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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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

Geelong Quarter

The decision to buy the site of Geelong Quarter at 44 Ryrie Street back in 2017 was flagged as crazy by many, with Franze Developments Founder, Paul Franze, labelled “mad” even.&nbsp;

Now with 111 out of 124 apartments sold, including all 15 luxury residences, in the group’s twin-tower Geelong Quarter project, Franze has silenced the critics.&nbsp;

"If I remember back in 2017 when we were first offered the site. We had no idea at the time it would lead to us building the 1st Hotel in the city for some 20 plus years and the biggest private and largest mixed-use development in Geelong. Yet we had vision and we saw how Geelong was growing fast," Franze said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The group also secured British hotel giant IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts and its Holiday Inn brand as the operator for the project’s 180-room hotel, the first new accommodation offering in the city for over 20 years.&nbsp;

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It’s been a long five years, with a pandemic in between, with the 15-level project topping out last month.&nbsp;

On the site of a former bus depot, the $200 million project has paved the way for developers, realising the potential of the state’s second city, which is only set to continue to develop.&nbsp;

As one of the biggest private sector developments in the bayside city, Geelong Quarter has launched a renaissance in the area, with the momentum of buyers looking to live outside the CBD only growing.

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Geelong’s proximity to some of the best surf beaches in the world, not to mention being home to a resurgent Geelong Cats team, have all added further gloss to the booming regional centre, Franze said.

“More than five million visitors come to Geelong annually, 45 per cent of which are overnight stays. The strong owner-occupier market, combined with the population boom, means there’s demand to cater for visitors to the city, as well as residents and workers. The Geelong Quarter has been designed with this in mind, to cultivate significant activity that will add incredible value to the city." he said.

Both the apartments and the hotel will further embed Geelong’s rising status, with the population expected to increase by 124,000 between now and 2041, along with being a popular tourist destination.&nbsp;

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On the residential side, plans by the City of Greater Geelong to quadruple the Geelong CBD residential population to more than 10,000 by 2030 is expected to drive demand for around 2500 apartments, while its liveability status has only been enhanced by the work-from-home trend.

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said Central Geelong’s population is growing faster than the broader municipality.

“Geelong Quarter will not only attract new residents, but also lift the standard of accommodation for visitors keen to explore the city,” he said.&nbsp;

“This development is a great indication of the level of activity and investment the area is experiencing, as more people learn why Central Geelong is an attractive place to live, work and socialise.”

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Further tipping the scales in the move to Geelong comes with the Port of Geelong, which will soon be the sailing point for the Spirit of Tasmania, as well as the $140 million redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Centre, which is situated across the road from Geelong Quarter.&nbsp;

The Franze vision was to create a new gateway site at the south-western end of Ryrie Street, but also create a new link between the CBD, the cultural precinct and the bay.

"I suppose in life nothing comes easy and this development is a true reflection of this, we initially set out on developing a hotel, office and mixed use development, then Covid hit and we quickly realised that trying to development and spec 9000 sqm office building with no tenants was going to be a monumental task, so we &nbsp;altered our direction and subsequent permit to what you see here today, the largest mixed use development in Geelong,” Franze said.

Residents of the apartments in Geelong Quarter can expect to move in before the year’s out, while the hotel is expected to open its doors by late January.&nbsp;

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The final collection of residences in Geelong Quarter are currently selling, with only 13 remaining in Ryrie Home.

Ryr​ie Home features a collection of 109 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that benefit from a Rooftop Residents terrace with BBQ and northern bay views.&nbsp;

Residents will also benefit from room service, housekeeping, a swimming pool, business centre, flexible meeting, and function spaces, all atop the newly built hotel.&nbsp;

RPM Sales Director, Nic Cuni, said he had been fielding a flurry of enquiries post the final siren.&nbsp;

"There's been a number of calls from people who had been flirting with the idea of buying an apartment at Ryrie Home. With only 13 apartments remaining and all larger owner-occupier north facing, I'm expecting the footy hype will flow over into solid deals."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5559]

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Geelong Quarter's Ryrie Home nears sell-out as completion approaches

Investors have been flocking to Ryrie Home, Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; latest mixed-use development that forms part of the new Geelong Quarter.

Located at 44 Ryrie Street, Ryrie Home sits in the heart of the regional city&rsquo;s art precinct, pitching its proximity to Melbourne and cheaper housing prices as a drawcard for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

The project was listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021 thanks to Geelong&rsquo;s low vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent and the 10 per cent per annum growth in apartments over the last three years.

And the transport improvements in Geelong, including the $100 million fast rail and the&nbsp;$6.7 billion Westgate Tunnel which will shave 20 minutes off any commute, has investors keen on securing a property in the growing area.

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Population growth is always a key driver for increased demand in the residential market, especially in regional areas.

With Geelong&rsquo;s population growth forecast at 3.14 per cent per annum, the demand for housing tends to&nbsp;yield consistent returns.

Geelong supports over 100,000 jobs, with Greater Geelong&#39;s output of economic development pegged at over $31 billion.

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The previously industrial city on the western edge of Port Phillip Bay is changing into one driven by services, as a range of major businesses shift head offices to Geelong.

Among these include Qantas, KFC, WorkSafe, Jetstar and the NDIA federal government agency administering the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

There&#39;s further development of new buildings, including the $174 million Geelong Convention Centre on the waterfront which will have 1000 seats and an exhibition centre.

There will be a new $91 million HQ for the Geelong council with 10,000 sqm of office space. Nearly $175 of increased tourism expenditure will come from the Spirit of Tasmania, which will relocate to the Geelong Port by 2029.

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Property investors are also being drawn to the region with the Bellarine Village Shopping centre selling for $38 million, and investment giant Brookfield looking to sell their 50 per cent stake in Geelong Port, which some investors say has a $1.8 billion value.

Ryrie Home is a short walk from the train station, shopping, dining, and the foreshore, as well as educational offerings, including Deakin University, which has over 60,000 students.

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The ground floor of the development will be activated with a curated selection of retail stores for buyers&rsquo; convenience.

The new development is a contemporary residential space in a well-connected village.

Designed by Architectus, the project boasts an authoritative and restrained grid fa&ccedil;ade, pedestrian laneways, commercial retail, and F&amp;B spaces, as well as hotel and residential lobbies.

Each residence has been cleverly planned to deliver great amenity, comfort and abundant storage, including a dedicated laundry room.

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Investors have been flocking to Ryrie Home, Franzé Developments’ latest mixed-use development that forms part of the new Geelong Quarter

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Why Ryrie Home, Geelong apartments have been a hit with investors

Over half the residences in the 14-storey Ryrie Home tower, the first stage of Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; Geelong Quarter project, have been sold.

Presales in this stage were &ldquo;north of&rdquo; $30 million and apartments in that building sold on average for $9,000 per square metre, MaxCap&rsquo;s state director for Victoria, Johnny Woodhouse, told the AFR last month.

Non-bank lender MaxCap Group is providing the development with a $97 million first-mortgage facility for the construction of the two-tower residential and hotel complex.

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Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home is set to deliver 109 apartments in the heart of Geelong&rsquo;s arts precinct.

Designed by Architectus, the distinctive building of glass and sleek, contemporary lines exudes a bold character.

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The material choices are a nod to the strength that defines Geelong&rsquo;s character, said principal architect Oliver Mayger.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design&rdquo;, he said.
</blockquote>

The interiors have been thoughtfully designed to ensure efficient, flowing spaces, and feature open-plan living space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an abundance of natural light.

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According to the developers, project completion is on track for late 2022 with privately-owned Maxcon Constructions leading the construction.

Construction is well underway with the tower crane up and the structure now seen coming out of the ground.

<img alt="" height="667" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-08-13_at_9.43.46_am.png" title="construction image" width="988" />

Ryrie Home is a connected vertical village, featuring a communal rooftop lounge with barbeque and dining facilities overlooking Corio Bay and Geelong CBD.

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Over half the residences in the 14-storey Ryrie Home tower, the first stage of Franzé Developments’ Geelong Quarter project, have been sold

Over 50% of Ryrie Home, Geelong apartments sold as structure comes out of the ground

If you&#39;re looking for an affordably priced home, without compromising on quality or style, Geelong Quarter&#39;s latest addition,&nbsp;Ryrie Home, is a truly unique find.

With exceptional design by&nbsp;Architectus&nbsp;and delivered by the innovative team at&nbsp;Franz&eacute; Developments, these apartments won&#39;t be on the market long.

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Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home puts the focus on what really matters, and joy in the simplest pleasures.

We recently spoke with Franz&eacute; Developments&rsquo; director Paul Franz&eacute; to discuss the project&rsquo;s high-quality apartments.

MK: What are the highlights of Ryrie Home and what is attracting buyers to the project?&nbsp;

PF: There&#39;s a number of features that have been attracting buyers to Ryrie Home and helping it stand out in the marketplace.

Firstly, the central location in the arts precinct of Geelong CBD has&nbsp;even very appealing, as has the Residents Rooftop and&nbsp;private dining room with views over the&nbsp;city and bay.

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The interior design of the apartments by&nbsp;Architectus, 2.85m high ceilings and the high-quality&nbsp;finishes and fixtures have also been a big drawcard.

MK: What was the design brief for Architectus?&nbsp;

PF: To create high quality, liveable apartments that will stand the test of time.&nbsp;

MK: Where have buyers come from, and who is the development appealing to?&nbsp;

PF: A lot of our buyers have come locally from Geelong. Ryrie Home is appealing to&nbsp;first home buyers and young&nbsp;professionals as well as investors, some of whom are planning to downsize into their apartment at a later date.&nbsp;

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MK: What else does the Geelong Quarter community offer residents?&nbsp;

PF: The Ryrie Home residents have access to a Residents Rooftop with BBQ&rsquo;s, generous gardens and lots of seating, and of course the Northern bay views.

There is also an internal dining room that can be booked by the residents to host larger dinners or parties. On the ground plane, there is an abundance of retail offerings which will include restaurants, cafes, wine bars and a&nbsp;Gelateria.&nbsp;

MK: Why did you choose Geelong? Does this area offer strong investment opportunities?&nbsp;

PF: Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia and it&#39;s truly a city on the rise. It&rsquo;s the perfect place to invest.&nbsp;

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MK: Where is the current buyer enquiry coming from?&nbsp;

PF: The majority of our enquiry is from local buyers in Geelong and the surrounding region. We have also had a spike of enquiry lately from Melbourne residents looking for a sea change.

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Offering a collection of one, two and three-bedroom residences, Ryrie Home puts the focus on what really matters, and joy in the simplest pleasures

Everything a buyer needs to know about Ryrie Home at Geelong: Five minutes with Franzé Developments

Ryrie Home, the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie Home.

Ryrie&nbsp;Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

We recently spoke with the&nbsp;principal architect Oliver Mayger at&nbsp;Architectus to discuss the luxury development.

MK: How many residential projects have Architectus done in Victoria?

OM: Nationally we have completed approximately 25.&nbsp;The residential sector in Victoria is relatively new, with focused growth over the past six years.&nbsp;

In Victoria, we have completed three, currently have three&nbsp;under construction, and 18 in the&nbsp;design&nbsp;stage.

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MK: What spoke to you about Ryrie Home in particular?

OM: Primarily the opportunity to propose a higher density living typology outside of the City of Melbourne, and to create a new mixed-use precinct, and public realm, which keyed into and capitalised on Geelong&rsquo;s Cultural Precinct.

MK: What was the brief from Franz&eacute; Developments for the mixed-use development?

OM: A contemporary Architectural response, providing diverse living typology&rsquo;s from one to four-bedroom apartments and a new hotel, all capitalising on the stunning views across Corio Bay and the Botanical Gardens

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MK: Where did you take your inspiration from?&nbsp;

OM: Geelong is a city with a rich heritage of prominent buildings that mark the corner of intersections and are recognisable meeting points. These buildings define the structure of the central city grid and are typically characterised with increased height, a chamfered corner to the building mass and a canopy at street level.

The repurposing of this site is another example of Geelong&rsquo;s transition from a primarily agricultural and manufacturing base to a centre for services and innovation. The site&rsquo;s vision is to embrace and support this new direction whilst celebrating what Geelong was built on.

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The material choices and fa&ccedil;ade articulation are a nod to the strength and robustness that define Geelong&rsquo;s character and its legacy of craftsmanship and quality.

Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design. &nbsp;

Automotive production underpinned Geelong&rsquo;s economy for almost 90 years, with the first Model T rolling out of an improvised wool storage warehouse in 1925. That history has left a legacy of metal manufacturing and craftsmanship that is reflected in the upper levels of the proposal.

MK: How important is the choice of materials in a project such as this?

OM: Critical, our work is always aspiring to be contextual and of its place.&nbsp; The study of materials and textures and neighbourhood scale within the precinct and the city of Geelong informed a material palette and strategy for addressing all components of the building.

An authoritative and restrained grid is articulated on every fa&ccedil;ade in various but consistent compositional forms. This element assists in referencing the central Geelong building street wall presence.&nbsp;

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The formal motive and materiality of the street wall creates a composition that is considerate of a human experience of its scale. The hand-laid brick element also binds the different programs together and creates a notion of material consistency in the proposed building.

MK: Which part of the project are you most looking forward to seeing when completed?

OM: We have created a new public connection through our site from Ryrie Street to Cuzens Place, driving our built form response and allowing us to activate these resulting laneways and edges with commercial retail and F&amp;B spaces aswell as the hotel and residential lobbies. &nbsp;

This new lane connects visually with the existing connections through to Johnstone Park and reinforces the pedestrian connectivity through to the foreshore.&nbsp;

We are keen to see these spaces activated and hope they enable additional pedestrian connections from our site to the south through to Fenwick Place and Little Ryrie Street

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"Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design"

The design details: Architectus discuss the design principles of Ryrie Home at Geelong

Ryrie Home is the most recent mixed-use project delivered by Victorian developer Franz&eacute; Developments.

Having officially broken ground in April, the tower is on its way to become Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88241]

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

Urban chats with a local first home buyer, who has recently secured their first property at the luxury project, which was listed as Urban&#39;s most popular investor project for Q1 2021.

MK: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

FBH: The government grants on offer as well as the price certainty of buying off the plan. I&rsquo;ve wasted too much time researching and inspecting established properties and then being blown out of the water at auction!

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88245]

MK: Which apartment configuration did you opt for, and what led you to narrow down your decision to the apartment you have purchased?

FHB: I opted for a one-bedroom apartment with the easterly aspect! It enjoys views over the city and towards the bay aswell as the morning sun.

MK: Were you already looking for property when you discovered Ryrie Home?

FHB: Yes, I have been looking around the Geelong area for the best part of a year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88244]

MK: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

FBH: I wanted a property in a convenient location with a good clean layout and high-quality design.

MK: What do you love most about what Ryrie Home has to offer residents?

FHB: The Residents Rooftop area and the ground level retail amenity. It&rsquo;s going to be a great place to host a BBQ on a warm summers night.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

MK: What was it like negotiating with the sales agent and the team at Franz&eacute; Developments?

FBH: The sales agents were great to deal with. Very knowledgeable and helpful. It was actually a fun experience learning more about the project and selecting the perfect apartment for me!

MK: Is this your first property purchase? How did you find the due diligence research and purchase process?

FBH: Yes, it was my first purchase. The sales agents at the display suite gave us lots of information and we found the internet a great source of information too.

Lots of helpful websites to help refine our search which ultimately led to our decision to buy at Ryrie Home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88248]

MK: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

FBH: Do your homework and find an agent that genuinely wants to help you make the right decision.

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First home buyers at Ryrie Home purchased an off-the-plan property after wasting too much time inspecting established homes only to be “blown out of the water at auction”


Why I purchased: Local first home buyers secure an apartment at Geelong's Ryrie Home development

Victorian developer Franz&eacute; Developments has officially broken ground at their Geelong Quarter development, set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development, which broke ground on Wednesday, will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower, Ryrie Home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

Designed by Architectus, Ryrie Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

Geelong is the fastest growing regional city in Australia, driven by employment opportunities, education, infrastructure and its coastal lifestyle.

&ldquo;Life is simpler in Geelong&rdquo;, the project marketing reads. &ldquo;You can take your time, and have everything you need for the way you want to live.&rdquo;

All homes at Ryrie Home feature a private balcony where you can enjoy the panoramic bay views and alfresco dining year-round.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="5529" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-39bfcf2a4e4c879d068aec6f67c34916_0.jpg" width="5026" /></a>

The project features exposed concrete ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, merging a minimalist aesthetic with a sense of modern luxury in the bayside location.

The median sale price for apartments in Geelong has grown significantly, on average 10 per cent per annum over three years, suggesting strong capital growth returns for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

Boasting the perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity, the development is located within walking distance to a selection of eateries and is situated nearby the Geelong train station.

<a href="/buildings/ryrie-home-geelong-44-ryrie-street-geelong"><img alt="" height="4784" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/geelong-quarter-44-ryrie-street-geelong-7a2d09ff003d91982e5f40427c457856.jpg" width="8210" /></a>

Ryrie Home offers a unique opportunity to enter a developing market, with an entry price at just $375,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.

The project is expected to be completed in 2022.

The Victorian developer has officially broken ground at their Geelong Quarter development on Wednesday, set to deliver Geelong’s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years

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