Victoria.

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Thompson said the new site was reflective of the property developer’s belief in Australia’s regional housing markets.

“This site represents the third residential masterplanned community Goldfields has acquired so far this year," Thompson said.

"We’re always searching for growth opportunities and are bullish on regional markets in areas with a diverse economy, healthy government infrastructure spend and good local amenities."

Goldfields’ National Director of Communities, Paul Cicchiello, said Goldfields saw an opportunity to purchase one of the last remaining sites along the Bass Coast.

“The iconic Bass Coast is being protected from overdevelopment by the local Council’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program,"&nbsp;Cicchiello noted.

"With limited supply in the region and demand for residential housing in regional Victoria increasing, Goldfields is excited to offer future residents a peaceful, well-connected coastal lifestyle.&nbsp;

“Goldfields remains steadfast in its commitment to creating functional, quality housing communities in areas where people actually want to live.

"We’re expecting this new masterplanned community to appeal to sea changers from Melbourne, upgraders working the south-eastern suburbs of Pakenham and Cranbourne and local first-home buyers.

"This&nbsp;project will provide residents with an excellent coastal lifestyle in a sought-after region with easy access to Melbourne,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Thompson said the new site was reflective of the property developer’s belief in Australia’s regional housing markets

Goldfields secure Bass Coast masterplan community site

Buyers at Kokoda Property&#39;s Malvern Collective, on the southern end of the dress circle Glenferrie Road, will be offered the ultimate convenience, with Woolworths signing as anchor tenant at the new mixed-use project.

The 600 sqm Woolworths Metro will adjoin&nbsp;the precinct&#39;s central piazza,&nbsp;a mix of high-end food and entertainment-focused specialty retailers, which connect via laneways to Glenferrie Road and offers direct commuter access to Malvern train station.

Malvern Collective will home 265 residences across its JCB-designed tower, with interiors by Carr Design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=200172]

Kokoda Property&rsquo;s founder and managing director, Mark Stevens, says as the largest privately led urban renewal development in the suburb&rsquo;s history, Malvern Collective is set to restore a significant part of Malvern&rsquo;s original high street.

&ldquo;The arrival of Woolworths is testament to our group&rsquo;s vision to reinvigorate this prominent section and bring it back to its former glory,&rdquo; Stevens said.

Today with a median house price of $3.1 million, Malvern is a highly sought-after lifestyle suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=200188]

&ldquo;Malvern Collective presents a rare opportunity to introduce luxury apartments alongside carefully curated fresh food retail, health and wellness services, and high-end food and entertainment offerings,&rdquo; Stevens added.

&ldquo;Ultimately, this is about place making and bringing together the fundamental elements that contribute to community wellbeing, and reflecting where the suburb&rsquo;s culture, design and demographic are moving.&rdquo;

Furthermore, approximately 1.1 million passengers use Malvern station each year &ndash; representing an average of 3,000 commuters per day. This number is set to increase when the $2.7 billion Metro Tunnel project is completed in 2025.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12457 project_image_fid=200159]

&ldquo;The precinct will not only reinvigorate the southern end of Glenferrie Road, but also create considerable convenience, connectivity and amenity to commuters who frequent Malvern station,&rdquo; Mr Stevens said.

Early site works commenced at Malvern Collective in 2020 with the $1 million refurbishment and reopening of the suburb&rsquo;s oldest pub, The Angel. The historic watering hole reopened in March with a new front bar, kitchen and head chef, alongside regular live entertainment.

The next phase of construction has commenced earlier this year, with the mixed-use development scheduled for completion in Q1 2024.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=12457]

Malvern Collective will home 265 residences across its JCB-designed tower, with interiors by Carr Design

Kokoda Property secure Woolworths as anchor tenant at Malvern Collective development

Developer 3L Alliance has picked up the highly-coveted Residential High Rise Development award at the 2022 Asia Pacific Property Awards for its recently completed Queens Place Tower 1 in Melbourne.

The award was officially presented at the 2022 Asia Pacific Property Awards ceremony held in London.

Known as the largest, most prestigious, and widely recognised awards program, the Asia Pacific Property Awards are judged by an independent panel of over 80 industry experts with criteria spanning design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175415]

Completed in January, 2022 by leading global construction company, Multiplex, Queens Place Tower 1 is the first residential tower in 3L Alliance’s $1 billion landmark mixed-use development in Melbourne’s CBD.

Prominently located at 350 Queen Street at the verge of Flagstaff Hill, the development comprises 819 apartments within a tower spanning 80 levels set above a six-level commercial and retail podium. Once complete, Queens Place will be the tallest twin skyscrapers in Australia.

“Queens Place began with a vision to create an authentic site response for one of the most coveted locations in Melbourne’s CBD, and almost five years later, now stands as a compelling architectural statement that many residents are now proud to call home," 3L Alliance Chief Executive Arthur Williams says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175419]

3L Alliance is honoured that our vision for Queens Place has been recognized on an international stage – not only for its’ stature and scale, but also for its’ purposeful ground level activation, which has contributed to the distinct local character and lifestyle by introducing vibrant new site links and public open spaces."

Designed by Cox Architecture, Fender Katsalidis, Queens Place features 6,000 square metres of commercial office space, a retail precinct, a public plaza with a laneway, and luxurious lifestyle amenities such as private cinemas, library, poker and mahjong room, private garden terraces, karaoke suite and resident gym.

Queens Place also comprises exclusive double-height amenities on Levels 51 and 52, including a pool, spa, sauna, dining rooms and exclusive resident lounge with views over the Melbourne CBD skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175420]

The building’s striking aesthetic required meticulous attention to detail, with Multiplex installing several hundred architecturally designed fins, a signature feature of the design.

The distinct curtain wall façade of Queens Place includes over 11,000 custom-made façade panels, while a custom anodised aluminium ‘Lantern’ roof screen on Level 80 provides another unique feature for the precinct.

The main feature lobby entrance contains over 2,000 individual anodised aluminium extrusion light fittings along with crafted Italian marble stone slabs on the walls and columns.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=2806]

The building’s striking aesthetic required meticulous attention to detail, with Multiplex installing several hundred architecturally designed fins, a signature feature of the design

Queens Place takes out Residential High Rise Development award at 2022 Asia Pacific Property Awards

Topping out ceremonies are a time-honoured tradition that signify the successful completion of the structural phase of a project.

For centuries, these ceremonies have celebrated the moment a structure reaches its highest point, marking this milestone of construction and granting the opportunity for the individuals involved in the construction of the project to celebrate the progress made.

Modern day, topping out ceremonies are celebratory affairs that bring together project teams to observe the progress made on site, as well as an opportunity to thank the people involved in erecting the structure.

In June, Bensons Property Group and Hickory celebrated the topping out of Liberty One, Bensons contemporary Footscray apartment development.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=200205]

In honour of tradition, tree or sapling branch are still included in these ceremonies. In Liberty One&rsquo;s case, a native gum tree was brought in to honour not only this tradition but pay respect to the traditional land the project stand on.

Rick Curtis, Bensons Property Group Managing Director, said the team&nbsp;are proud to have arrived at this tremendous milestone of topping out the construction of Liberty One at Footscray.

&quot;This ceremony is symbolic in many ways, but is especially importantly it is a celebration of the support provided by all of those involved in the project,&quot; Curtis said.

&quot;It is through their hard work and perseverance that it is successfully moving to completion.

&quot;Liberty One will be a landmark of the inner west of Melbourne that will welcome a lively community of new residents.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709 project_image_fid=200206]

There are sweeping views back to the Melbourne CBD from the Liberty One rooftop, as well as over Flemington Racecourse.

Liberty One rises 24 levels from its Warde Street site, set near the burgeoning Joseph Road precinct, some 12,000 sqm&nbsp;of restaurants, cafes and wine bars, three new parks, yoga studios, gyms and a large-scale commercial supermarket.

Liberty One&nbsp;was designed by&nbsp;CHT Architects, whose&nbsp;design intent was to create a building that reinforces the metaphorical link between the flow of the river and the dynamic culture of&nbsp;Footscray.

Residents are connected to the surrounds both inside and outside of their apartments. Each apartment features floor to ceiling windows, spacious terrace balconies and the latest in smart home technologies.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=709]

Rick Curtis, Bensons Property Group Managing Director, said the team are proud to have arrived at this tremendous milestone of topping out the construction of Liberty One at Footscray

Liberty One, Footscray apartment development, tops out

Melbourne&rsquo;s Carter family and luxury property developer Orchard Piper have entered into a partnership to undertake a $300m redevelopment of 448 St Kilda Road, one of the last remaining parcels of land on the coveted boulevard.

Spanning 2,400 sqm, the submitted plans will include a contemporary 5-star hotel, along with Orchard Piper residences which will see residents set to benefit from hotel services and amenities. The project will also comprise a 500 sqm day spa, mezzanine restaurant and bar, street level caf&eacute;, and exceptional health and wellness amenities with conferencing and event facilities.

Orchard Piper has appointed world-renowned Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) to deliver what will be its first project in Melbourne.

Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie says&nbsp;

&quot;This property is in the most premium residential section of St Kilda Road, between Toorak and Commercial Roads - with Fawkner Park, Albert Park and the Botanic Gardens all within walking distance,&rdquo; says Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie.

&ldquo;We are proud to welcome Kerry Hill Architects to Melbourne, a firm we&rsquo;ve long admired for its design integrity and rigour. This building will be a streetscape asset and beautiful addition to Melbourne&rsquo;s rich architectural lineage.&rdquo;

<a href="/new-apartments/the-carter-building-st-kilda-road-448-st-kilda-road-melbourne-vic-3000"><img alt="" height="1084" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-06-24_at_9.09.11_am_0.png" width="878" /></a>

Fellow director Rick Gronow says Orchard Piper and the Carter family has a&nbsp;shared vision for the site and are looking forward to delivering an outstanding building on this long-held land.

Situated in the epicentre of Melbourne&rsquo;s sporting and entertainment heartland, the project will specifically aim to service the myriad of world-class events that Melbourne hosts and will act as an added drawcard for those looking to experience premium hospitality and spa offerings.

KHA, known for designing international 5-star luxury hotels for over 40 years, including global luxury chain Aman Hotels, will showcase its expertise with a design that pays homage to quintessential Melbourne characteristics.

A central component of the design will centre around bluestone, with the building&rsquo;s exterior set to be derived from locally sourced, sawcut bluestone - a nod to St Kilda Road&rsquo;s earliest and most notable buildings including the Victoria Barracks, Melbourne Grammar School and the National Gallery of Victoria.

The Carter family is no stranger to the hotel game, with the family&rsquo;s 60-year long property history including, amongst other projects, the development of luxury boutique hotels Tingirana and Seahaven in Noosa, as well as the landmark residential project, Albert Tower in Melbourne.

Signalling its confidence in the project, Orchard Piper and the Carter family intend to co-own the hotel, restaurants, and spa as long-term assets. The Carter family says they&nbsp;have formed a strong relationship with Orchard Piper for over 15 years.

&quot;We have a joint appreciation for Melbourne as a city, as well as the architecture and buildings that define it, and we look forward to delivering a diverse mixed-use offering that will service locals and the broader market,&rdquo; the&nbsp;family adds.

Permit applications for 448 St Kilda Road are slated to be secured later this year, with construction planning to commence in Q1 of 2024.

Orchard Piper recently secured the Mercedes Benz dealership in Toorak for&nbsp;$67 million, with a view to create a new mixed-use precinct.

The sprawling 3,600 sqm&nbsp;site at 7-11A and&nbsp;17-19 Carters Avenue, in the heart of Toorak&#39;s retail and commercial precinct, will see&nbsp;$150 million worth of luxury apartments developed, as well as offices and shops, to revamp the village as a vibrant and modern-day high street.

Orchard Piper has appointed world-renowned Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) to deliver what will be its first project in Melbourne.

Orchard Piper and Carter Group set for $300 million St Kilda Rd hotel and apartments

Hampton has quietly evolved as a sought-after suburb in Melbourne's Bayside area.

On the fringes of the ever unaffordable Brighton, Hampton has positioned itself as offering the same exclusive Bayside lifestyle without the high-end price point that Brighton will always carry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93042 project_image_fid=193034]

Differentiating itself from the larger projects on the market in the area, Soul Hampton offers just eight apartments in the Riva Ridge developed project, with the group engaging Finnis Architecture and Interiors to design the building.

Finnis' Associate Director, Damon Hills, said&nbsp;the brief for Soul Hampton was for large residences with a wow factor worthy of the Hamptons location.

"Hampton is a coastal suburb and so we wanted to play on the notion of what that meant when thinking about a multi residential offering," Hills said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93042 project_image_fid=193039]

Finnis has stuck to utilising the same brick features seen throughout other projects they've collaborated with Riva Ridge on, with the solidity and sense of permanence a striking feature.&nbsp;

"For this project we wanted the brick to be the hero material throughout Soul Hampton and so we've incorporated&nbsp;arches, showcasing the honest textural nature of the brick, with the feature bringing a softness to such a bold material," Hills added.

"Our design response was to ensure these element were not simply a façade treatment, but that they give the building an identity that can be read from all aspects."

The apartments feature natural stone and veneer timber panelling, as well as high-end finishes and Gaggenau appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93042 project_image_fid=197037]

"The Hampton location was a key driver in the restrained coastal palette of the interiors," Hills noted.

"The natural timber tones and light stone treatment aims to play on the idea of what a coastal residence might feel like, with a light and bright atmospheric condition playing with the external greenery and bay views."

Hills said there was consideration that the spaces would be welcoming new residents who are shifting in furniture from family homes, so the size of the living space on offer was important.

Each apartment features&nbsp;balconies extending from the living areas, offering&nbsp;views of the bay. Light and space were&nbsp;critical elements in the design process of Soul Hampton.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=93042]

Finnis' Associate Director, Damon Hills, said the brief for Soul Hampton was for large residences with a wow factor worthy of the Hamptons location

How Finnis Architecture designed Soul Hampton apartments

Home to some of Melbourne&rsquo;s grandest mansions and extensive private gardens, Kew maintains a rich history as one of the city&rsquo;s most prized suburbs.

The leafy suburb use to be a city in its own right, until 1994 when the&nbsp;the cities of Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell were amalgamated to form the City of Boroondara.&nbsp;

The amalgamation only made the area more fruitful with nearby attractions including&nbsp;the iconic Yarra River,&nbsp;Studley Park&nbsp;Boathouse, Collingwood Children&rsquo;s Farm, Abbotsford Convent and the picturesque Dights Falls.

Living in Kew has long been sought-after, so we&#39;ve wrapped up the top apartments currently selling in the prized suburb.

<h2>The Studley</h2>

The most recent apartment project the hit the Kew market is the most boutique.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113100 project_image_fid=199819]

The Studley comprises just eight apartments across its three-level building, aimed at the local downsizer with sizes ranging from 187 sqm to 500 sqm.

Each apartment has three bedrooms, at least two bathrooms, and two car spaces. The two-bedroom apartments include a home office.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113100 project_image_fid=199818]

Designed to integrate into its leafy surrounds, The Studley is in one of Kew&#39;s most sought-after spots. Named after its location on Studley Avenue, The Studley is just a short walk to the Yarra River trails to the west, and the bustling convenience of Princess Street to the east and Studley Park Road to the south.

<h2>The Bradford</h2>

Developer: Jafari Property Group

The Bradford, by developer Jafari Group, is bringing just 10 luxury apartments to the exclusive area, another project targeting the downsizer and upsizer with its house-sized living spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112356 project_image_fid=197077]

The three-level building seamlessly integrates into the surrounding streetscape, cleverly divided into four smaller entities&nbsp;with their own identity, to imbue a sense of privacy and individuality,&nbsp;connected by a&nbsp;secure lobby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112356 project_image_fid=197093]

Designed by the highly-regarded Cera Stribley architecture and interior design studio, The Bradford has a select range of two and three-bedroom residences remaining.

<h2>Kew Rise</h2>

Developer: Alpine Group

Kew Rise offers a more affordable entry into the Kew market.

Kew Rise has just 20 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, priced from $580,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102469 project_image_fid=179597]

The Richmond-based, Interlandi Mantesso Architects, designed the apartments that follow an open-plan layout, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available.&nbsp;

Floor-to-ceiling glazing allows an abundance of natural light to spill into the homes, that have been designed to suit an array of buyers, from individuals, to couples, and families.&nbsp;

<h2>No.1 Studley Park</h2>

Developer: Prince Corporation

The local Melbourne developer Prince Corporation, led by Peter Mitrevski, are behind the aptly named&nbsp;No.1 Studley Park project, located at 1 Studley Park Road.

Expected to be completed this year, No.1 Studley Park has 30 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3710 project_image_fid=155449]

Architecture firm Telha Clarke have drawn inspiration from the distinctive forms and rich materiality of the Art Deco era to design the park fronting homes.

<h2>Bloom Overture</h2>

Developer:&nbsp;CHH Property

The under construction Overture&nbsp;presents a collection&nbsp;of 25 townhomes set within a lush private park, along with four exclusive penthouses.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21149 project_image_fid=52690]

The built form consists of a blend&nbsp;of stone, granite and marble, connecting Overture with the exisiting structures in Kew.&nbsp;

Designed by award winning Bruce Henderson and Craig Eldridge, the townhomes span two and three-levels, while the penthouses comprise three-bedroom configurations.&nbsp;

<h2>Denmark Kew</h2>

Developer:&nbsp;Grocon

The Denmark is the highest density project in this list, comprising&nbsp;&nbsp;brings a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments to Kew.

Chandler Architecture designed the apartments, utilising the surrounding art-deco and heritage buildings as inspiration.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5263 project_image_fid=150597]

Located on level 10, the building&#39;s central location, the terrace, includes bench seating alongside a communal table and fire pit, with views to Kew and beyond.&nbsp;

Living in Kew has long been sought-after, so we've wrapped up the top apartments currently selling in the prized suburb.



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