<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

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The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

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Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

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Joel Robinson

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.

The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

&nbsp;

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In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.

The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.

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Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.

“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.

“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”

&nbsp;

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The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.

Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.

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$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

In a move that aligns with NSW's accelerated planning incentives for affordable housing, developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">One Collection</a> has revised its Hills District apartment plans, and taken it to the NSW Government, to secure approval.

The developer, which is currently delivering Horizon Hurstville, is seeking to add 80 more apartments to its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-castle-hill-16-dawes-avenue-nsw-2154">Castle Hill development</a> near Castle Towers. They already have approval for 280 apartments across eight six-storey buildings.

<img alt="One Collection" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3c298ba-1cc5-4db7-9872-607c75f8ceca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wN9KpFIu5ENSGZLLsaZgXQHrXcwEO3Vd" />

Now on the desks of the NSW Department of Planning is 360 apartments, 48 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.&nbsp;Affordable housing is to be “fully integrated within the building and visually indistinguishable,” according to the planning submission.

The 15,697 sqm block, an amalgamation of 16 sites, spans across Dawes Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Camdan Crescent, sits 550m from Hills Showground Metro Station.&nbsp;

"The existing context is quickly changing from free-standing homes into residential flat buildings in line with the Hills Showground Precinct planning framework," Place Studio noted.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec24948-c185-48fa-af8b-ed25adf302bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zNDX.IeRROX1RlDeYcS38xn8w_dqgU2t" />

They said the design was informed by the site's unique condition of having three street frontages and was developed to to respond sensitively to iots surrounding context.

"The design adopted a conventional perpendicular alignment to the primary street frontage. The massing of the development was carefully modulated to align with the evolving character of the neighbourhood. The design ensured that the scale was not excessive or out of context, but instead contributed to a cohesive urban form consistent with emerging developments in the area."

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f83ffdaa-f960-469d-b6fe-abcece57c9ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4oKlCyfaKes7jLi1_EMoqa46w2h_YvDZ" />

The apartment mix will be 46 one-beds, 168 two-bed apartments, and 146 three-bedroom units, with 631 parking spaces proposed.

Along the street frontages, the building heights are four storeys with a 7.5 metre setback, and eight storeys with an 11.5 metre setback. It should cost about $150 million to build.

One Collection works hand-in-hand with the respected development and construction firm Masscon, which has built a reputation for leveraging its expertise in the built environment to take on developments others can't. That's what they're achieving at Horizon Hurstville, having taken over the project to deliver it.

First look: One Collection advances plans for Castle Hill apartments

At Yarra’s Edge, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>’s newest tower under construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, sets a new benchmark for elevated living. Rising 45 storeys, 12.5 metres from the Yarra River, the landmark building offers residents access to a private wellness retreat and spa, a resident-only golf simulator, and an elegant lounge, dining and bar complete with a self-playing piano, all without ever having to leave home.

Now, that sense of elevation has reached new heights with the Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a limited release of half-floor riverfront residences on the Collins St axis where the sought-after street meets the Yarra River.

Each Aerus Sub-Penthouse, located across levels 42 and 43, represents the most expansive offering within Trielle, aside from the yet-to-be-revealed crowning penthouses. Spanning between 269 and 301 sqm, these residences are designed to capture natural light and uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay.

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Among the collection are three-bedroom sub penthouses, complemented by a media room, and expansive four-bedroom layouts. All include panoramic living areas and oversized master suites with luxury ensuites reminiscent of a five-star hotel, complemented by dedicated dressing rooms finished in timber and natural stone.

The interiors have been crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a>, the developer’s award-winning in-house architecture and design team. Every material has been chosen for quality and longevity, from sculpted stone island benches with feature soft wash LED lighting to bespoke joinery and chevron timber oak flooring.

Kitchens are fitted with a BORA induction cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor, alongside Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge, freezer, and wine fridge. The adjoining butler’s pantry incorporates the exclusive Gaggenau Minimalistic Series including oven, steam oven, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer, all concealed behind handleless glass panels for a clean, integrated presentation. Bathrooms feature custom Apaisar freestanding baths and basins and natural stone benchtops, continuing Mirvac’s design emphasis on tactile, timeless materials.&nbsp;

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Michael Wiener, Design Director at Mirvac, says The Aerus Sub-Penthouse embodies the apex of Mirvac’s design ethos.

“Moving through your home is like walking on air - a private sanctuary where the craftsmanship is refined, the proportions generous, and the flow so effortless, you feel completely at ease in the sky,” Wiener says.

“In Aerus, we wanted to create a sense of weightlessness - a home that feels suspended in the skyline, full of light, grounded in luxury.”

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The Aerus Sub-Penthouses are expected to attract a mix of local and international buyers seeking a long-term residence of scale and quality in a riverfront setting, from returning expats to established families and business owners who value privacy, craftsmanship, and convenience within walking distance of the CBD.

With an unmatched suite of amenities, Trielle is the most extensively appointed development Mirvac has created to date at Yarra’s Edge. Within the tower will be The Oasis, a 900 sqm podium rooftop wellness retreat designed in collaboration with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Located seven storeys above the Yarra River promenade, it features a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, hot magnesium spa, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, cold-pail contrast treatment, and day spa treatment rooms. Further amenities include a piano lounge, bookable dining room, cinema room, golf simulator studio, games room, teppanyaki bar, dog wash bay, and two flexible work hubs, The Biblioteca library and Mills Place office space, catering to residents’ evolving lifestyle needs.

Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with completion anticipated for mid-2027.

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Sky-high sanctuaries: Mirvac unveils The Aerus sub-penthouses at Trielle

Buying off-the-plan

Keen golfers&nbsp;have long had the fantasy&nbsp;of&nbsp;waking up on the weekend and getting right into their first round of golf after just a short stroll or a couple minutes in the car.&nbsp;

That&rsquo;s the dream for many, no fighting traffic to get to the club, no need to set aside hours of travel time, and if you get tired and want to quit mid-way through the round,&nbsp;home is round the corner.

Living so close to a golf course sees many of the advantages of living in a golf course community, like quality school zones and&nbsp;increased community amenities, without the downside of a&nbsp;stray golf ball&nbsp;crashing through the&nbsp;window.

Urban has picked out some of the best new apartment developments&nbsp;currently on the market across Melbourne with premium golf course access.

<h2>Omnia</h2>

Address:&nbsp;4-6 Horscroft Place, Moorabbin VIC 3189

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One of the standouts of this list is Omnia in Moorabbin, which is close to half a dozen golf clubs just 10 minutes away by car.

The closest&nbsp;golf course is the Brighton Public Golf Course, merely 3.4 km away, followed by the&nbsp;Yarra Yarra Golf Club,&nbsp;Cheltenham Golf Club, Kingston Golf Club and the&nbsp;Royal Melbourne Golf Club to name just a few.

Omnia, by Shenfield Property, has already been drawing in Melbourne CBD commuters&nbsp;seeking a more affordable property without compromising CBD&nbsp;proximity.

Located less than 500 metres from the Moorabbin train station, Omnia is close to a&nbsp;wide range of schools, higher education facilities, caf&eacute;s, shopping and numerous parks and reserves are at your doorstep, including RSEA Park &ndash; home of the St Kilda Football Club.

<h2>Riverbend Park House</h2>

Address:&nbsp;631 Victoria Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067

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Riverbank - The&nbsp;Park House resides on the banks of the Yarra River immediately opposite Kew and Studley Parklands, 3kms from the CBD. It is the only development on our list to not only have golf course access just across the river, but is also home to its very own golf simulator, perfect for practicing without all the ball fetching.

If residents are eager to get in a few quick holes, the&nbsp;Studley Park Par 3 Golf Course is right there across the Yarra, even closer than the&nbsp;Yarra Bend Public Golf Course Melbourne which is just 2km away.

Park House is the latest completed development out of Salta Properties, and in similar fashion to Omnia, has seen massive success due to it&#39;s&nbsp;proximity to the CBD while retaining an&nbsp;affordable price point.

The nine level building has been designed by SJB Architects and is finished with interiors by Sue Carr at Carr Design Group

<h2>Port Lane</h2>

Address: 201 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

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Port Lane has been drawing on&nbsp;not just its beachside location minutes from the Sandridge Beach sand but also how close it is to golf courses. Less than 5km away are both the&nbsp;Albert Park Golf Club&nbsp;and&nbsp;West Gate Golf Club.

ID_Land, listed among Urban&rsquo;s list of 10 developers to watch in Victoria this year, are behind the Williamstown Road development.

Award-winning architects Rothelowman&nbsp;worked in lockstep with interior designers Hecker Guthrie and landscape consultants Tract to create a development that is authentic and distinctive, all while priced lower than Port Melbourne&#39;s median.

Spend your weekends exploring the bayside location, venture into the CBD to peruse the shops and catch up with friends for brunch. Walk to Fishermans Bend, Sandridge Beach, South Melbourne Market or meander along the Bay Trail. Whichever direction residents choose, theyre&nbsp;spoilt for choice, with lush parks and gardens for relaxing, trails for exploring and the Royal Botanic gardens to enjoy an afternoon picnic or bike ride.&nbsp;

<h2>Moonee Valley Park - Thomas Street and&nbsp;Feehan Row</h2>

Address: Moonee Valley Racecourse

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Next on the list are a unique pair of developments in Moonee Ponds, Thomas Street and Feehan Row located in the brand new Moonee Valley Park development by Hamton in partnership with Hostplus.

These two developments, the Thomas St apartments and Feehan Row terraces,&nbsp;are the debut buildings in the brand new&nbsp;$2 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan,&nbsp;designed by Rothelowman.

Located on the east side of the development, both are just 3.8km&nbsp;away from the&nbsp;Riverside golf and tennis centre and less than 5km from the&nbsp;Royal Park Golf Course.

Being a part of the Moonee Valley Park has residents living alongside&nbsp;the crowning jewel of the master-plan, the horse-racing club now known as The Valley. With a new grandstand, the Moonee Valley Racing Club aims to be the premier night racing venue and is already home to major races like the Cox Plate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102580 project_image_fid=167438]

<h2>Canvas</h2>

Address:&nbsp;272 Barkly Street, Brunswick VIC 3056

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ID_Land&rsquo;s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with breathtaking vista&#39;s in a convenient location. It is the one of the developments on this list closest to golf with the Royal Park Golf Course just a kilometre away.

Designed&nbsp;by Rothelowman&nbsp;Architects, Canvas puts a focus on residential facilities with&nbsp;is a variety of rooftop communal spaces providing residential amenity and green spaces, with views of Melbourne&rsquo;s city skyline and parks.

It lies in the heart of Brunswick&rsquo;s vibrant community with retail hotspots, diverse eateries and bustling bars that are just a short walk away.

The development an impressive walk score of 97/100, located less than a minute from nearby shops and just three minutes&rsquo; walk to the nearest tram stop.

<h2>Ivanhoe Gardens</h2>

Address:&nbsp;43 Linden Avenue, Ivanhoe VIC 3079

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Residents at Blue Earth Group&#39;s latest apartment development, Ivanhoe Gardens in Melbourne&#39;s north-east, have more than just golf access with&nbsp;over 2,000 sqm of dedicated amenity space.

The development, built across two stages by leading builder Hamilton Marino to designs by CHT Architects, has 13 different entertainment zones.

It is 3.7km away from the&nbsp;Ivanhoe Public Golf Course, as well as the winding Yarra River along which golf courses are dotted along its shores.

For the fair-weather golfer who only hits the greens when the sun is shining, Ivanhoe Gardens is another which offers&nbsp;a virtual golf simulator.

Living so close to a golf course sees many of the advantages of living in a golf course community, like quality school zones and increased community amenities

jordan_55689

Melbourne's newest off-the-plan apartments and their closest golf courses

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A near $7 million sale has been secured by Michael Paproth, of The Agency, in the Gurner South Melbourne project.

A 545 sqm penthouse at 74 Eastern Rd sold over the summer break.

It was 2016 when all top floor spaces were sold off-the-plan in the project near Albert Park Lake with its design by Elenberg Fraser.

The then five buyers saw Gurner secure sales totaling $10.75 million as one buyer bought two penthouses, outlaying $3.5 million to amalgamate the holding.

Another of the penthouses went for $3.9 million and the others were priced around the high-$1 million mark.

Developer Tim Gurner’s brief to designer David Hicks was to design penthouses “akin to a $10 million custom private residence.”

One of the buyers were retired empty-nesters Ross and Jenny Venuto who secured the $3.9 million penthouse.

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Landscaper Jack Merlo was engaged to work at the nine-level building of 71 apartments.
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It was 2016 when all top floor spaces were sold off-the-plan in the project near Albert Park Lake with its design by Elenberg Fraser

jchancellor

$7 million penthouse sale secured in the Gurner South Melbourne

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Owner-occupiers can stand to save up to $73,000 in the Parkhill apartment development in West Melbourne.

The project developer Central Equity are matching the VIC government's $15,000 HomeBuilder grant to save Parkhill buyers $30,000.

That, combined with the potential to save up to $43,000 in stamp duty for owner-occupiers, totals $73,000 of savings. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Investors will benefit from the $24,500 in stamp duty concessions, and Central Equity are offering a rental guarantee for investor purchasers.

One bedroom apartments in the block start from $479,000, or closer to $400,000 for owner-occupiers after the savings boost.

Two bedroom apartments start from $619,000, up to $819,000 when including an extra bathroom and a parking space.

<a href="/buildings/parkhill-apartments-west-melbourne-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/parkhill_melbourne_render_2.jpg" width="1202"></a>

The apartments, many spanning more than 70 sqm, have been designed by Central Equity's inhouse design team. They all have up to 2.7 metre high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with stone benchtops and Miele appliances and bathrooms with German tapware.

The development has a 6.5 star energy rating, with apartments fitted with double glazed windows.

Residents in the building will have access to a seven day concierge, a rooftop gym and a rooftop garden, complete with barbecues and outdoor seating.
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Owner-occupiers can stand to save up to $73,000 in the Parkhill apartment development in West Melbourne.

Buyers could save up to $73,000* on a brand new home at West Melbourne's Parkhill thanks to developer Central Equity matching the government grants

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Around $8 million has been paid for a yet to be constructed Hamilton Hill home.

The home will be built by GRAYA on a 470 sqm block that cost $1.94 million earlier this year.

The 7 Prospect Terrace holding had been held for four decades by the prior owners.

Larc will be a six bedroom, six bathroom home with five car parking, plus its own gym, pool and cellar.

The design is by Joe Adsett Architects.

Matt Lanchashire at Ray White had the off the plan listing in conjunction with Josh &amp; Ruby Property's Josh Brown and Ruby Kiriyama-Brown.

Larc is located next door to Noir (below) that recently sold for just over $9.4 million to an expat as it was finished being built.

Noir was delivered by Zephyr Industries, spanning five storeys with 1,050 sqm of living space.

<img alt="" height="1589" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/noir_hamilton.jpg" width="2000">

The five bedroom, eight bathroom manse holds river and city views from every level.

Situated at 9 Prospect Terrace, Hamilton Hill, Ray White agent Matt Lancashire held the listing which was designed by The Artificial and built by Braydon Larkin.

The property is described in the marketing material as "rivalling prestige homes in the international market," from the eight-car basement to a private master level.

The brand new Hamilton Hill residence features, swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, office &amp; cinema, a recreation level with bar, kitchenette &amp; BBQ, four external balconies and top of the line security measures including facial and fingerprint scanning.

Graya have another two iconic projects in the early stages on Hamilton Hill.

Graya managing director Rob Gray told The Courier Mail that buying a house off-the-plan and being able to customise the design was becoming increasingly popular among wealthy buyers.
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Around $8 million has been paid for a yet to be constructed Hamilton Hill home

Off the plan luxury home sales popular with wealthy Brisbane buyers

Olivia Round

The ultimate off-the-plan guide: 5 property experts share advice for buying a new apartment or townhome

Des and Nobu had been searching for a property for several years before finding their dream home at <a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide">Penny Place</a> in central Adelaide.&nbsp;

With over 200 Urban property listings in South Australia alone, we understand how overwhelming the variety of choice can be when it comes to choosing an off-the-plan apartment. Here's how Des and Nobu narrowed their search and wound up with their brand new apartment.&nbsp;

<figure><a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="348" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-1e1d85fb56ba7cfe85eb073656e9965a.jpg?itok=aqUUEIoS" width="580" /></a></figure>

<h2>WHY PENNY PLACE?</h2>

Penny Place has many selling points, but it was a combination of the prime location, exceptional customer service and architectural reputation of the designer that won Des and Nobu over.

<blockquote>
"The central location, view to the hills and the Woods Bagot design are very appealing to us.&nbsp;

We attended a sales promotion event in the display suite and met CEO Mark Jarman. His response to our concerns about buying an apartment gave us the confidence to go ahead and sign a contract."
</blockquote>

<figure><a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="417" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-ad4ee200756d9cc05eafa8fe10e5ea71.jpg?itok=AiAhJ9HL" width="580" /></a></figure>

Des and Nobu also commented that the livability of the apartment was a major drawcard.

<blockquote>
"We love the symmetry of the two-bedroom, two-bathroom floorplan and that every room has a full floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall view of the city and hills. The seamless flow from the rooms to the balcony will create a more spacious feeling when entertaining, and no step to the balcony gives safer access."
</blockquote>

<figure><a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="264" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-e10be7a7681873af0449f8f060123832.jpg?itok=y87OdqJd" width="580" /></a></figure>

<h2>THE PRE-REQUISITES</h2>

After living in central Tokyo over a decade and enjoying the city vistas, Des and Nobu decided they wanted to move to a home with a view again. Penny Place apartments feature a range of vantage points, including views of the Adelaide hills, the ocean and the city, giving Des and Nobu the outlook they were looking for.&nbsp;

Other features that were on their 'must-have' list included a second bathroom, a Japanese style toilet with a built-in bidet function, no carpet, and, as avid cooks, adequate bench space was essential.&nbsp;

<h2>WHAT WAS IT LIKE BUYING OFF-THE-PLAN?</h2>

When asked about their experience buying off-the-plan from Flagship Property Group, Des and Nobu explained that they were happy with the experience.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"The friendly manner of the selling agents made us comfortable to ask questions, and because we had never purchased off the plan before, we had many!&nbsp;

We were encouraged to visit the display suite as often as we wanted, and the agents and developers enabled us to visit Kodo next door several times to make comparisons and to confirm the east or west facing view was what we wanted.&nbsp;

Finally, the patience displayed by the Development Manager was extraordinary, as we asked him many times to cost the various changes we wanted to make to our apartment."
</blockquote>

<figure><a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="290" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide-4b7a7ffac80a3f756c9dac132b8cd355.jpg?itok=T48IetJn" width="580" /></a></figure>

<h2>THE DUE DILIGENCE TEST</h2>

Des and Nobu explained that they searched the internet to check out Flagship Property's recently completed major developments. These include residential and lifestyle projects in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, as well as significant government and commercial projects across the country, such as Royal Adelaide Hospital. Flagship Property's glowing track record of landmark developments gave Des and Nobu the confidence to buy their new off-the-plan property, knowing that their home will be built to a high standard.&nbsp;

<blockquote>
"We know a couple who bought off the plan into East Park Kent Town, others in Ergo on Norman Street. They all negotiated variations to the plans to create small changes to suit their unique needs and design preferences. They are all very happy with their apartments, felt it was worth the wait for the construction to be completed, and love the inner-city lifestyle."
</blockquote>

<h2>ADVICE FOR BUYERS</h2>

Des and Nobu have a final word of advice for anyone considering buying within the Penny Place development.

<blockquote>
"If you commit early you have a greater choice of apartments and then the chance to make changes to your apartment that cannot be achieved once construction is completed."
</blockquote>

Want to learn more about the Penny Place apartments currently available for sale? Speak to a sales consultant today <a href="/buildings/penny-place-17-penny-place-adelaide">via Urban</a>.

Buyer testimonial: Des & Nobu share why they bought a Penny Place apartment in Adelaide

Purchasing an off-the-plan apartment in Australia is quickly becoming a popular option among property seekers, due to housing demand, affordability and the low maintenance lifestyle offered by apartment living. As one of the largest off-the-plan property platforms in Australia, <a href="/">Urban.com.au</a> has noticed growing confidence among those seeking off-the-plan apartments and townhouses and has helped many buyers secure their dream homes and investment properties.

If you’re looking to make a savvy property purchase in the next 6 to 12 months, now could be the best time to buy off-the-plan for the following reasons:

<h2>Building regulations are stricter today</h2>

Australia has experienced a series of construction failures recently (including faulty cladding and structurally unstable foundations), which has led to a more stringent approach to planning approvals and building practices. As a result of this, the quality of new developments today is likely to be of a higher quality than some of the past.&nbsp;

<a href="/">Urban.com.au</a> provides some great resources for buyers to research off-the-plan properties and prior developments delivered by Developers, Architects and Builders.

<h2>Many buyers may be eligible for stamp duty concessions</h2>

If you’re looking to purchase a new apartment which will be your primary residence for 12 months or more, then you may be eligible for an <a href="/guides/how-to-navigate-australias-first-home-buyer-grants">off-the-plan stamp duty concession</a>. While Stamp Duty concession policies vary state-to-state, the concept generally means that the duty you’re required to pay on the property you’re purchasing is heavily subsidised to account for construction costs.

For example, if you were looking to purchase a $500,000 off-the-plan apartment, but $400,000 of that is to be spent on construction costs, the dutiable value of your home would be $100,000*.

*Stamp Duty = Property price, minus construction cost

<h2>House prices are forecast to increase over the next 12 to 24 months</h2>

One of the differences with purchasing off-the-plan is that the value of the property purchased may change prior to settlement as the broader market conditions change. This can have a negative impact if you buy at the top of the market and then experience a downturn prior to settlement. The inverse of this provides a significant upside for buyers, as you can secure a property while prices are low and see the value appreciation prior to settlement. Currently, Australian property is at the lower end of the market – meaning it might not be an ideal time to sell, but could be a great time to buy.&nbsp;

<h2>Mortgage serviceability has become easier for buyers</h2>

Urban has been <a href="/news/a-borrower-s-market-the-reserve-bank-of-australia-cuts-cash-rate-to-a-record-low">tracking the changes</a> made by the Reserve Bank of Australia to the official cash rate, which is currently at a record low of 0.75%. What this means for property buyers is that home loans can be secured at a lower interest rate, making mortgage serviceability more attainable. Term deposits and savings accounts are likely to accrue less interest due to the cash rate cut, meaning property could be considered a more lucrative investment.&nbsp;

<h2>Finance is easier to acquire due to APRA’s loosened lending constraints</h2>

Earlier this year Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced that it would be reducing the minimum interest rate serviceability buffer, providing home buyers with the option to purchase off-the-plan property with a smaller deposit. This gives home seekers on a lower income a greater opportunity of securing a loan, which consequently makes it easier to enter the property market.

Lead image: The Siding by Deicorp

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