Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Investor insights

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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.
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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

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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>.
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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

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

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