<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2138]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2137]

The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=351806]

Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

Joel Robinson

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.

The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=806]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.

The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]

Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.

“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.

“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=807]

The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.

Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]

$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

In a move that aligns with NSW's accelerated planning incentives for affordable housing, developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">One Collection</a> has revised its Hills District apartment plans, and taken it to the NSW Government, to secure approval.

The developer, which is currently delivering Horizon Hurstville, is seeking to add 80 more apartments to its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-castle-hill-16-dawes-avenue-nsw-2154">Castle Hill development</a> near Castle Towers. They already have approval for 280 apartments across eight six-storey buildings.

<img alt="One Collection" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3c298ba-1cc5-4db7-9872-607c75f8ceca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wN9KpFIu5ENSGZLLsaZgXQHrXcwEO3Vd" />

Now on the desks of the NSW Department of Planning is 360 apartments, 48 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.&nbsp;Affordable housing is to be “fully integrated within the building and visually indistinguishable,” according to the planning submission.

The 15,697 sqm block, an amalgamation of 16 sites, spans across Dawes Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Camdan Crescent, sits 550m from Hills Showground Metro Station.&nbsp;

"The existing context is quickly changing from free-standing homes into residential flat buildings in line with the Hills Showground Precinct planning framework," Place Studio noted.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec24948-c185-48fa-af8b-ed25adf302bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zNDX.IeRROX1RlDeYcS38xn8w_dqgU2t" />

They said the design was informed by the site's unique condition of having three street frontages and was developed to to respond sensitively to iots surrounding context.

"The design adopted a conventional perpendicular alignment to the primary street frontage. The massing of the development was carefully modulated to align with the evolving character of the neighbourhood. The design ensured that the scale was not excessive or out of context, but instead contributed to a cohesive urban form consistent with emerging developments in the area."

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f83ffdaa-f960-469d-b6fe-abcece57c9ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4oKlCyfaKes7jLi1_EMoqa46w2h_YvDZ" />

The apartment mix will be 46 one-beds, 168 two-bed apartments, and 146 three-bedroom units, with 631 parking spaces proposed.

Along the street frontages, the building heights are four storeys with a 7.5 metre setback, and eight storeys with an 11.5 metre setback. It should cost about $150 million to build.

One Collection works hand-in-hand with the respected development and construction firm Masscon, which has built a reputation for leveraging its expertise in the built environment to take on developments others can't. That's what they're achieving at Horizon Hurstville, having taken over the project to deliver it.

First look: One Collection advances plans for Castle Hill apartments

At Yarra’s Edge, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>’s newest tower under construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, sets a new benchmark for elevated living. Rising 45 storeys, 12.5 metres from the Yarra River, the landmark building offers residents access to a private wellness retreat and spa, a resident-only golf simulator, and an elegant lounge, dining and bar complete with a self-playing piano, all without ever having to leave home.

Now, that sense of elevation has reached new heights with the Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a limited release of half-floor riverfront residences on the Collins St axis where the sought-after street meets the Yarra River.

Each Aerus Sub-Penthouse, located across levels 42 and 43, represents the most expansive offering within Trielle, aside from the yet-to-be-revealed crowning penthouses. Spanning between 269 and 301 sqm, these residences are designed to capture natural light and uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3784]

Among the collection are three-bedroom sub penthouses, complemented by a media room, and expansive four-bedroom layouts. All include panoramic living areas and oversized master suites with luxury ensuites reminiscent of a five-star hotel, complemented by dedicated dressing rooms finished in timber and natural stone.

The interiors have been crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a>, the developer’s award-winning in-house architecture and design team. Every material has been chosen for quality and longevity, from sculpted stone island benches with feature soft wash LED lighting to bespoke joinery and chevron timber oak flooring.

Kitchens are fitted with a BORA induction cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor, alongside Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge, freezer, and wine fridge. The adjoining butler’s pantry incorporates the exclusive Gaggenau Minimalistic Series including oven, steam oven, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer, all concealed behind handleless glass panels for a clean, integrated presentation. Bathrooms feature custom Apaisar freestanding baths and basins and natural stone benchtops, continuing Mirvac’s design emphasis on tactile, timeless materials.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=353085]

Michael Wiener, Design Director at Mirvac, says The Aerus Sub-Penthouse embodies the apex of Mirvac’s design ethos.

“Moving through your home is like walking on air - a private sanctuary where the craftsmanship is refined, the proportions generous, and the flow so effortless, you feel completely at ease in the sky,” Wiener says.

“In Aerus, we wanted to create a sense of weightlessness - a home that feels suspended in the skyline, full of light, grounded in luxury.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3777]

The Aerus Sub-Penthouses are expected to attract a mix of local and international buyers seeking a long-term residence of scale and quality in a riverfront setting, from returning expats to established families and business owners who value privacy, craftsmanship, and convenience within walking distance of the CBD.

With an unmatched suite of amenities, Trielle is the most extensively appointed development Mirvac has created to date at Yarra’s Edge. Within the tower will be The Oasis, a 900 sqm podium rooftop wellness retreat designed in collaboration with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Located seven storeys above the Yarra River promenade, it features a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, hot magnesium spa, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, cold-pail contrast treatment, and day spa treatment rooms. Further amenities include a piano lounge, bookable dining room, cinema room, golf simulator studio, games room, teppanyaki bar, dog wash bay, and two flexible work hubs, The Biblioteca library and Mills Place office space, catering to residents’ evolving lifestyle needs.

Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with completion anticipated for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]

Sky-high sanctuaries: Mirvac unveils The Aerus sub-penthouses at Trielle

Investor insights

<html><body>
As ME Bank records buoyed positive sentiment amongst Aussie property investors and Westpac forecasts Melbourne dwelling values to rise 10 per cent in 2021, now may be the ideal time for investors to secure a new apartment.

Although Melbourne’s property market still has some way to go before it returns to pre-COVID levels, the current circumstances provide a unique opportunity for buyers to secure an apartment before investors return to the market in full force.

For those hoping to get ahead of the anticipated increase in activity, Urban takes a look at five two-bedroom apartments in Melbourne for under $800,000. 
 

1. 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra 
Address: 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141 
Two-bedroom apartments from $798,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

Located just three-kilometres south-east of the Melbourne CBD, 661 Chapel Street provides investors with great opportunities to capitalise on high-income professionals who are renting in Melbourne.

Although South Yarra has an average rental yield of 3.7 per cent, according to REIV, one two-bedroom apartment in the 661 Chapel Street complex was listed for rent at $950 per week in 2020.

Based on the current two-bedroom apartment price, this reflects a rental yield of almost 6.2 per cent, which is no surprise when you take a look inside the luxury development.

A four-level private lobby, 25-metre pool, grand library and winter garden are among the hotel-like amenities available to residents. 
 

2. Voyager, Docklands 
Address: 103 South Wharf Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 
Two-bedroom apartments from $706,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494]

Research conducted by independent property consulting firm Urbis found that Melbourne’s Docklands residential population is expected to grow at an annual rate of 7.0 per cent per annum over the next five years, providing great opportunities for investors.

The rental market for Docklands is strong with median rents for two-bedroom apartments higher than Greater Melbourne.

Voyager’s large selection of versatile floorplans are designed to suit all homebuyers with luxury homes, inspirational artist apartments and flexi-apartments still available. 
 

3. Hawthorn Park, Hawthorn East 
Address: 33-53 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123 
Two-bedroom apartments from $670,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3730]

Hawthorn Park, located in the small inner-east suburb of Hawthorn East, offers owner-occupiers and investors alike with a luxury residence with a community feel.

The development’s two-bedroom apartments, priced from $670,000, are on par with the suburb’s median two-bedroom unit price of $669,000.

According to the Department of Human Services, two-bedroom apartments in Hawthorn East registered median rental growth of 5.3 per cent per annum in the ten-year period to June 2016.

Offering a very high walk score of 90, large floor plans and an incredible sky bridge pool, homebuyers who purchase an apartment at Hawthorn Park will unlikely be led astray. 
 

4. Hurstmon, Malvern East 
Address: 3 Hurstmon Street, Malvern East VIC 3145 
Two-bedroom apartments from $795,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

Marketed towards young professionals and downsizers in Melbourne’s Malvern East, Hurstmon is a stylish home defined by rich layers of experience and character.

Catering to Malvern East’s dominant type of buyer and renter, this home has the potential to become a profitable investment due to its contemporary architecture and great location.

Set amongst beautiful parks, historic gardens and tree-lined streets, Hurstmon provides landscaped green spaces, premium finishes and floorplans responsive to changes and requests by homebuyers.

According to REIV, the average rental yield of units in Malvern East sits at 3.0 per cent. 
 

5. Normanby, Southbank 
Address: 199-201 Normanby Road, Southbank VIC 3006 
Two-bedroom apartments from $726,300

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1487]

Southbank and other CBD suburbs are highly prized for their employment opportunities, well-established communities, great public transport offerings and cultural landmarks.

Normanby’s sophisticated form and elevated amenities create a luxe environment that is sure to deliver the needs of its residents, from investors to owner-occupiers.

The development boasts uninterrupted city views, an elevated infinity pool and hotel services and amenities, thanks to the adjoining AC Hotel by Marriott.
</body></html>

Current conditions in the Melbourne property markets provide a unique opportunity for buyers to secure an apartment before investors return in full force

max.kwok_55688

April 2021: The top 5 two-bedroom apartments for investors in Melbourne under $800,000

World-leading university campus developments overseas call into question plans for CBD-based campuses in Australia. They might be good for CBD development, but what about the universities themselves?

Think big. Why the future of uni campuses lies beyond the CBD

<html><body>
Despite the pandemic challenges of 2020, the rising importance of environmental credentials for property investors will continue to grow, according to Savills.

Across the globe, governments are making “climate emergency” declarations and commitments to meeting net zero carbon in certain timeframes, the Savills update on 2021 noted.

“Real estate is under the spotlight as the built environment accounts for 40% of carbon emissions across the world,” Sophie Chick, the head of department, Savills World Research wrote.

“This will present challenges but it’s also an opportunity for real estate investors to make a significant difference,” she noted.

It noted sustained economic recovery was now on the horizon, led by advanced economies where vaccines are being introduced first. 

“This should fuel wider real estate investor confidence,” Chick forecast.

Global GDP growth in 2021 is forecast to be the fastest in 40 years, according to Oxford Economics, albeit only enough to return global GDP to pre-crisis levels.

The report noted many advanced economies have taken a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to supporting economies, with ultra-low interest rates and quantitative easing programmes. 

“These low interest rates will support real estate investment into 2021. 

“Unlike during the global financial crisis, banks today are less geared, while non-bank lenders have expanded significantly. 

“This provides borrowers with greater options in the recovery,” Chick suggested.

It noted travel restrictions and broader economic uncertainty led to a fall in deal volumes in 2020.

In the 12 months to November 2020, global investment volumes were down by 28% compared to the same period in 2019, although not all sectors felt it equally. 

The industrial and residential sectors saw more modest falls in volumes, gaining market share to capture 21% and 28% of total investment, respectively (see chart). 

<img alt="" height="1120" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-02-08_at_3.58.35_pm.png" width="1000">

“The resilience of these sectors in the face of structural change means that’s a trend likely to continue in 2021.

“In spite of near-term uncertainty, the long-term appeal of real estate has held for investors, and the number of funds targeting it have continued to rise,” the report co-written with Paul Tostevin, director, Savills World Research noted.

The Savills report noted at the beginning of Q4 2020, there were more than 1,000 funds in market – more than double the number in January 2016, according to Preqin. 

Funds are now targeting almost $300 billion of investments. 

“This suggests investor momentum moving into 2021.” 

“Residential may attract a growing share of global investment, supported by strong underlying fundamentals and cross-border investors growing and consolidating portfolios.” 

<a href="/expert-insights/buying/5-new-sustainable-developments-for-the-environmentally-conscious-buyer-2020" target="_blank">Take a look at five new sustainable developments for the environmentally-conscious investor</a>.
</body></html>

Savills 2021 investment forecasts reflect the growing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials for investors

jchancellor

Importance of environmental credentials grows for property investors: Savills

<html><body>
Positive sentiment among those in the property market has reached an all-time high, since ME Bank first started its quarterly property sentiment report in 2019.

According to the report, conducted in January, Aussie property investors recorded a 15 per cent increase in positive sentiment over the quarter, with buoyed sentiment supported by expectations for residential property price increases, higher levels of market activity and government incentives.

The rise in positive sentiment was reported across all states and territories, with 72 per cent of those ‘looking to buy’ noting that stimulus measures have made buying or investing more attractive to them.

Combined with the current record-low interest rates, investing in a property is becoming an attractive option. As a result, ME’s head of home loans Claudio Mazzarella said to expect to see property investors back in full force this year.

<h2>Expectations for rising property prices</h2>

Property owners are less concerned about ‘COVID-19 impacting the value of their property’ according to ME’s report.

77 per cent of survey participants indicated they ME’s report ’expect to see property prices bounce back’ this year and 54 per cent of property owners and buyers predicted ‘prices will go up’.

“It’s clear from our latest Report that most Australians anticipate a strong uptick in residential property prices. The data also shows a general increase in people’s sense of wealth and financial confidence as a result of these price movements”, Mazzarella said.

With property <a href="/expert-insights/buying/first-home-buyer-trends-will-2021-be-the-renaissance-of-the-suburbs" target="_blank">experts recommending first home buyers take advantage</a> of the remaining months of the HomeBuilder grant and government incentives, first home buyers may need to get in now.

“The flip side to higher property prices is that it will make it harder for first home buyers to get their foot in the door. It will be important for new entrants in the property market to do their research,” said Mazzarella.

Raised level of activity is expected to continue over the coming months as 78 per cent of report respondents ‘expect there will be more residential real estate activity this season to make up for last year’.

Queensland reported the highest level of positivity in Australia, with 56 per cent in metro areas and 58 per cent in the regions. 
 

<h2>New off-the-plan apartments you can secure in Queensland</h2>

1. Cabana, Palm Beach 
Address: 1 Nineteenth Avenue, Palm Beach QLD 4221 
Three-bedroom apartments from $2,325,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=84861]

Cabana offers a collection of 34 apartments, delivered by Ignite Projects and designed by Plus Architecture. 

Fringed with coconut palms and offering views over Palm Beach and the Gold Coast hinterland, Cabana boasts an exclusive residential living experience 
 

2. Chevron One, Surfers Paradise 
Address: 36-44 Stanhill Drive, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 
Two-bedroom apartments from $705,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515]

Delivered by Bensons Property Group, Chevron One rises 41 levels, boasting views of the famous waterways and beaches of Surfers Paradise. 

Designed by Marchese Partners, the residence features an outdoor lagoon pool, residents' lounge and kitchens designed by renowned chef, Shannon Bennett.  
 

3. Miles Residences, Kirra Point 
Address: Corner Miles Street and Marine Paradise, Kirra QLD 4225 
Two-bedroom apartments from $795,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

Designed by Woods Bagot, Miles Residences offer a collection of architecturally designed one, two and three-bedroom apartments, many with an additional multi-purpose room. 

The residence, delivered by the KTQ Group, is framed by Norfolk pines and situated upon Australia's rare north-facing beaches. 
</body></html>

According to ME Bank's quarterly property sentiment report, Aussie property investors recorded a 15 per cent increase in positive sentiment over the quarter

Investor insights

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

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

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

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

Investor insights

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

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

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

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