There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

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That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

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That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

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Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

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Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

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The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

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Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

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Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

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The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

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“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

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Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Affordable Apartments

The recently completed Bowen Hills apartment development, Panorama, is the latest offering from the national developer Arden Group.

Located on the popular Mayne Road, Panorama is anchored by five retail outlets on the street level, providing the ultimate convenience.

Urban has taken a look at the top four selling points of the new project.

1. Affo​rdable apartments

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Panorama, made up of&nbsp;256 one and two-bedroom apartments over 25 levels, is more than&nbsp;competitively priced when put next&nbsp;to comparable apartment developments in Brisbane.

Suited to both investors and owner-occupiers, apartments start from an affordable price of $299,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, and just&nbsp;$465,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit.

Vacancy rates in Bowen Hills are 50% less than Brisbane city, showcasing the investment opportunities that the suburb presents to buyers.

2. Desirable location

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Just over 2 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and less than 10 minutes&rsquo; walk to some of Brisbane&rsquo;s best retail, commercial and employment hot spots, Panorama is in a desirable location.

The 27-storey building is ideally situated in an area that is experiencing continuous expansion and gentrification.

&ldquo;With the introduction of new lifestyle developments, it is an area that presents a truly unique opportunity&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

The development is located 200-metres from Bowen Hills train station, and just a 10-minutes ride to the Brisbane airport.

Leading schools and universities are also within close proximity, as well as the $2.9 billion RNA Showgrounds urban renewal precinct, which is still underway.

3. Architecture-designed interiors

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Designed by Arqus Design, a multi-disciplinary architectural practice, Panorama features well-proportioned floorplans which feature sleek interiors and open-plan living space.

Ideal for entertaining, the home boasts views towards the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay and Islands to Mount Coot-tha.

Boasting the finest quality and style, all apartments are spaciously designed with wide balconies, good natural light and ventilation.

Bathrooms include feature tiling and contemporary vanities, while residences also include built-in robes, timber flooring and Bosch appliances.

4. Extensive amenities

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Panorama has been designed to suit the living aspirations of its intended residents, with an extensive list of amenities on offer at the Bowen Hills development.

On the ground level, Panorama provides residents with convenient retail services in a boutique tree-lined laneway, while on level five, the Panorama Retreat features an exclusive resort level for residents to relax.

This floor includes a lap pool with adjoining plunge pool, Zen garden, a landscaped north-facing &lsquo;quiet zone,&rsquo; barbecue, entertainment terrace, gym facilities and sauna.

Level 26 also boasts the Panorama Skydeck with private nooks, cinema, bar and kitchen.

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Designed to suit the elevated lifestyle of its resident, the building is situated in an enviable location on Mayne Road. 

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Four top selling points of the $299,000 Bowen Hills apartments, Panorama

The Melbourne developer Kincaid has appointed the longstanding Harris HMC to build its Heidelberg West apartment development, Cultivate.

The privately-owned and family-ran company, led by Dale Kennedy&nbsp;since 2006&nbsp;is among one of&nbsp;Australia&rsquo;s top per cent&nbsp;construction companies, having began build​ing in Melbourne back in the mid 1980s.

Having previously completed The Pullman Hotel on Swanston St and the premium 550 Bourke St office tower, Harris HMC currently has a strong workbook of projects, including&nbsp;Penny Lane, the mixed-use commercial residential development for Giancorp in Moonee Ponds, as well as Allison Parkside, 28 boutique two and three-bedroom apartments in Essendon.

They&#39;ve also worked on a $4.6 million fit out of&nbsp;North Melbourne FC&#39;s offices and changing rooms, as well as box suites&nbsp;at Marvel Stadium.

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They&#39;ll be constructing the dual towers at Cultivate, which is over 50 per cent sold to a good mix of first home buyers, investors and owner occupiers.

Kincaid&rsquo;s development manager Joel Martin said it was a strategic move to engage Harris&nbsp;HMC&nbsp;as the builder&nbsp;for the project. They bring an array of skills to the table given their exposure to commercial, residential and fit out works.

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&quot;HMC has been doing great work in the construction space for nearly 40 years, delivering very well known projects across the state&quot;, Martin said.

&quot;The team has an expert knowledge of how to create contemporary apartment buildings, and we can&#39;t wait to see Cultivate start rising from the ground.&quot;

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There will be some movement on site at the end of the year, with construction ramping up fully early next year for its late 2023&nbsp;completion date.

Construction commencement tends to trigger price increase among off th​e plan developments, due to the nature of the progression of the construction and further costs associated.

Currently the apartments, which have interiors designed by DKO&nbsp;start from $369,000.

The two-bedroom apartments at the moment are priced from $479,000, over $130,000 less than Heidelberg&nbsp;West&#39;s&nbsp;median two-bedroom apartment price of $610,000.

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Cultivate is set to change the face of West Heidelberg, which is sandwiched between the established suburbs of&nbsp;Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and Preston.

The street-level will be revitalized, with retail space at the foot of the buildings, which each have separate and secure entry.

The City of Banyule Council has an extensive redevelopment plan for Bell Street Mall across the road, which will see the mall, dating back to 1956, completely regenerated.

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Kincaid development director Joel Martin said it was a no brainer to bring on HMC for the project

Kincaid appoint Harris HMC to build West Heidelberg apartment development, Cultivate

The pandemic-driven desire for extra living space may have been reflected in bigger apartments being built.&nbsp;

Covid-19 may have influenced home size, although it is still relatively early days in the construction cycle, according to Craig James chief economist at CommSec in the CommSec Annual Home Size Report.

&quot;The experience with Covid-19 has certainly caused more families to look for bigger homes and caused others to add extra rooms to existing homes.&nbsp;

&quot;More Aussies want to achieve a situation where family members are able to live, work and relax at home.&nbsp;

<a href="/news/vic/four-new-melbourne-city-apartments-super-upsizing-the-competition">Read more:&nbsp;Four new Melbourne city apartments super-upsizing the competition</a>

&quot;No doubt, builders and architects have been quick to respond to the new demands by families,&quot; James said.

The average new apartment completed in 2020/21 was at an 11-year high of 138sqm, up 0.4 per cent over the year.&nbsp;

By comparison, the average free-standing house completed in 2020/21 was 229sqm, down 2.9 per cent from 7-year highs.

CommSec commissioned the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to supply data on the average floor area of new homes built in Australia.

While quarterly data is more volatile, national home size hit a 7-year high of 201sqm in the June quarter 2020 and stood at 200sqm in the December quarter.&nbsp;

<a href="/news/vic/four-new-melbourne-city-apartments-super-upsizing-the-competition">Read more:&nbsp;Four new Melbourne city apartments super-upsizing the competition</a>

Apartment size and house size also spiked higher in the June quarter, especially apartments.&nbsp;

Apartment size spiked to 146sqm in June quarter 2020 &ndash; a record high in the 10 years of available quarterly records and a result on par with the high set 17 years ago for financial year records.&nbsp;

The average size of an apartment hit record lows in 2017/18.

The biggest apartments can be found in Victoria 156sqm followed by South Australia 149sqm and Northern Territory at 141sqm.

The smallest can be found in Tasmania at 91sqm.

The size of NSW apartments built in the last financial year sat at 126sqm, up 3.3 percent.

&middot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

CommSec commissioned the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to supply data on the average floor area of new homes built in Australia

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bigger apartments begin to emerge given impact of pandemic: CommSec's Craig James

The affordability&nbsp;gap is continuing to grow between houses and apartments, having reached record highs earlier this year.

It&#39;s seen a wave of buyers give up on the house hunt, and turn to the fixed price apartment purchases.&nbsp;

There are a number of developments on the market under $400,000 across Melbourne, which we&#39;ve wrapped up below.

1. Cultivate, Heidelberg West 
Developer: Kincaid Projects 
One-bedroom apartments from $399,000

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Cultivate delivers an affordable collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments that border Heidelberg West and Ivanhoe.

Situated on the fringe of Melbourne&#39;s top hospital precinct, minutes from La Trobe University and at the quiet, tree-lined end of&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/37-bell-street-ivanhoe">Bell Street</a>, the development features 146 apartments across two towers.

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Cultivate boasts impressive one-bedroom, one-bathroom residences for just $399,000, including the choice between two colour schemes, Smeg appliances and premium finishes.

Residents will have access to a rooftop barbeque area, skyline views and bike parking.

2. Due North, Preston 
Developer: Caydon Property 
One-bedroom apartments from $352,000

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Climbing 12 levels and comprising 107 apartments, Due North is a new fur-friendly apartment addition to Preston&#39;s High Street.

Designed by Caydon Architecture, the 50 sqm one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is priced at $352,000.

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Located just 20 minutes away from Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD and featuring rooftop space, a co-working area and three retail spaces, residents will have everything at their doorstep at Due North.

Splash the day away in the pool and dip into stunning Melbourne views as you kick back on the deck and soak in those holiday vibes.

3. Spring Street, Box Hill 
Developer: Orion International Group 
One-bedroom apartments from $395,000

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Comprising 312 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Spring Street is a new development attracting both investors and first home buyers.

Located in the heart of Box Hill, the mixed-use development features the best of both worlds, it&rsquo;s set in a quiet and leafy area while enjoying convenient public transport, local shops and caf&eacute;s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100675 project_image_fid=170528]

Designed by Elenberg Fraser, one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments at the residence begin from $395,000, with accessible ground floor retail and dining options. &nbsp;

The development will also feature a 25-metre pool with a spa, a sauna, gym, yoga room and more.

Urban takes a look at three new developments on the market under $400,000 for buyers hoping to get ahead of the anticipated demand

Three best Melbourne apartments under $400,000, offering an accessible pathway to homeownership

First home buyers, investors and downsizers alike will find comfort knowing that you can find a brand-new luxury apartment in Melbourne at an affordable price point.

While continued Melbourne lockdowns threaten to deflate sentiment and stifle the near-term recovery in the apartment market, once borders re-open, demand will likely far exceed moderate apartment supply, JLL&rsquo;s head of residential research, Australia, Leigh Warner told the Urban Developer last month.

&ldquo;Investor demand has clearly picked up in 2021, and this demand has started to flow through to the apartment market,&rdquo; Warner said.

Urban takes a look at five new developments on the market under $500,000 for investors hoping to get ahead of the anticipated demand.

1. Rise, Moonee Ponds 
Developer: Caydon Property 
One-bedroom apartments from $433,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5328 project_image_fid=163914]

Comprising of 297 one, two, three bedrooms, Rise is an elegant new development making up the final addition to the Mason Square precinct at Moonee Ponds.

Rising 29 floors, the project boasts uninterrupted city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as&nbsp;plentiful amenity .

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5328 project_image_fid=164756]

Listed for $433,500, the development&rsquo;s 56 sqm one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment, designed by Fender Katsalidis, features high-end finishes, bespoke fittings and integrated appliances.

The spacious bathrooms include full-width showers, freestanding baths and custom vanities exclusively designed for Rise by Omvivo.

2. Ryrie Home 
Developer: Franz&eacute; Developments 
One-bedroom apartments from $415,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Located in the fastest-growing regional city in Australia,&nbsp;Ryrie&nbsp;Home provides the ideal sea change for residents hoping to escape the bustle of the Melbourne CBD.

Positioned within walking distance to Eastern Beach, the development is also proving popular with investors, listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=173776]

The development&rsquo;s one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment has a price tag of just $415,000, making it an attractive investment or first home.

Designed by Architectus, Ryrie Home&nbsp;boasts an authoritative and restrained grid fa&ccedil;ade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies

3. Due North, Preston 
Developer: Caydon Property 
One-bedroom apartments from $482,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155337]

Climbing 12 levels and comprising 107 apartments, Due North is a new fur-friendly apartment addition to Preston&#39;s High Street.

Designed by Caydon Architecture, the 57 sqm one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a study is priced at&nbsp;$482,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155332]

Located just 20 minutes away from Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD and featuring rooftop space, a co-working area and 3 retail spaces, residents will have everything at their doorstep at Due North.

Splash the day away in the pool and dip into stunning Melbourne views as you kick back on the deck and soak in those holiday vibes.

4. Cubic House, Alphington 
Developer: Glenvill 
One-bedroom apartments from $420,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170760]

Cubic House delivers spacious one and two-bedroom apartments in YarraBend&#39;s Artisan Precinct, in a visionary new neighbourhood located alongside the Yarra River.

In the highly coveted suburb of Alphington, the project features impressive 60 sqm one-bedroom apartments for just $420,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170761]

Designed by DKO Architecture, these apartments include European appliances, high-quality details, open-plan living spaces flooded with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and easy access to your private balcony.

&ldquo;YarraBend is more than a reinvention of inner-city living. It&rsquo;s an acknowledgement that the way we actually live in the world needs to radically change&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

5. St Boulevard, Melbourne 
Developer: The Shakespeare Group 
One-bedroom apartments from $410,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177981]

One of the latest popular developments on the Melbourne CBD fringe is St Boulevard, the three-tower project by The Shakespeare Group.

Recently completed, St Boulevard offers an unrepeatable location, located in a prime position on the corner of St Kilda Rd and High Street, and at the southern tip of Albert Park Lake.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177965]

One-bedroom apartments start from $410,000 in the Elenberg-Fraser designed development, which features long wrap-around balconies and communal amenities designed to bring neighbours together.

These include a private cinema, a games lounge and children&rsquo;s play area, modern living, and luxe lobby.

Urban takes a look at five new developments on the market under $500,000 for investors hoping to get ahead of the anticipated demand.

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Developments

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