<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

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

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The longstanding Melbourne developer Dealcorp will soon be seeing buyers move in to MCKN, their boutique apartment development in McKinnon.

The south-east Melbourne project in the Glen Eira area has been a hit with families so far, as well as those planning to have kids, due to the size of each apartment and its proximity to McKinnon Secondary College, one of the state’s highest ranked schools.

There are just 41 apartments in the five-level Jasper Road complex, with around 70 per cent already snapped up before its August completion.

Urban has taken a look at why MCKN should be on a buyers shortlist.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939]

<h2>The Developer</h2>

Dealcorp have been developing property since 1984 when the company was founded by executive chairman and industry veteran David Korbitz, who continues to run Dealcorp with a small agile team of management experts.

Dealcorp have completed over 60 successful projects including AURA on Flinders Street, their biggest project to date with 275 apartments, as well as the double UDIA award-winning Polaris 3083 in Bundoora.

<h2>The Architect</h2>

Award-winning architect RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN have designed the development.

The façade is a bold, textured surface of fluted concrete panels, which guide flourishing young shoots up the building’s exterior.

MCKN pays homage to the functional designs of the neighbouring architecture, fitting in with its surroundings but adding its own chapter to McKinnon’s evolving architectural story.

<h2>The Builder</h2>

Hamilton Marino Builders is one of Victoria's most experienced and sought after multi-level apartment construction companies.

<a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon"><img alt="" height="788" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mckn_3.jpg" width="1200"></a>

RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN is led by the founders Gilad Ritz and Jean-Paul Ghougassian, who started the company in 2015.

The building sits in landscaping by John Patrick Landscape Architects. John Patrick himself is a highly recognised landscape architect deeply involved in horticultural writing, radio and television programs with a focus on gardens, plants, and history. He was a popular presenter on ABC’s television series Gardening Australia from 2002–2017.

<h2>The Location</h2>

MCKN sits on the corner of Jaspers Road and McKinnon Road, directly between McKinnon Secondary College and the McKinnon Train Station. Commuting to the CBD takes just half an hour.

A cafe is located below the development, a convenience store sits opposite and Hotel McKinnon is located across the road.

McKinnon Secondary College, one of the state’s highest ranked schools, is just a five minute walk which is also drawcard for the family buyers.

<h2>The Apartments</h2>

The apartments have been designed to take in natural light with floor-to-ceilings windows, with light also shining in from the building's central light column.

Indoor living flows to the outside area with glass doors opening onto a large balcony. The kitchen features natural stone surfaces and is fitted with Smeg appliances. The stone top island anchors the kitchen.

<a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon"><img alt="" height="955" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mckn_1.jpg" width="1600"></a>

Buyers also have the ability to customise their interiors and floorplan when buying off the plan.

<h2>The Price</h2>

The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments start from $720,000 and three bedrooms start from $1.1 million.

Buyers can currently save up to $40,000 off selected apartments due to the government grants and other bonus’s to assist those enter the property market.

 
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The south-east Melbourne project in the Glen Eira area has been a hit with families so far, as well as those planning to have kids, due to the size of each apartment.

Why families are snapping up apartments in McKinnon's MCKN development

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Beulah executive Adelene Teh has said her group’s focus on downsizers and owner occupiers saw its Melbourne projects largely protected from the drop-off in foreign buyers.

“Australia has shown great resilience throughout the pandemic and this will be attractive to people who are looking to move,’’ Teh told a round table forum attended by some of the nation’s top developers hosted by The Australian for The List— Australia’s Richest 250.

William Deague, the chief executive of the Melbourne-based Deague family, William Deague, noted the apartment market had been transformed by policy changes before COVID, now followed by the loss of Chinese investment and immigration.

“I don’t think the future is just punching these little towers straight up, 500 or 600 (units) at a time. “It’s got to be more thought out than that,’’ he told the forum.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

Melbourne developer Tim Gurner suggested developers were “kidding themselves” if they launched apartment projects of 300 units or more in Melbourne.

Gurner not only expressed concern about the collapse in immigration caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but had fears about the Chinese government taking capital away from Australia, which would mean a “complete systemic change to our market”.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re selling high end in Toorak or wherever you are, it still affects you. 

“The big difference we’re seeing is the investment apartment, the 300 apartment stuff. I mean, you’d be kidding yourself to try to get something off the ground today.”

Sam Tarascio, managing director of the Salta Properties group, said there was a rental shortage before the onset of COVID, but it had “vanished”.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

“We’ve got a huge oversupply of apartments available to rent. Rents have gone down — 30 to 40 per cent in some cases.”

Tarascio also noted apartment construction costs were rising 5 per cent a year.

“And we can‘t do anything about it." he said.

Last month it was reported Melbourne’s 2040 population will have half a million fewer people than forecast as the coronavirus pandemic closed the door on migrants.

A special feature from the developer roundtable event will be published in The List in The Weekend Australian on Saturday. 
 
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Beulah executive Adelene Teh said her group’s focus on downsizers and owner occupiers saw its projects largely protected from the drop-off in foreign buyers

jchancellor

Downsizers and owner occupiers the key to Melbourne apartment sales

Soaring Melbourne house prices have got the downsizer demographic&nbsp;questioning whether now is the best time they'll get to let go of the family home.

And that's certainly the case in the Glen Eira precinct, with Heath Thompson, director at Projects by Buxton, saying there's been a&nbsp;strong response from apartment buyers in recent weeks.

"Off the plan buying provides&nbsp;significant stamp duty savings for owner occupiers and the opportunity to secure a property at today’s market value and sell their home at later date to take advantage of capital growth in a rising market makes a lot of sense.”

<div>
Urban have wrapped up four of the best apartments and townhomes&nbsp;on the market in the Glen Eira LGA. 
 
1. <a href="/new-apartments/mckn-236-jasper-road-mckinnon">MCKN, McKinnon</a> 
Developer:&nbsp;Dealcorp 
Prices: Two bedroom apartments start from $720,000
</div>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4939]

The longstanding Melbourne developer Dealcorp will soon be seeing buyers move in to MCKN, their boutique apartment development in McKinnon.

The project, comprising just 41 apartments across its five levels, has been designed by the award-winning architects RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN and is already 70 per cent sold ahead of its expected August completion.

MCKN has been a hit with families so far, as well as those planning to have kids, due to the size of each apartment and its proximity to&nbsp;McKinnon Secondary College, one of the state’s highest ranked schools. 
 
2. <a href="/buildings/awaken-brighton-30-32-rooding-street-brighton">Awaken, Brighton</a> 
Developer:&nbsp;Skelton 
Prices: Two bedroom apartment&nbsp;from $1.15 million

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30087]

Awaken is the latest luxury development by the developer Skelton. Leading Melbourne architect Travis Walton designed the building, set in landscaping by ACRE.

The facade's of the&nbsp;13 townhomes comprise locally-sourced European-styled brickwork and electro-bronze metal detailing.

3. <a href="/buildings/new-ormond-245-grange-road-ormond">New Ormond, Ormond</a> 
Developer: Sloane Property 
Prices: Three bedroom townhouses from $1,195,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28672]

New Ormond is the boutique townhouse project by Sloane Property, who have had Megowan Architectural create the development of just seven townhomes which sit in gardens by John Patrick Landscaping.

Slated for completion in July 2022, the townhomes each have three upstairs bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area which opens to a landscaped courtyard, and a lock-up garage for two cars.

4.&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/alia-240-250-mckinnon-road-mckinnon">Alia, McKinnon</a> 
Developer: BCentral 
Prices: Three bedroom apartments from $1.19 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24686]

The recently completed Alia in McKinnon, designed by the well regarded Bruce Henderson Architects, only has a handful of apartments left in the boutique McKinnon Road development.

Also popular for its&nbsp;proximity to&nbsp;McKinnon Secondary College, Alia is located less than 200 metres from McKinnon Station and boasts&nbsp;never to be built out views of the city skyline, bay and ranges.

To read more about Alia, <a href="/news/alia-luxury-living-in-the-heart-of-melbournes-mckinnon">click here</a>.

&nbsp;

Soaring Melbourne house prices have got the downsizer demographic questioning whether now is the best time to sell

The top four properties on the market in Melbourne's Glen Eira

LUMA, a project by Development Victoria, , offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom townhouses to accommodate a wide range of buyers.

&nbsp;

The development also includes a spacious local park, welcoming green spine that links the whole neighbourhood together.

Covering 3,600 square metres, the park features a fully equipped children&rsquo;s playground, a sheltered BBQ, picnic area and kick-about spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783]

However, the home&rsquo;s best features lie in the stunning range of designs available at the home. Urban takes a look.

<h2>The design details</h2>

Architecturally designed, LUMA&rsquo;s Urban and Tempo homes have been created to make everyday living easier.

With consideration given to orientation, these contemporary one, two, three and four bedroom homes offer a wide range of smart floorplans to suit your needs.

Urban Collection 

&nbsp;

Offering low maintenance living, ideal for relaxing and entertaining, Luma&rsquo;s LUMA&rsquo;s Urban homes are all about convenience.

They are utterly adaptable and equally suited to busy professionals or those looking for the peace of mind of a lock-up and leave home.

<a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="892" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-03-17_at_1.21.43_am.png" width="1334" /></a>

Available with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, Urban homes are designed to let the outside in, maximising light and space. Boasting open-plan kitchen and living space, a secondary living room and a private landscaped garden.

These homes offer two interior colour schemes options, daybreak and nightfall,&nbsp;providing contemporary style and flexible design features.

<a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="550" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/luma-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-1670c3ea4d066449d3e8c8ef52fa465d.png" width="1200" /></a>

As part of the Urban range, the Jeon home offers a large entertainer&rsquo;s kitchen, a landscaped garden, plenty of storage, a double carport and an abundance of light.

Prices for a three-bedroom Jeon townhome begin from $665,000*. 
&nbsp;

Tempo Collection

With long-term living at the core of their design, LUMA&rsquo;s Tempo range boasts expansive three and&nbsp;four-bedroom homes combining the flexibility of open-plan living areas with generous outdoor space.

These homes are designed to stand the test of time, configured around dual living zones for everyone to find their own space when they need it.

<a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="876" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-03-17_at_1.21.37_am.png" width="1452" /></a>

&nbsp;

Tempo homes offer a choice of two colour scheme &ndash; Sunlight or Shadow. Built around tranquil neutral tones, the palette allows you to add your own personality through furnishings and artwork.

Offering superb convenience and plenty of space, LUMA is family-friendly and well-connected in the constantly evolving Sunshine North.

<a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="550" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/luma-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-97e2399387ef85e89b7988f04fa6f320.png" width="1200" /></a>

As part of the Tempo range, the Alto home offers ground floor living and dining area that flows through to a private outdoor heaven to a lush, green outlook and plenty of natural light.

Prices for the four&nbsp;bedroom Alto townhome start from just $675,000* 
 
*Subject to availability.

With Luma’s contemporary design and smart floorplans, young families are flocking to the sustainable development in Melbourne’s Sunshine North

max.kwok_55688

Low-maintenance family townhomes from $560,000: The design details of LUMA in Sunshine North

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Long considered gritty and unsafe, Footscray is now praised for its eclectic arts scene, foodie reputation and the luxury residential developments contributing to its facelift.

Located in the City of Maribyrnong, the suburb boasts a multicultural energy due to its diverse population resulting from successive waves of immigration throughout the 1970s to the late 90s.

As a new landmark precinct unfolds in Melbourne’s popular growth suburb, Urban takes a look at ten things you will love about Footscray. 
 

1. A new thriving precinct

<a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray"><img alt="" height="942" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-03-17_at_12.51.35_am.png" width="1766"></a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3565]

Transforming Melbourne’s inner-western fringe, R&amp;F Property’s newest Footscray precinct brings the community to life.

While honouring the site’s industrial past, Live City will feature laneways, cafés, public spaces and heritage buildings to set the tone for Footscray.

 

2. Investment potential

“Following the likes of Collingwood, Fitzroy and Richmond, the potential of this former working-class industrial suburb is being realised”, the project marketing claims.

Footscray boasts promises of future growth with an influx of education and health workers.

The ‘Footscray University Town’ initiative, a partnership between Victoria University and Maribyrnong City Council, is further opening up opportunities for investment, enterprise and employment in the precinct.

The suburb additionally has a rental yield of 4.2 per cent for units, according to REIV, well above the Metro Melbourne of 2.8 per cent.

“Certain sections of Footscray […] are gentrifying and have got great potential” said property investment adviser, Michael Yardney, on his website in Janaury.

 

3. Live in a trendy suburb

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gender-equity-wall-carla-mcrae-web.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gender Equity wall by Carla McRae, Footscray."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/gender-equity-wall-carla-mcrae-web.jpg?itok=Her7rn4G" title="Gender Equity wall by Carla McRae, Footscray." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gender Equity wall by Carla McRae, Footscray.</figcaption></figure>Footscray is amongst Melbourne’s trendiest suburbs, according to Time Out. The melting pot of cultures boasts a diverse offering of restaurants, bars and eateries.

Melbournians love food and Footscray delivers brilliantly on diverse dining experiences.

The Fresh Food at Live City will deliver residents everything they need to whip up a gourmet dish at home, from delicious deli goods to freshly roasted coffee.

 

4. Health and fitness facilities

Live City is giving Footscray the fitness rejuvenation it needs, with countless health and fitness amenities available to residents.

A dedicated pool and proposed gym within the development encourage a balanced and healthy lifestyle, with an array of workout choices and state-of-the-art facilities.

 

5. City views

<a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray"><img alt="" height="626" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-03-17_at_12.56.32_am.png" width="922"></a>

Designed to capture the best angles, each Live City apartment enjoys floor-to-city glazing and expansive views over the city and Footscray.

The development, which boasts a communal upper podium, features a communal bar and lounge, podium deck and green space to soak up the sunshine and take in the expansive outlooks over Melbourne

 

6. Surrounded by parks and recreation

Although still evoking a sense of industry, Footscray is surrounded by parklands and nature, with leisure opportunities abound.

Residents will have opportunities to walk, cycle, canoe, fish and barbeque by the beautiful Maribyrnong River. 
 

7. Convenient Location

<a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray"><img alt="" height="562" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-03-17_at_12.56.04_am.png" width="950"></a>

Just a short walk away from two of Victoria University’s campuses, Live City boasts unmatched convenience.

Just six kilometres from the city and brimming with transport options, residents will feel never feel disconnected. 
 

8. Preserved heritage buildings

<a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray"><img alt="" height="692" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-03-17_at_12.49.51_am.png" width="1034"></a>Live City sets to preserve the heritage buildings that formerly made upthe  George Kinnears &amp; Sons factory.

The site, which exists as a large industrial complex of early 1900s buildings, will be repurposed for the community, reimagined within the art scene.

Established in Footscray on Ballarat Road in 1902, the Kinnears factory manufactured rope, yarn, wine, canvas, carpet, linen, cordage, jute and flax. 
 

9. Live City’s Public Plaza

R&amp;F Property have designed streets and laneways to drive people into the beating heart of Live City, the central plaza.

The space is set to provide residents and the broader community with space to gather and socialise, featuring public seating, landscape sculptures and pathways.

“Like a network of arteries,” the plaza is set to become the “new heart of Footscray”, the project marketing claims. 
 

10. The luxury apartments themselves

<a href="/buildings/live-city-124-188-ballarat-road-footscray"><img alt="" height="1707" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/dsc00985-scaled_0.jpeg" width="2560"></a>

The residences themselves play a role in reinvigorating the inner fringe suburb of Footscray, creating a contemporary community with thoughtful design.

Live City’s lobby delivers a transitional space that buffers the energy and activity of the outside world from the interior.

Designed by Hayball, the sculpted walls, feature ceiling pendant and complementing arrangement of greenery breathe life into the complex, while earthy finishes reference the site’s original heritage as a ropeworks factory.

Inside the apartments, timber flooring, a reconstituted stone benchtop and open-plan living brings together the kitchen, dining and living into a communal space. 
 

One-bedroom apartments in the home are priced from just $350,000, while three-bedroom residences begin at $690,000.
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Transforming Melbourne’s inner-western fringe, R&F Property’s newest precinct brings the Footscray community to life

No longer considered gritty: What development is transforming Melbourne’s Footscray?

Construction is well underway at South Yarra&#39;s luxury Stanhope by Kincrest, with completion slated before the year is out.

Stanhope, a collection of just eight residences on Stanhope Court just off Toorak Road, is set for completion in November by the luxury apartment developer Kincrest.

Kincrest director Tom Howgate said he wanted to change the way developments were being designed and sold in the inner south.

&quot;From the park to the finishes inside the apartments &ndash; we are selling something new, creative and timeless, yet still &ndash; so South Yarra,&quot; Howgate says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26617]

The development has interiors by the Swedish designer Lotta Agaton, the&nbsp;European designer of the year in 2019 who has&nbsp;featured in The New York Times.

Agaton says that she wanted to create a light and contemporary feeling with a soft version of Scandinavian minimalism where natural materials are in focus.

<a href="/new-apartments/stanhope-by-kincrest-1-stanhope-court-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="546" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/stanhope_living_room.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&quot;We have chosen high quality solid wooden floors and handpicked a sand coloured stone. Both materials feel modern but will age naturally to remain timeless in their expression.

Project Architect Tehla Clarke says their vision was to create a timeless piece of architecture for South Yarra.

&quot;To achieve this we designed details with subtle references to classical Architecture, with a restrained use of materials&rdquo;

The eight home-style apartments each have three metre ceilings and kitchens with marble, Miele and timber veneer.

Luxury to hit South Yarra as Stanhope by Kincrest apartment development set for 2021 completion

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The demand for property in Victoria reached record levels in February.

Some 84.8 per cent of the 3,000 properties that went to auction sold under the hammer, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria found.

It was also the highest clearance rate of any month over the last 11 years, topping an old 2010 record which saw an 84 per cent clearance rate.

There were 17 suburbs which saw a perfect auction run, clearing 100 per cent of its properties at auction.

The likes of inner city Hawthorn East, Brunswick East, Collingwood and Fitzroy North saw all of its homes sell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

Also scoring a perfect game were Ferntree Gully, Rowville, Seaford, Ashburton, Blackburn South, Fawkner, Wantirna, Boronia, Fairfield, Hillside, Seddon, as well as the bayside suburbs Sandringham and St Kilda West. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=324]

Reservoir, Coburg, and Bentleigh East beat out the rest to land as the top selling auction suburbs for February 2021, clearing 44, 37, and 35 auctions respectively, while 11 suburbs at least doubled their auction sales compared to same month in 2020.  

The best improvements on last year are in Sunshine North, Dingley Village, Gladstone Park, Ashwood, Albert Park, Fitzroy North, Doncaster, St Kilda West, Montmorency, Hoppers Crossing, and Templestowe.  

The REIV put the stellar results down to government incentives for first home buyers, mortgage repayment holidays and low interest rates, as well as pent up demand following the COVID-19 enforced lockdowns which saw thousands of auctions cancelled.

 
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There were 17 suburbs which saw a perfect auction run, clearing 100 per cent of its properties at auction

Victoria sees highest February auction clearance on record

With beautiful open spaces, a vibrant community and sustainable new residences, Altona North provides the ideal location for families.

Mirvac&rsquo;s latest masterplanned community, The Fabric, is no different, boasting tree-lined boulevards and space perfect for exploring, relaxation, or play.

Prioritising style and functionality, each residence includes flexible floorplans and a seven-star NatHERS energy rating ensuring home are as healthy as can be.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

Mirvac&rsquo;s range of homes are designed by their in-house team, featuring Australian-made CLARK tapware and ABEY kitchen sinks, landscaped entryways and tranquil courtyard space. &nbsp;

Situated in the beautiful Altona North, Urban takes a look at seven&nbsp;things we love about the Melbourne suburb to uncover The Fabric.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699 project_image_fid=39041]

1. Patchwork Park

Located at the centre of the masterplanned community, Mirvac has designed Patchwork Park as be the focal meeting point for the Fabric.

Among its features include picnic areas, a sculptural playground, barbeque facilities and communal herb gardens. 
&nbsp;

2. Immersed in the best dining and shopping options

The Fabric is located amongst vibrant eateries and local hot spots for diverse cuisines.

Homebuyers will relish the ability to walk to the supermarket and retail offerings, as well as the fresh market stalls of the Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699 project_image_fid=70088]

3. Community open space

Not only does this development propose approximately 3.15-hectares of planned community open space, but it&rsquo;s located in close proximity to the Newport Lakes Reserve.

The 33-hectare park promises family fun, with two big lakes, a nature trail, bikeways and a dog park. 
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4. Lifestyle amenities

Transformed from its industrial past, Altona North delivers the ideal middle ground between connectivity and a family-friendly environment, within easy reach of just about everything.

At Altona North, residents can find the Bayfit leisure centre, a public pool, a nearby golf course and other leisure amenities. 
&nbsp;

5. Beachside location

<a href="/new-townhouses/the-fabric-altona-north-188-198-blackshaws-road-altona-north-vic-3025"><img alt="" height="643" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_676030465.jpg" width="1000" /></a>

With Altona Beach and Williamstown to the south, families can unwind in the sand or settle under the shade of Norfolk pines. 
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6. Great education options

Surrounded by an impressive public library, established schools and community centres, Altona North boasts great education options for children young and old.

The home is located in the catchment area of Newport Lakes Primary, Altona North Primary and Emmanuel College and within walking distance of performance and art schools and childcare centres and secondary. 
&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22699]

&nbsp;

7. Conveniently located

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699 project_image_fid=70089]

Just nine kilometres from Melbourne CBD via the West Gate Freeway, Altona North has it all.

Newport train station is just a 2.5-kilometre cycling distance from the Fabric, giving you access to the Werribee line.

Construction on the future townhomes is&nbsp;set to begin in early 2021.

With beautiful open spaces, a vibrant community and sustainable new residences, The Fabric at Altona North provides the ideal location for families

Uncover the fabric of Altona North: Seven things to love about the inner-west Melbourne suburb

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The Melbourne developer Monolith saw a flurry of sales following the launch of its Waverley Village development in Mulgrave in south east Melbourne.

They have secured over 80 per cent of sales in just two days, with just a handful of townhouses remaining of the 28 offered.

It was local first home buyers who drove the sales, Monolith's sales and marketing manager Tyler Guo said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4046]

Guo said that the the main attraction which has been driving enquiry and buyers is the architecture and design of the townhouses, as well as the affordable price point.

Another likely driver for buyers according to Guo was that Waverley Village is the last undeveloped piece of land in Mulgrave where it is possible to build a community-style development.

Designed by Parallel Workshop Architects, the three bedroom townhouses are priced from around $770,000, with first home buyers will to pay up to $835,000 for the top-end three bedroom residences.

The four bedroom townhouses were mainly picked up by downsizers, with priced ranging between $915,000 to $990,000.

<a href="/new-townhouses/waverley-place-mulgrave-149-hansworth-street-mulgrave-vic-3170"><img alt="" height="739" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/waverley_village_3.jpg" width="1600"></a>

The speed of the near sell out has prompted Monolith to fast-track stage two of Waverley Village, two apartment towers comprising 100 units.

It will be the same concept for Monolith, targeting first home buyers with an affordable entry point and offering a high spec design of the apartments. 

The towers, which will be in keeping with the townhouse design, will be between seven and eight levels tall. They will home a number of amenities which the townhome residents will also have access to.

Sales were initially slated to start at the start of next year, but Guo says it will likely be before the year is out.
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It was local first home buyers who drove the sales, Monolith's sales and marketing manager Tyler Guo said

First home buyer demand sees Monolith nearly sell out Waverley Village, Mulgrave townhouses in two days

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If you're looking for a stylish new two or three bedroom townhome, Eastside at Highlands in Craigieburn, Stocklands latest development, might just be exactly what you're looking for.

Purchase a three bedroom townhome in Eastside at Highlands starting from just $465,000. Plus there are two bedroom townhouses available from as low as $415,000.

Buyers have the freedom to choose from a selection of architecturally designed floorplans, all of which offer landscaped backyards and secured garaging.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92985]

All homes include timber-look laminate floors and cosy carpets, with a selection of three colour schemes available to choose from. 

The kitchens boast high quality stainless steel appliances, sleek composite stone benchtops and a spacious island bench with integrated sink.

Bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes and the bathrooms are fit with fully tiled showers, bathtubs and vanities with ample storage.

The two bedroom homes offer 140 sqm while the three bedroom homes offer between 164 and 167 sqm.

<a href="/new-townhouses/highlands-1-north-shore-drive-craigieburn"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/east_at_highlands_room.png"></a>

Located in the growing suburb of Craigieburn, just on the edge of Melbourne, there's plenty on offer in terms of amenities at Eastside on Highlands, 1 North Shore Drive.

The development is situated just a stone's throw from Highlands retirement village, Aitken Creek Primary School, Hume Global Learning Centre, with Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre, Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre and the award-winning Treehouse park within walking distance. Also in the area is a proposed new community centre, Aitken Creek, and many sporting facilities.

Eastside at Highlands is set for completion in September of this year, <a href="/new-townhouses/highlands-1-north-shore-drive-craigieburn">don't miss out!</a>
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If you're looking for a stylish new two or three bedroom townhome, Eastside at Highlands in Craigieburn, Stocklands latest development, might be exactly what you're looking for

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