ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Joel Robinson

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> is down to the final Canopy Villa release at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara, as construction continues on the 59-residence gated community positioned above 100 hectares of natural savanna on the Gold Coast.

The remaining Canopy Villa forms part of one of four collections within the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>-designed community and has attracted interest from buyers seeking larger-format homes that combine privacy, security and low-maintenance living. Positioned within a private cul-de-sac and facing a protected black she oak forest, the four-bedroom villa includes a large private outdoor area suited to pet owners and families wanting more flexible space.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a>, located at 17 Baltimore Court, comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom villas across the Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview collections. Prices currently range from $1.455 million to $1.895 million, with the final Canopy Villa priced from $1.825 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360477]

The Canopy Collection villas offer four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and approximately 245 sqm of internal space, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. Expansive glazing, open-plan living spaces and private balconies have been designed to maximise natural light and outlooks toward the surrounding savanna landscape.

Construction is now underway across the fully funded development, which VentureCrowd says has become an increasingly important consideration for buyers assessing off-the-plan opportunities on the Gold Coast. The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, which has operated in South East Queensland since 1993 and delivered more than 1,000 homes across the region.

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting previously said the project responds to changing buyer priorities in the prestige Gold Coast market.

“Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Whitting said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360505]

The buyer profile at Cumulus has reflected that shift toward owner-occupier-driven demand. Stuart Towns and Tracey Loynes recently purchased a Canopy Villa, drawn to both the lifestyle offering and the flexibility the home provided for their next stage of living together.

The couple, who met three years ago, sold their Robina home earlier this year after identifying what they saw as strong long-term investment potential at Cumulus while remaining within the same Gold Coast market. The villa’s private backyard was a major drawcard for their dog Luna, while proximity to golf courses including Emerald Lakes also aligned with their lifestyle interests.

Beyond the residences themselves, the community has been planned around shared lifestyle and recreation amenities. The Infinity Terrace will include a 20-metre heated pool, barbecue facilities, alfresco dining spaces and elevated retreat areas overlooking the surrounding landscape. Walking trails, a private nature reserve, orchard and herb garden are also integrated into the masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360473]

BDA Architecture Director Darren Greenaway said the design approach was heavily influenced by the site’s outlook and secluded setting.

The practice sought to create what Greenaway described as a “little piece of paradise,” drawing inspiration from the elevated views, surrounding greenery and quiet location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a> continues to attract buyers seeking larger homes within proximity to the coast but without direct beachfront pricing. Cumulus sits within easy reach of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and the M1, providing connections north to Brisbane and south toward the Gold Coast Airport and northern New South Wales.

The first stage of Cumulus Grand Villas is targeting completion in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Waverley Council has made a call that many councils have been reluctant to make publicly. Growth is coming, regardless of who controls it.

The release of the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan is less about whether the Eastern Suburbs’ primary centre will change, and more about how that change is shaped, funded, and ultimately experienced on the ground. Waverley Council has released a 100-page plan which is effectively the first comprehensive blueprint for Bondi Junction in over two decades, and in doing so, signals a clear shift in how councils are positioning themselves in the current planning environment.

For the past 18 months, the conversation across New South Wales has been dominated by the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms and the emergence of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway. Both have created faster, more centralised avenues for development approvals, particularly in well-located, infrastructure-rich areas like Bondi Junction.

Waverley Council’s response has been to move early, and decisively.

Rather than react to individual proposals as they come through the HDA or broader State-led reforms, Council has sought to establish a clear, place-based framework that sets the terms for how Bondi Junction evolves. The underlying position is relatively straightforward: if densification is inevitable, it should be tied to infrastructure, public domain improvements, and a cohesive vision for the centre, not delivered piecemeal through ad hoc applications.

<img alt="bondi junction" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f1f729c-ed99-4c6c-bf87-ffbce6991941" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-19%20at%209.58.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ULX4OlXKjeJ5BvNCNGL86evgXCjCfMih" />

At its core, the document is attempting to reposition Bondi Junction from what it largely functions as today, a transport interchange anchored by a major retail centre, into something far more layered. The ambition is to transform it into what the plan describes as the “civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East,” a place that is active beyond commuting hours and capable of supporting a broader mix of uses, experiences and communities.

That repositioning is built around four key ambitions.

The first is to create a true destination. Bondi Junction already attracts significant foot traffic, with more than 86,000 daily transport users and millions of annual retail visits, but much of that activity is transient. People pass through, rather than stay.

The Master Plan seeks to change that dynamic. It leans heavily into the idea of an “18-hour economy,” extending activity well beyond traditional retail hours through dining, cultural programming, events, and a more active night-time offering. This is not just about adding more hospitality venues, but about fundamentally shifting how the centre operates, from a daytime shopping destination to a place that functions across the full span of the day and into the evening.

Oxford Street Mall sits at the centre of that shift.

Long seen as underperforming relative to its potential, the Mall is identified as one of the key catalyst projects in the plan. It is to be reimagined as a day-to-night spine, combining retail, dining, wellness and cultural uses in a way that creates a continuous flow of activity. Outdoor dining, rooftop venues, laneway activation and a curated events program are all part of the strategy, alongside significant public domain upgrades that aim to improve comfort, safety and usability.

&nbsp;

The second ambition is to transform Bondi Junction into a world-class interchange.

Despite being one of the most heavily used transport nodes in Sydney, the current experience is fragmented. Connections between the station, Westfield, Oxford Street Mall and surrounding streets are often unclear, and major roads create physical barriers that disrupt pedestrian movement.

The Master Plan proposes a more seamless, people-focused network. That includes clearer pedestrian links, improved wayfinding, better integration between transport modes, and a rethinking of how arrival into the centre is experienced. The aim is to shift the perception of Bondi Junction from a place people move through, to a place they arrive in.

The third ambition focuses on greening and open space.

One of the more consistent pieces of community feedback throughout the Vision phase was the need for more greenery, better public spaces, and a more comfortable urban environment. Despite being surrounded by major parks, Bondi Junction itself has relatively limited accessible open space, with much of the public realm dominated by hard surfaces and traffic infrastructure.

The plan responds with a network of new and upgraded public spaces, increased tree canopy, and what it terms the “Parkline,” a green link connecting Waverley Park through to Centennial Park. This is not just about aesthetics. It is about addressing heat, improving liveability, and ensuring that increased density is matched by access to high-quality outdoor space.

The fourth ambition is perhaps the most important from a development perspective: growth that gives back.

Bondi Junction is already the primary location for new housing supply in the Waverley LGA, and that is expected to continue. The area carries a target of 2,400 new dwellings by 2029, with further growth projected beyond that as demand for well-located housing continues to rise. The Master Plan does not seek to limit that growth. Instead, it attempts to shape it.

New housing is to be concentrated around transport, with stepped building heights designed to protect the character of surrounding neighbourhoods. At the same time, the plan introduces a more explicit link between development uplift and public benefit. This is where value capture becomes central.

The document outlines a framework where increased development potential is tied to contributions that fund public domain improvements, community infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing. It is an approach that recognises that much of the transformation of Bondi Junction will be delivered by the private sector, but seeks to ensure that the benefits of that growth are shared more broadly. The Civic Precinct is a key part of that equation.

Leveraging Council-owned land, the plan proposes a consolidated civic and cultural hub centred around Ebley Street. This would include new community facilities, cultural spaces, and potentially a new Council Chambers, creating a focal point for civic life that currently does not exist in Bondi Junction at scale.

It is one of several catalyst projects identified in the Master Plan, alongside the Oxford Street Mall transformation. These projects are intended to anchor change, acting as early interventions that unlock broader investment across the precinct.

Importantly, the Master Plan is not just a design document. It includes a delivery framework that sets out how these ambitions are intended to be realised.

Council is explicit in acknowledging that it cannot deliver the transformation alone. Implementation will require coordination between State agencies, private developers, landowners and the community, with a mix of planning agreements, infrastructure contributions and direct delivery mechanisms used to fund and stage improvements over time.

The plan outlines a mix of short-term, medium-term and long-term actions, from immediate public domain upgrades and planning controls, through to larger-scale projects that will unfold over the next decade or more. In practical terms, the next 12 to 24 months will be the most important.

This is when the Master Plan will move through exhibition, refinement and eventual adoption. It is also the period in which Council will seek to embed the framework into its planning controls, giving it weight in the assessment of future development applications.

Council officers have indicated that once the Master Plan is in place, it could be used as a benchmark when assessing Housing Delivery Authority proposals, and potentially reduce the need for further HDA declarations within Bondi Junction. In effect, it is an attempt to bring planning control back to the local level, while still aligning with State housing targets.

That tension between State-led reform and local planning control is not unique to Waverley. It is playing out across Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If delivered as intended, Bondi Junction will become denser, more active, and more complex. It will support more residents, more workers, and a wider range of uses, extending beyond its current retail core into a more layered urban environment.

“The civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East”: Bondi Junction masterplan revealed

Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

Alphington

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Alphinton, HOME was Urban's most popular project in Melbourne across March.&nbsp;

Offering 324 move-in-ready apartments, the project is located in one of Melbourne's most desirable suburbs and provides easy access to public transportation options like trains and buses, while also being within proximity to several local amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and shopping centres.

Owner-occupiers have shown the majority of interest in the development so far, with a range of two and three-bedroom floorplans still remaining, in addition to&nbsp;single, dual-level, and penthouse skyhomes that offer views across Alphington.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=167645]

Catering to small families or growing families, the spacious two-bedroom apartments span from&nbsp;81 sqm, offering two-bathrooms and one car space, while the three-bedders cover from 142 sqm, with two-bathrooms and two car spaces.&nbsp;

HOME's apartments have been designed to seamlessly connect open living spaces with either landscaped terraces, wintergardens, or spacious balconies, with style and functionality at the forefront of the design.

Timeless timber lines the floors of all apartments, with the oak-flooring creating a light and seamless connection between each of the spaces, paired with versatile and abundant storage solutions throughout.&nbsp;

Open shelving and integrated appliance storage make the kitchens a cook’s domain, complete with European appliances, stone benchtops and satin nickel tap ware.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84981]

The building itself is also home to its own park, located on level four of the development, with over&nbsp;3035 sqm of open space.&nbsp;Here residents will find a communal garden with plenty of seating, along with a barbecue area, a kid's play zone and a dedicated dog run.

There's also a rooftop cinema, as well as a Star Garden and lounge, and a glass-edged pool, which takes in expansive vistas to the city skyline and surrounding suburbs.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24441]

HOME's apartments have been designed to seamlessly connect open living spaces with either landscaped terraces, wintergardens, or spacious balconies

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Home Alphington: Urban's most popular Melbourne project in March

If you're looking for a suburb that offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban convenience, then Alphington should be at the top of your list. The Melbourne suburb, located just seven kilometres northeast of the city's CBD, has become a hot spot for families due to its exceptional transport links, educational opportunities and outdoor pursuits.

With a population of over 5,000, Alphington offers an ideal combination of urban convenience and natural beauty that ticks all the boxes when it comes to raising a family.

Tucked away in the leafy suburb is HOME, the 324-apartment project, bound by Heidelberg Road to the north, Darebin Creek and the Yarra River to the south and south-east, while Merri Creek sits to the west of the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84981]

The development offers a range of two and three-bedroom apartments, which capitalise on the community's proximity to all things convenient and sought after by families and children alike.&nbsp;

Education is a strong suit of Alphington, with some of Melbourne's most prestigious educational institutions located within a 10-minute drive from HOME. From primary to tertiary, there are plenty of options to choose from, including Alphington Grammar School, which offers co-educational learning for students from pre-school to year 12, in addition to several primary schools in the area, including St Anthony's Primary School and Alphington Primary School.&nbsp;

For families with younger children, Alphington also offers a range of childcare and early learning centres as well.&nbsp;

Additionally, major retail hubs are also located within close proximity, making shopping and entertainment easy and convenient, with&nbsp;Highpoint Shopping Centre and Northland Shopping Centre nearby, along with several boutique stores and independent retailers along&nbsp;Station Street and Heidelberg Road.

Aside from education, Alphington boasts of an abundance of green spaces and recreational facilities, making it an ideal location for families who enjoy outdoor activities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84979]

From bushland and parks to open spaces and river trails, the suburb has it all. Darebin Parklands, Yarra Bend, and Alphington Park are just a few of the natural gems waiting to be explored. For sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of options too, including the Alphington Bowls Club, Alphington Netball Club, Yarra Bend Golf Course, and Latrobe Golf Club.

Alphington's transport links are another major drawcard. With exceptional train and bus connections within easy walking distance, getting around is a breeze. The recently upgraded Hurstbridge line runs regular services to the CBD, while several bus routes make travelling by public transport even more convenient.

For those who prefer to drive, major employment, health and tertiary precincts are nearby and easily accessible via the recently expanded Chandler Highway.

For cyclists, Alphington offers an extensive network of bike trails that skirt the Yarra River on the Darebin Trail, taking riders on picturesque routes all the way to the city.

Catering to small families or growing families, the spacious two-bedroom apartments span from&nbsp;81 sqm, offering two-bathrooms and one car space, while the three-bedders cover from 142 sqm, with two-bathrooms and two car spaces.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=167646]

With style and function the guiding principles in the design of the HOME apartments,&nbsp;each feature timeless oak timber for all the flooring and cabinetry, which connect to open plan living spaces, opening up the homes to the whole family.

Generous storage keeps the apartments uncluttered, while stone benchtops, open shelving and European appliances make the kitchens the heart of the homes and a place for the whole family to enjoy.&nbsp;

The building itself is also home to its own park, located on level four of the development, with over&nbsp;3035 sqm of open space.&nbsp;Here residents will find a communal garden with plenty of seating, along with a barbecue area, a kid's play zone and a dedicated dog run.

There's also a rooftop cinema, as well as a Star Garden and lounge, and a glass-edged pool, which takes in expansive vistas to the city skyline and surroudning suburbs.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=24441]

Why HOME is ticking all the boxes for families and kids 

It's a rare feat to find new, completed and ready to move in apartments in Melbourne’s inner-city at the moment.&nbsp;

A number of developments have been hit by extreme worker shortages, the pandemic, and rising material costs, resulting in prolonged construction times.&nbsp;

A handful of developers have managed to overcome these, prevailing through to deliver, with a handful even welcoming their first residents this year.&nbsp;

We’ve taken a closer look at some of the ready-to-move-in options across Melbourne.&nbsp;

<h2>HOME&nbsp;</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=167645]

Located in Alphington at the corner of Heidelberg Road and Chandler Highway, HOME sits atop the highest and most prominent position in the Alphington Paper Mill Development.

Sleek lines and bold design create this landmark building. The brick podium is a nod to the industrial heritage of the site whilst the parallel lines of the curved glazed tower showcase the latest in contemporary architecture.

Every material used on the exterior is raw and timeless. Brick, concrete, timber, metal and glass forms are cleverly sculpted together to reveal vast inner spaces. And space is something you'll find in abundance at HOME.

The leafy, riverside, sits just 6.5-kilometres north-east of the city, with HOME comprising 16 stories of terrace homes, sky homes and apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84979]

All of the one-bedroom apartments have already been sold in HOME, with a handful of two and three-bedders remaining. &nbsp;

Cera Stribley collaborated in the design of the residences, with all 326 apartments featuring large floorplans and light-filled living spaces.&nbsp;

Designed with the homeowner in mind, the 326 apartments feature large floor plans, light-filled living spaces and the modern must-haves, with generous storage, quality appliances, secure parking, concierge services and home automation technology.

The Terrace Homes offer an exclusive living option within HOME, with each spread across three spacious levels.&nbsp;

Natural materials reign supreme throughout, with wood grain joinery, wool-rich carpets, solid timber partitions and brass metal handles giving the living spaces a refined, pared-back feel.

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The proportions are generous as well, with three queen-sized bedrooms in each Terrace Home, along with walk-in and fitted robes and ensuites.

Abundant natural light features through the open plan living spaces, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a double-height lightwell above the lounge and bi-fold doors opening out to the expansive balconies as well.&nbsp;

<h2>Ovation</h2>

<h2>Developer: Keystone Property Group</h2>

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Located in the heart of Footscray, Ovation reaps all the benefits of inner-city living, maintaining proximity to public transport, schools, dining and recreational amenity, while still feeling like its own set place.

Locals Keystone Property Group are the developers behind Ovation, which comprises 131 residences with a mix of two and three-bedders remaining.&nbsp;

Keystone are no strangers to the burgeoning Footscray area, with the developers boasting a string of already sold out projects, including, The Buckley and Victoria Corner.

Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD) handled the design of Ovation, with owner Billy Kavellaris saying the vision was to honour Footscray’s unique architectural character, while still establishing a new level of design ingenuity for the area.

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The building’s form is bold in its depiction of recessed voids, unique shapes and protrusions, with a layer of greenery added through the landscape design which is integrated tactfully into the recesses on the façade, juxtaposing the building’s built form with lush, natural beauty.

The interiors of Ovation are also very much defined by what exists outside of the apartments, with full height windows inviting in ample sunlight and stunning views of the city skyline and surrounding streetscapes.

Textured timber joinery teams with oak floors, imbuing living spaces with a neutral warmth; a blank canvas of sorts for buyers to fill with their own memories and moments.&nbsp;

Kitchen bench tops are appointed with a modern concrete finish for style and durability, next to plentiful integrated storage.&nbsp;

<h2>Yarra One</h2>

<h2>Developer: EcoWorld International&nbsp;</h2>

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EcoWorld's recently completed South Yarra apartment development, Yarra One, was a solid addition to the group's already substantial international portfolio.

Carrying on the traditional themes see throughout other EcoWorld projects, the completed Claremont Street development is designed with liveability and lifestyle in mind.

Presenting as the finishing touch to the elite Forest Hill pocket of South Yarra, Yarra One delivers 250 residences, designed by multi-disciplinary international design firm, Fender Katsalidis.

The 27-storey tower offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a collection of penthouses, with floor plans spanning from 56 sqm up to 109 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3127 project_image_fid=181983]

In designing Yarra One, Fender Katsalidis envisioned the birth of a new urban space to unwind and connect for the community and neighbours of Forrest Hill alike.

The location of Yarra One’s atrium between the South Yarra train station and Chapel Street makes it a key destination and gathering place for residents and neighbours of South Yarra, while the tower’s façade and slender linear form speaks directly to the existing language of its neighbouring towers.

Buyers will be at home with a residents' dining room, wine cellar, and rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities, along with a gym, yoga room, outdoor spa, sauna and steam room, pet wash and Tesla car share services.

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With a number of developers hit by worker shortages and rising material costs, we’ve taken a closer look at some of those who have prevailed through, with a handful of ready-to-move-in options across Melbourne now. 

The top Melbourne apartments welcoming residents now 

Riverside living in Melbourne doesn’t come along too often.&nbsp;

Located in the leafy, riverside suburb of Alphington, just 6.5-kilometres north-east of the city, HOME comprises 16 stories featuring a collection of Terrace Homes, Sky homes and Apartments.

Offering a completed and ready-to-move-in option in the area, HOME was designed with the owner-occupier in mind, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

All of the one-bedroom apartments are taken however. Just two and three-bedders remaining. &nbsp;

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The resident's journey begins and ends in the elegantly designed South Lobby.&nbsp;It’s a hotel-style entry where resident's can be dropped-off, picked up or wait safely for a taxi or Uber ride indoors. There's also bike storage for every resident in the lobby, along with a bike repair room, providing the perfect place to tinker, fix and upgrade.

To top it all off, there’s on-site management services, a secure mail room, parcel collection area and cool storage for grocery deliveries. The North Lobby is located on the corner of Heidelberg Road and Chandler Highway, with a three metre origami form taking centre stage, constructed from perforated brass panels.&nbsp;

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Cera Stribley collaborated in the design of the residences, with all 324 apartments featuring large floorplans and light-filled living spaces.&nbsp;

Coupled with the modern must-haves, each of the homes include generous storage, quality appliances, secure parking, and home automation technology.&nbsp;

Internally, apartments utilise a neutral colour palette, coupled with raw materials influenced by the site’s industrial heritage.&nbsp;

Timeless timber lines the floors of all apartments, with the oak-flooring creating a light and seamless connection between each of the spaces, paired with versatile and abundant storage solutions throughout.&nbsp;Open shelving and integrated appliance storage make the kitchens a cook’s domain, complete with European appliances, stone benchtops and satin nickel tap ware.

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Level four of HOME delivers some of the building's most impressive features, with 3000 sqm of open space, delivering HOME residents with their very own park inside the building. The Park provides residents with places to meet, along with barbecue facilities, a playground, yoga lawn, state-of-the-art gym and a pilates pavilion.

An extensive wine cellar is also provided for residents, along with hotel-style guest rooms which can be booked for when family and friends are visiting.&nbsp;

Crowning the building is a rooftop recreation deck, offering 360 degree views across the Alphington surrounds, as well as a glass-edged pool, private event spaces with a bar and kitchen, an outdoor cinema and barbecue facilities.&nbsp;

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Cera Stribley collaborated in the design of the residences, with all 324 apartments featuring large floorplans and light-filled living spaces

Inside the ready-to-move-in HOME Alphington apartments 

Located in leafy, riverside, Alphington, just 6.5km north-east of the city, HOME by Caydon comprises 16 stories of terrace homes, sky homes and apartments designed by Caydon’s award-winning Architecture and Design team.

Designed with the homeowner in mind, the 326 apartments feature large floorplans, light-filled living spaces and the modern must-haves, with generous storage, quality appliances, secure parking, concierge services and home automation technology.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=167638]

With construction nearly complete on the Alphington project, Caydon is offering buyers the chance to live 12-months mortgage free, with the purchase of a two or three-bedroom apartment, skyhome or terrace home before August 31.&nbsp;

Buyers will also only need a five per cent deposit when securing a home, meaning apartments starting from $699,000 will only require a $34,950 deposit, while skyhomes from $914,000 will require just a $45,700 deposit.

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The group’s incentives will see terrace home buyers, which start from $1,674,000 need to save just an $83,700 deposit.

HOME buyers can also enjoy the state’s stamp duty savings, with apartments set to be ready to move into by Spring.

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HOME buyers can also enjoy the state’s stamp duty savings, with apartments set to be ready to move into by Spring

HOME by Caydon set to welcome residents to Alphington project this Spring

YarraBend stands as both a monument to history and&nbsp;a lens for the future of the Melbourne suburb of Alphington.

The masterplan,&nbsp;a reincarnation of the former Alphington Paper Mill site, has been identified as the&nbsp;World's Most Liveable suburb by 2025 by The Future Lab’s 2018 global liveability report.

It's the development by the&nbsp;Australian property group Glenvill, who are transforming the 16.5 hectare site.

They're keeping heritage features throughout the development, adapting and retaining building's such as the Alphington Paper Mill. Its red-brick foundations and towering smokestacks which defined the area for nearly a century are incorporated into Fourdrinier House, YarraBend's first release, set within the original paper mill building.

The most recent release, following&nbsp;Parkview Apartments, The Mills and&nbsp;Camber Lofts, is Cubic House, a contemporary apartment building of 89 apartments designed by DKO&nbsp;and&nbsp;Technē Architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170762]

Cubic House will comprise primarily one and two-bedroom apartments. Its completion will be toward the final stages of YarraBend. Some residential components, including Parkview Apartments, are nearing completion as are parts of the Artisan Precinct.

Glenvill Group has been progressively rolling out various stages of the 16.5 hectare block of land,&nbsp;spread across the six precincts; Mills, Parkview, Artisan, Heritage, River Quarter and Outer Circle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170761]

Cubic House&nbsp;is part of the&nbsp;Artisan precinct which draws on the character of neighbouring Melbourne suburbs like the&nbsp;well-established refinement of Kew and Ivanhoe, the multicultural charm of Fairfield and the eclectic offering of Melbourne’s inner-north.&nbsp;

Apartments at Cubic House are warm and light-filled from floor-to-ceiling doors and windows that connect living spaces to the&nbsp;private balcony on offer in every individual apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170761]

The mix of one and two-bedroom apartments comes with a choice in colour scheme and design, with a focus on either light or dark tones.

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YarraBend stands as both a monument to history as well as a lens for the future of Alphington

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How YarraBend's Cubic House pays homage to the heritage in Alphington

YarraBend in Melbourne&#39;s Alphington was named as the future&nbsp;&quot;world&rsquo;s most liveable suburb,&rdquo; by The Future Lab,&nbsp;one of the world&#39;s most renowned futures consultancies, in 2018.

They expect it to become the world&#39;s most liveable suburb by 2025, topping cities around the world such as San Francisco, Stockholm, Seattle and Toronto.

&quot;Suburbs of the future will generate their own energy, contain their own innovation hubs, monitor our health levels, check our wellbeing, even crowdsource civic engagement at the tap of a screen,&quot; Future Lab advised.

&quot;Developments such as YarraBend are at the forefront of profound cultural shifts in which people &ndash; and buildings &ndash; are optimising everything, which is why we&rsquo;ve identified that it will become the World&rsquo;s Most Liveable Suburb in the future.&quot;

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Since it was dubbed to be the world&#39;s most liveable suburb three years ago, the developer Glenvill, doubled down on factors like&nbsp;communities being optimised through technology and design, supporting convenience, wellbeing, connectedness, collaboration and sustainability.

Glenvill partnered with the renowned&nbsp;teams at DKO Architecture, Multiple, Technē Architecture + Interior Design to create YarraBend,&nbsp;complete with four parks,&nbsp;a state of the art health and wellness centre, complete with an indoor spa, yoga and spin rooms with virtual reality and real life classes, massage rooms, Technogym equipment and an indoor pool.

They also focused on community initiatives like a gallery space, art installations and an annual art prize for local artists valued at $50,000 over five years.

There is also an indoor and&nbsp;outdoor cinema bookable via the YarraBend app, as well as many a rooftop terrace, home to&nbsp;lounges, barbeque facilities and more.

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Another facility available to all residents&nbsp;across the six precincts; Mills, Parkview, Artisan, Heritage, River Quarter and Outer Circle, is the WorkLab, an innovative co-working space convenient&nbsp;especially for those who dread&nbsp;commuting.

Located a short stroll from anywhere in YarraBend, residents can book a space any time at one of the multiple workstations, the meeting room or lounge area.

Dubbed as the world&rsquo;s first Tesla Town, the suburb will also feature Telsa Powerwalls in select residences to reduce energy costs and offer electric car charging points.

YarraBend will also play home to an artisanal food district, curated by one of Australia&rsquo;s top chefs, Scott Pickett, boasting popular restaurants, cafes and bars.

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Cubic House, part of the reincarnation of the former Alphington Paper Mill site, is one of a number of residential components of YarraBend.

The contemporary apartment building of 89 apartments, designed by&nbsp;DKO&nbsp;and&nbsp;Technē Architecture, is slated for completion in 2024, toward the final stages of the whole of YarraBend.

Cubic House will comprise primarily one and two-bedroom apartments. Its completion will be toward the final stages of YarraBend.

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Cubic House, part of the reincarnation of the former Alphington Paper Mill site, is one of a number of residential components of YarraBend

Why Glenvill's YarraBend in Melbourne was dubbed the world's future most liveable suburb

Buyers in the Home, Alphington apartment complex have been offered rebates up to $101,000.

The rebates on settlement ranged from $27,000 to $60,000 for two-bedroom units.

The rebates range from $51,000 to $101,000 for three-bedroom units in the 16-storey complex.

The two-bedroom apartments eligible for the grant are priced from $691,000 to $1.508 million while the three-bedroom homes are priced from $1.29 million to $2.548 million.

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At its 2019 launch the prices for its two-bedroom offerings was $532,000 to $1.598 million and its three-bedroom layouts were priced from $1,120,000 to $2,615,500.

The initiative, dubbed the Caydon Home Grant, comes as the state government&#39;s 50 per cent stamp duty concession ends June 30.

All homebuyers were eligible for the new stamp duty discounts, but only until the end of the 2020-21 financial year.

The Victorian Government&#39;s stamp duty savings of 50% was across new builds and off-the-plan apartments valued up to one million dollars.&nbsp;

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Caydon has sold just over 50 per cent of the 324 apartments.

Completion is scheduled for July next year for the development to be located at YarraBend, the site of the old Amcor paper mill.

Set at 626 Heidelberg Rd at the Chandler Highway corner, the 7470 sqm Home sits alongside Glenvill&rsquo;s 14.5ha YarraBend precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441 project_image_fid=84980]

The Caydon Home Grant does not apply to its other projects such as Due North at 70-82 High Street, Preston.

The Caydon Home Grant &ndash; rebated by CP Alphington Development - is available from 28 June, 2021 until 30 September, 2021 on two and three-bedroom apartments and skyhomes in Home, Alphington.&nbsp;

A potential purchaser should seek independent legal advice and make their own enquiries in relation to this offer and before entering into a contract of sale, the Caydon website advises.

A year away from completion, Caydon has announced a Caydon Home Grant with up to $101,000 rebated to apartment buyers in Home, Alphington 

jchancellor

Caydon offers up to $101,000 rebate for Home, Alphington apartment buyers

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Australian tennis champ and sports commentator Sam Groth has listed his Alphington home, seeking $1.3 - $1.4 million.
The two-storey weatherboard house he and his now-wife, Britt, bought in 2016 after deciding to quit the US circuit for a Melbourne base was, luckily enough, the first place they inspected.
At the time he bought the home for $250,000 more than the price guidance of $900,000 - $960,000, paying a premium $1.21 million.
They decided to sell their renovated four-bedroom, two-bathroom house at 56A Fulham Road to move closer to family in Templestowe as well as upsize.
Jellis Craig agent Greg Cusack says the property’s indoor/outdoor entertainment space and the Groths’ stylish upgrade are luring young families and professional couples to register for the twilight auction on October 28.
The Nine Entertainment broadcaster, whose world singles ranking reached No.53 in his professional playing days, says the 215-square-metre property with Edwardian-inspired gabled rooflines and timber detailing “was everything we wanted at the time."
The kitchen was renovated in 2018 by the couple, right around the time of their marriage.
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Australian tennis champ Sam Groth lists Alphington home

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An architecturally designed house in Alphington, Victoria was auctioned for $3,195,000. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-alphington-132856530" target="_blank">47 Lucerne Crescent property</a> went to auction with a $2.8 million - $3 million price guide.
It was sold through Jellis Craig estate agents, Paula Beavis and Sam Rigopoulos on February 22. 
The 804 sqm property showcases multiple living zones and accommodation, a lounge room with a HeatnGlo gas fireplace, a kitchen fitted with Miele appliances and a walk-in pantry. 
The four bedroom, three bathroom home features an easy-access bathroom on the second floor, two powder rooms, an office/ study room, bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, and the master ensuite bedroom featuring a walk-in wardrobe and private balcony.
There is also a full-size laundry with chute, split-system air-conditioning, hydronic heating, speaker system, security alarm, automated unblind, 5400 litre rainwater tank, and an internal remote-control double garage. 
The modern residence offers resort-style entertainment with a self-cleaning heated spa-pool with an automatic cover, a BBQ terrace, and a versatile separate studio, or pool-hour with its own bathroom.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home previously sold in 2006 for $801,000. 
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