Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Hope Island

The prominent Hope Island developer, Aniko Group, has laid out further residential apartment plans for the ever-growing island precinct.

Aniko, led by George&nbsp;Mastrocostas, has sought approval for a further 185 apartments on the&nbsp;9,279 sqm site at 10-12 Sickle Avenue that was acquired earlier this year.

The two-building development will adjoin their Athena Residences apartment development at 6-8 Sickle, which recently secured approval from the Gold Coast City Council.

Aniko has had their go-to architecture firm, the local Archidiom, created plans for the two mid-rise buildings, focused around a central recreation area feature a pool, gym, theatre, residents lounge and outdoor seating and lawns.

Tower A will have 98 apartments, a mix of 86 two-bedroom units and 16 three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;Tower B will home 87 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="" height="529" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/10_sickle_avenue_hope_island_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The proposed apartments at 10 Sickle Avenue. Image credit: Archidiom

Town planner&nbsp;Zone Planning Group said the&nbsp;proposal is expected to act as a catalyst for the establishment of further higher density development within Hope Island and will assist in ensuring that a portion of the planned density lost to the nearby lower density developments is achieved.

At the time of purchase, Mastrocostas said the site would be suited to a high-density apartment precinct, comparing it&nbsp;to their nearby $140 million 1 Grant Avenue project, which is all sold out.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re delighted to have put a foothold on another premium waterfront site in Hope Island and we are looking forward to adding a spectacular project to support the demand for apartment living in the area,&rdquo;&nbsp;Mastrocostas said.

&ldquo;The site is very large and offers unfettered access to the Hope Island Canal and The Broadwater and we believe it would be suited to a luxury apartment project to complement what we have already created at Hope Island.&quot;

The development is Aniko&#39;s fifth on Hope Island.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=109922]

The two-building development will adjoin their Athena Residences, which recently secured approval from the Gold Coast City Council.



Aniko push on with further Hope Island apartment development

Aniko Group has been changing the face&nbsp;of Hope Island over the last few years.

And the developer, led by boss George Mastrocostas, are continuing their development of the Gold Coast island, with sign off from the council for a $52 million gated townhouse project at 31-35 Grant Avenue.

The development, dubbed No.35 Grant Avenue, will see 48 townhouses developed, as well as 10 waterfront duplex villas,&nbsp;designed to reflect upmarket city-inspired living. The project will centre around an expansive park precinct with walkways and gardens.

Aniko is also preparing to submit an application for marina berths which will be available for sale.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s incredibly rewarding to play a key role in Hope Island&rsquo;s luxury revitalisation, and with the approval for No. 35 Grant under our belt, we can now look towards the next chapter in the precinct&rsquo;s evolution,&rdquo; Mastrocostas said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95316 project_image_fid=184675]

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a responsibility we don&rsquo;t take lightly, and we&rsquo;re particularly excited to be bringing a landmark touch of modern luxury to this waterside pocket with a design unlike anything the area has seen before.&rdquo;

The focus for Aniko, in the post-covid world, was to offer a large floorplate. Each townhouse has three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room, designed to be transformed in to home offices.

&ldquo;It was important for our residences to be reflective of modern lifestyle trends, so the space to set up a fully functional home office was something that immediately stood out to us,&rdquo;&nbsp;Mastrocostas added.

No. 35 Grant Residences will feature a range of state-of-the-art amenities, including a swimming&nbsp;pool with sunbeds and outdoor showers, a communal herb garden, barbeque facilities and a fire pit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95316 project_image_fid=184674]

&ldquo;If there&rsquo;s one commonality that we&rsquo;ve witnessed across our latest string of sales, it&rsquo;s that there&rsquo;s no end in sight to the demand for sophisticated waterfront living in Hope Island,&rdquo;&nbsp;Mastrocostas said.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re eager to get this product to market and to fill the void that is being noticed by so many savvy local buyers who have a strong awareness of Hope Island&rsquo;s value and appeal.&rdquo;

The townhouses will be the latest of four major projects in the pipeline for Hope Island by Aniko Group, which has been progressively transforming the Hope Island landscape over the past two years.

Just around the corner, Aniko&rsquo;s Athena residences recently notched up 60 per cent sold just three weeks after its official launch. Their $140 million development, No.1 Grant Avenue, sold out earlier this year. That&#39;s&nbsp;due to reach completion on its stage two&nbsp;construction next month.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95316]

Aniko is also preparing to submit an application for marina berths which will be available for sale

Aniko Group get green light for Hope Island townhouse development, No.35 Grant Avenue

The developer Aniko Group has continued to see huge success on Hope Island on the Gold Coast.

Since launching Athena Residences three weeks ago, Aniko has secured over 60 per cent, some $55 million, of sales at the $125 million Sickle Avenue&nbsp;development, with local owner-occupiers making up most of the purchasers.

Investors are continuing to creep back in to the market. They made up a third of sales.

The quick sales come following their sell-out of its&nbsp;$140 million development, No. 1 Grant Avenue, located across the road.

&ldquo;We are humbled and encouraged by this continued demand and support for our luxury waterfront apartment living in Hope Island, Aniko Group founder&nbsp;George Mastrocostas said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=174335]

&quot;We are fortunate to be able to meet the market&rsquo;s expectations once again with an exceptional collection of high-end homes at Athena Residences.

&ldquo;Our sales program has steadily continued its pace from 1 Grant Avenue to Athena Residences unabated, which serves to confirm our deep-rooted belief in Hope Island as the leading residential precinct for luxury waterfront downsizer living,&quot;&nbsp;Mastrocostas added. 
 
Set on the opposite site to its No. 1 Grant Avenue, Athena Residences will have16 one-bedroom apartments, 153 two-bedroom apartments and an exclusive release of 16 luxury three-bedroom Skyhomes, which will range in size from 170 sqm to 260 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=169966]

Aniko are seeking to&nbsp;get private marina berths approved from the council for residents.

Mastrocostas said the key drivers for the downsizer trend has been&nbsp;the opening of the Hope Island Marketplace shopping precinct, as well as the pending Coomera Connector, which&nbsp;Mastrocostas says he has no doubt&nbsp; have really made Hope Island a sought-after, central location in which to live.

&ldquo;Notwithstanding we have tapped into a growing cohort of downsizers by creating a luxury, affordable waterfront apartment living that previously was lacking in the Hope Island precinct.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=174337]

Aniko are&nbsp;working on plans for another Hope Island development of waterfront townhouses on a recently acquired site nearby on Grant Avenue.

Peter Malady, Sales and Marketing Director at Aniko Group, said it&#39;s incredible to see the strength of the local market which has just been superseded by interstate interest in recent months.

&ldquo;Local downsizers and first home buyers have a strong appreciation of Hope Island&rsquo;s value and aren&rsquo;t going to sit idly by when a premium waterfront product such as this hits the market.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Athena Residences is a unique product in that it provides an adaptive layout typically unseen in apartment floorplans, allocating additional space to allow for the choice of working from home, plus the resort style facilities and the abundance of open space and greenery which covers a massive 60% of the site,&nbsp;Malady said.

The first release of Athena Residences encompasses 122 units &ndash; including two-bedroom and study and three-bedroom Skyhomes &ndash; ranging in price from $479,000&nbsp;to $1.5 million.

The quick sales come following their sell-out of its $140 million development, No. 1 Grant Avenue, located across the road

Aniko Group secure 60% of sales in newest Hope Island apartment development, Athena Residences

Hope Island, despite not being named after hope but instead&nbsp;colonial aristocrat Captain Louis Hope, remains one of Queensland&#39;s&nbsp;premier living and holiday destinations.

Hope Island is attracting every kind of buyer, from young families who are attracting to the local schools, to downsizers and retirees who want to live the lifestyle that Hope Island offers.

Investors, as well as first home buyers, have been interested given the price point of the apartments on the island in comparison to the houses, which have fetched upwards of $10 million in recent years.

Infrastructure is already well in place on the Island, with&nbsp;marina shopping and&nbsp;dining precincts,&nbsp;medical facilities, and three 18-hole golf courses. &nbsp;The Links Golf Club in particular is&nbsp;recognised internationally for its 18-hole championship design and multi-million dollar clubhouse.

Some other activities on offer include the nearby tennis centre,&nbsp;theme parks and diving attractions.

Hope Island also plays host to a bustling nightlife with some highlights being Georges Paragon, Boardwalk Tavern and The Verandah Bar.&nbsp;

New property&nbsp;on&nbsp;Hope Island however is becoming increasingly scarce, with only a limited amount of land left to be developed.

There&#39;s been huge demand due to the lack of supply for Peninsula Collection, the last stage of the The Peninsula Hope Island, a development by the ASF Group.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170356]

They&#39;ve seen everything snapped up, from the blocks of waterfront land on offer, to a variety of townhouses.

Peninsula Collection is the last piece for ASF, comprising just 63 apartments&nbsp;designed by Archidiom.

The three-bedroom apartments, which have nearly 120 sqm of living space, start from just $565,000. The three-bedroom apartments&nbsp;rise to $780,000 for the 133 sqm apartments, which also include a study room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=180034]

The biggest apartments on offer, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, have nearly 180 sqm of living area and start from $1.28 million.

A limited number of the 5-bedroom apartments include a dual-key access option and many of the three-bedders come with a study integrated into the floorplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170355]

Completion is forecast for 2023, with&nbsp;construction set to begin in a few months.

Residents will also have access to The Peninsula BBQ area and waterside gazebo beyond the Hope Island Resort offerings like a fitness centre and swimming pool.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22034]

The best representation and offering of Hope Island living is the standout Hope Island Resort gated community, of which the Peninsula Collection represent the last apartments on offer

jordan_55689

Why Hope Island is attracting every kind of buyer

The ASX-listed ASF Group have released the final opportunity to buy in their unrepeatable gated Hope Island community, The Peninsula.

Peninsula Collection&nbsp;is the final instalment of apartments in the master-planned development on Harbourview Drive, which is located in the highly sought-after Hope Island Resort.

ASF has already sold out Peninsula Homes, a collection of 17 townhouses, Peninsula Residences, comprising&nbsp;40&nbsp;apartments, and Peninsula Terraces, just 22 terraces, which sit along side the Peninsula Collection.

The Peninsula Collection has 63 apartments, starting from a low $565,000 for the three-bedroom apartments. Since the official launch of Peninsula Collection last month, more than 10 apartments have already been snapped up

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170599]

They&#39;re likely to be popular with investors, particularly&nbsp;internationally, with Hope Island Resort featuring Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) exemption. This gives investors a global re-sale market for future capital returns seldom found in other developments in Australia.

The project is also&nbsp;offering a three-year rental guarantee of five per cent&nbsp;per annum, along with the option for&nbsp;property management services.

Hope Island apartments&nbsp;have seen 3.8&nbsp;per cent price growth per annum over the past 10 years, according to SQM Research. In the last 12 months, apartments have seen&nbsp;16.5 per cent growth.

This can be attributed to a number of factors, not least of which is shortage of supply.&nbsp;According to property consultants Urbis in 2019, The North Shore precinct, which includes Hope Island, was the most undersupplied market on the Gold Coast for apartment buyers. A situation which hasn&#39;t see much improvement until recently with five&nbsp;new apartment developments set for Hope Island.

Rental stock has also remained extremely tight on Hope Island.

The&nbsp;2032 Brisbane Olympics announcement is also backing up this data, ensuring&nbsp;investment from both private and public sectors&nbsp;upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure and more&nbsp;in the near and long term.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=172301]

Three-bedroom apartments in Peninsula start&nbsp;from $565,000,&nbsp;below the&nbsp;suburb median of $579,000, according to SQM.

Rents have also been on the rise with rental asking prices up 24.8 per cent&nbsp;in the past year and 4.4 per cent per annum for the past 10 years.

&#39;The Peninsula, as an exclusive gated community development on Hope Island Resort&#39;s unique river canal, is located within&nbsp;one kilometre of three golf courses, across the road from the Azzura Greens Resort and&nbsp;Links Hope Island Golf Club.

It&#39;s one of the closest new developments near the Hope Island Shopping Centre, reachable on buggy or foot.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22034]

The Peninsula Collection has 63 apartments, starting from a low $565,000 for the three-bedroom apartments

Hope Island's Peninsula Collection apartments show great appeal to interstate and international investors

Peninsula Collection apartments are the final&nbsp;new-build apartments on offer in&nbsp;ASF Group&#39;s The&nbsp;Peninsula Hope Island&nbsp;master-plan,&nbsp;situated in the prime waterfront of the Hope Island Resort gated community.

The 63 apartments designed by Archidiom&nbsp;are the last opportunity for buyers seeking to secure a place in the gated community.

Hope Island Resort is an exclusive gated community with marina shopping, dining precincts and medical facilities a short stroll away. The hole-in-one for some, are the three championship golf courses&nbsp;and multi-million dollar clubhouse&nbsp;accessible by Hope Island Resort buggy tracks, available on the Peninsula Collection&#39;s doorstep.

The Peninsula also boasts convenient&nbsp;access to major shopping, highly regarded schools, famous beaches and the M1 motorway allowing for ease of travel to&nbsp;local and international airports.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170356]

All of the three and five-bedroom apartments span upwards of 119 sqm, with many featuring a balcony to take in the sights of Gold Coast&#39;s unique canal waterways.

A limited number of the 5-bedroom apartments include a dual-key access option and many of the three-bedders come with a study integrated into the floorplan.

With completion forecast for 2023 and construction set to begin in a few months, every apartment will star European appliances and quality modern finishes.

Residents will also have access to The Peninsula BBQ area and waterside gazebo beyond the Hope Island Resort offerings like a&nbsp;fitness centre and swimming pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22034 project_image_fid=170358]

&#39;There were also 22&nbsp;terrace homes&nbsp;on offer as a part of&nbsp;Peninsula Terraces, however&nbsp;they have all been snapped up&nbsp;already.

A&nbsp;Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) exemption is available across all Peninsula Collection apartments, allowing international buyers to purchase without prior approval.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=22034]

Peninsula Collection is located in the exclusive and unrepeatable Hope Island Resort with marina shopping, dining precincts and medical facilities a short stroll away

Final homes on offer at the Peninsula Collection gated community development on Hope Island

The surging transformation of Hope Island on the Gold Coast is set to continue.

The Aniko Group, who are behind a number of residential developments at the gateway to Hope Island, has&nbsp;acquired another waterfront site on Sickle Avenue, with plans for more waterfront apartments.

The 9,280 sqm site at 10-12 Sickle Avenue, with an 80-metre frontage to the Hope Island Canal, is Aniko&#39;s fifth on the Gold Coast island.

<img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aniko_land.jpg" width="1200" />

Aniko boss George&nbsp;Mastrocostas said the site would be suited to a high-density apartment precinct similar to the&nbsp;$140 million 1 Grant Avenue project.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re delighted to have put a foothold on another premium waterfront site in Hope Island and we are looking forward to adding a spectacular project to support the demand for apartment living in the area,&rdquo;&nbsp;Mastrocostas said.

&ldquo;The site is very large and offers unfettered access to the Hope Island Canal and The Broadwater and we believe it would be suited to a luxury apartment project to complement what we have already created at Hope Island.

The site is the fifth secured by Aniko Group and will join its $1 billion development portfolio, including its more than $500 million pipeline in projects on the northern Gold Coast.

<a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld?source_news_article_id=93851&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="797" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gc_newest_tile_jpeg_22.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

They recently secured approval for Athena Residences, the 185 apartment development&nbsp;at 6-8 Sickle Avenue which was recently given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=169964]

That development sits adjacent to No.1 Grant Avenue, which Aniko sold out earlier this year. Neighbouring that at 31-35 Grant Avenue&nbsp;is a $50 million gated luxury villa development, which is set to launch later this year having generated substantial interest already.

Data from Urbis showed the company&rsquo;s projects accounted for more than 80 per cent of overall apartment sales in Hope Island throughout the December quarter.

The 9,280 sqm site at 10-12 Sickle Avenue, with an 80-metre frontage to the Hope Island Canal, is Aniko's fifth on the Gold Coast island

Aniko Group continue Hope Island transformation with further apartment site acquisition

The Brisbane-based Keylin has sold-out both of its Hope Island townhouse developments.

Their biggest project was the Park Cove master-planned community which comprised 80 villas, 31 parkside terraces and 16 waterfront homes.

Keylin, led by director Louis Cheung, launched the first of the first stage development at 27-31 Sickle Avenue in 2016.

Buyers swooped on the fifth and final stage, with Cheung saying that it represented&nbsp;the last chance to purchase undeveloped land within the luxury project.

&ldquo;The development of Park Cove has allowed buyers to construct their own property in a prized, gated community with exceptional amenities and access to surrounding entertainment and it is located in an area that&rsquo;s in exceptionally high demand,&rdquo; Cheung said.

<img alt="" height="668" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/park_cove-aerial.jpg" width="1200" />

Tony Ashwin, Director of Ashwin Property who&nbsp;marketed&nbsp;the project, said the high demand surrounding Park Cove&rsquo;s final instalment has been a success.

&ldquo;With limited opportunity remaining for buyers on the Gold Coast to secure land in the area, Park Cove has exceeded our expectations for how well each stage was received by buyers,&rdquo; said Mr Ashwin.

Part of the master-planned community, which neighbours over three hectares of parkland,&nbsp;is an&nbsp;outdoor leisure and entertainment area with picnic, pool and barbecue facilities.

Keylin also recently secured the sell out of the $30 million developer Palladium, a&nbsp;collection of 39 villas.

The exclusively waterfront homes, which saw a surging demand from downsizers and&nbsp;those seeking low maintenance, waterfront lifestyles.

<img alt="" height="828" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/palladium_marina_1.jpg" width="1200" />

The architecturally-designed three and four bedrooms villas each have&nbsp;two bathrooms and a powder room, and large windows and stacking doors&nbsp;which take full advantage of waterfront and golf course views. 
 
&ldquo;We saw incredible response to the Palladium villas from the moment they hit the market. Our homes ticked all the right boxes for owner-occupiers seeking that luxury standard, waterfront lifestyle that connects them to a sense of community,&rdquo; Cheung said. 
 
All 39 villas will have access to a waterfront boardwalk which connects to nearby cafes, restaurants and shops at the Hope Island Marina Shopping Centre. Construction has begun on Palladium&#39;s first stage.

Their biggest project was the Park Cove master-planned community which comprised 80 villas, 31 parkside terraces and 16 waterfront homes

Keylin sell-out two Hope Island townhouse developments The Cove and Palladium

The Gold Coast developer Aniko Group have lodged plans for a $48 million luxury townhouse development in Hope Island.

They&#39;re hoping that, depending on sign off from the Gold Coast City Council, they will be able to start building the 58 luxury townhouses this year and have them completed by the middle of 2022.

The townhouse project at&nbsp;31-35 Grant Avenue sits next to Aniko&#39;s hugely successful $140 million apartment development 1 Grant Avenue (below), which&nbsp;they have nearly sold out. It&#39;s also near their $130 million residential precinct at 6-8 Sickle Avenue on the Hope Island waterfront which is soon to begin construction.

<a href="/buildings/no-1-grant-avenue-1-grant-avenue-hope-island"><img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/grant_2_0.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Aniko have also a foot in the Queensland capital and have been given the green light by the Brisbane City Council for their $52 million land estate in the high growth corridor of Ripley Valley in Brisbane&#39;s west.

The approval&nbsp;paves&nbsp;the way for a 219-lot residential community on the 24.6 hectare site within the Ripley Valley Priority Developer Area. There will also be a service station and convenience&nbsp;precinct as part of the development.

The proposed development will be delivered over five stages, comprising diverse housing lots averaging 400 sqm. Construction is scheduled to later this year with completion due in mid 2023.

&ldquo;This is one of south-east Queensland&rsquo;s fastest-growing urban areas, and it&rsquo;s also proving to be equally strong in terms of job growth, so we see a great future ahead for the project,&quot; George Mastrocostas said,

&ldquo;While the appeal of this region began with affordability, increasingly we are seeing more buyers choosing the western growth corridor for lifestyle. South Ripley will be a big part of this growth story and we are pleased to be part of it.&rdquo;

About a third of the site, which is bounded by Barrams Road and Cumner Road at White Rock, is dedicated to open space as Aniko Group takes a master-planned approach to its latest project.

This will include a 5000 sqm neighbourhood recreation park which will link up with two large-scale linear parks that will offer an extra layer of extended green space totalling more than 8.2ha across the new community.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve incorporated a fairly dominant green space network within this community, in keeping with the surrounding area,&rdquo; George Mastrocostas added.

&ldquo;The linear parks will tie in with the recreation park which has been designed to become a central focus for residents as the community grows.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We plan to develop the recreation park in the very early stages for the immediate benefit of residents.&rdquo;

<h2>Other developments for sale on the Gold Coast</h2>

Shoreline, Surfers Paradise

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057]

Shoreline is the latest Surfers Paradise tower to be created by Marquee Development Partners.

The boutique 27 apartment development across 17 levels offers residents a luxury unseen in the between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach for a number of years.

Miles Residences, Kirra Beach

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

The Miles Residences Kirra Point will be one of Kirra Point&#39;s most impressive towers when it&#39;s completed in 2023.

The development of 118 apartments is part of the redevelopment of the&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;Hotel. The brains behind the operation is the family-ran KTQ Group, led by Peggy Flannery, who are behind the award-winning Elements of Byron Bay.

&nbsp;

Aniko are pushing on with projects in Hope Island and Brisbane as the Queensland market continues to boom

Aniko Group push on with $400 million portfolio in Brisbane and Gold Coast

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There's no doubt about it, the Gold Coast apartment market is at its hottest in years, and there's no slowing down.

The pace of sales at Aniko Property's $140 million No.1 Grant Avenue project at Hope Island has doubled, with its stage two nearly selling out in five months.

Aniko's stage one sell out came in less than 12 months, with both stages racking up a total of over $135 million in sales.

Only a handful of apartments in stage two remain, with the project's final stage, a collection of five three bedroom apartments, not expected to last long on the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21346]

Stage two will feature 105 two, two-plus-study and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a range of bridge-free marina berths available along the Hope Island canal.

Remaining apartments, designed by Archidom Design, will range in size from 122sq m to 155sq m and are priced from $649,000 to $695,000.

Sstage two will feature a ‘post pandemic’ office precinct for residents, as well as a recreation area which will include a health club designed by celebrity fitness guru Michelle Bridges, a children’s play centre, theatre, resident’s lounge and outdoor cooking and dining facilities.

Aniko Group, led by developer George Mastrocostas, accounted for 15 per cent of the overall apartment sales on the Gold Coast throughout the December quarter and more than 80 per cent in Hope Island, according to the planning and consulting firm Urbis.

<a href="/buildings/no-1-grant-avenue-1-grant-avenue-hope-island"><img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/grant_2.jpg" width="1200"></a>

“The strength of the buyer demand has been exceptional…and it’s getting stronger,” Mastrocostas said.

“It’s almost unprecedented. I have not a project perform this well in the market for quite some time in south east Queensland. 

“But the remarkable run of sales and sustained demand for the product in No.1 Grant Avenue is also testament to the quality residential offering we have brought to the market.” 

Aniko's sales have more recently been driven by buyers from the lockdown-fatigued southern states looking for a healthier and safer lifestyle. Downsizers, owner-occupiers and investors 

The boom in sales will see Aniko fast-track to the launch of its next project at 6-8 Sickle Avenue, located adjacent to No. 1 Grant Avenue.
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Aniko's stage one sell out came in less than 12 months, with both stages racking up a total of over $135 million in sales

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