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

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

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

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

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

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

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

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

Central Equity

Central Equity's $450 million FOCUS offers a completed and ready-to-move-in option for buyers in the heart of Southbank.

The award-winning developer, who primarily create projects in Melbourne's city and surrounds, had Multiplex handle the build for what was the 19th project they'd worked together on in Central Equity's longstanding portfolio.

Central Equity Chairman Eddie Kutner said the duo worked together to ensure the tower transitioned from a building site into people’s homes.&nbsp;

“FOCUS provides residents with luxury, spacious living in a premium Southbank location, with over 1100 sqm of residential amenity,” Kutner said.&nbsp;

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The glazed high-rise tower features an innovative tri-colour window wall system, with pre-fabricated aluminium slab edge covers overhanging from the facade.

The modularised podium façade helps blend Focus seamlessly with the surrounding existing heritage buildings on City Road.

The development has proved a popular choice among locals who want to remain near the city while enjoying a neighbourhood feel.

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The 50-level building, comprising a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, places residents on the doorstep of the arts precinct and its upcoming $1.7 billion revamp, while also being just over two-kilometres from the CBD.

Central Equity had Doig Architecture design FOCUS, with each apartment featuring 2.7m-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.

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Central Equity's Sales Manager Neil Singh said when the designs were drawn up for FOCUS, the team wanted the apartments to feel like true city homes.

"Our designs have elevated 2.7m high ceilings, which makes a big huge difference in apartment living," Singh says.

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“Apartments also include private balconies and many designs include a separate study area. So they’re a fantastic choice for students or city professionals who need a home office.”

FOCUS features extensive resort-style facilities, including a 17-seat luxe theatre, an indoor heated pool, sauna, a gym with strength and cardio zones, and resident dining and lounge areas complete with landscaped terraces, barbecues and outdoor seating.

One, two and three-bedroom apartments can still be purchased in the Southbank tower, with prices starting from&nbsp;$589,000.

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The development has proved a popular choice among locals who want to remain near the city while enjoying a neighbourhood fee

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Buyer Handbook: A buyer's guide to Central Equity's Southbank development, FOCUS

Recently completed projects across Melbourne are dominating buyer enquiry at present. They offer an easy&nbsp;entry to the new apartment space, and they are&nbsp;providing&nbsp;different opportunities for a number of market segments.

The most recent to benefit is prominent CBD and&nbsp;inner city&nbsp;developer&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.urban.com.au/developers/central-equity&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1686718534749000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1U0Ml4YBnpPPPzf7Y6MFIu" href="/developers/central-equity" target="_blank">Central Equity</a>, who are just completing their newest apartment project,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/parkhill-apartments-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1686718534749000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1R-ng_-AVHkl6C52N44Kic" href="/buildings/parkhill-apartments-west-melbourne-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne" target="_blank">Parkhill</a>,&nbsp;and have just started welcoming residents.

The 20-level tower is&nbsp;attracting both first home buyers, who are wanting to move away from renting due to the current&nbsp;tight&nbsp;rental&nbsp;market, as well as investors, who are looking for those high yield apartments which also offer significantly higher depreciation tax benefits&nbsp;compared to&nbsp;older units.

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Central Equity Marketing Manager Jeremy Vile says buyers are likely to pay more for future new apartment projects because of rising construction costs and land values.

"We're offering brand new, two-bedroom apartments in the low $600,000's, which is a price that is going to be hard to replicate given the increased cost of both construction and land values," he says.

There's a mix of one and two bedroom apartments on offer in Parkhill.

He also says having the value add of a completed apartment has seen buyer demand increase in the last few months.

"In this market, people are looking for certainty," he added.

"People want to see the finished apartments and walk through them”

"For the most part, renters are walking through and they're either living or renting something older in the heart of the city. Parkhill gives them the opportunity to upgrade to something brand new, in a location which offers something different to inner-city living."

Vile says the location is one of the key drivers in buyer demand.

"While we're a CBD address, we're at the north end of Spencer Street, next to Flagstaff Gardens, which brings with it a quieter lifestyle than being in the heart of the city.

"It's a bit of an educational pocket. A little north of Parkhill are secondary and government schools, while campuses for RMIT, Melbourne University, and William Angliss, are either within walking distance or a short tram ride away."

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Jeremy Vile says the designs at Parkhill were well considered for the end user from inception.

“Central Equity have embraced the State Governments Better Apartment Guidelines and we've looked at how people want to live”.

"All of our ceiling heights are nearly three metres, and we've matched that with large floor-to-ceiling glass walls to allow as much natural light in as possible and give a spacious feel."

There was even consideration to make the balconies as useable as possible. Every apartment has an expansive balcony, located off the living space, which can fit a table and chairs enabling alfresco dining.

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Central Equity’s experience over 35 years has been a key factor in the delivery of this quality project. Every detail down to the insulated walls and plumbing to keep noise levels at a minimum was considered. Apartments feature high quality fixtures and fittings, including Miele appliances and German tapware.

A big feature of Parkhill is the resident rooftop terrace which has a walking track which weaves around the whole roof. There is also a gym, barbecue facilities, seating, and stunning views toward the Bay, Docklands, and back to the city.&nbsp;

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Central Equity started building Parkhill in late 2021, once they finished Melbourne Grand.&nbsp;

Central Equity are hosting a Preview Event at Parkhill 15th to the 25th of June onsite at 408 Spencer St, where prospective buyers can get the first look of Parkhill, tour fully-furnished display apartments, the rooftop resident facilities, and inspect a limited range of brand new apartments for sale.

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Central Equity  Marketing Manager Jeremy Vile says buyers are likely to pay more for future new apartment projects because of rising construction costs and land values

Buyers move into Central Equity's completed Melbourne CBD-fringe apartment development Parkhill

With riverside dining, local city gardens and a thriving arts precinct, Southbank is a popular choice for Melburnians who want a city home with a neighbourhood feel.

Freshly completed and ready to move in now, FOCUS is Southbank’s newest residential tower.

Rising 50 levels above a premium Southbank location on City Road, it’s the latest project from award-winning developer Central Equity.

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There are a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments on offer in FOCUS, designed with space and family living in mind.

Prices start from $499,000 for the one-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom apartments, which have proven popular with the owner-occupier market, start from $729,000.&nbsp;Family-sized three bedroom apartments start from $969,000.

Central Equity's Sales Manager Neil Singh says when the designs were drawn up for FOCUS, the team wanted the apartments to feel like true city homes.

"Our designs have elevated 2.7m high ceilings, which makes a big huge difference in apartment living," Singh says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=206123]

“Apartments also include private balconies and many designs include a separate study area. So they’re a fantastic choice for students or city professionals who need a home office.”

“We've also got extensive resort-style facilities inside the building, including a 17-seat luxe theatre to an indoor heated pool, sauna, a gym with strength and cardio zones, and resident dining and lounge areas complete with landscaped terraces, barbecues and outdoor seating.”

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Buyers have been sold on the location of FOCUS, which places residents on the doorstep of the arts precinct and its upcoming $1.7 billion revamp.

"Southbank has a leafier feel than the city," Singh says, adding that the suburb still offers all the pros of inner-city living.

"Within minutes, residents can be at the NGV and Arts Centre, or walk less than a kilometre to reach the Queen Victoria Gardens" he adds.

Central Equity is hosting a grand opening event at FOCUS from January 28 to February 12, which will give prospective buyers an insight into what it's like living in this brand new tower.

There will be nine fully-furnished apartments plus resident facilities on display, allowing visitors to get up close and personal to the FOCUS range.

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Complete and ready to move in now, Central Equity’s latest project is open to the public with a Grand Opening from Jan 28 to Feb 12

FOCUS Melbourne: Inside Southbank's newest residential address

As established prices rise, auctions get busier, and demand continues to outstrip supply, off the plan apartment developers are starting to see a new cohort of buyers coming through the door.

It&#39;s the flat and frustrated, tired of missing out at auctions and tired of spending their Saturdays at crowded open homes.

The award-winning developer Central Equity, HIA Victoria&#39;s most awarded apartment developer who has a completed portfolio of over 80 projects, has been fielding higher levels of enquiry than usual from these buyers for FOCUS, their new Southbank apartment development.

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Central Equity Marketing Manager Jeremy Vile&nbsp;puts it down to the fact FOCUS is completing this year.

&quot;There&#39;s prospective buyers out there who are just tired of going to auctions and watching properties blow out well above the price guide being offered,&quot; Vile said.

&quot;Over the years&nbsp;it&#39;s not been a huge segment of the market that off the plan apartment developers have been able to tap in to, given those buyers are looking for something ready to move in, rather than something that is forecast&nbsp;to complete in two or three years.

&quot;But what we&#39;ve seen at FOCUS, which is on track to be completed this year, is that buyers are willing to wait just that little bit longer and take away all the undue stress of buying established property at auction.&quot;

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Vile also notes that FOCUS has found itself in a sweet spot, where there is little competition in the Southbank area that is completing in 2022. Meanwhile the neighbourhood is expecting solid future growth for buyers.

&ldquo;Southbank&rsquo;s arts precinct has a $1.6 billion transformation on the way, with new gardens, public space and art features planned for the city&rsquo;s cultural hub. Plus Southgate has a $470 million redevelopment planned for new restaurants, bars and offices.&rdquo;

FOCUS will be a striking new addition to the city, with a Southbank location that grants residents access to the arts precinct within minutes. Live theatre, music, riverside dining and lush gardens are right at the doorstep.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62317]

Between March 10 and March 20, Central Equity is hosting the FOCUS Open House event, where&nbsp;prospective buyers can take a private tour of recently completed apartments and fully furnished displays.

One, two and three-bedroom designs are on sale now from $499,000, with&nbsp;stamp duty savings up to $43,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3260]

"There's prospective buyers out there who are just tired of going to auctions and watching properties blow out well above the price guide being offered," Central Equity Marketing Manager Jeremy Vile said.




FOCUS, Southbank apartment buyers attracted to "no auction, fixed price" approach

Residents at FOCUS, a vibrant new inner-city community in the heart of Melbourne&rsquo;s celebrated Arts precinct, get access to an extensive array of amenities all within their Southbank building.

Due to complete later this year, the Central Equity-developed FOCUS is set&nbsp;to integrate contemporary apartments with easily accessible facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62349]

Everything from an impressive and secure entry foyer with a furnished visitor waiting area to professional concierge teams on-site 24/7 will be&nbsp;available to residents.

Residents can plan a movie night at the luxe 17-seat theatre, or enjoy the company of the FOCUS community in the landscaped outdoor barbecue and dining area, which is accessed off an open dining and lounge space.

Resident facilities also include a glass-roofed, indoor heated lap pool, state-of-the-art gym, and adjoining sauna.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62344]

The apartments, which are being built by Multiplex, are designed by Doig Architecture and each feature 2.7m-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62343]

The&nbsp;Ci​ty Rd&nbsp;location puts FOCUS residents in the heart of Southbank, with easy access to the iconic arts precinct and new parkland on Southbank Bou​levard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Within 100 metre walk from the front door of FOCUS is an IGA and 7-Eleven. Two streets over toward the river is&nbsp;Sout​h​b​ank Boulevard, lined with a number of restaurants and cafe&#39;s.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3260]

Residents at FOCUS get access to substantial amenities at their Southbank address

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The range of private and local amenities residents get at FOCUS, Southbank apartments

It&rsquo;s been nearly two years of rolling lockdowns, but Melbourne is officially open for business. Not just to residing Melburnians, but to interstate travellers, office workers, and the rest of the world, all factors which contribute to experts&rsquo; belief that inner-city apartment prices are ripe for growth.

Buyers wanting to secure an apartment in the City of Melbourne LGA, which includes the CBD as well as popular surrounding areas of Southbank, Dockl​ands, Carlton and North Melbourne, <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions">can save 50% in stamp duty</a> on new&nbsp;apartments&nbsp;worth up to $1 million.&nbsp;If the property has been on the market for more than 12 months, then stamp duty is waived completely.

But the expectation is prices will have jumped significantly by then. Despite the pitfalls of 2021, from lockdowns, lack of interstate and international travel, and the exodus of office workers from the CBD for the best part of nine months, the median apartment value in the City of Melbourne LGA is still up 7.5 per cent year to date, research from property data firm CoreLogic shows.

Scott Jessop, the sales and marketing director at OSK Property who is currently developing the $2.8 billion mixed-use precinct <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> in <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, said there&rsquo;s been a major uptick in enquiry volumes since Melbourne&rsquo;s lockdown was lifted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=139891]

&ldquo;Since mid-October we&rsquo;re trending up week on week,&rdquo; Jessop says, adding that there&rsquo;s been activity from across the board, from buyers walking in to display suites to those making appointments.

Jessop says he just dealt with a foreign purchaser who is buying for his daughter who is studying in Melbourne. &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t seen one of those transactions in over 18 months&rdquo;, Jessop says, expecting that he will be seeing more as international students return.

&ldquo;The combination of the generous stamp duty concessions, the continued affordability gap between house prices and apartments, and the reactivation of the CBD, will no doubt see growth ahead.

&ldquo;A perfect storm is coming for the Melbourne apartments, it&rsquo;s just a matter of when.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137896]

Jessop says as demand grows, developers are likely to reduce the incentives that they are currently offering buyers. Buyers of apartments at <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> can save up to $120,000 on an apartment with an average sale price of $850,000. The savings include the government stimulus and a range of free incentives such as furniture packages and design stylist consultations.

Dennis Wilson, the managing director of <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> who is currently selling <a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">Focus</a>, the soon to be complete 600-apartment Southbank apartment tower, and the completed <a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">Melbourne Grand</a>, Lonsdale Street apartments, expects the City of Melbourne to bounce back strongly in 2022.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62353]

&ldquo;The federal and state governments are working to open borders and increase business migrant intakes, stimulate the tourism industry, re-invigorate major events and welcome back international students. The City of Melbourne should be a beneficiary of this,&rdquo; Wilson says.

The general consensus is that buyers are coming back from the surrounding suburbs, having spent the last few years outside of the city.

&ldquo;As well as seeing buyers already living in the inner-city, we are seeing interest from people who are looking to move from the suburbs, wanting to be closer to their workplace as offices reopen, shops and all the conveniences that come with inner city living,&rdquo; Wilson added.

&ldquo;For many the inner city is a more affordable option than living in their existing suburbs.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62320]

Elysa Anderson, General Manager of Residential Victoria at <a href="/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>, said the Mirvac team is focused on accelerating their supply of high-quality apartments in Melbourne, as they anticipate a shortage of owner-occupier residences in premium locations in the future.

&ldquo;We anticipate Victoria&rsquo;s population growth and demand for apartments to continue to strengthen in line with the Victorian Government&rsquo;s Roadmap to Recovery and various state budget stimulus packages,&rdquo; Anderson said.

&ldquo;The strength of the established housing market and the opening up of international borders will continue to drive very strong demand for well-designed and quality constructed apartments,&rdquo; Anderson added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=180326]

Mirvac has tweaked the design of Tower 9, in their master-planned Yarra&rsquo;s Edge precinct in the burgeoning Docklands&nbsp;area.

The ASX-listed developer saw a considerably stronger market for their projects in 2021 than in 2020, with <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager</a>, the recently completed eighth tower in Yarra&rsquo;s Edge, seeing a 20 per cent increase in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period the year before.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=167751]

Around 80 per cent of the buyers were owner-occupiers, but Anderson says they are seeing investors slowly creep back in.

&ldquo;Investors have begun to return to the market, primarily focused on master planned communities but demand is also gathering pace in the apartment markets.&quot;

For more information on stamp duty savings in the City of Melbourne,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1637718410495000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WoR6xmIwVttUthAfW2SKq" href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions" target="_blank">read more here</a>.

The suburbs that can save on stamp duty:

<a href="/new-apartments/kensington-vic-3031">Kensington</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North</a><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051"> Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/parkville-vic-3052">Parkville</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/east-melbourne-vic-3002">East Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/south-wharf-vic-3006">South Wharf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic?bedroom-prices2=1000000&amp;any-bedrooms=1&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=5&amp;any-bathrooms=1&amp;bathrooms%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;bathrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=3&amp;any-parking=1&amp;parking%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;parking%5Bvalue2%5D=4">Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a>.

Parts of <a href="/developments/flemington-vic-3031">Flemington</a>, <a href="/developments/carlton-north-vic-3054">Carlton North</a>, <a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> are also eligible&nbsp;for stamp duty concessions.

Buyers wanting to secure a new apartment in the City of Melbourne can save 50% in stamp duty on properties under $1 million.


Why now is the right time to buy a Melbourne inner-city apartment: What the experts say

Owner-occupiers seeking an apartment can now find it more easily than ever, with renowned developer Central Equity offering personalised online tours of their Southbank tower, FOCUS.

Online tours commence September 8th at the FOCUS Sale Event - with access to an exclusive offer to purchase with 5% deposit, no more to pay until settlement.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62315]

There are 15 different apartment layouts which can be selected as part of the tour.

Another bonus for owner-occupiers looking to buy in the building is that they can save up to $51,000 in stamp duty on their brand new apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62317]

Investors haven&#39;t been left in the cold by Central Equity, who are offering a two-year rental guarantee to investors - available during the online Sale Event.

Investors can also save up to $27,000 in stamp duty savings as part of the government initiative.

Prices for one-bedroom apartments&nbsp;start from $499,000. Two-bedroom apartments start from $699,000&nbsp;and three-bedders are priced from $899,000.

FOCUS apartments have been designed with space in mind, with near three metre ceilings in the apartments, which have floor to ceilings windows to let in light and take in views of the city.

Resident amenity at FOCUS will include a luxury 17-seat theatre, a glass-roofed&nbsp;heated&nbsp;indoor swimming pool, and a gym with a sauna. There will be a communal lounge space, complete with a fireplace, kitchen and dining area which opens to an&nbsp;outdoor space with further dining and a barbecue.

Buyers can <a href="https://focusmelb.com.au/event?utm_source=urban&amp;utm_medium=portal&amp;utm_content=story">book a spot for a personalised tour of FOCUS</a>, which includes chatting with consultants, seeing the latest designs, floorplans, views and interiors, <a href="https://focusmelb.com.au/event?utm_source=urban&amp;utm_medium=portal&amp;utm_content=story">here</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3260]

Experience 15 different apartment layouts at Central Equity's Sale Event from September 8

Tour FOCUS, Southbank apartments without leaving your home

Parkhill Apartment’s in West Melbourne has been designed for the long-term, so residents can enjoy it for a lifetime.

Situated at 408 Spencer Street, the development presents a vibrant vertical community of apartments in a compelling CBD fringe location.

“One of [Central Equity’s] guiding principles has been that the development should not only be appropriate for today&nbsp;but relevant for the future”, said Ian Carkeek, the developers’ general manager, product design.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68150]

The spacious homes include long-lasting features, such as the Miele cookware in the kitchen, and tapware with a 15-year warranty.

One and two-bedroom apartments remain in the tower, which boasts luxury amenities, such as a rooftop gym, rooftop garden and seven-day concierge.

Living areas extend to spacious balconies, while windows and sliding doors are double-glazed to keep interiors cool and comfortable.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68117]

“Parkhill apartments offer functional design to help you enjoy every moment in your new home”, the project marketing reads.

According to Carkeek, even the paint is premium nanotechnology paint that is designed to endure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=155585]

The home includes a Euro-laundry with a washing machine and dryer.

“The condenser dryer pumps water away without releasing any moisture into the apartment”, Carkeek said.

Parkhill is located only metres from the tranquil Flagstaff Gardens and other amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68146]

Residents will have convenient access to shopping and dining offerings, universities, Melbourne’s employment hub and excellent public transport services.

Other features include two levels of secure basement parking, on-site video security, secured lift access and plenty of bicycle storage.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=27406]

Situated at 408 Spencer Street, the development presents a vibrant vertical community of apartments in a compelling CBD fringe location

Next-generation apartments at Central Equity’s Parkhill Apartments in West Melbourne 

West Melbourne&rsquo;s newest address combines spacious architecturally designed apartments with convenience and security.

Delivered by the award winning Central Equity, Parkhill Apartments boasts 161 residences in one and two-bedroom configurations.

It has been proving popular with city residents who value&nbsp;affordable prices in a compelling Melbourne CBD fringe location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68117]

On the ground floor, a grand foyer and seven-day concierge await every time you step in or out the front door.

Located only a three&nbsp;minute&nbsp;walk from the tranquil Flagstaff Gardens and other amenities,&nbsp;Parkhill has a walk score of 92 and a perfect transit score of 100, offering&nbsp;residents easy access to the best of Melbourne.

Contributing to the perfect&nbsp;transit score is the&nbsp;proximity to the&nbsp;free trams to RMIT University and Melbourne University, as well as the&nbsp;Airport Skybus Terminal, Southern Cross Train Station and&nbsp;Flagstaff Train Station.

Parkhill is located near the&nbsp;shopping precincts like Emporium and Melbourne Central, as well as the fresh produce on offer at the Queen Vic Market.

<img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melb_cbd_tile.jpg" />

Each apartment delivers high-quality features like Miele appliances and German tapware.

The bright and&nbsp;roomy apartments, with up to 2.7 metre high ceilings, also come equipped with a washer dryer and concealed air-conditioning and heating.

Every home features a tiled balcony with many of the two-bedroom apartments positioned in the corner of the building&nbsp;to capitalise further on a sweeping view.

Homebuyers can secure one-bedroom apartments in the block from just $479,000. Two-bedroom apartments start from $619,000, and up to $819,000 when featuring an extra bathroom and a parking space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406 project_image_fid=68144]

Parkhill&rsquo;s lifestyle offerings include a rooftop gymnasium with views of Melbourne&rsquo;s skyline and a rooftop garden terrace.

Plus it comes with a guarantee of quality&nbsp;from a&nbsp;decorated developer with over 80 completed Melbourne projects.

Central Equity&nbsp;has won the Housing Institute of Australia (HIA) Victoria&rsquo;s &lsquo;Apartment Project of the Year&rsquo; award six times over the last ten years, making them the HIA Victoria&rsquo;s most awarded apartment developer.

Proving popular with city residents who value the location and seek style and design quality, Parkhill in West Melbourne ticks all the boxes at an affordable price

jordan_55689

Walking Tour: What's within walking distance from Parkhill Apartments

The Melbourne developer Central Equity are offering a special event at their recently completed, award-winning apartment development, Melbourne Grand.

Their <a href="https://melbournegrand.com.au/event">Open House tours</a> will take prospective buyers through eight of their completed sky-high&nbsp;apartments in the Lonsdale Street tower which won the Apartment Complex of the Year (over $20m) at HIA Victoria&#39;s 2020 awards.

It will cover one, two and three bedroom apartments, giving buyers a chance to see what the living experience is like inside the tower&nbsp;designed by high-profile architects Guilford Bell + Graham Fisher and built by Multiplex.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=93147]

The event, only running from May 20 to May 30, will also tour the impressive resort-style facilities which cover the whole 10th level.

They include an an indoor pool, gym and yoga studio, residents&#39; lounge,&nbsp;banquet room and coffee bar, as well as&nbsp;a 17-seat luxury theatre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=139999]

Central Equity have also invited a guest mortgage broker to answer any buyer questions.

Apartments start from just $489,000 for a one bed apartment.

The tour will conclude just a month before the Victorian Government pull the plug on the stamp duty concessions, which are set to expire June 30.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490 project_image_fid=92416]

Investors and owner-occupiers can save up to $26,000 on stamp duty if they secure an apartment before the deadline.

The apartments, which feature&nbsp;a 7.2 star average energy rating, span up to 120 sqm and feature high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with motorised blinds.

<a href="https://melbournegrand.com.au/event">Enquire to book your spot</a>&nbsp;at Melbourne Grand&rsquo;s Open House event.

The event, only running from May 20 to May 30, will also tour the impressive resort-style facilities which cover the whole 10th level.

Central Equity

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