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

City of Parramatta

As development ramps up across Western Sydney, especially in the state’s second CBD, Sydney group, SW Developments are next to join the line in keen developers looking to benefit from the growing pipeline of infrastructure upgrades and projects set for the burgeoning area.&nbsp;

The group has lodged plans for two sites within the City of Parramatta, taking up shop in both Thallon Street and Shirley Street in Carlingford.&nbsp;

Dickson Rothschild prepared the designs for the 12-storey towers, which are similar in design and will deliver a total of 178 apartments upon completion.&nbsp;

Located near the new Carlingford Light Rail Station, the 9-11 Thallon Street site has been designed to cater for the family owner-occupier, contributing to the changing demographics of Carlingford with the addition of a restaurant and retail space across the ground floor.&nbsp;

<img alt="Artist's impression of the Thallon St development " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="313d283b-41a4-472f-96d4-66f0e81188cc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-02%20at%203.02.27%20pm.png?VersionId=vLq05ycaOMtp0ALv2VAtsOcB9fU.Finl" /> 
Artist's impression of the Thallon St development.

43 two-bedroom apartments will be constructed, along with 37 three-bedroom and 11 four-bedroom residences.&nbsp;

Divided via two slots, the tower will be infiltrated with an abundance of natural light and ventilation in the internal corridors, with the elements also modulating the tower’s facade.

The proposed development achieves a built form with good proportions and a balanced composition.&nbsp;

The four-storey podium achieves a human scale within the streetscape with defined bricks in a nod to the existing older building within the streetscape, complemented with an underlying base colour and a lighter frame which reflects the more modern developments in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Taking inspiration from the podium, the tower framing elements extend above the roof parapet, crowning the corners of each tower.&nbsp;

The north-eastern portion of the site is landscaped with both communal areas and private terraces, providing additional vegetation on the built form, which softens the tower and provides a complimentary space to the public open area towards the light rail station.&nbsp;

<img alt="Artist's impression of the Shirley St development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c2b1153-0ce7-451b-977c-5d163ecb3780" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-02%20at%203.03.15%20pm.png?VersionId=LNM2Urs1tKn6zRjBiOrSlfhxaptNOAtx" />Artist's impression of the Shirley St development.

The communal open space for the development is located on level one, featuring a pool, barbecue facilities, a gym, spa and a common room. Communal open space will also be provided on the rooftop, embellished in lush landscaping.&nbsp;

Thallon Street benefits from being nearby to a number of goods, services, amenities and public transport options, with a broad concentration of retail and dining businesses, as well as community facilities including parks, recreation centres and schools in the surrounding areas.&nbsp;

The Shirley Street development will take place across a 3,141 sqm site, delivering 87 apartments, with a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom floorplans atop a 76-place childcare centre and basement carparking.&nbsp;

It said the new proposal would result in better communal open space, a unit mix weighted more on larger apartments.&nbsp;

Conceived as a slender tower, two one-bedroom apartments will feature, along with 41 two-bedroom, 43 three-bedroom and one four-bedroom.&nbsp;

Open space will be provided to the south of the site, along with a communal rooftop space, complete with lush landscaping, shaded seating and barbecue facilities.&nbsp;

<img alt="Artist's impression of the Shirley St development" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e6c27e6-9bb2-4e9d-ab0d-da1b975531c4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-11-02%20at%203.03.27%20pm.png?VersionId=fOx_tPswgdq4h3gRhJGvzUfoZdDydkRS" />Artist's impression of the Shirley St development.

“The proposed building as amended provides for a high-quality development … on a strategic site in very close proximity of the new light rail station and within proximity of significant buildings within the core of the Carlingford Precinct,” the development application said.&nbsp;

“This building will set a good standard for urban consolidation and design.”

“The proposal achieves a reasonable transition from the denser development around the light rail to the lower density areas within the precinct to the north.”

“The form of the building has been crafted to take into consideration site constraints and has arisen out of urban design analysis taking into account the site context.”

Located near the new Carlingford Light Rail Station, the 9-11 Thallon Street site has been designed to cater for the family owner-occupier, contributing to the changing demographics of Carlingford with the addition of a restaurant and retail space across the ground floor. 

alisonwarters@gmail.com

SW Developments lodge plans for two apartment towers in Sydney’s West 

The leading Western Sydney apartment developer, ALAND, has seen a sharp pick up in investor sales in the last quarter.

At their Parramatta tower, Paramount on Parkes, ALAND&nbsp;saw a 54 per cent uplift in purchases by investors over the last quarter, with&nbsp;ALAND's Chief Executive&nbsp;George Tadrosse saying that&nbsp;demand for quality affordable apartments in Sydney is outstripping supply, which is good news for savvy investors and homebuyers seeking solid future growth.

"There will be very little stock coming onto the unit market over the next 24 months and that is largely due to increased government red tape and increased demand from several buyer types," Tadrosse said, suggesting that those who wait might find themselves out of options.

“Demand for units is high as rising interest rates encourage domestic buyers to shift their focus to the apartment market.

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"But now that international borders have opened up, apartment purchasers will also have to face competition from foreign residents who may be looking to rent or buy in Sydney,” Tadrosse said, adding that the two-fold demand was especially good news for investors.

Located at 14-20 Parkes Street Harris Street, Paramount on Parkes offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments across a 39-level building, along with a resort-inspired pool with a 300 sqm terrace and barbecue area, lush landscaping, and residents’-only children’s play areas.

Construction is well underway on the project and completion is slated for late 2023.

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The supply shortage is only set to be exacerbated by the recent announcement to raise the home loan deposit scheme threshold to $900,000 this coming July allowing more first home buyers and first-time investors to enter the market while they can.

While this month’s interest rate rise has given both owner-occupiers and investors pause for thought, Sydney’s unit market remains strong and is shaping up as a popular space for homebuyers, investors and renters alike

“For owner-occupiers, a rate rise can feel more onerous but for investors, it is far less concerning as the interest component of an investor loan is largely tax deductible. We may see a lift in asking rents as interest rates increase, as landlords look to offset any additional expense,” said Tadrosse.

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“The good news for owner-occupiers is that lending policies have accounted for an inevitable rate rise to help future proof the serviceability of loans,” he added.

New data from CoreLogic supports the strength of the apartment market, indicating rents are now outpacing those of houses. In its latest Quarterly Rental Review, CoreLogic showed national unit rents have bucked the trend seen since May 2019 and actually rose at a faster pace than national house rents over the first three months of 2022, recording a quarterly growth of 3 per cent while houses only increased by 2.4 per cent.

Similar to the national results, unit rents in the combined capitals also outperformed house rents over the first quarter, increasing 3.1 per cent compared to 2.2 per cent. According to the CoreLogic report, the median Sydney unit rent by the end of March was $546 a week, an 8.3 per cent change over 12 months.

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Compared to the previous quarter, gross rental yields for units also rose across Sydney, up 2.3 per cent during the quarter to 3.1 per cent.

Bianca Anton, General Manager of ALAND, said switched on investors are realising the true value of bricks and mortar as a long-term strategy and see units as the more affordable path to that financial freedom.

“Buyers are becoming more educated about the pending gap in their wealth creation so are looking for ways to ride the apartment price wave as far as possible. And with only a limited amount of new apartments available in Sydney right now, it really is a race of ‘first in, best dressed’ especially for those seeking to secure quality property,” she said.

Developer ALAND reveals investor sales soar as demand drives up rental yield

ALAND see apartment investors pour back into to Sydney's west

Parramatta is set to see a solid pipeline of new housing following the sign off of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal.

The long-awaited changes to the planning rules for the area will offer&nbsp;the potential to create much needed housing supply and quality jobs for Sydney&rsquo;s second city.

Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest has welcomed the finalisation of the Parramatta CBD Planning Proposal said the new amendments provide capacity for approximately 11,900 new dwellings in the CBD.

&quot;This decision is welcome as it will provide more opportunities to boost housing supply in this LGA and assist the City of Parramatta to reach its five-year housing target of 23,660 new homes by 2026,&rdquo; Forrest said.

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However, the final changes to the Local Environmental Plan contain decisions that&nbsp;reduce the proposed development area and remove critical incentives for development of office space.

Urban Taskforce notes that Parramatta North and the Phillip Street Block have been excluded from the process with decisions postponed due to concerns over their heritage and public amenity values.

During the finalisation of the Planning Proposal, Council excluded sites previously endorsed in the Parramatta CBD Planning Investigation Area, inevitably &lsquo;kicking the can down the road&rsquo; to be progressed at a later stage.

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This has happened again in the Parramatta North and Phillip Street Block and is a missed opportunity to utilise the full potential of the CBD area, according to Forrest.

The other last-minute DPE change to the plan includes restrictions to the floor space ratio (FSR) from those originally proposed by Parramatta Council.

&ldquo;Parramatta Council proposed an exemption from any FSR controls for office development (greater than 1,800 sqm) in the Commercial Core and the Mixed Use zone. This was proposed to allow for maximum flexibility and as an incentive to future investors.

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&ldquo;The Urban Taskforce has repeatedly called for flexibility in the planning controls which will enable the market to create developments that are best suited to the area and best respond to the demand for office spaces, retail, and homes. Council had proposed precisely this and DPE re-imposed unwelcome controls which will limit commercial development and opportunities for quality new jobs,&rdquo; Forrest said.

&ldquo;Parramatta Council&rsquo;s worthy intention was to enable A-Grade office towers to be built with modern designs. The competitive and creative designs of today&rsquo;s modern office towers ensure great look, functional space and build form which is best suited to the demand of the market today and in the future,&rdquo; he added.

Notwithstanding the reduced size of the development area and the FSR restrictions, the finalisation of the CBD Planning Proposal will finally give some certainty to investors.

The amended Parramatta Local Environmental Plan commences on 14 October 2022 but is expected to guide the economic development of the CBD for the foreseeable future.

&ldquo;It is great to see the NSW Government, led by Planning Minister Roberts, tackling housing supply and this is a positive step,&rdquo; Forrest concluded.

The long-awaited changes to the planning rules for the area will offer the potential to create much needed housing supply and quality jobs for Sydney’s second city



Parramatta could see 12,000 new dwellings as CBD Planning Proposal gets greenlight

Meriton has secured a record $5.96million sale in an off-the-plan apartment amalgamation in its 180 George Parramatta project.

The buyer has purchased four apartments in the complex being developed by billionaire Harry Triguboff&rsquo;s Meriton Apartments.

It is due for completion in early 2023.

Meriton national sales director James Sialepis told News Ltd the buyer secured a combined 460 sqm floor space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71714]

&ldquo;To break the record for the highest priced apartment sold in the entire western Sydney is a phenomenal result,&rdquo; he said.

The buyer will be able to customize their layout within the 67 storey glass tower.

There were 522 apartments approved prior to amalgamations in 180 George.

One of the nearby popular off the plan projects in Parramatta is&nbsp;Imperial&nbsp;by Merhis as was the completed The Galleria project at 9 Hassall Street by Nucorp.

Meriton has negotiated a record off-the-plan amalgamated apartment price in its 180 George Parramatta complex

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Meriton secure 180 George Parramatta record apartment sale

Sydney&#39;s second CBD&nbsp;is set for a new modern mixed-use precinct on the foreshore of the Parramatta River.

Plans have been lodged by&nbsp;Hamptons Property Services&nbsp;for 273 apartments across three 14-level towers at 10-12 River Road West. There will also be&nbsp;commercial and retail space on the ground floor.

PTI Architecture has designed the facade with the concept of &quot;waves on the river&quot;, with facade materials including glass, powder coated aluminium, pre-finished&nbsp;brick, and formed concrete.

&quot;The use of the various bronze aluminium trim thicknesses on the curved balcony edges produce a gradient effect that is intended to mimic the sunlight reflecting off the ripples on the Parramatta River,&quot; PTI Architecture&#39;s design statement, signed off by head architect Peter Israel, read.

There&#39;s a vertical slot in the balconies which provide a physical and visual break in the mass, giving the facade an appearance of smaller vertical blocks.

<img alt="" height="841" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/10-12_river_rd_west_parramatta_3.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The mixed-use development on the banks of the Parramatta River. Source: PTI Architecture

There will be 60 one-bedroom apartments, 184 two-bedroom apartments and 29 three bedders.

The site is subject to a Voluntary Planning Agreement which involves dedication of a portion of the foreshore land to Parramatta City Council. The remaining site area would be 6,289 sqm, with 1,992 sqm of the foreshore&nbsp;dedicated to Council.

<img alt="" height="838" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/10-12_river_rd_west_parramatta_5.jpg" width="1200" /> 
Nearly 2000 sqm of the foreshore will be dedicated to Council. Source: PTI Architecture

There&#39;s integrated seating with landscaped planter boxes over the basement car parking at the ground floor level to increase soft landscaping areas as an addition to the Public Domain.

TGS Landscape Architects have also designed landscaped planter boxes on the communal roof top spaces&nbsp;of each building to improve amenity for residents.

The 8,281 sqm combined site comprises 10 and 12 River Road West. Number 10 is&nbsp;currently occupied by various single storey shed used for industrial purposes, while number 12&nbsp;is currently vacant with an existing concrete basement structure as the remnants of a vehicular wrecking yard that previously occupied the site.

PTI Architecture has designed the facade with the concept of "waves on the river".

New mixed-use precinct set for the Parramatta River

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With the Parramatta CBD set to undergo a major transformation over the next five years, the area is seeing unprecedented levels of private investment in property.

“Outlying suburbs such as Parramatta and Liverpool are developing into regional cities, and with improved infrastructure in the works, there is likelihood we will see significant population growth in these areas further from the CBD”, property expert Michael Yardney said.

But why invest? The Parramatta area is ideally located in a growth area, home to a broad range of industries and only a 30-minute train ride from the CBD.

According to Smart Property Investment, the area’s gross rental yield for units sits at 3.8 per cent, almost double the rental yield for houses in the area, which sits at 1.96 per cent.

The suburb will soon service residents with a new light rail between the CBD and Western Sydney airport.

Urban takes a look at five apartments within the council area, starting from $405,000.

1. The Retreat, Lidcombe 
Address: 11 Carter Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141 
One-bedroom apartments from $568,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25940]

Offering families a practical sense of home in the rapidly evolving lifestyle hub of Sydney Olympic Park, the 22-storey Retreat development delivers timeless design and functional layouts.

Delivered by Meriton, the curvaceous glass towers form powerful landmarks on the suburb’s skyline.

Among the resort-style, master-planned community’s multiple leisure facilities include an aquatic centre, tennis centre and adventure parks.

Close-by Parramatta CBD and a 20-minute train from the Sydney CBD, Aura provides enviable employment opportunities to its residents.

2. 180 George, Parramatta NSW 2150 
Address: 180 George Street, Parramatta NSW 
One-bedroom apartments from $502,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

Another Meriton development, 180 George brings together beautifully curated residences with rich lifestyle amenity across two slender towers.

The 767-apartment development is designed by architect Woods Bagot and features communal open space, a sundrenched podium terrace and a barbeque area.

Rooftop podium gardens, encompassing a 1,200sqm area, a childcare centre and a major national supermarket chain are also included in the site.

The towers are estimated to reach completion in December 2021.

3. Riva, Parramatta 
Address: 30 Charles Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 
One-bedroom apartments from $405,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25842]

Situated on a premium riverfront location, Riva offers residents spectacular water views and plenty of natural light.

Riva forms part of the future 180 George mixed-use precinct and offers 146 studios, dual-key and oversized residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations.

The development features high-quality LED lighting, frameless glass showers, contemporary marble-inspired feature walls and spacious floorplans.

4. Moseley, Carlingford 
Address: 17-21 Moseley Street, Carlingford NSW 2118 
One-bedroom apartments from $550,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25486]

Close-by Epping Station, the affordable Moseley project delivers 41 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that match the needs of families, downsizers and young professionals.

Developed by H&amp;T Group, the project boasts contemporary design, modern silhouettes, a gym, communal entertaining areas and an electric charging dock.

Each apartment features timber floorboards, reconstituted stone benchtops and Miele kitchen appliances.

It is located in close proximity to some of the best secondary schools in the country, such as James Ruse Agricultural College, Tara and The King's School.

5. The Galleria, Parramatta 
Address: 23-29 Hassall Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 
One-bedroom apartments from $589,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9190]

Nucorp’s Parramatta project, The Galleria, delivers 140 one and two-bedroom residences in Sydney’s second-largest CBD.

Designed by Architex, the Galleria puts you front-row and centre for the exceptional growth, gentrification and cultural change that Parramatta is currently experiencing.

Residents can enjoy a private podium garden or the Church Street dining scene, while onsite commercial spaces at ground level provide a variety of retail offerings.

All apartments come with basement security parking, secure storage spaces, quality SMEG appliances and designer bathrooms.
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With the Parramatta CBD set to undergo a major transformation over the next five years, the area is seeing unprecedented levels of private investment in property

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Five new apartments in Parramatta from $405,000

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The past fortnight has seen three major development applications within City of Parramatta's boundaries receive the go ahead.

Hundreds of new hotel suites and residential apartments stand to be added to both Parramatta's core and emerging apartment enclave Wentworth Point. The trio of developments also stand to add near on $400 million in construction activity to the municipality.

Earlier this week Parramatta's 89 George Street received final approval. Starwood Hotels have committed to the 27 storey tower, with Four Points By Sheraton Parramatta expected to take residence by April 2020.

JZL Properties and Sandstone Capital have backed the project which went to planning late last year, with the intention of providing 271 new hotel rooms within a purpose built tower. Architecture firm Group GSA handled the tower's design, incorporating ancillary uses such as 722 square metres of function space, bar, restaurant, gym and pool.

Parramatta's strong uptake of hotel accommodation continues to generate new hotel activity with recent mooted projects including a 33 storey redevelopment of the Roxy Hotel and additional Meriton Suites slated for Parramatta's riverfront.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image43_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Four Points By Sheraton Parramatta. Image: Starwood Hotels"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image43_15.jpg?itok=5HW_XSDS" title="Four Points By Sheraton Parramatta. Image: Starwood Hotels" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Four Points By Sheraton Parramatta. Image: Starwood Hotels</figcaption></figure>Second most recent to gain approval is Block B 6-8 Baywater Drive which is the latest substantial apartment development for the Wentworth Point Urban Activation Precinct.

Expected are 275 apartments within a Tier Architects-designed u-shaped apartment block with a central communal garden and courtyard. The approved project sits between the first stage of Nascorp Properties' Harbour Village apartment development and the mouth of the Parramatta River.

Harbour Village's initial release includes approximately 400 apartments, with the freshly approved Block B shaping as the next major release.

Spanning 9 storeys at its highest point, Block B 6-8 Baywater Drive includes 85 single, 151 double and 39 triple bedroom apartments within the build which is valued at just under $75 million. Block B 6-8 Baywater Drive adds to the thousands of new apartments planned or in delivery within Wentworth Point.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image40_12.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="6-8 Baywater Drive Wentworth Point. Planning image: Tier Architects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="389" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_12.jpg?itok=1d5IdMP6" title="6-8 Baywater Drive Wentworth Point. Planning image: Tier Architects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>6-8 Baywater Drive Wentworth Point. Planning image: Tier Architects</figcaption></figure>Rounding out the trio is Coronation Property 's statement tower at 8 Phillip Street in Parramatta's CBD. The Woods Bagot-designed tower is a mix of apartment and hotel uses, and is expected to stand 200 metres above the Parramatta streetscape.

Final approval was granted at the turn of July for the development which carries an estimated delivery cost of $238.7 million. The 55-storey tower includes 314 apartments, approximately 250 hotel rooms, function/conference facilities and 9 levels of basement parking.

QT Hotels &amp; Resorts have signed on for the tower's hotel aspect, taking approximately 15 levels. Additional project drawcards include a level 18 pool and green space, two restaurants including a Sake by Rockpool Dining Group and a rooftop bar.

Although final approval arrived within the past fortnight, 8 Phillip Street's apartments have been marketed for some time. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image44_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="8 Phillip Street's open air pool. Image: Coronation"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image44_6.jpg?itok=nmWENvhJ" title="8 Phillip Street's open air pool. Image: Coronation" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>8 Phillip Street's open air pool. Image: Coronation</figcaption></figure>
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