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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Staff Writer

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<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.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

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AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

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&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

apartment

Not often comes an opportunity where hotel&nbsp;and residential spaces find&nbsp;their way into one project, but one of the biggest trends sweeping the country is the mixed of both,&nbsp;catering to a new type of discerning buyer.

Development director at Riverlee, David Lee, noted growing interest for hotel residences in the Australian property market.

&ldquo;The hotel residence lifestyle has gained a lot of traction in places like New York and Asia, but there is a need for this type of home in Australia&rdquo;, Lee said.

&quot;There are various residential buildings out there with features such&nbsp;as a concierge service but hotel-branded residences, particularly those with an international focus, take it to another level,&rdquo; he added.

These mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia, according to Cromwell Property Group, with developers increasingly combining commercial, hotel, leisure and residential.

Urban takes a look at six of Australia&rsquo;s best mixed-use apartment and hotel developments available on the market.

1. Castle Residences, Sydney 
Developer: United Development Sydney

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758 project_image_fid=150458]

Castle Residences is a new masterful collaboration between United Development Sydney and architects Candelapas Associates and Stud​ioAria.

Situated on Castlereagh Street, a luxurious collection of 131 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations are on offer in an elegant new residential tower that soars above the historic Porter House.

The heritage charms of Porter House add to the luxurious feel of the 122-room MGallery boutique hotel, which extends their five-star amenities to apartment residents.

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The hotel will service the residences with room service, catering, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance, which can be accessed via a personalised mobile application.

Residents will also have full access to the hotel&rsquo;s facilities including the restaurants, bars, gym, pool, and business centre, along with 24-hour security, concierge, and valet parking.

2. Seafarers, Docklands 
Developer: Riverlee

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173914]

Incorporating a 280-room hotel, Docklands&rsquo; latest development, Seafarers, will feature Melbourne&rsquo;s first international hotel-branded residences, 1 Hotel &amp; Homes.

Sitting above Australia&rsquo;s first 1 Hotel, a world leading eco-luxury hotel brand, the Fender Katsalidis-designed apartments boast a limited collection of 123 riverfront residences.

The two and three-bedroom, light-filled residences offer sweeping views of Yarra River and the new Seafarers Rest Park, as well as unique five-star hotel services.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728 project_image_fid=173938]

These include a botanical care and maintenance services, pet care and walking, in-home room services and chef-catered dinners.

The project will transform the city&rsquo;s last remaining Yarra River frontage into a new visionary waterfront precinct, with a rooftop barbeque, library and lounge exclusively available to residents.

3. Viv&eacute;re on Dorcas, South Melbourne 
Developer: BEKL

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108979 project_image_fid=181117]

Located in an elusive pocket of South Melbourne, Viv&eacute;re boasts a new collection of 36 upscale residences delivered by BEKL, Amazon Property Group&rsquo;s Australian operation.

The project soars above the Voco Hotel, which is operated and managed by internationally renowned IHG.

Designed by Plus Architecture, the 20-storey development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a sculptural fa&ccedil;ade inspired by Melbourne&rsquo;s Botanic Gardens and Port Phillip Bay.

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According to director-architect Jessica Liew, the recesses presented a creative opportunity to introduce an art installation, while the capsule between the stacked elements contains the hotel rooms of Voco.

Viv&eacute;re offers residents premium room services, and a range of recreational amenities, including a gym, sociable restaurant and bar.

4. Ocean, Surfers Paradise 
Developer: Meriton

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7974 project_image_fid=185035]

Rising 76 floors against the Gold Coast skyline, Ocean is the latest mixed-use development in Surfers Paradise that will feature both luxury residential and hotel suites under the Meriton Suites brand.

Set to become the third tallest tower on the Gold Coast, Ocean will be home to an impressive 404 apartments starting from level 33, offering views that tower over neighbouring buildings.

Designed by SJB Architects, the development offers residents world-class facilities including an exclusive sky pool and gym on level 33.

Located on a prime beachfront site, it will also include a vibrant retail precinct, caf&eacute;s and a purpose-built restaurant, and a beach club podium on the fifth floor.

5. Ryrie Home, Geelong 
Developer: Franz&eacute; Developments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Situated on Ryrie S​treet, Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; new Geelong d​evelopment will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower, Ryrie Home.

Designed by Arch​itectus, Ryrie Home 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.

The collaboration with IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts will see the Geelong Quarter become a gateway to the region and delivering the largest new hotel in the region in almost 20 years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

Ryr​ie Home will feature a collection of 109 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that benefit from room service, gym and pool facilities, dining, housekeeping and a business centre.

It will also feature a number of retail tenancies located on the ground level facing both Ryr​ie Street and Fenwick Street.

6. M-City, Clayton 
Developer: Schiavello

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Designed by Buchan Group, M-City boasts spacious new residential offers in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, as well as resort-style facilities and an international hotel.

Emblazoned with a distinctive bronze fa&ccedil;ade, M-City&rsquo;s own International Hotel is set to become a new local landmark, providing understated yet luxurious accommodation for visitors.

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Developed by Schiavello, the development is situated in the lively Clayton and provides residents with a range of function venues that offer entertaining and corporate spaces, such as meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a hotel bar.

Each apartment contains floor-to-ceiling glazing, spacious, private balconies, and luxury resort-style facilities, including a heated pool, landscaped gardens, and barbeque zones.

Mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia, according to Cromwell Property Group.

max.kwok_55688

Australia's best mixed-use apartment and hotel developments on the market

Central 35 is a new 14-storey development located in the heart of Melbourne&rsquo;s north-west suburb of Moonee Ponds.

The development is set to home&nbsp;65 apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, as well as three penthouses, when it is completed in next year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107733 project_image_fid=179547]

Just six kilometres from the CBD, Moonee Ponds boasts a mix of historic buildings, ornate, well-maintained fa&ccedil;ades and more contemporary architecture.

Central 35 unique design stands out amongst the streetscape, while referencing the dynamism of the urban lifestyle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107733 project_image_fid=179546]

The project includes ground floor commercial and retail offerings, transforming the Hall Street retail strip into an apartment stronghold, while maintaining convenient access to shopfronts and caf&eacute;s.

Boasting a wide array of shops and restaurants, the Moonee Ponds Central Shopping Centre is right on the doorstep of Central 35, as well as nearby parks and recreation facilities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107733 project_image_fid=179548]

Getting around is easy and convenient with both the Moonee Ponds train station and the local tram stop within 100 metres.

Moonee Ponds is seeing an average population growth of seven per cent per annum, and average capital growth rates at 4.63 per cent over the past ten years.

Nearby, the Queens Park, with its idyllic green surrounds and lovely public art pieces, provide the opportune space to get away from the bustle relax on one of the lakeside picnic tables or the banks of the Maribyrnong River.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107733 project_image_fid=179550]

With one-bedroom apartments beginning from $405,000, Central 35 delivers apartments below the average median apartment price of $452,000, according to RP Data.

The development is expected to reach completion in 2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=107733]

Central 35 is a new 14 storey development located in the heart of Melbourne’s north-west suburb of Moonee Ponds. 

Get to know Moonee Ponds: New development Central 35 offers apartments in Melbourne’s north-west

Arcadia is among&nbsp;Lane Cove’s most coveted new addresses, combining bushland panoramas with sophisticated architectural designs.

Never to be built-out natural vistas create a green backdrop to the apartment development, nestled at the doorstep of the bushland reserve along Stringybark Creek.

Delivered by DASCO, Arcadia features&nbsp;69 one, two and three-bedroom residences across three individual buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153922]

Diverse floorplans feature a range of offerings, including double-storey layouts, studies, media spaces, while select three-storey, terrace-style residences feature their own private entrances.

Floorplans extend up to 227sqm, making these apartments more than $800,000 cheaper than a similar-sized, free-standing home in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153921]

Arcadia focuses on alfresco living, with generous private terraces, courtyards and sun-soaked balconies providing a sublime setting for relaxing and entertaining outdoors.

Inside, living spaces are roomy and airy, graced with top-quality Italian ILVE appliances, stone benchtops, a smart home system and floor-to-ceiling windows.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153912]

Residents can choose between two considered colour schemes. The stylish lighter and darker colour palettes, Sunrise and Sunset, allows buyers to personalise their surroundings to suit their taste.

Lane Cove lies within one of Australia’s top 10 most advantaged Local Government Areas, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153916]

Located close to several major centres including the Sydney and North Sydney CBDs, Macquarie Park and Chatswood, its convenience is a major drawcard.

A number of infrastructure and community projects and upgrades have helped to transform the suburb and its village, which has become a popular and diverse destination in its own right.

These include an upgrade of Lane Cove Plaza and the opening of The Canopy, poised to become Lane Cove’s premier dining and shopping destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153925]

Central and convenient, Arcadia enjoys easy access to the area’s many attractions and amenities. It is located a 4-minute walk from the nearest bus stop on Centennial Avenue and a 12-minute bus ride to Chatswood.

The CBD lies within a 15-minute drive from the residence and premier education institutions are within close proximity, including Lane Cove and Lane Cove West Public Schools, St Ignatius’ College Riverview and Macquarie Uni.

“We are thrilled to bring our signature quality, vision and lifestyle focus to beautiful Lane Cove and deliver a product that we know will resonate with style-conscious buyers”, DASCO director Salim Nicolas said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6912 project_image_fid=153917]

Arcadia delivers a lush living experience to a range of buyers, and the lush surrounding treescape ensures a feeling of peace, tranquillity and seclusion rarely found in urban living.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6912]

A number of infrastructure and community projects and upgrades have helped to transform the suburb and its village, which has become a popular and diverse destination in its own right.

Arcadia, the Lower North Shore apartments attracting families and investors

First home buyers and investors&nbsp;have shown considerable&nbsp;interest in Due North, the Preston apartments currently under construction by Caydon Property.

The $352,000 asking price for the one-bedroom apartments is around $200,000 less than the median apartment price in Preston, according to the latest data from SQM Research.

The two-beds start from $590,000.

Set on the sought-after High Street, Due North will home a mix of 107 one and two-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155332]

Preston is one of Melbourne&#39;s most popular fringe suburbs, nine kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD.

&ldquo;Thanks to a few decades of urban sprawl, Preston is now considered one of Melbourne&rsquo;s hottest northern suburbs.&nbsp;It seems like there&rsquo;s new, hip bars popping up on every corner&rdquo;, Timeout Magazine said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155331]

Due North has an enviable walk score of 91, with a number of&nbsp;bars, cafes, restaurants,&nbsp;retail, schools and parklands nearby.

The apartments are attracting investors, with vacancy rates seeing a steep decline from earlier in 2021. Rates now sit at around two percent, and are expected to continue to drop as international border opening draws near.

There&#39;s new infrastructure in the pipeline, with the Victorian Planning Authority currently reviewing plans for a new Preston Market Precinct, taking in 5.1-hectares of privately-owned land with integrations with Preston Station and High Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5502 project_image_fid=155337]Interest in new infrastructure and great lifestyle opportunities makes the area worthy of investment, say the developers.

&ldquo;Preston is growing, fast &mdash; and we&rsquo;re not surprised&rdquo;, Caydon Property said.

&ldquo;Population density is increasing, seeing a surge in demand for apartments with a downturn in traditional houses.&rdquo;

<img alt="" height="850" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-09-12_at_1.31.07_pm.png" width="1492" />

Designed by Caydon&rsquo;s in-house design team, Due North draws inspiration from the suburb&rsquo;s industrial past, featuring raw brickwork, exposed concrete, custom metalwork and glass.

It will rise just the 12 levels, and will feature a&nbsp;rooftop space with a resident swimming pool, a co-working area in the lobby, and three street-level&nbsp;retail spaces.

The development is slated to reach completion in mid-2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5502]

Set on the sought-after High Street, Due North will home a mix of 107 one and two-bedroom apartments

$352,000 Preston apartments Due North attracting first home buyers and investors

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The NSW Government is seeking amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 that will make pet ownership easier by requiring that by-laws cannot unreasonably prohibit the keeping of an animal on a strata lot.

The amendments follow the recent decision handed down by the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of NSW in Cooper v the Owners - Strata Plan No. 58068 which overturned a by-law in the <a href="/news/horizon-darlinghurst-pet-ban-ruled-unconscionable-by-ncat">Darlinghurst highrise block, Horizon</a> that imposed a blanket ban on the keeping of pets.

“Owners should be able to use to use their property as they wish as long as it doesn’t unreasonably interfere with the rights of other owners to enjoy their own home and the common property in their apartment,” Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.

“For too long common sense has been missing in this debate. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

“These amendments provide a sensible solution that balances the rights of pet owners with those of other apartment owners. 

“Importantly, the changes also recognise there will be times when the keeping of a pet may not be appropriate in a complex due to the impact this will have on neighbours or the welfare of the animal.

“These changes are a sensible response to modernise our strata laws by removing outdated, and unfair blanket pets bans where it can be shown that keeping a pet won’t impact other people.”

The NSW Government will now consult with the community to establish clear guidelines on when it will be considered unreasonable for a pet to be kept in a strata complex.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

It intends to finalise regulations within six months, before the new amendments come into force. 

This will also include details of how the new requirements will interact with existing by-laws.

To allow consultation, the government will extend the closing date for submissions to the current statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 until March 7 for anyone wishing to make a submission relating to the keeping of pets. 
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“For too long common sense has been missing in this debate,” Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.



jchancellor

NSW Government seeks amends to pet ownership in Strata Schemes Management Act 2015

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Australian house prices are rising again with two exceptions: unit markets in Sydney and Melbourne. Declining unit prices are being driven by high levels of supply, problems in the rental market and foreign students not returning.
However, these declines are now fairly modest at a capital city level. In Melbourne, apartment prices are down 1.2% while Sydney is down 0.2% since the start of the pandemic. It is likely they will return to growth in the coming months.
At a suburb level, the impact of poor rental market conditions is more apparent, and prices have dropped considerably.
Topping the list for capital city unit market price declines is Carlton in Melbourne’s Inner North where the median price for units has dropped 22% over the past 12 months, reflecting the weak student rental market. It is possible declines in Melbourne’s Highett and Ormond are being driven by a similar trend.
Gungahlin, in the red-hot Canberra market, is surprisingly showing big declines in prices, down 20%.
Surprisingly weak conditions are also being seen in parts of the recovering Perth market. Mandurah, Mount Lawley and Fremantle units are all seeing price declines in excess of 10%.
In Sydney, high development areas such as Sydney Olympic Park and North Ryde are topping the list for price declines.
Probably the biggest surprise is Melbourne CBD, which has seen the most dramatic rise in vacant apartments in Australia. At present, prices remain steady.
While prices are well down on last year, housing market conditions are improving, and this will flow through to unit pricing over the next 12 months. For many of these markets, renters will also return, which will support values.
For now, if you are someone who is looking for an affordable property or consider yourself a counter-cyclical buyer, be prepared to take on a bit of risk and these areas may be worth a look.
Australian luxury property defies the downturn and global trend
We are continuing to see strong conditions for luxury properties around Australia. On realestate.com.au, views per listing for $10 million-plus properties have increased from 1,800 prior to the pandemic to more than 4,500.
Some of this may be to do with people being stuck at home and dreaming about beautiful homes, but price growth is now occurring, suggesting at least some of this search activity was from serious buyers.
While luxury is having its moment in Australia, globally it isn’t uniformly the case as shown by the latest Luxury House Price Index from Knight Frank.
Global gateway cities such as Paris, London, Hong Kong and New York are all seeing declining prices at luxury price points.
This is a little bit surprising given there seems to be a flight to safe assets more broadly and property, particularly in these markets, is generally seen to be very safe.
It may have more to do with how COVID-19 has impacted these markets, suggesting high net worth buyers may be looking at certain locations for health reasons, rather than to park their cash.
This certainly holds true for the city that is topping the list in Knight Frank’s report – Auckland. New Zealand has been one of the least impacted countries in the world in terms of COVID-19 infections and has also seen the biggest increase in luxury house prices over the past 12 months.
It also holds true, although to a lesser extent, in Australia. Melbourne luxury homes have still experienced a price increase, but at only 0.2% it is far less than Sydney and Perth at 2.3% and 2.2% respectively.
 
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Apartment buyers must strike while the iron is hot: REA's Nerida Conisbee

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A Sydney CBD apartment, looking directly over Hyde Park, has sold for $2.145 million.
Located on the eighth level of the Connaught building, the north-facing Liverpool Street residence features two bedrooms, an open-plan living area, renovated kitchen, large balcony, and underground car space.
The thirty-storey building, which was completed in 1984, was built by Civil and Civic.
It has a shared resident spa, sauna, gymnasium, and pool with city views.
The flat was previously listed for sale in 2016, but did not find a buyer when briefly offered with $1.45 million hopes.
Tonga Ozer, from Boutique Property Agents, had listed the property.
 
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Sydney apartment overlooking Hyde park sells for over $2m

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A designer dual level apartment on Rocky Point Road, Sans Souci has been sold for $795,000.
The apartment's prime location in the sought-after Jameson complex is of walking distance from local cafes, shops, sailing clubs, and Dolls Point Beach.
The two-bedroom apartment located at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-sans+souci-132777514" target="_blank">123/524-544 Rocky Point Road</a> has built-ins and access to a balcony. It also features two bathrooms, and an internal laundry. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/4_BEDROOM.jpg" alt="">
The fresh contemporary interiors has flowing living and dining space that transitions to the outdoors. 
The three balconies provide expansive views of the district and glimpses of the water. 
It was listed as a rental in 2017 and 2018 seeking $700/pw but has not been listed since. 
The 2015 bult abode has sleek tiled flooring, air-conditioning throughout and high ceilings. 
The apartment also has lift access to two secure car spaces which also has a handy lock-up storeroom. 
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Sans Souci dual level apartment sold 

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Former Olympic swimmers Roger and Diana van Hamburg are seeking a new Gold Coast home, with plans on moving north.
The couple, wo were internationally competitive in the 1960s and 1970s, have listed their Sunland Group development apartment for $975,000.
Roger swam in individual medley and freestyle relay events for his native Netherlands at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and Diana Rickard competed for Australia in backstroke and individual medleys at the Mexico Olympics in 1968.
They have listed their <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-benowa-132329790" target="_blank">Benowa apartment at Marina Concourse</a>.
The three-bedroom unit was bought in 2016 on moving from NSW.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/21/7_SWIMMERS%20APART.jpg" alt="">
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The apartment's balcony overlooked Royal Pines marina and golf course.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/1/21/7_SWIMMERS_VIEW.jpg" alt="" width="549" height="363">
The community also has resident facilities, including a pool and barbecue area.
The couple still swim every day and teach regularly at the neighbouring Superfish Swim School, the Gold Coast Bulletin advised.
Their daughter, Sasha, is married to another Olympian, former Australian freestyle and butterfly swimmer Adam Pine.
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Former Olympic swimmers list luxury Gold Coast apartment

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A luxury off-the-plan apartment has come onto the market in Adelaide's Glenelg South ahead of its completion early next year.

Located on the 9th floor of the EI8HT building (which recently topped out at 8 South Esplanade Esplanade), unit 901 comprises of 209 square metres of internal floor space.

It is one of 10 absolute 'Sky Homes' in the complex, and features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two secure car spaces, and direct ocean views. 

Glenelg Beach is less than 20 metres from the building which was approved in late 2016 as a $75 million project.

The development includes a new walkway between St Johns Row and the esplanade along with the renovation of the 1870 Seafield Tower mansion.

It was early 2017 when most of the apartments were sold by the Medallion Homes and 8 South Esplanade consortium.

The initial pricing ranged from $695,000 to $2.75 million, not including the penthouses.

Some eight apartments of 52 remain unsold in the 8 South Esplanade development, situated just south of the Stamford Grand hotel.

The suburbs median unit price is $425,500.

Tony Mathews, from Medallion Homes, has listed the apartment.

Buyers include Channel 7 sports commentator Bruce McAvaney and his wife Anne Johnson who recently sold their Glenelg South four-bedroom home on South Esplanade which was listed with a price range between $2.45 million and $2.695 million.

<h2>Recently listed properties:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]
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