<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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>

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Ellen Walker

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"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," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

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Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"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=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

Melbourne unit rents have fallen by 8.2% over the year and Sydney unit rents are 4.9% lower, according to CoreLogic&rsquo;s Rental Review for the March 2021 quarter.

CoreLogic&rsquo;s research director Tim Lawless blamed it on &quot;a demand shock.&quot;

&ldquo;The annual decline in rents across Australia&rsquo;s two largest cities is attributable to falling rents in the unit sector, where closed international borders have created a demand shock in a market that was already challenged by high supply.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Some inner city precincts of Melbourne have seen unit rents fall by more than 20% over the past 12 months.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600 project_image_fid=13472]

&quot;Prospects for a material improvement in rental conditions across these inner city high density precincts are largely dependent on a return of tenancy demand from international students and visitors, who were previously a key component of rental demand.

&ldquo;Although rents are generally rising, housing values have been rising at a faster rate which has seen rental yields compress across most of the capital cities.&quot;

Lawless noted while Melbourne recorded the weakest growth in rents among the capitals over the three months to March 2021, house rents were up 1.6%, while unit rents were unchanged over the quarter.

Lawless noted the strong exceptions were Perth and Darwin where rents have risen at a faster pace than housing values, driving a rise in yields.&nbsp;

&quot;The opposite is true in Sydney and Melbourne where rental yields are plumbing new record lows,&quot; he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201 project_image_fid=89011]

&ldquo;Outside of Sydney and Melbourne, with mortgage rates so low, yields are generally high enough to provide investors with positive cash flow opportunities from the outset,&rdquo; says Mr Lawless. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
National gross rental yields were recorded at 3.55%, down from 3.71% over the December quarter and 3.76% a year earlier as dwelling values outperform rental growth.

Darwin was the highest yielding capital city, up 21 basis points over the month to 6.21%.&nbsp;

Sydney remains the lowest yielding at 2.74%.

Melbourne recorded the weakest growth in rents of the capital cities over the three months to March 2021, with house rents up 1.6%, while unit rents were unchanged over the quarter

jchancellor

Melbourne apartment rents remained steady over March quarter: CoreLogic

Cremorne&#39;s gentrification has gained further momentum with the addition of Everlane strata office suites.

CostaFox has launched its second premium strata office complex in the inner Melbourne suburb.

The strata offices will range in size from 68sqm to whole floors at 613, with prices from $845,000.&nbsp;

Everlane will be diagonally opposite the first project at 22 Gordon Street, Cremorne.&nbsp;

The suburb, set between Goschs Paddock and Chapel Street, was an industrial suburb.

Construction of The Malt District, a $1 billion redevelopment on the Nylex Clock site in Cremorne, is the biggest project having been commenced in 2018 by the developer Caydon.

Caydon&#39;s initial project was a nine-level office tower, and then 12 and 15 stepped-level Coppins Corner tower.

With more than 200 residential apartments, the apartments have been priced from $462,000 for one bedrooms, two bedrooms from $695,000 and three bedroom apartments from $1.4 million.&nbsp;

&quot;This gentrifying Cremorne pocket has evolved into an epicentre for work, health and wellbeing and social congregation,&quot; managing director Michael Fox noted.

<img alt="" height="1600" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/22_gordon_st_2.jpg" width="1200" />

The new project features 14 strata office suites on the top three levels of the eight storey building with city views.

The building was designed by Fieldwork, with interiors by Mim Design. The landscaping will be by openwork.

It features premium club-like end of trip facilities, although it is expected some workers will reside in the Malt District.

Fox advised it was &quot;a sustainable and technologically advanced smart building for the future.&quot;

Development director, Geno Hubay said that CostaFox had a view that &ldquo;many tenants would prefer to be owner occupiers post COVID with many companies wanting to control of their own destiny.&quot;

The office suites, which come with at least one secure car space, are listed through Colliers International agent Ben Baines, Ted Dwyer, Raphael Favas and Chris Ling.

CostaFox sold its initial strata office development project in one line to Bayley Stuart in November 2019 for $50 million.

Cremorne's gentrification has gained further momentum with the addition of Everlane strata office suites to the precinct

Cremorne's gentrification gains further momentum with Everlane strata office suites

One Coburg Quarter is set to be the newest sought-after address in the north Melbourne suburb when it is completed next month.

The project, developed by Future Estate and designed by architecture firm Rothelowman, only has a very limited number of its one and two bedroom apartments left, with residents moving next month after a three and a half year build.

Here are 7 things we love about the&nbsp;soon to be completed&nbsp;One Coburg Quarter:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783 project_image_fid=28885]

<h2>1. Delivered by a forward thinking&nbsp;developer</h2>

Future Estate&nbsp;is a Melbourne based property development firm with a forward thinking mindset.

With over $1billion worth of projects under development and a portfolio spanning the eastern seaboard of Australia, Future Estate is one of the country’s most progressive privately-owned developers.

They are currently focusing on Parc Vue with the recently completed Parc Vue at Bundoora and Botanic At Parc Vue underway.

<h2>2. Designed by&nbsp;award winning&nbsp;Architecture firm Rothelowan</h2>

With an&nbsp;intelligence-driven approach has recognised for creating high-quality, innovative designs across a range of sectors and project types, Rothelowman has done a stellar job at One Coburg Quarter.

Managing not only a stunning facade that incorporates the bluestone walls which were once part of the Pentridge Prison that was on the site but also creating a village feel in an urban context.

Other works the award winning firm is involved in at the moment include, Canvas, Hawthorn Park and Port Lane.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783 project_image_fid=147461]

<h2>3. Historical Significance</h2>

One of the most unique elements of One&nbsp;Coburg Quarter&nbsp;is that it incorporates the bluestone walls which were once part of the Pentridge Prison which once sat on the site.

Her Majesty's Prison Pentridge&nbsp;was an&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;prison that was first established in 1851 and was closed in&nbsp;1997. One&nbsp;Coburg Quarter&nbsp;developer&nbsp;Future Estate&nbsp;bought&nbsp;site for $4 million in 2014 and sold it for $12.8 million in 2017.&nbsp;Future Estate&nbsp;retain a further 4.2 hectares which is part of their masterplan mixed-use community hub.

<h2>4. Location Location Location</h2>

Ideally placed to take advantage of both the&nbsp;city just a short commute away as well as more local secrets.

One&nbsp;Coburg Quarter&nbsp;has a 9/10 walk score, with a fantastic selection of shops, cafes, parks and public transport at your doorstep.

Rising on&nbsp;Urquhart Street, Coburg is surrounded by the old Pentridge Prison site, Coburg Town Hall, the farmers market and a multitude of eclectic cafes and restaurants.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783 project_image_fid=144843]

<h2>5. Amenities on offer</h2>

Some of the luxuries on offer in the development include&nbsp;access to&nbsp;a residents’ bar and lounge with a stone wall built-in fireplace, a kitchen and a library, as well as&nbsp;a sky garden with a barbecue, seating and city views on the top level.

Supermarkets, cafes, schools, medical clinics and multiple public transport options are just a few short steps from your front doorstep.

Plus just a couple hundred metres away are a choice selection of primary and secondary schools.

<h2>6. Timeless Design</h2>

On offer are a selection of one and two-bedroom floorplans, each with state-of-the-art kitchens. Mirrored splashbacks, integrated appliances and 4-burner gas hobs can be found in all kitchens. Matte black tapware and minimalist sinks, add a sense of timeless modernity.

The living areas feature pale timber flooring and are filled with plenty of natural light. The open plan layout gives you the flexibility to customise the space to your liking and entertain with ease.

The bathrooms also exude style – with matte black fittings, integrated vanity storage and LED lighting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783 project_image_fid=28884]

<h2>7. Affordable Priced&nbsp;</h2>

There are 148 one and two bedroom apartments across the eight-level tower, starting from $351,000 for a 50 sqm one bedder with a storage cage.

The bigger one bedroom apartments, closer to 60 sqm, start from $469,000 with their own parking spots.

The project, developed by Future Estate and designed by architecture firm Rothelowman, only has a very limited number of its one and two bedroom apartments left, so don't miss out

jordan_55689

Seven things Urban love about One Coburg Quarter

ID_Land&rsquo;s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with breathtaking vista&#39;s.

Designing a building offering a collection of 62 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Rothelowman Architects has placed people at the cornerstone of their design.

Located on the building&rsquo;s rooftop is a variety of communal spaces providing residential amenity and green spaces, with views of Melbourne&rsquo;s city skyline and parks.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85958]

The project boasts a communal lounge area, kitchen and entertainment dining, providing work from home space or a quiet corner for a good book.

Beyond your doorstop, Canvas lies in the heart of Brunswick&rsquo;s vibrant community with retail hotspots, diverse eateries and bustling bars that are just a short walk away.

The development an impressive walk score of 97/100, located less than a minute from nearby shops and just three minutes&rsquo; walk to the nearest tram stop.

&ldquo;The Brunswick community is so richly diverse it should be its own city&rdquo;, ID_Land&rsquo;s Jeff Garvey said.

Canvas is located in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, among&nbsp;universities and a short walk from Princes Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85960]

Situated on the bustling Barkly Street, Canvas provides absolute convenience with private and secure access to an on-grade car park, with no car lifts or parking stackers.

Each apartment also benefits from at least one bike space and on-site bike maintenance facilities are available.

Green living was taken as a requirement with additions such as all communal areas in the complex make use of solar technology and the rooftop garden collects rainwater for greywater harvesting diminishing the building carbon footprint.

Educational facilities with walking distance include:

<ul>
	<li>Princes Hill Primary School</li>
	<li>Brunswick South Primary School</li>
	<li>Sydney Road Community School</li>
	<li>Brunswick Secondary College</li>
	<li>Princes Hill Secondary College</li>
</ul>

There&#39;s also satellite campuses for&nbsp;RMIT University and Monash University.

ID_Land’s latest Brunswick development, Canvas offers residents a premier home with breathtaking vista's

Walking Tour: What's within walking distance from Canvas Brunswick

LUMA is Development Victoria&rsquo;s latest way of living in a connected, masterplanned community of homes that inspire healthier living.

The State Government authority, in collaboration with master planning by&nbsp;Roberts Day, are offering the solution to a hectic lifestyle with&nbsp;low maintenance living in Melbourne&#39;s Sunshine North.

Designed for modern family life, LUMA will provide around 300 townhomes consisting of one, two, three and four&nbsp;bedroom floorplans, to accommodate a wide range of buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96895]

Development Victoria are passionate about making Victoria a great place to be, building great homes and communities where people and business can thrive.

Full of spacious green spaces, not only are LUMA&#39;s streets filled with native landscaping, but internal parklands alongside&nbsp;open and linked green spaces provide a sense of lush vegetation and natural living.

The project will include a local LUME park. It will feature a fully equipped children&#39;s&nbsp;playground, a sheltered BBQ, picnic area and kick-about spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783 project_image_fid=96896]

Or experience the outdoors at home with residences boasting a mix of outdoor courtyards and terraces, ideal for relaxing or entertaining.

There is also plenty beyond the lifestyle amenities on offer with cafe&#39;s shopping and local businesses not far away.

LUMA&rsquo;s Urban and Tempo homes have been architecturally designed to make everyday living easier.

These contemporary 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom townhomes offer a wide range of smart floorplans making it easy to find the right home for you.

Current release includes two bedroom homes from $515k.

Designed for modern family life, LUMA is a 300-resident project offering a collection of two, three and four-bedroom townhouses to accommodate a wide range of buyers

The on site amenities on offer at the green masterplanned community LUMA in Melbourne's Sunshine North

The award-winning Melbourne CBD apartment tower Melbourne Grand is ready for buyers to move in.

The $470 million tower by the veteran developer Central Equity was designed by high-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher and built by&nbsp;Multiplex.

Urban has taken a look at five reasons why Melbourne Grand should be on a buyer&#39;s shortlist.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92416]

1. The Developer

Melbourne Grand has been delivered by the award-winning developer Central Equity, who have been developing property in Melbourne for well over three decades.

They&#39;ve have delivered over 80 projects and have more than 35,000 residents across their built projects.

Melbourne Grand won&nbsp;the&nbsp;Apartment Complex of the Year (over $20m) at HIA Victoria&#39;s 2020 awards. It was the sixth time Central Equity won a HIA award. Last year they won the same award for the 52 level Southbank Place on Southbank&#39;s Kavanagh Place.

Currently in the pipeline Central Equity are set to soon&nbsp;start construction on Parkhill in West Melbourne. Currently under construction is Focus Melbourne, also in Southbank on City Road.&nbsp;

2. The Architect

Melbourne Grand was designed&nbsp;by the renowned architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92419]

The curved tower&nbsp;features a glittering facade, with a wave-like joinery motif, giving the tower a striking point of difference.&nbsp;

The South Yarra-based Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher also worked on Central Equity&#39;s Southbank Grand and the sold out Southbank Place.

3. The Amenities

Melbourne Grand features a string of hotel-style amenities which take up the whole of the 10th level.

As well as an indoor poor, gym and yoga studio, there&#39;s a residents&#39; lounge with a banquet room and coffee bar, as well as a 17-seat luxury theatre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92422]

4. The Apartments

The apartments, which all have a 7.2 star average energy rating, span up to 120 sqm and feature high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with motorised blinds.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=93147]

Most living areas have their own study nook with a built-in desk and a balcony with panoramic city views off the living space. Each kitchen is fitted with Miele appliances and integrated aircon comes as standard.

There&#39;s plenty of storage on offer with built in wardrobes, or walk in wardrobes in some of the more premium apartments, as well as a separate storage cage. 
 
5. The Location

Melbourne Grand is located at 560 Lonsdale Street, toward the western end of the central street.&nbsp;

It&#39;s just two streets back from the busy La Trobe Street. Less than 400 metres from the front door is the picturesque Flagstaff Gardens and its tram stop.

Southern Cross station is less than a 10&nbsp;minute walk. Also within walking distance is Queen Vic Market and Melbourne Central.

The $470 million tower developed by the veteran developer Central Equity was designed by high-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher and built by Multiplex.



Why Melbourne Grand should be on a buyer's shortlist

The affordability and sustainability conscious&nbsp;developer Assemble are set to launch its latest rent-with-the-option-to-buy apartment development in Melbourne&#39;s Brunswick next month.

The current factory site at 4 Ballarat Street, Brunswick will be converted by architecture firm Fieldwork to home 171 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments.

It will be the third&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy project following&nbsp;393 Macaulay Rd in&nbsp;Kensington, currently under construction with residents moving in later this year, and 15 Thompson St, also in Kensington, which is now being demolished in preparation for construction.&nbsp;

How does rent to buy&nbsp;work?

The new&nbsp;rent-with-the-option-to-buy model offers a more accessible pathway to owning a home, that bridges the gap between renting and buying. Once the applicant signs the lease agreement and contract of sale, they secure five years agreed rent with the option to buy their home at the end of the lease period.

Assemble managing director&nbsp;Kris Daff said the Assemble Futures housing concept is popular for Melbourne&rsquo;s first home buyers, with moderate incomes starting from $60,000, and renters alike seeking secure, long-term housing.

&ldquo;We are witnessing the strongest growth in property values in our history, rising at their fastest rate in almost two decades, and as a result, we have reached a crisis point in housing affordability,&quot; Daff says.

&quot;Our housing concept, Assemble Futures, takes the volatility out of the market and provides absolute price certainty for our clients over the term of the lease and the end purchase price.&rdquo;&nbsp;

&ldquo;This latest project provides those with a moderate annual income an opportunity to save for a home deposit, know they have the security of tenure and live in the heart of the Brunswick community in a quality designed apartment,&rdquo; said Mr Daff.

About the development

The built form takes inspiration from the Brunswick streetscape, with Fieldwork&rsquo;s design integrating raw materials such as corrugated iron, blue stone paving and concrete to create a timeless ribbed-textured &lsquo;patina&rsquo; exterior.&nbsp;

The ground level features a multi-purpose workshop and lending library to share household items with others. There will also be a communal rooftop room with bookable studio space, as well as a barbecue area, veggie patch, a designated dog park and wash area.

<img alt="" height="840" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/assemble_brunswick_2.jpg" width="1600" />

The landscaping by landscape architecture team Rush Wright will include&nbsp;tropical plants that run from the ground floor to look up unto the building&#39;s open atrium space.

The project will&nbsp;run on 100% renewable energy (natural gas free), with a minimum 7.5-star average NatHERS rating target. An onsite bio-composter that employs a closed loop system will manage organic waste and convert this to fertilizer for the gardens, with stormwater recycled and used for toilets and landscape watering.

Provisioning will be made for future electric vehicle charging facilities. There will also be&nbsp;parking for more than 200 bikes.

Apartments will be released by Assemble&rsquo;s Relationships team from May 15 across three stages. Construction is commencing from late 2021 and expected to be complete by early 2023.

About Assemble Communities

Formed in 2010, Assemble Communities is a developer and community management company on a mission to make thoughtfully designed sustainable homes more accessible to more people.&nbsp;

With a deep respect for people and place, Assemble aim to create communities that embrace diversity, reflect local culture and nurture a stronger sense of ownership and belonging.

They focus on delivering affordable housing options under their Assemble Futures model and build to rent projects. Assemble have a privately funded rental housing portfolio valued at $3 billion, with 5,000 dwellings across 10 sites.

The current factory site will be converted by architecture firm Fieldwork to home 171 studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments



First home buyers to flock to Assemble's newest rent to buy apartment development in Brunswick

Stockland&rsquo;s new&nbsp;townhome&nbsp;development, Haven, is a combination of sustainable features and open spaces in Melbourne&rsquo;s&nbsp;Altona North.

Situated in the city&rsquo;s inner-west, the project boasts a collection of two, three and four-bedroom townhomes designed by the award-winning&nbsp;SJB&nbsp;Architects.

We recently spoke with&nbsp;Cara Bawden, Stockland&#39;s&nbsp;Senior Development Manager,&nbsp;Built Form Victoria&nbsp;to discuss the popular development and why buyers can&#39;t seem to get enough.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93183]

Jordan Fidler: What are the highlights of Haven and what is attracting buyers to the project?

Cara Bowden: As well as a broad range of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom sustainable townhome options, we are finding that our customers are drawn to the convenience and connection of Haven.&nbsp;Located only 11km from the CBD and with a number of transport options, proximity from Haven to the West Gate Bridge and future tunnel is a real asset.

The townhomes at Haven will be nestled around a future park &amp; playground, and residents will also be able to enjoy the abundance of local cycling trails, parklands and reserves in Altona North. Enticing locals and visitors alike, Altona North offers an abundance of local shops and retailers, numerous school and education options, medical centres, job opportunities and recreational activities. Haven truly puts convenience first.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JF: What was the brief for SJB Architects?

CB: SJB Architects were selected for their experience in delivering award winning developments and in particular had demonstrated their credentials in townhome architecture. They were briefed to utilise contemporary design principles in conjunction with the Stockland Standard to design homes with a strong sense of address that create a flow between interior and exterior living. The Stockland Standard has been developed by our in house design team to set priorities for liveable, active and desirable communities nationally.&nbsp;

Our kitchen and bathroom designs were inspired by the industrial heritage of Altona North and the interiors palettes include both black and chrome fixtures.&nbsp;Finally, with so many leisure options around Haven, we know our residents will want to move in and start enjoying the local area so we have focused on designing a turn-key offering, with all landscaping complete and a focus on low maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93188]

JF: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?

CB: We have a mix of people moving out of the CBD, people looking to move into the Inner-West and closer to the CBD, and locals who love the area and wanted to move into a Haven home.&nbsp;From first home buyers to families and investors; there is something for everyone at Haven in terms of style, budget and lifestyle preference.

In terms of enquiries, we are seeing a large pool of first home buyer enquiry, due to Haven&rsquo;s competitive &lsquo;from&rsquo; price of $605,000*. We also have a volume of upgrader downsizer and investor audiences enquiring at Haven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947 project_image_fid=93184]

JF: What else does the Haven Community offer residents?

CB:&nbsp;Haven is within walking distance to a range of amenities that will be offered throughout this exciting new precinct.&nbsp;There is a future Hobsons Bay Community Centre that will be walking distance from Haven, as well as a future 3ha active open space. Haven also offers customers the peace of mind of purchasing with Stockland, one of Australia&rsquo;s largest diversified property groups, with over 60 years&rsquo; experience in delivering quality residential communities.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29947]

Situated in the city’s inner-west, the project boasts a collection of two, three and four-bedroom townhomes designed by the award-winning SJB Architects.

What buyers need to know about Haven townhomes in Altona North: Five minutes with Stockland's Cara Bawden

The Ruber Group has listed a nine storey apartment development site in the heart of Northcote.

The 1436 sqm corner site is at 387-393 High Street.

https://www.realcommercial.com.au/for-sale/property-387-393-high-street-northcote-vic-3070-503812834

It is on the corner of Separation Street, opposite Northcote Central and Plaza shopping centres.

It comes with a permit for 77 apartments across nine levels plus two retail spaces.

The design was by Hayball.

The project comes with an $7.5 million to $8 million price guide with offers due May 27.

Colliers' agents Jozef Dickinson, Hamish Burgess and Joe Kairouz have the listing of the Commercial 1 zoned site which is currently a large showroom leased to Sportsmart.

It is the only 'ready to go' development site of scale along the High Street strip.

The site was bought for $5 million in 2014.

The nearby Northcote Central and the Plaza are undergoing redevelopment.

 CRS agent Lou Montalti is auctioning a nearby smaller 560 sq m development site at 463-467 High Street on May 27.

It is permit approved for a six level residential development with basement car parking, two ground floor shops and 17 apartments 

Colliers advise there were no other 'ready to go' development sites of scale along the High Street strip

Ruber Group lists nine storey Northcote apartment development site

The one bedroom apartment at 306/270 King St, Melbourne was the cheapest auction deal.

The apartment was secured for $330,000.

The price guide from the Brady Residential selling agents was $320,000 to $350,000.

It last sold at $317,500 in 2010.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720]

There have been two other one bedroom sales this year at $300,000 and $328,500.

The 61 sqm space was last available for rent in March at a $280 a week asking rental through Micm Real Estate.

It was available last November at $350 a week.

Its peak asking rental was $450 a week in early 2019.

The current rental has slipped back to close to its 2006 asking rent of $275.

The block has 175 apartments.

This year has seen five one bedroom apartments that sought rentals at between $280 and $300 a week.

The one bedroom 306/270 King St, Melbourne was snapped up pre-auction for $330,000

Latest Victoria Property News

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

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Latest Victoria Property News

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

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