Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

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Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

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Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

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The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

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Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Ewert Leaf

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Melbourne's south-east apartment market is set for a major boost with Melbourne developer Steller launching three projects in two weeks across Carnegie, Bentleigh and Cheltenham. Apartments.com.au is currently tracking Steller's project pipeline valued at over $4.2 billion, which includes its first high-rise foray in South Melbourne, working alongside longtime collaborator architect Ewert Leaf. Already the partnership has yielded hundreds of apartments across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs.

Steller also recently commenced construction on the first stage of its $80 million Continental Hotel redevelopment in Sorrento. The major redevelopment will re-imagine the 143-year-old icon as a luxury accommodation, wellness, recreation, entertainment and dining destination, with the heritage hotel restored as a leading hospitality and events establishment, along with the addition of three new proposed interconnecting buildings, which will include premium hotel rooms and a wellness centre including a day spa and gym.

<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/continental_hotel-sorrento.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Supplied"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="186" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/continental_hotel-sorrento.jpg?itok=TeJIBVrR" title="Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Supplied" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Work has commenced on the $80 million Continental Hotel development in Sorrento. Images: Steller</figcaption></figure>Steller's trio of new apartment developments are all located within maturing apartment markets which are well serviced by public transport and within close proximity of retail strips, schools and supermarkets. Carnegie and Bentleigh in particular have benefited from the Victorian Government's Level Crossing Removal program which included the reconstruction of the respective stations, removing the conflict between rail and vehicle, while easing congestion.

Additionally, the three projects align with Steller's strategy in the south-east of delivering low-rise developments of around 30 apartments which are well designed and offer residents a high level of amenity.

<h2><a href="/buildings/laila-residences-7-11-belsize-avenue-carnegie">Laila - 7-11 Belsize Avenue, Carnegie</a></h2>

<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/am18-21_lailaresidences_domain_living_1920x1080.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/am18-21_lailaresidences_domain_living_1920x1080.jpg?itok=tkYZj0lK" title="Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Laila, Carnegie. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Located within the heart of Carnegie, Laila comprises 35 apartments across four levels, within walking distance of the Koornang Road retail and dining strip, green open space and the recently rebuilt Carnegie Station. The project also capitalises on its proximity to Chadstone Shopping Centre and Monash University’s Caulfield campus, both just just five minutes’ drive away in either direction.

Ewert Leaf's design for the exterior of the building allows it to sit comfortably within the low-rise streetscape. Employing a neutral palette of contrasting shades and highly textured materials, Laila is articulated as a series of buildings rather than one singular mass, with the upper level setback and designed to be visually recessive. The built form has also been designed to maximise privacy while minimising overshadowing to adjoining properties.

Laila's mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each come with one or two bathrooms, and private outdoor spaces which seamlessly connect to the interiors, with large windows providing living areas with ample natural light and ventilation. The interiors feature timber flooring throughout, while kitchens are appointed with sleek black ILVE appliances and shaker style cabinets.

<h2><a href="/buildings/sora-13-15-hamilton-street-bentleigh">SORA - 13-15 Hamilton Street, Bentleigh</a></h2>

<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/steller_sora_bentleigh_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_012.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steller_sora_bentleigh_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_012.jpg?itok=O5VI-U7x" title="Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Sora, Bentleigh. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Ewert Leaf are once again the architects behind SORA, a four-storey low-rise of 27 apartments located 15km from the Melbourne CBD in Bentleigh.  Providing a mix of larger one, two &amp; three bedroom apartments, SORA has been designed to appeal to professionals, couples and families.

Situated within walking distance of Bentleigh Station, SORA also benefits from its proximity to Coles, Target, and the Centre Road retail strip which provides an array of essential services and amenity. A number of green spaces are also located within a short walk.

SORA's exterior is characterised by its tiered form, and combination of timber, brick and textured concrete with planters and vegetation providing green flourishes on the facade. The building is expressed as two forms to respond to the built form along the Hamilton Street and to minimise its impact on the streetscape and surrounding properties.

Internally, SORA comes complete with ILVE kitchen appliances and much like Laila, shaker-style cabinetry and natural timber flooring. In keeping with the desire to provide apartments with natural light and ventilation, large windows have been provided which also allow for a green outlook and seamless transition to the outdoors.

<h2><a href="/buildings/maude-7-11-maude-street-cheltenham">Maude - 7-11 Maude Street, Cheltenham</a></h2>

<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/steller_mc_maude_street_cheltenham_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_01.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/steller_mc_maude_street_cheltenham_digital_assets_domain_premium_project-gallery_photos_1920x1080px_01.jpg?itok=dXB56Mya" title="Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Steller's Maude is set to launch in the next week. Image: Steller</figcaption></figure>Set to launch to market in the next week, this four-storey building comprising 34 apartments has been designed by regular Steller collaborators, Ewert Leaf. Look out for Apartments.com.au's feature on Cheltenham's development pipeline including Maude next week.
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Laurence Dragomir

A Steller showcase in Melbourne's south-east

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Steller's intended development of a low-rise South Melbourne corner site has taken another step closer to fruition with Ewert Leaf producing a new design for 200-204 Wells Street.

What shapes as the first high-rise for both developer and architect is also set to continue the very well established relationship between the duo. The partnership has yielded hundreds of apartments over numerous sites predominantly across Melbourne's South Eastern suburbs.

Steller landed the South Melbourne plot after it was offered for sale via a Lemon Baxter campaign during late 2017. The sale came after approval was granted during June 2017 for an Artisan Architects-designed tower containing 174 apartments.

That scheme included a Gross Floor Area of 21,857 square metres over 20 levels.

<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/image154_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lemon Baxter's sales image for the Wells street site"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image154_1.jpg?itok=3stxkgms" title="Lemon Baxter's sales image for the Wells street site" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lemon Baxter's sales image for the Wells Street site</figcaption></figure>Reflective of a number of pending residential towers surrounding Steller's site, the apartment balance has been reworked to better suit current market conditions. The approved 174 apartments are likely to shrink to 84 according to Ewert Leaf, split between 36 single, 36 double and 12 triple bedroom apartments across its 18 levels.

The nearby <a href="/buildings/the-eighth-south-melbourne-22-kings-place-south-melbourne">8 Palmerston Crescent</a> for Crema Group also spans 18 levels and consists of only two and three bedroom apartments. 

The apparent dramatic reduction in Steller's Wells Street apartment numbers can also be attributed to the inclusion of commercial office space and a marked increase in space associated to amenities. Ewert Leaf note the tower's Net Saleable Area as at 6,907 square metres, equating to an average apartment size of just over 82 square metres across 84 apartments.

200-204 Wells Street finds itself on the eastern border of South Melbourne, and is within walking distance to the under construction Anzac Station. The area is becoming increasingly popular with developers owing to its location and abundance of relatively modern low-rise buildings suitable for redevelopment.

<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/1-3-596x727.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ewert Leaf's first high-rise project in the making"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="707" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1-3-596x727.jpg?itok=CP1gP6dy" title="Ewert Leaf's first high-rise project in the making" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ewert Leaf's first high-rise project in the making</figcaption></figure>Ewert Leaf describes the project as follows:

<blockquote>
The development comprises 84 apartments, 3 levels of office space and 2 levels of shared communal facilities for the residents of the building. These communal facilities include hotel style offerings of pool, day spa, lounges, café, restaurant and private dining options. 

The podium features angled concrete planes, which are glazed or clad with a perforated mesh, creating an undulating form which wraps the corner site and draws your eye around the building.

To emphasise the slenderness of the tower, the form has been broken down into concrete frames which wrap a number of levels, creating a simple and unified form. The concrete is further utilised in a ribbed pattern on the east and west facades.

Perforated mesh screens to the balconies create winter gardens and enable residents to use these spaces all year.
</blockquote>

200-204 Wells Street is Steller's first high-rise pursuit in a catalogue of developments that reaches past 50.

Currently, Apartments.com.au is tracking 30 developments under the Steller umbrella. The Wells Street tower aside, other sizeable pending projects for the developer include <a href="/buildings/13-15-chesterville-road-cheltenham">Chesterville Road</a>, <a href="/buildings/13-15-taylor-street-moorabbin">Taylor Street</a> and Elsternwick's <a href="/buildings/eva-elsternwick-village-apartments-241-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick">Glen Huntly Road</a>.
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silvermb

Steller and Ewert Leaf combine for a reworked South Melbourne apartment tower

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Elsternwick may potentially receive a new tallest building as Steller's latest project hits advertising, revealing a Ewert Leaf-designed mixed-use scheme for 233-247 Glen Huntly Road.

A prompt turnaround of the site is on the cards, with Steller simultaneously revealing that they were the purchaser of the site and lodging the project with City of Glen Eira during July. The 2,340sqm site which also fronts Ripon Grove was secured by the prolific developer for $25 million.

233-247 Glen Huntly Road would usurp the completed <a href="http://www.plusarchitecture.com.au/portfolio/element/">Element</a> development nearby at 221-229 Glen Huntly Road as Elsternwick's tallest contemporary development.

<h2>233-247 Glen Huntly Road application summary</h2>

<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/image10steller.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Rendered perspective from street level. Planning image: Ewert Leaf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image10steller.jpg?itok=YZ3PwXe8" title="Rendered perspective from street level. Planning image: Ewert Leaf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Rendered perspective from street level. Planning image: Ewert Leaf</figcaption></figure><ul>
<li>Currently onsite: Commercial tenancies and a dwelling</li>
	<li>Proposed: 12 level building at 41.4m in height</li>
	<li>117 apartments: 2 x 1BR, 111 x 2BR, 4 x 3BR</li>
	<li>Apartment size range: 64sqm - 143sqm</li>
	<li>2 retail tenancies: 974.8sqm combined</li>
	<li>1 office tenancy: 896.7sqm</li>
	<li>Provision for 172 vehicles &amp; 127 bicycles</li>
	<li>Communal roof terrace</li>
	<li>Anticipated cost of development: $39.45m</li>
</ul>
<h2>A new iteration</h2>

Steller's current aspirations for 233-247 Glen Huntly Road are not necessarily groundbreaking in that VCAT has in the past endorsed a similar-sized scheme for the site.

During 2011 consent was given for a building rising up to 10 levels and containing 141 apartments. That scheme also included the adjoining church on Ripon Grove which was to have been converted into an additional 21 dwellings, although the church which is described as having architectural and social importance by Heritage Council Victoria is not included within the current application.

233-247 Glen Huntly Road falls under an urban renewal zone within the <a href="http://file:///C:/Users/silvermb/Downloads/Draft-Elsternwick-Structure-Plan.pdf%5C">Draft Elsternwick Structure Plan</a>, allowing this and adjoining sites to receive intensified development.

According to the development team, the current scheme has been designed to comply with relevant planning overlays.

<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/image15ghr.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aerial rendered perspective. Planning image: Ewert Leaf"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="384" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15ghr.jpg?itok=qKow4kur" title="Aerial rendered perspective. Planning image: Ewert Leaf" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aerial rendered perspective. Planning image: Ewert Leaf</figcaption></figure><h2>Steller's next wave</h2>

Steller's move on Elsternwick coincides with the news that they are the recent purchaser of St Kilda's former Greyhound Hotel site.

Picking up the vacant block for $7.5 million, Steller may well redesign the approved plans from eight levels into a seven level mixed-use project including 37 apartments and two retail spaces. Addressed 1 Brighton Road, Savills recently handled the marketing campaign for the 911sqm site which included approved plans devised by Terry Harper Architects.

Both Elsternwick and St Kilda reinforce Steller's push into Melbourne's inner south-eastern corridor, following on from the developer's purchase earlier this year of a permitted 20 level tower at 200-204 Wells Street in South Melbourne.

That site holds approval for an Artisan Architects-designed tower of approximately 200 apartments, after being sold via Lemon Baxter earlier this year.

<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/image12_13.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="St Kilda and South Melbourne were both purchased with approved schemes."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="204" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image12_13.jpg?itok=h3d38G58" title="St Kilda and South Melbourne were both purchased with approved schemes." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>St Kilda and South Melbourne were both purchased with approved schemes.</figcaption></figure>
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Steller seeks a new Elsternwick high point

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Fueled by an investor-driven market, the CBD and Southbank ruled the apartment sales market over recent years. That was then, but now the mantle rests with Melbourne's inner eastern suburbs, where developers have jumped upon a recurring project format which gives their project the greatest chance of success.

Low-rise developments with spacious apartments designed for the owner-occupier. Simple really?

Simple or otherwise, the proliferation of low-rise three to five level apartment buildings in suburbs such as Hawthorn, Malvern and Glen Iris demonstrates the strong consumer uptake of projects which shy away from smaller, investor-driven apartment formats. 21 Riversdale Road is the most recent example of the strength of the inner east apartment market.

Agent Marshall White Projects has just revealed they signed off on $12 million in sales during a single day for the luxury residential project in Hawthorn which features 22 oversized apartments. This high mark was achieved one month prior to the project’s public launch and before any sales or marketing material was made available.

The $32 million project is being developed by Moda, whilst Ewert Leaf undertook the design; the practice has made a habit of creating highly successful low-rise apartment schemes in Melbourne's southern and eastern suburbs for some time now.

Director of Marshall White Projects, Leonard Teplin denotes 21 Riversdale Road's features which are apparent across many of the current batch of apartment projects in Melbourne's east - oversized, light-filled apartments with high-quality finishes, designed to attract the owner occupiers and the ability customise floor plans to create larger apartments.

95% of the early purchasers were local downsizers from either Stonnington and Boroondara.

<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/image5mwh21_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="21 Riversdale Road's open plan living space. Image: Marshall White Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="390" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5mwh21_0.jpg?itok=VdclnC0a" title="21 Riversdale Road's open plan living space. Image: Marshall White Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>21 Riversdale Road's open plan living space. Image: Marshall White Projects</figcaption></figure><h2>Commentary by Leonard Teplin</h2>

<blockquote>
The success of a project is dependent on its ability to understand the needs of the market and deliver a product that not only meets, but exceeds those needs.

21 Riversdale Road is a prime example of what happens when developers get it right – when you create a quality project and invest the time and resources early on, the development speaks for itself and you end up spending less on sales and marketing down the track.

Projects located within Melbourne’s wealth belt affords the benefits of connectivity and proximity to lifestyle amenities, while also offering the quiet leafy streets that are favoured by the downsizer market.
</blockquote>

<h2>The format for success</h2>

Assessment of the Apartments.com.au Project Database shows the strength on the low-rise luxury apartment market through the inner eastern suburbs.

Adding locales such as Camberwell, Hawthorn East, Kew, Malvern East and Toorak to the aforementioned suburbs Hawthorn, Malvern and Glen Iris reveals a clear cut penchant for low-rise apartment projects. Across these 8 suburbs, 136 apartment projects are in various stages of development, and of those only 27% have six or more levels.

Restrictive planning controls coupled with the target market's appetite of low-rise luxury living across Stonnington and Boroondara in particular is plain to see.

<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/image34_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A sample of current apartment project in Melbourne's inner east"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="467" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image34_11.jpg?itok=6OutAFXr" title="A sample of current apartment project in Melbourne's inner east" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A sample of current apartment project in Melbourne's inner east</figcaption></figure>
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Melbourne's inner east keeps the apartment light burning bright

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...prolific apartment developer Steller.

Provided you're in the right suburb, chances are when you peer over your back fence you'll be looking at a Steller project under construction.

The Carnegie-based outfit has made a habit of targeting suburban Residential Growth Zones with low-rise apartment projects - and very successfully. Steller has no less than 22 projects currently within the Apartments.com.au Project Database; based on database entries alone they are a veritable quantum leap ahead of the next.

Steller's upswing can be attributed to a number of factors. Primarily, the developer focuses on 3-5 level apartment buildings across Melbourne's southern and eastern suburbs where owner-occupiers are currently all the rage.

Working generally within the 20-40 apartment band per project, two and three bedroom options rule to roost. Single bedroom apartments few and far between.

<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/image27_6.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bentleigh is the epicentre of Steller's project map"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="348" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image27_6.jpg?itok=LrIb8Ru9" title="Bentleigh is the epicentre of Steller's project map" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bentleigh is the epicentre of Steller's project map</figcaption></figure>The slant toward oversized apartments in suburbs which are currently in favour sees Steller log 21 projects within the Apartments.com.au Project Database which are either at Registrations &amp; Sales or Under Construction. Undoubtedly the developer has more up their sleeve as well which have yet to reach the public realm.

The sum of all Steller listings within the Apartments.com.au Project Database amounts at 781 apartments; 36 apartments per project on average, or still well under any of a handful of individual inner city's super towers under construction which carry in excess of 1,000 apartments.

Steller's success has also passed down to their architect of choice, Ewert Leaf. The South Melbourne practice sees a healthy proportion of their database listing attributed to Steller apartment projects.

Steller's increased project exposure flows from the developer's relationship with two key partners, namely APN Property Group and OCP Asia. 

In partnership with APN, the duo have cemented a development partnership which will <a href="http://apngroup.com.au/fund/apn-steller-development-fund/">develop 223 apartments over six medium density projects</a>. Insight is given by APN Property Group as to why their partnership (and by default Steller) is so successful. The manageable size of each project allows for an altogether nimble approach to development. 

<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/image28_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bentleigh's Vickory and Hall Street, Cheltenham"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="240" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image28_4.jpg?itok=4zmu7PcS" title="Bentleigh's Vickory and Hall Street, Cheltenham" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bentleigh's Vickory and Hall Street, Cheltenham</figcaption></figure>Medium density projects with a fast turn around and lessened inherent risk, located in Residential Growth Zones surrounding public transport is the order of the day, and a recipe for success.

The Australian <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/steller-group-gets-asian-equity-boost/news-story/35cdf02c518251a72e6b5dfbdbaa846c">reported mid this year</a> that OCP Asia as Steller's second partner will provide finance to multiple apartment developments in the pipeline; roughly $800 million worth of apartments across ­Melbourne’s south eastern ­suburbs will benefit from the agreement.

With the sheer volume of projects Steller has on the go, one thing's for sure...they will keep the Apartments.com.au Project Database ticking over for some time to come.
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