Apartments account for just 15 per cent of total dwelling stock in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/balwyn-vic-3103">Balwyn</a>, reinforcing the suburb’s long-standing identity as a low-density, detached housing area.

As a result, new apartment development has historically been limited in both volume and density. For homeowners considering a move out of larger family houses, options that maintain a residential setting while offering a genuine alternative to detached living have remained relatively scarce.

One of the most recent apartment developments completed in the suburb is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/threadneedle-balwyn-1-5-threadneedle-street-balwyn-vic-3103">Threadneedle</a>, a boutique project named after its location on the tree-lined Threadneedle Street. There are just 17 residences across two low-rise buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355605]

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wulff-projects">Wulff Projects</a> in partnership with PGA Group, the project has been deliberately limited in scale, with just eight and nine residences per building, reflecting an approach more closely aligned with long-term owner-occupiers than higher-density apartment models.

At Threadneedle, the shift to apartment living has been approached as a recalibration rather than a compromise. The project is shaped around maintaining space, privacy and amenity while reducing the ongoing upkeep associated with a traditional family home, a balance that increasingly defines downsizing decisions in established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355584]

Rather than maximising yield, the design prioritises spatial comfort and landscape, with more than one-third of the site dedicated to gardens by Ben Scott Garden Design.

This emphasis on greenery creates separation between buildings, reinforces privacy and establishes a sense of domestic calm that mirrors the garden settings many residents are accustomed to.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=197163]

That residential character continues through the architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, which draws directly from the surrounding neighbourhood where many homes date back to the interwar period. The buildings are conceived as traditional residences rather than a single apartment form, allowing them to sit comfortably within the existing streetscape.

“Given the quiet residential character of the street, we approached Threadneedle wanting it to appear less as a collection of apartments and more as a traditional residence,” said John Scaramuzzino, director at Bruce Henderson Architects. “That led to creating two buildings that could breathe, with larger garden-based apartments functioning more like small homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=197161]

Inside, the residences are defined by proportions and layouts more commonly associated with houses than apartments, reinforcing the project’s alignment with buyers transitioning from detached living. All homes are three-bedroom configurations, many incorporating dedicated studies designed as separate rooms rather than adapted corners. Living areas extend to generous terraces or courtyards, while three-metre-high ceilings, oversized internal doors and full-height glazing enhance openness and natural light without sacrificing privacy.

“The interior design evolved from the architecture and garden setting,” said Chantelle Sinnott of Bruce Henderson Interiors. “We wanted to create spaces that feel connected to nature, with flexibility and functionality that supports how people actually live.”

Each residence has been individually planned to maximise privacy and outlooks, with garden views prioritised across multiple aspects. Parking and storage are treated as essential components rather than secondary considerations, aligning with expectations shaped by years of living in detached homes and reinforcing the project’s house-like approach to apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355565]

Together, these characteristics, generous internal space, private outdoor areas, low-density form and a strong connection to landscape, closely mirror the qualities many downsizers seek as they transition out of family homes, without requiring a departure from the neighbourhoods they know.

Leafy streets, village-scale retail and established community networks underpin daily life, while access to public transport along Whitehorse Road and nearby parklands supports walkability and convenience. For many residents, the ability to remain within a familiar suburb is central to the downsizing decision.

With construction now complete, a limited number of residences remain available, including a top-floor penthouse offering single-level living with three bedrooms, a dedicated study and expansive terraces.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27816]

Joel Robinson

Why downsizers are choosing Threadneedle, Balwyn's newest apartment development

High-rise developer Level 33 is continuing to venture out of its Wollongong heartland.

The developer, which has several projects completed, underway, and planned in the third-largest city in New South Wales, is heading to Homebush, where it plans to develop more than 300 apartments across two towers.

Like most developers, it has sought approval through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority, filing a State Significant Development Application for the $127.6 million project.

The DKO-designed towers, 27 and 35 storeys in height, will replace seven detached homes. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, which will be crowned with a pool, dining areas, and landscaped spaces.

<img alt="17-24 Loftus Cr, Homebush" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28be85ce-0e00-495d-9528-b9ca3f85e583" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/perspective_4.png?VersionId=N6zmNAUwvZOElnX6IgLOEeON7yaoBx0p" />

According to the Urban Design Report prepared by DKO Architecture, the proposal “supports residential growth with housing diversity” and is designed to “create inviting, safe public spaces with strong environmental amenity that encourage social interaction and pedestrian movement”.

Level 33, founded by Eddy Haddad, has thousands of apartments in the pipeline. They have their 500-plus-unit WIN Grand redevelopment, and another 900 units to be developed in replace of the old Bunnings Warehouse on the corner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/60-74-flinders-street-wollongong">Gipps and Flinders Streets</a>.

They are soon to launch their second stage of their Kogarah development, and will also hope to&nbsp;launch Summit Wollongong, later this year, pending approvals to upsize the development to have over 330 apartments. Also set to hit the market is their boutique Kiama development, Elan.

Level 33 adds to 2,000-unit pipeline with new two-tower Homebush plans

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) has unveiled Gloriette, its new 25-storey luxury residential tower set to rise within its Yeerongpilly Green (YG) precinct in Brisbane’s inner south.&nbsp;

Designed by award winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> will deliver 181 luxury two- and three bedroom apartments on King Arthur Terrace, offering uninterrupted views across the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly Golf Course and the Brisbane CBD.&nbsp;

The reveal of the project follows its development approval by Brisbane City Council within the evolving <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yeerongpilly-green-21-queens-way-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Yeerongpilly Green</a> masterplanned community late last year.&nbsp;

The formal market launch will be later this year.

The name “Gloriette” is drawn from classical European architecture, referring to a garden pavilion traditionally set within palace landscapes.&nbsp;

CPG says its choice reflects Gloriette’s strong connection to landscape, outlook and amenity, with refined architecture complemented by lush gardens, exceptional rooftop facilities and an emphasis on light, views and liveability.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=359985]

Set on a 4,323 sqm site, Gloriette has been designed to integrate with its surroundings, prioritising green space and community connection with more than 2,000 sqm of landscaped gardens to surround the tower, creating privately owned, publicly accessible parkland. Located within one of Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games precincts, the development is literally minutes’ walk of the future Olympic tennis venue and the upgraded Yeerongpilly Cross River Rail station.&nbsp;

CPG Head of Residential James MacGinley says Gloriette represents a defining addition to the Yeerongpilly Green precinct.&nbsp;

Gloriette is a natural evolution of Yeerongpilly Green and our commitment to creating places where people genuinely love to live,” MacGinley said.&nbsp;

“The views from Gloriette will be unlike anything else in Brisbane. Elevated northern aspects taking in two reaches of the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly and Brisbane golf courses, the city skyline and Mt Coot-tha are exceptionally rare. We expect buyers will immediately recognise the uniqueness of this opportunity.&nbsp;

“The generous apartment sizes will appeal to people looking to downsize without compromise, offering luxury, spacious, light filled apartment living without the intensity of inner-city congestion.

“Developments like Gloriette also play an important role in addressing Brisbane’s housing needs, with the potential to free up 181 houses for local families.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=359988]

Gloriette will complement the award-winning YG Riverside Village, home to Woolworths, Goodlife Health Clubs, new Doctors surgery and a growing dining precinct that continues to attract locals and visitors alike.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> has been appointed as builder, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International confirmed as sales agent. A dedicated display suite is scheduled to open for the public launch in the second half of 2026 in a heritage-listed Queenslander opposite the site.&nbsp;

Andrew Scriven, Director of Residential at Colliers International, says buyer interest is already building.&nbsp;

“Gloriette offers a rare opportunity to secure a high-end riverside home within a major lifestyle precinct,” Scriven said.&nbsp;

“We’re inviting buyers to sign up to the VIP list today to receive exclusive updates, early information and priority access ahead of the formal launch.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150713]

Consolidated Properties Group unveils Gloriette in Yeerongpilly Green precinct

Develotek has secured State Significant Development approval for its 34-storey mixed-use tower on the Pacific Highway in Chatswood.

The developer pumped up the height under the in-fill affordable housing uplift to create a 101-unit building with 27 apartments dedicated as affordable. It was previously approved for 89 apartments across a 27-storey tower.

In granting consent, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure cited the project’s alignment with state and regional planning objectives, including the National Housing Accord and the Chatswood CBD Strategy. It will also pump over $107 million of capital investment into the state, as well as 180 operational jobs and 182 construction jobs.

The site, across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/691-699-pacific-highway-chatswood-nsw-2067">691-699 Pacific Highway</a>, sits around 500 metres from the Chatswood Transport Interchange and within walking distance of the retail core.

<img alt="Develotek secures approval for 34-storey mixed-use tower on Pacific Highway, Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="65261a56-ef10-479b-941a-d4e3f22cd973" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_1.png?VersionId=PFN5_svoAwQgHPM1K9XJFlg9BJSfArm0" />

Designed by Squillace Architects, the tower will rise to 117 metres and sit above a two-storey podium and eight basement levels of parking. The residential mix includes one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with affordable housing to be managed by a registered community housing provider for a minimum of 15 years.

The tower’s built form is characterised by a slender, articulated residential element set above a more robust podium, with commercial uses activating the street edge. Communal amenities are located within the podium and upper levels, including landscaped open space, a pool, gym, and shared facilities, contributing to resident amenity while reinforcing the mixed-use nature of the precinct.

<img alt="Develotek secures approval for 34-storey mixed-use tower on Pacific Highway, Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2672fcb7-aa48-4f99-a6e5-aedf9d506973" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_1.png?VersionId=mP29SWoVfCvI_hMODNx6QJ00VT435B33" />

&nbsp;

The approval represents one of the larger residential-led developments to proceed under the NSW Government’s infill affordable housing pathway, reinforcing Chatswood’s role as a high-density employment and residential centre on Sydney’s North Shore.

Chatswood is going through another growth phase, with the likes of Changfa Group, Billbergia, Coronation, Tian An LFD, Bridgestone, and Hyecorp all planning projects in the suburb. The NSW Gov is also proposing a further <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-gov-landcom-plan-1-500-new-apartments-in-chatswood-cbd">1,500 new homes on the former contruction site of the Sydney Metro</a>.

Develotek secures approval for 34-storey Chatswood tower

Off the plan apartments buyers have started to move into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/louise-melbourne-8-louise-street-melbourne-vic-3004">Louise</a>, the flagship Albert Park apartment development by local developer Samuel Property.

Construction firm Hamilton Marino has recently completed the two-year build of the 16-storey Louise Street tower, just off St Kilda Road.

Developer Illan Samuel says the project’s strong sales result, with around 90 per cent of apartments sold ahead of its construction completion, is a “good news story for Melbourne”.

“Melbourne hasn’t had the easiest time in the off the plan development space in recent years,” Samuel says, pointing to rising taxes and limited growth in the established property market. However, there are signs of improvement, with build costs having normalised and now “only moving modestly”, and improving sentiment among buyers both local and interstate that Melbourne is the city of opportunity.

Samuel attributes the success of Louise to a combination of the project team, design, location and apartment mix, noting strong investor interest driven by high rental yields and comparatively low body corporate fees.

While only about 20 apartments are currently being leased, they are achieving yields of between 5.5 and 6 per cent.

“The maths show investors are receiving neutral or even positive cash flow on a city-fringe residential asset that has grown by around 5 per cent year on year for the past three years&nbsp;based on our pricing strategy on&nbsp;incremental price rises during construction and sales milestones, while much of the broader market has remained relatively flat,” he says.

<img alt="Samuel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79b97c26-6fc6-4887-984a-8de45f0e1e6d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/8-Louise-St-33.jpg?VersionId=Egjy9IyMg5Y9M3X1WTEQU0riRCDAdLVG" />

A handful of apartments remain, with one-beds starting from $595,000, two's from $779,000, and three-beds from $2,445,000. All but one sub penthouses have been sold, and that is priced from just shy of $14 million. It has four bedrooms and five bathrooms across its 600 sqm, and parking for five cars.

Darren Blair from Blair Property Group has handled the sales campaign.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> designed the 89-unit building, on the fringe of St Kilda Road and Albert Park, to respond directly to its heritage-rich context, where historic mansions and retained period buildings continue to shape the streetscape.&nbsp;

The completed building reflects this influence through its brick façade and art-deco detailing, drawing cues from neighbouring heritage structures while delivering a contemporary residential format suited to modern inner-city living.

<img alt="Cera Stribley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6067811-6d0d-4057-b77c-2b5fde0a5602" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/8-Louise-St-36.jpg?VersionId=YfEOR_L10AI4JgGDtD_ZjaxeT0DL4PRe" />

Amenities were conceived as an extension of daily life rather than a checklist of inclusions. Residents now have access to a ground-floor pool illuminated by a central skylight, a fully equipped gym, steam room, private dining room, lounge, and a landscaped outdoor terrace that wraps the communal spaces.&nbsp;

The amenity offering reflects a biophilic design approach, with water and greenery used to soften the building’s urban setting and support wellbeing.

<img alt="Louise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="531e3e37-5e48-4af6-8b9c-49fa91504175" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/8-Louise-St-184.jpg?VersionId=KA.jqRLlSggTvJ.FWLtU47IOwDI9LF61" />

Samuel now shifts its focus to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/hali-dromana-105-111-point-nepean-road-dromana-vic-3936">Hali</a>, its beachside townhouse development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/dromana-vic-3936">Dromana</a>, which has been popular among city dwellers looking for a low-maintenance bolthole on the Mornington Peninsula.

Samuel recently began the construction phase of the&nbsp;73-townhome community, one of the most unique developments the Mornington Peninsula has seen in decades.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112174]

Samuel Property’s Louise reaches completion, nears sell-out on Albert Park’s edge

Ascui & Co.

The latest apartment project by the award-winning developer,&nbsp;Pace Development Group,&nbsp;is set to invigorate a prominent corner site in&nbsp;Blackburn in Melbourne&#39;s east.

Designed in collaboration between Ascui and Co. Architects, interior designer Adele Bates and MDG Landscape Architects, Pace of Blackburn will see four buildings of modern apartments rise from Whitehorse Road, ideally located in close proximity to both transport and surrounding greenery.

There will be street-level retail at the foot of the development, as well as extensive resident amenity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158010]

Priced from $395,000, Urban has had a look at the development in more detail, and highlighted its key features.

1. Location

The corner site fronting Whi​tehorse Road and Railway Road puts residents in the heart of Blackburn, within walking distance to local amenity and extensive transport links connecting to the city.

Pace of Blackburn is just&nbsp;25 minutes to the CBD with frequent trains and buses. The bus routes 271 and 279 run near the development, and Blackburn train station is just a 10-minute walk.

There&#39;s nearby medical services and health and fitness centres. Investors are likely to see a decent uptake from students, with the development located just five kilometres from Deakin University. There are three other universities within an 11 kilometre radius.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158009]

Pace of Blackburn does not only boast its own landscaped gardens and indoor pool but is close to one of Melbourne&rsquo;s largest pockets of greenery, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary.

Local residents can cycle or walk the network of trails that wind through 30-hectares of natural bushland and enjoy the peace that comes from sharing the space with local wildlife.

2. Amenity

Residents at Pace of Blackburn will share a large resort-style pool area, with an 18 metre lap pool and a children&#39;s splash pool set in extensive landscaping.

There will be a&nbsp;concierge service, with cold room storage for the safe keeping of groceries.

Residents can book a meeting space, a private dining room with a full chefs kitchen. There&#39;s also a library with a fireplace.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=144443]

3. Convenience

Residents will have access to multiple retail spaces on ground level.

A prominent supermarket chain will feature as the flagship tenant within the precinct, with other retailers to include cafes, restaurants, beauty boutiques and specialty stores, providing the residents and Blackburn locals with an inner-city style of living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=158006]

4. The Design

The trio of well regarded architects and designers, Ascui and Co. Architects, interior designer Adele Bates and MDG Landscape Architects, have come together to design every feature down to every detail.

The exterior architecture by Ascui &amp; Co. complements the leafy streetscape of Blackburn, with views framed by oversized windows and an external fa&ccedil;ade that features warm earthy tones alongside lush landscaping to complete the scene.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7211 project_image_fid=39984]

5. The Developer

Pace is one of the most respected developers in the business, having delivered over 100&nbsp;projects over the last 19 years.

The team won&nbsp;the Master Builders Victoria award for Excellence in Construction - Highrise Buildings 2020 for their Abbotsford development, Pace of Abbotsford.

It was&nbsp;Pace&#39;s second consecutive win of the award, having won it in 2019 for their Collingwood project Pace of Collingwood, their 100th project.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=7211]

Urban takes a look at five reasons you should consider a home at the new development by Pace Development Group

Ascui & Co.

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