As Melbourne eyes a net-zero future by 2035, developer Milieu is getting well ahead of the curve. Its new Malvern and Brunswick developments are fossil fuel–free, achieving an average 7-star and 7.5-star NatHERS rating through inclusions like solar photovoltaic systems, high levels of insulation, and passive design that encourages cross-flow ventilation.

Milieu’s largest project to date puts sustainability at the forefront and provides an opportunity to trial new initiatives—particularly in landscaping—thanks to the project’s scale and its unrepeatable, near-1.2-hectare block neighbouring the 140-year-old, heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288419]

Milieu’s nature-first masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, will transform the former ABC Studios on Gordon Street into a new neighbourhood of low-rise buildings interspersed with walking trails, extensive landscaping, and pocket gardens by landscape architect Oculus. Over 40 per cent of the site will be dedicated to green space, with mature tree retention and a resident-access-only gate connecting directly to the Rippon Lea Estate’s gardens.

Like their Malvern and Brunswick projects, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> will be entirely fossil fuel–free, with no connection to the natural gas network. All appliances and services will be electric, enabling residents to operate on 100 per cent renewable energy. Solar photovoltaic systems are powering common building services and reducing both environmental impact and energy bills.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288420]

Water efficiency is another key feature. Rainwater harvesting tanks will irrigate the landscape, reducing reliance on freshwater and easing pressure on Melbourne’s stormwater system. High WELS-rated tapware and fixtures will further minimise water waste.

A multi-waste stream system will promote recycling and efficient waste separation for recyclables, general waste, and green waste. Car parking areas will include infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, supporting the transition to sustainable transport.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> has so far launched two of the residential buildings: Ripponlea Terrace and Gordon Place, with design by Woods Bagot and K.P.D.O. Ripponlea Terrace features a facade covered in cascading greenery that connects seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Interiors are defined by natural stone, timber finishes, and soft colour accents. Gordon Place is one of the neighbourhood’s most sustainable buildings, incorporating high-performance insulation, double-glazed windows, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288414]

Beyond environmental performance, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> is also designed to support wellbeing and community. A wellness hub—including yoga and Pilates studios, saunas, and mineral pools—sits alongside pet care amenities, shared lounges, and workshop areas. Technological features such as smart locks, secure parcel lockers, and number plate recognition for car park access round out Milieu’s vision for modern, connected living.

Milieu Founder and Managing Director Michael McCormack says <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“The layers of thought and design within this project, alongside the historical and cultural importance of the site, renders this our most significant undertaking to date," McCormack says.

“This site represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly special. Our first step was to engage the local community, to get a sense of what they expected. Through that process, we arrived at a design that centres on a fully realised natural landscape – a series of private, interconnected gardens that encircle the homes and extend seamlessly from Rippon Lea Estate.”

Milieu recently appointed Brady Constructions to handle the build. The development will be delivered in stages, with the first residents expected to move in by early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Joel Robinson

Milieu champions sustainability at Elsternwick Gardens

Developments plans continue to pour in in the Sydney CBD.

While there's been skyscrapers sought and approved across the city in recent months, the latest plans are more boutique.&nbsp;

SLD Development has filed for a $30 million mixed-use building on a near-800 sqm site at 768-772 George Street, on the corner of Rawson Place, in Haymarket.

The adaptive reuse plans will see the heritage-listed GIO Building, built in the 1930s, redeveloped and incorporated into the new structure. It was designed in the "Inter-War Chicagoesque style", and has been subject to extensive internal alterations over time.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dickson-rothschild">Dickson Rothschild</a>&nbsp;has designed the new building, which will rise as high at 14 storeys. There will be an 83-room hotel across the first seven levels, behind the retained heritage facade, and a rooftop bar for hotel guest.

Above the hotel will be an additional six-storey structure, with 30 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="heritage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d46f11c-9746-4ffd-bc75-f1b9ad8a8348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%201.22.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=u2H9P0Pmg1kI.xZukLK15BkEoYPxQ3jz" />

The ground floor would be activated by two food and drink premises, supported by shared building services including a loading dock, plant, waste facilities, and end-of-trip amenities located in the basement.

According to the Urban Design Report, the design strategy centres on reinstating the heritage building’s prominence at this corner location, improving the public interface along George and Barlow Streets, and introducing finer-grained ground-level activation.&nbsp;

The new upper form is set back to respect the existing street wall, while providing a scale transition to taller nearby developments envisaged under the Central Precinct Renewal and Haymarket–Chinatown Public Domain plans.

The George and Barlow Street elevations, identified as the most significant heritage elements, would be retained, while less-significant facades to Parker Lane and the northern boundary would be adapted to suit the new program.

SLD Development was founded in 2015 and has developments in Killara, Kogarah, Sutherland, and Castle Hill.&nbsp;

They noted on their website that the Haymarket development is "set to redefine luxury living in the heart of Sydney."

"This prestigious project will feature an exquisite blend of a luxury hotel and premium residential apartments, offering unparalleled comfort and sophistication. Ideally located on George Street, this development enjoys high pedestrian exposure and provides seamless access to the best of the city."

The latest plans joins several major announcements in the last few months. Lendlease has sought to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/lendlease-buys-approved-liverpool-st-hyde-park-development-site-on-sydney-cbd-fringe">develop around 200 apartments on Hyde Park</a>, while Charter Hall has been given approval to develop <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/city-of-sydney-backs-charter-hall-s-925m-hyde-park-tower">its Hyde Park tower</a>.

First look: Apartment and hotel plans proposed for Haymarket’s heritage-listed GIO Building

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has kicked off construction at its new Edmondson Park masterplan, Chapter Place, a mixed0use residential and retail precinct that will bring up to 1,900 new homes to Sydney's thriving south west.

The ground was broken for the first 43, three-level terraces in the development, which will be completed within 12 months.

It is the first of Chapter Place’s five sites to be developed across 51,634 sqm. Located just 800 metres from Edmondson Park Station, an estimated 4,700 residents will call the $1.5 billion development home by mid-2030. &nbsp;

Urban CEO Patrick Elias said the precinct marked a new chapter in high-quality residential development for the region.&nbsp;

“This is the first step in creating an innovative, sustainable and welcoming community, offering a mix of well-connected homes that bring smart, practical living to Sydney’s South West,” Elias said. &nbsp;

“Chapter Place will support community growth and connection, contributing to the urgently &nbsp;needed local housing supply with beautifully designed, high amenity housing and shared &nbsp;open spaces.&nbsp;

“Importantly, the development will also include 272 designated affordable homes for essential workers.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Chapter Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef159ec6-4ee0-4e3e-a34b-3c71ce11eb0f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/250627%20-%20UPG%20Chapter%20Place%20-%20Kitchen%20SB-MB%20Side%20Final-min.jpg?VersionId=fwbw1IzDKXmSXwQQ7IbNB9INx2WUmT6E" />

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun welcomed the new development in the booming South West.&nbsp;

“Chapter Place is a wonderful new addition for Edmondson Park – an area that’s attracting &nbsp;residents drawn to its open green spaces, public transport, schools and thriving job market &nbsp;due to the construction of Western Sydney Airport and nearby Bradfield City," Mannoun said.

“This project will create another 5,200 new jobs over the next five years, which is another &nbsp;terrific boost for southwest Sydney residents.”&nbsp;

The site was acquired in 2021 from Landcom, the New South Wales Government's land and &nbsp;property development organisation.&nbsp;

<img alt="Chapter Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dc7da9a-b5a7-492a-a432-8bc0144393e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/250610%20-%20UPG%20Chapter%20Place%20-%20Rooftop%20Final-min.jpg?VersionId=InxydncyNnuezA6ccAnHeM.a.aZ0TU7B" />

Chapter Place showcases a range of innovative sustainability initiatives. In collaboration with Austral Bricks, Urban has created a custom brick produced just 22 kilometres from the site and incorporating 21 per cent recycled content. Carbon-neutral bricks will be used &nbsp;throughout the construction of Chapter Place apartments, reflecting a strong commitment to &nbsp;environmentally responsible design.&nbsp;

Other sustainability features include energy-efficient, fully electric appliances with maximum &nbsp;Energy Star ratings and solar battery storage to meet household operational energy needs. &nbsp;

Chapter Place follows Urban’s delivery of The Halston at North Strathfield, the first residential project to be completed under the NSW Government’s new affordable housing policy, which opened in June this year.&nbsp;

John Brogden, Chair of Urban’s Advisory Board, said the property marked another milestone in development for the Sydney market.&nbsp;

“This family-owned and run business is delivering a range of innovative and diverse housing &nbsp;choices that respond to changing needs and market demographics, especially in areas of &nbsp;high growth like Western Sydney.&nbsp;

“Chapter Place is another example of high-quality development that creates not just homes &nbsp;but thriving local communities.”&nbsp;

The first stage of 43 terrace homes, designed by Cox Architecture, is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. Construction on the second stage - comprising 63 terrace homes also designed by Cox - is set to commence in October, with completion expected by April 2027.&nbsp;

Urban CEO Patrick Elias said the precinct marked a new chapter in high-quality residential  development for the region

Urban Property Group reveals first stage of Chapter Place, 1,900 new homes in Edmondson Park

The delivery of one of Sydney’s most significant urban renewal projects has taken a major step forward, with Metrics Credit Partners (Metrics) and leading developer Deicorp announcing a joint venture on the $1.8 billion Kings Bay Village development in Five Dock.

The State Significant Development, known as Kings Bay Village, will transform underutilised land into a vibrant new mixed-use precinct comprising 1,185 new homes — including 218 affordable dwellings for essential workers — along with 6,500 sqm of public open space, and 14,700 sqm of retail and commercial offerings.

Early works are due to commence in September following settlement of the three-hectare site at 129-154 Parramatta Road and will take approximately 40 months to complete.

Metrics has now partnered with Deicorp on 12 Sydney-based projects including in Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Petersham and Rockdale.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5481a09-99cb-4198-8a7f-db39b894d962" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%208.12.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=3Me5ebh8sYpLKxRche8wxqVaCQN6o5bf" />

Metrics CEO and Managing Partner Andrew Lockhart said the company is proud to support more housing and infrastructure in a key Sydney corridor.

“Metrics and Deicorp share a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects that align closely with State and Federal Government housing and infrastructure priorities. Kings Bay Village marks our most significant Sydney development to date, offering quality homes, essential infrastructure, and dynamic public spaces.”

Lockhart said the project reflects their ongoing commitment to creating value by supporting economic growth, job creation, and delivering excellent outcomes for their investors.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b27a120a-ea99-461b-8cd1-26ce66a9958f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%208.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ZY4oKse5kPML0hwdSgqeboxGcL4s4fRh" />

Deicorp Chairman Fouad Deiri OAM said the joint venture with Metrics reflected a shared commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed housing and infrastructure outcomes in high-demand locations.

“This partnership brings together two organisations with deep experience and a common vision — to deliver housing where it’s needed most, supported by infrastructure, public space and long-term value for the community.

“We are grateful to have Kings Bay Village endorsed as a State Significant Development and acknowledge the important planning reforms in New South Wales that have made this project possible,” he said.

<img alt="Deicorp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d288620c-f5fc-4ac0-b48e-1477680b5361" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-14%20at%208.12.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=lJ12ju99v8eZ1d3cL1XSZLRWr1P0hen2" />

Positioned just minutes from the future Five Dock Metro Station, Kings Bay Village is the first major urban renewal project supporting the NSW Government and City of Canada Bay Council’s bold vision for the Parramatta Road Corridor and will contribute more than 23 per cent of the Council’s 2029 housing target of 5,000 new homes.

In addition, Deicorp is committing more than $80 million to fund upgrades to local infrastructure, including more than $10 million in public domain works, delivering new pedestrian laneways, an activated streetscape, and a 2,290 sqm landscaped park and civic plaza — designed to become the social heart of the community.

Deicorp Chairman Fouad Deiri OAM said the joint venture with Metrics reflected a shared commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed housing and infrastructure outcomes in high-demand locations

Deicorp teams up with Metrics for $1.88 billion Kings Bay Village, Five Dock masterplan

Prominent Bondi developer RnB Property Group is making its mark in Byron.

The developer, who is currently delivering boutique developments Mangata and Allara in Vaucluse, has filed for a boutique shoptop development on Byron Bay's dress circle Marvell Street.

The near $11 million plans, for an amalgamated site across 5 Marvell Lane and 8 Marvell Street, will see 10 three-bedroom apartments developed across a four-level building, above two ground floor retail spaces and basement parking, accessed from Marvell Lane.

<img alt="Marvell Ln, Byron Bay 2481 NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="621b55e5-5b0a-40c0-984a-47d716814e1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Byron%20bay%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=MJyJqMzfMqom4a.l9EIiIZW8cYP24Mf1" />

The apartments, designed by&nbsp;SRH Architecture, will range in size between 114 sqm and 220 sqm.

SRH’s architectural plans indicate a contemporary façade treatment with varied setbacks to address both Marvell Street and Marvell Lane frontages.&nbsp;

Landscaped common areas are proposed, including 134 sqm of gardens, while deep planting is incorporated to improve the interface with surrounding properties.

BASIX commitments show the project exceeding NSW sustainability targets, achieving a water score of 49 against the target of 40, and an energy score of 61 over the target of 60. All apartments have been designed to achieve compliance with thermal performance standards.

<img alt="Marvell Ln, Byron Bay 2481 NSW" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be1365f4-91b0-4c79-9e30-b91c6867140b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Marvel%20St%20byron%20bay.png?VersionId=PXxTyxp.HkNEQxiIwuUDlbQn2f.UC_l5" />

The development would involve the demolition of a single storey cottage on the site.

RNB Property Group has developed across Sydney's affluent eastern suburbs for decades. They met with the Byron Bay Council prior to the recent submission. They only received one written submission from locals, who requested a redesign of the building to respond more&nbsp;to the local context through form, material palette and native landscaping.

Changes to aspects of the design have been undertaken in response to the feedback.

Eastern Suburbs developer heads north to Byron's Marvell Street

Contract

<html><body>
After we find a development site for our client, one of the most important processes is to negotiate not only the purchase price, but the terms of the purchase.
Terms are the conditions you want to use when purchasing the property - and using terms can help put you in a powerful negotiating position.
As a property developer, one of the first terms we always negotiate is an extended settlement. Property Bloom wants to ‘buy’ as much time as possible to get as much done before our client settles on the land. Once settlement takes place holding costs come into play in the way of interest payments on their loan. 
We will often achieve a twelve week settlement and permission from the vendor to lodge a DA during the settlement period.  So after exchange, we swing into action and order a contour survey, within a few days this is with our builder and they are working on plans and the Development Application (DA) preparation. We can have a DA lodged with council within a few weeks of exchange and then we manage council as best we can to try and have the DA Consent before or as our client is settling on the land.
Another key term is a low deposit, for the very same reason as a long settlement, to minimize holding costs.  Most sales contracts will ask for a ten percent deposit, we have been able to achieve a five thousand or even a one thousand dollar deposit.
 A quick calculation based on purchasing a development site say at $250,000 and paying a ten percent deposit or $25,000 will cost $146 a month in interest over a three month settlement period based on 5.5% interest rate. Yet a $1,000 deposit over the same period and interest rate will cost just $4.58 a month so we can save about $424 over the settlement period – every little bit helps. You can also save on stamp duty if you apply for the NSW Government New Home Grant which offers a $5,000 to offset stamp duty if buying land to build on or a brand new or off the plan property, check it out:  <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/nhg/about">https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/nhg/about</a>
Another term Property Bloom usually throws into the negotiation process is to waive the Cooling Off period. When you buy a residential property in NSW, there is a 5 business-day cooling-off period after you exchange contracts. During this period, you may get out of the contract as long as you give a written notice. A cooling-off period does not apply if you buy a property at auction or exchange contracts on the same day as the auction after it is passed in.
However, you can waive the cooling-off period by giving the vendor a ‘66W certificate’. This is a certificate that meets the requirements of section 66W of the Conveyancing Act 1919. The certificate needs to be signed by your solicitor or conveyancer. It is also possible to reduce or extend the cooling-off period by written agreement with the vendor. 
By the time our client is ready to exchange, we have done all our checks and research and our client has an unconditional loan approval, so there is really is no reason to ‘cool off’ as our client has committed to the project weeks before. To waive the cooling off period adds weight to your offer and gives the vendor piece of mind that there won’t be a last minute change of heart.
We will always make offers subject to pest and building inspections (if there is a house on the land) and to conditional loan approval (which our clients have up to a level even before we make an offer).
Another term we may use is to release the deposit to the vendor once exchange has taken place. We usually save this one as a final tool to leverage the sale depending on the vendor’s situation. We will gauge this from the selling agent.
You can also offer the vendor two or three different purchase prices at the same time - each with different terms.  We may offer a higher price but with a longer settlement period and ask for access to the property during the settlement period to start renovations.  We’ll include a lower offer but with a fast settlement – as long as we are sure that our client does have fast access to finance. This gives the vendor options or choices which empowers them. 
The vendor may not quite be ready to move out of their home so you can offer them a rent free period or reduced market rent to sweeten the deal.
Maybe there is a lot of rubbish lying around the property and if your plan is to renovate or demolish the house, you can tell them that you’ll remove the rubbish at your cost, anything like this that makes their life easier and the sale process quicker will help you so be creative and think about how you can meet the needs of the vendor.
After the offer is accepted then you can also negotiate on the terms in the Contract of Sale. Many of the terms in the sales contract will be standard, which means that they’ve been in use for a long time and are fair to both seller and buyer. Your solicitor will check the clauses of the contract to make sure they do suit you and if not, they will ask for changes to be made.
In order to cut the best deal on your property purchase, be creative with your terms and if you show sympathy to the vendor then this may give you the edge over other buyers.  
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
</body></html>

Contract

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Contract

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.