In Melbourne’s established inner east, the qualities that define a traditional house, width, height, and access to open ground, are increasingly difficult to replicate in new residential developments. Larger landholdings are scarce, and with them, the ability to create apartments that extend beyond compact, internalised layouts.&nbsp;

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/kew-vic-3101">Kew</a>, where the residential fabric is shaped by generous setbacks and mature tree canopies, that tension is especially visible.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ricdanic-investments-pty-ltd">Ricdanic</a>&nbsp;is bringing forward a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings at 9–11 Wimba Avenue, Kew. Comprising six homes at No.9 and seven at No.11, the project sits on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Cotham Road.&nbsp;

Each apartment has been planned with a level of independence more commonly associated with standalone dwellings, balancing privacy with the efficiencies of apartment living.

Architect Chris Idle, who has been practising for over two decades, says projects like this don’t come along often.

“There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs,” he explains. “To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The internal planning begins with width. Living areas extend beyond five metres, allowing furniture, circulation, and glazing to sit comfortably within the same zone without compression. Ceiling heights shift from three metres through to five metres in select areas, changing the sense of scale as you move through the apartment. These proportions are paired with double-glazed windows and fully electric systems, balancing volume with performance, supported by a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.&nbsp;

From the main living space, the apartments open directly outward. Large sliding doors connect to private gardens averaging 125 square metres, with some residences also incorporating balconies of around 60 square metres. Rather than acting as secondary outdoor zones, these areas sit flush with the internal floor level, extending the usable footprint of the home and allowing for multiple modes of use, whether for quiet daily routines or larger gatherings.&nbsp;

The landscape, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>, reinforces this relationship. Across the site, 23 different plant species have been introduced, including a mix of native and established varieties, arranged to maintain privacy while preserving sightlines and light access. Gardens are not treated as decorative buffers but as functional extensions of the apartments, shaped to accommodate movement, seating, and informal use over time.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366265]

Architecturally, the project draws from Kew’s historic residential language. Handmade bricks by Krause define the exterior, grounding the buildings within the material palette of the suburb, while interior finishes, stone, timber flooring, and restrained detailing, continue this approach internally. Architect Chris Idle describes the intent as long-term rather than stylistic: “We wanted it to feel timeless.”&nbsp;

This emphasis on durability extends to how the buildings are accessed and secured. Entry is managed through keyless systems, with a double-gated basement incorporating number plate recognition for vehicle access. Each residence is paired with a private lock-up garage accommodating two to three cars, alongside storage, while all entry points are monitored continuously. These measures sit alongside EV readiness and fully electric infrastructure, aligning the project’s operational systems with its long-term design outlook.&nbsp;

The setting remains central to how the development is experienced. Located within walking distance of Kew Junction and close to established schools including Carey Grammar and Xavier College, the address benefits from existing infrastructure while maintaining a residential quietness that is increasingly difficult to find at this scale.&nbsp;

Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/sinjen">Sinjen</a>, with a 10-year structural guarantee, with completion targeted for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Joel Robinson

Inside Wimba Ave, Kew’s garden-scale residences designed for space and permanence

High-end Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured approval for one of its latest Mosman projects, one of the first developments approved by Mosman Council under the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

The approval represents an important step in delivering well-considered housing next to established village locations on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, in line with the intent of the Low and Mid-Rise zoning framework. 
&nbsp; 
There are currently 13 other sites lodged within Mosman Council under the policy, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-29-heydon-street-mosman-nsw-2088">Heydon Street</a> among the first to receive development consent. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Founder and Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the project reflects a considered and appropriate response to its planning context. 
&nbsp; 
“This approval demonstrates how carefully considered, design-led development can align with the objectives of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy," Brown said.

"The scheme has been designed to respond sensitively to its village setting, with a built form, scale and level of amenity appropriate to its local context. The determination reflects a balanced and considered planning outcome, with Council recognising the capacity for this site to accommodate additional housing within a well-located and established precinct.”

<img alt="Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92811ce3-02e8-44fc-996e-c61ae039bd3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Heydon%20Street%20Aerial.jpg?VersionId=ZHJVuWQT64QcdrFJx963pFWFzTX7lI2I" />

The Heydon Street approval followed extensive consultation with Mosman Council, with Abadeen working closely with Council throughout the assessment process.

The approved scheme comprises 27 residences, with only four per floor, creating a low-density living environment. The building will include four half-floor penthouses designed to capture views across Middle Harbour, Sydney Harbour and the surrounding district.&nbsp;

The project is expected to appeal to downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking house-like proportions, privacy and local convenience. There will be north-facing Middle Harbour views from the second level upward. It is also just a flat 100-metre walk to Bridgepoint Shopping Centre, which will appeal to owner-occupiers and in particular downsizers.

Two-bedroom residences are expected to be priced from $1.99 million when sales launch later this year. 
&nbsp; 
Joe Tack, CEO at Abadeen, said the outcome reflects both the quality of the site and the broader need for well-located housing. 
&nbsp; 
“This is a highly considered site within a highly established local setting, offering elevated views and strong connectivity. The project has been designed to respond to that context, delivering a scale and quality of housing aligned with both the planning framework and evolving market demand.” 
&nbsp; 
“This approval is particularly significant in the context of Mosman, where new housing supply has historically been limited. While it represents the first approval of this scale in Mosman to be achieved in over 50 years, it is importantly located within a well-established residential location, in close proximity to the established commercial amenity of Spit Road and Mosman Village. It reflects strong confidence in Abadeen’s approach to design, delivery and community integration, while contributing to the delivery of much-needed housing in a highly constrained market.”

Abadeen has an established track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with recent completions including KOYO in Crows Nest and ENSO in Neutral Bay.

In Mosman, Abadeen recently completed The Hampden, with Mosman Residences on the corner of Spit Road and Clifford Street scheduled for completion later this year. Construction has also commenced at Burran Residences, comprising three full-floor ultra-premium homes positioned just 50 metres from Balmoral Beach, with residences expected to achieve prices in excess of $20 million. Two further projects are also progressing through planning within the local government area.

Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman apartment development

Apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> is one of the latest entrants to the Gold Coast development market, with its debut project set to be one of the most boutique offerings on Chevron Island in recent years.

Martello has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, a collection of 33 large-scale two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments across an 18-storey building on Mawarra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]

The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project. It is a direction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> plans to carry through its future developments along the coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning. Promax Construction has already been appointed to deliver the project, with construction expected to commence in the coming months as part of the group’s broader expansion into South East Queensland.

Rising above the low-rise fabric of Chevron Island, Aere’s design emphasises generous internal proportions and uninterrupted outlooks, with residences oriented to capture coastal, skyline, and waterway views. Interiors prioritise open-plan living, with large-format glazing and carefully considered transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367508]

The upper levels are dedicated to larger-format homes, including four-bedroom residences designed as half-floor offerings. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.

Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, while the rest of the wellness spaces throughout the building include a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, dining areas and a gym.

The inclusion of both social and quieter retreat spaces reflects a broader shift in higher-end apartment design on the Gold Coast, where developers are increasingly responding to owner-occupier demand for buildings that support long-term living rather than short-stay use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367814]

Aere is positioned within walking distance of Chevron Island’s village centre along Thomas Drive, as well as the HOTA cultural precinct via the Green Bridge, connecting residents to parklands, galleries, and event spaces.

For <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>, Aere represents the first in a series of planned Gold Coast developments, with the group also exploring opportunities in other coastal precincts, including Kirra and Palm Beach.

The move north comes as sustained population growth and infrastructure investment continue to reshape South East Queensland, with developers increasingly targeting boutique, design-led projects in established lifestyle pockets. Aera’s relatively small scale and emphasis on spatial quality position it within this emerging segment of the market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143932]

Martello™ enters Gold Coast market with wellness-led Chevron Island development Aere

Development approval has been granted for Crescent, a boutique waterfront project on one of Palm Beach's most coveted and rarely developed streets.

Launched to market this month, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crescent-palm-beach-34-36-murlong-crescent-palm-beach-qld-4221">Crescent</a> will occupy four combined lots with frontage to both Murlong Crescent and Tallebudgera Drive. The project is among the first new developments to get a green light on the creekside strip, home to only 21 tightly-held properties.

“Murlong Crescent is one of those streets that people discover and never want to leave,” said Andrew Erwin of NPA Projects, who is leading sales and marketing.

“The lifestyle here is genuinely hard to find anywhere else on the Gold Coast.”

Designed by Queensland firm ᴮʸculprit and developed by DCS Property Group, Crescent offers two and three-bedroom residences across four levels, ranging from 119 to 283 sqm and priced from $2.5 million. Builder SNBX Constructions has been appointed, with completion expected in mid to late 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366218]

Residences face north to Tallebudgera Creek, with views that extend to Burleigh Headland. Upper levels also capture canal and hinterland views to the west.

“The creek is tidal, so it changes constantly. The colour, the light, the mood of it,” Erwin said.

“That view over the creek to Burleigh Headland is only possibly from this location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366213]

Crescent devotes two levels, spanning more than 1,100 sqm, to resident amenity.&nbsp; On Level 1, a gym, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, hot spa, cold plunge, and ice bath make up the private wellness retreat. Entertaining and recreation converge on the rooftop with a resort- style pool and sundeck, alfresco BBQ and dining areas, pizza oven, yoga lawn, fire pit, as well as a herb and zen garden. Residents can also jog or walk along a dedicated loop with views over Tallebudgera Creek.

“The amenity here is genuinely out of proportion to the size of the building,” Erwin said.

“Every resident, regardless of which apartment they choose, gets access to the kind of amenity normally associated with luxury resorts.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366257]

Residences feature natural stone and timber finishes throughout, brushed brass tapware, and New Zealand wool carpet to bedrooms. Two basement levels provide secure parking, with provision for electric vehicle charging.

Beyond calm water swimming, paddling and boating, residents follow the foreshore path to Tallebudgera Beach, local cafes, and Tallebudgera Surf Club, while across the bridge is Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Beach and the vibrant James Street dining and retail hub.

Palm Beach has been among the Gold Coast’s strongest performing suburbs over the past five years, with median house prices having risen by more than 91 per cent and unit values more than doubling in the same period.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151399]

Crescent Palm Beach approved as sales launch

The Albanese and ACT Governments have struck a deal to unlock nearly 5,000 new homes across Canberra, with more than 1,700 earmarked exclusively for first home buyers.

The agreement marks the second formal partnership under the Federal Government’s election commitment to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first home buyers nationally, working alongside state and territory governments and industry.

At the centre of the deal is a $250 million funding injection from the Albanese Government, targeting enabling infrastructure to bring forward new housing supply across a number of key precincts in the ACT.

That includes funding to unlock 75 homes in the Kingston precinct, support new development in Weston Creek, and deliver estate works across the territory that will facilitate more than 500 homes by 2034. Additional investment will go towards relocating powerlines, water infrastructure in Molonglo Valley, and further expansion of the Ginninderry regeneration precinct.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the agreement was about making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in a housing environment that continues to challenge affordability.

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home,” O’Neil said.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

The announcement builds on more than $800 million already committed to housing in the ACT since 2022, according to Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, who said the latest funding would help ensure national housing programs are translating into real supply on the ground.

“We’re working closely with the ACT Government to unlock land and invest in the infrastructure needed to get these homes built sooner,” she said.

For the ACT Government, the agreement aligns with its broader target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the role of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment in accelerating delivery.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level,” Barr said.

The deal sits within the Federal Government’s broader $45 billion housing agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, and incentives aimed at increasing construction capacity and reducing barriers to development.

Canberra set for 4,900 new homes under Federal housing deal

Marshall White

<html><body>
The Melbourne residential market has experienced years of unprecedented growth that saw prices peak in November 2017.

Now, after decades of rapid price hikes, the market is starting to self-correct to a level more traditionally akin to a ‘normal’ market, with organic ebbs and flows.

The recent correction, however, has sent waves of concern among buyers and industry commentators alike, with many pronouncing that this might signify the end of the fabled ‘bubble’.

But Australia has seen this many times before, and each time the market bounces back stronger than ever.

After each downturn, of which there have been at least half a dozen since 1980, the market has recovered within a short time and prices have resumed on a steady upward rise.

Seasoned property stalwarts such as Elias Jreissati of Bensons Property Group, and Leonard Teplin from Marshall White Projects have seen it all before, watching as Melbourne’s cyclical market rose and fell countless times over the years.

They say the market has reached real value levels and market fundamentals point to a positive upswing in 2019, meaning now might just be the best time to pounce, and make the most of current conditions while they last.

<h2>What they say...</h2>

<blockquote>
“The apartment market for off-the-plan remains consistent, with enquiry meeting demand through most of 2018 within strong areas of Melbourne. Given the relative affordability of finance for couples, these buyers are happy to invest more, move to stronger areas or purchase bigger apartments. Subsequently our average sale price of an off-the-plan apartment rose to $963,000 this year.

There will always be demand for well-designed and appointed projects within good locations, close to amenities and infrastructure offering carefully considered floorplans that cater to the end buyer’s needs. These basic fundamentals have buoyed Melbourne’s property market and continue to get stronger.”

It’s true that certain sections of the buying market have had to seek alternative methods to access credit, but that hasn’t diminished the appetite for good property. What we’re seeing is a slew of new lenders filling those gaps for first home buyers, downsizers and families who are still looking to buy new apartments or town homes off-the-plan.

Unemployment rates are at record lows, Australia’s GDP went up by 0.7% last quarter and construction and infrastructure investment remains incredibly strong. Buyers are buying and developers that are meeting demand with quality product are selling – there’s no doom and gloom in the wealth belt of Boorondara, Stonnington and Bayside.”

- Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“The market will always ebb and flow – the extent of the current softening is highly exaggerated and sensationalised. The Melbourne housing sector had very strong growth for nearly 10 years, it is natural that there will be a slowdown for a while.

The fundamental driver of housing is population growth and it continues unabated. Overseas immigration is still strong, people are still growing up and wanting to move out of home, downsizers are still wanting to downsize and people wanting to own their own home still aspire to do so. These facts never change.

With the mad heat having dissipated from the market, there should be more quality stock available for the discerning purchasers. The thing with property is that if you own it for the long term, it always forgives you and profits you.”

- Elias Jreissati, Group Chairman, Bensons Property Group
</blockquote>
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urban.com.au

Now is the Time to Buy say Industry Stalwarts

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In this week's podcast I'm joined by Laurence Dragomir and we talk about the Melbourne's development by tram series, RMIT's New Academic Street, <a href="/news/leonard-teplin-discusses-whats-next-for-melbournes-property-market-in-2018">Laury's interview with Leonard Teplin</a>.

Ps. I'll try to not talk as fast next time!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/397190265&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>

 
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Alastair Taylor

Weekly Podcast: Episode 2 - Development by Tram, RMIT NAS and Leonard Teplin

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Sales and marketing agents Marshall White have shifted their focus to virtual reality as a selling tool due to shifting preferences and expectations from prospective buyers.

Based upon recent project marketing experiences, younger generations heavy reliance upon the digital sphere has allowed Marshall White to sell out projects without a physical display suite.

As sales agent for <a href="/buildings/no-308-308-carlisle-street-balaclava">308 Carlisle Street</a>, Marshall White managed to sell all apartments within the project without a display suite or budget toward traditional print advertising. All 45 apartments were sold in under six weeks with the majority of purchasers aged between 25 and 30.

Marshall White believe buyers were drawn to location, enticed by what they term "a refined sales campaign" that simply put forth the advantages of a well-connected lifestyle coupled with an apartment of quality.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/00117814_img_02_1600x.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="308 Carlisle Street exterior. Image courtesy Marshall White"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/00117814_img_02_1600x.jpg?itok=X5DzXEgI" title="308 Carlisle Street exterior. Image courtesy Marshall White" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>308 Carlisle Street exterior. Image: Marshall White</figcaption></figure>Urban.com.au spoke to Leonard Teplin, Projects Director at Marshall White, who sees this as an opportunity to better invest the hundreds of thousands of dollars developers would spend on lavish display suites into innovative alternatives that are not only cost and time effective, but more authentic and impactful.

<blockquote>
This generation has changed the game; they are heavily reliant on the digital sphere and entrust it with major life decisions. People plan dates, book accommodation and apply for jobs with people they’ve never met and in places they’ve never been, online every day – so why would we expect any less of them when it comes to purchasing property?

Buyers are overloaded with choice and bombarded with advertisements, which has made them less perceptible to traditional marketing tactics. In order to be effective you must know your audience, what they value, who they trust, where they source their information – these things often hold more significance than their gender or profession and allow us to develop tailored marketing strategies that resonate with our buyers on a deeper level.

An integrated approach simplifies the sales process and leverages technology, videography, photography, renders, brand partnerships, and direct marketing to achieve a far more cost effect result within the shortest possible time frame.
<cite>Leonard Teplin, Projects Director, Marshall White</cite>
</blockquote>

While digital marketing has hit the mark with younger buyers, Leonard Teplin acknowledges print media as still maintaining an integral role to play in the sales process with older purchasers.

In order to access the virtual reality display without a physical display suite, prospective buyers would visit the Marshall White offices where all the necessary technology is in-house. A interactive display of approximately 72 inches occupies a space within Marshall White's offices and the general consensus has been positive, particularly for buyers who would otherwise struggle to visualise themselves in a prospective apartment space.

<blockquote>
What we've tried to do is create a 3D experience where the buyer puts on the headset which allows them to stand in the kitchen or bathroom and get a real sense and feel for the space. Virtual reality is the perfect solution for taking your product interstate or internationally, without having to build display suites or rely on printed or digital advertising material.

You're providing buyers with a fully immersive experience of the apartment and we expect more and more developers to embrace the concept.

<cite>Leonard Teplin, Projects Director, Marshall White</cite>
</blockquote>

Earlier this year the agency in tandem with <a href="/developers/moda-corp">Moda Corp</a> sold all 27 luxury apartments at High &amp; Spring in the same time frame as 308 Carlisle without any traditional or digital advertising, achieving a sales average of approximately $1,050,000 per apartment. This was done via Marshall White's database of existing clientele and interested parties.

Teplin believes that if a client is prepared to work with them in delivering a product to the market, then in those circumstances traditional advertising becomes obsolete as there's already a ready made audience for that particular type of property.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/arch2a.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="High &amp; Spring has proven successful without traditional advertising. Image courtesy Marshall White"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="279" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/arch2a.jpg?itok=hzPtPpRR" title="High &amp; Spring has proven successful without traditional advertising. Image courtesy Marshall White" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>High &amp; Spring has proven successful without traditional advertising. Image: Marshall White</figcaption></figure>Looking further ahead at the potential implications of the Victorian Government's soon to be introduced apartment standards and their impact on the market, Leonard Teplin expects an increased number of sites would be considered 'undevelopable' due to excessive setback requirements.

Teplin argues that minimum ceiling heights of 2.7 metres are "fine but we need to make sure the planning scheme gets adjusted accordingly so that mandatory height limits in certain zones (such as Residential 1: 9 metres) can cater for three levels at 2.7 metres."

Most sites will reduce in value, says Teplin, and the government may not care about this but if implemented in its current form, there will be a long period of no development (like <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a>) whilst the price of housing goes through the roof.

Sites will only start to stack up financially once the rate per square metre gets to "ridiculous levels like Sydney… these proposed amendments will kill what little affordability there is left in the market."
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Laurence Dragomir

Discussing the future of the apartment market with Leonard Teplin

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Super penthouses atop Melbourne's tallest apartment projects may be the headline story, but there is currently a groundswell within the inner and middle suburb luxury apartment sector as a string of new boutique projects on offer. Running hand in hand with these new releases is evidence that luxury off-the-plan property sales are substantially on the rise.

Property sales agent Marshall White Projects recently released figures showing that year on year sales of apartments valued in excess of $650,000 rose from 278 in 2014 to 507 during 2015. Further the agency recorded 51 off-the-plan sales over $1.5 million in 2015, with just 20 logged for the same period in 2014.

This equates to a 250 percent increase in just one year.

<blockquote>
There is no doubt that the off-the-plan market has changed considerably in the past 18 months. Traditionally, off-the-plan sales have suited first home buyers who may not have the capital behind them to buy a freestanding home, and local investors due who were drawn to the tax breaks and savings when purchasing off the plan.

Now, however, developers and sales agents have identified a new market demographic in older downsizers or families who want to spend the same amount of money they would on a terrace home, however they are now seeking out larger luxury apartments as a viable lifestyle option.

Over the past 12 months I would estimate that approximately 30 percent of our owner occupier purchasers have been downsizers, compared with just 15 percent the year before.

With this changing market in mind we are now recommending that our clients have consolidation opportunities already prepared before going to market for all new developments to allow for a substantial weighting towards large, three bedrooms, luxury apartments.
<cite>Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects</cite>
</blockquote>

In the broader sense Apartments.com.au has also noted an increase in the inclusion of three bedroom apartments in many of the projects that have entered the Apartments.com.au Project Database of late, with certain projects now containing a majority three bedroom dwellings.

Customisation is also increasing in off in the off-the-plan market according to Marshall White Projects, with older owner occupiers now firmly in the driver’s seat when it came to the personalised design, layout and finish of their new apartment.

<blockquote>
It would be rare in this market if we didn’t sell a project without at least one instance of customisation or amalgamation. Today’s luxury apartment buyers know exactly what they want and they have the money behind them to make it happen. We are constantly seeing buyers purchase two apartments next to each other and working with the architects to create a truly bespoke, three or four-bedroom home.

18 months ago developers wouldn’t dream of creating a three bedroom – two living area or four-bedroom apartment within their projects – let alone a whole building of them – but now we are finding these larger offerings are the first to go, and if a building doesn’t have a three to four bedroom offering buyers will purchase two smaller apartments and customise their own.
<cite>Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects</cite>
</blockquote>


Leonard Teplin has also called on the State Government to overturn the controversial Neighbourhood Planning Zones in order to keep up with this growing demand.

<blockquote>
This luxury downsizer market doesn’t want to live in a high rise building in the CBD; they are seeking low-rise, boutique apartment developments in quiet side streets in locations like South Yarra, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Toorak and Armadale. The problem is these new Neighbourhood Zones have now locked up much of the land that is suitable for these developments, which is severely limiting demand and creating undo pressure on the end user.

This will only inflate apartment prices down the track so something must be done to ensure we can continue to feed this demand into the future.

<cite>Leonard Teplin, Director, Marshall White Projects</cite>
</blockquote>


In light of the above seen below are three newly release projects set to further add to the Melbourne's luxury apartment stock:

<h2>Lindsay Brighton</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image15_3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jacmax's Lindsay Brighton. Image: Jacmax"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="276" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image15_3.jpg?itok=1d8qDFQX" title="Jacmax's Lindsay Brighton. Image: Jacmax" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jacmax's Lindsay Brighton. Image: Jacmax</figcaption></figure>Internationally award winning architects, Fearon Hay and property developer Jacmax has combined to create Lindsay Brighton. The first Victorian residential project for the New Zealand based design firm is designed with luxury detail in mind.

Three-meter high ceilings, seven-meter natural stone kitchen bench tops and full-height libraries with associated timber, bronze bookcases and ladders are some of the features included within the three level development.

<blockquote>
We wanted to transform the idea of apartment living through crafting a prestigious residential offering with opulent simplicity, providing a low maintenance, luxury lifestyle. There were no limitations when designing the residence. Fearon Hay were given a completely blank sheet.
<cite>Trent Skurrie, Director, Jacmax</cite>
</blockquote>

11 apartments make up the development with nine two and three-bedroom dwellings in addition to two penthouses. Pricing for the project begins at $1.6 million through to $4 million with apartment sizes beginning at 135sqm and increasing to a Penthouse-sized 297sqm.

<h2>Autun</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image16_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Marshall White Projects will market Autun. Image: theautunestate.com.au"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="282" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image16_5.jpg?itok=uE09nCGf" title="Marshall White Projects will market Autun. Image: theautunestate.com.au" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Marshall White Projects will market Autun. Image: theautunestate.com.au</figcaption></figure>Marshall White Projects' latest offering is the Autun Estate low-rise apartment and townhouse project located in a quiet side within Malvern East.

Designed by Conrad Architects and with interiors by SJB, the development will consist of two, three and four bedroom residences with the surrounding gardens created by Jack Merlo Design. Builder Glenvill Homes has been appointed with the high-end project townhouses selling for $1.2 million and beyond.

<h2>Englefield</h2>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image19_8.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Englefield exterior &amp; interior. Image: Perri Projects"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image19_8.jpg?itok=o3DNiQgv" title="Englefield exterior &amp; interior. Image: Perri Projects" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Englefield exterior &amp; interior. Image: Perri Projects</figcaption></figure>Perri Projects has created the ‘Tailored Living Residences’ concept that will see home automation, personalised valet services and remote control technology delivered to residents as part of Perri Projects’ new ‘The Englefield’ development in South Yarra. The bespoke development will hold seven penthouse-sized apartments.

<blockquote>
Our experience and research have indicated that there is a new demographic of purchasers seeking out luxury apartments in curated developments that offer convenience as well as space and privacy.

These purchasers are seeking a luxury apartment with either two or three bedrooms, a study and a large outdoor entertaining space, in a low-rise, premium address that affords them the privacy they desire. We have designed The Englefield to embody these principles; every apartment is of a large, discerning size, equipped with the highest calibre fittings and materials, and embellished with incredible lush landscaped surrounds.

We have enhanced the appeal of the project even further by adding unparalleled service and luxury to our owners through our tailored living concept
<cite>David Scalzo, Director, Perri Projects</cite>
</blockquote>
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silvermb

The luxury apartment market on the rise

<html><body>
It’s been just over two years since the Victorian Government’s controversial Neighbourhood Residential Zones were gazetted, which restricted new apartment development to certain ‘zones’ within each suburb, thus limiting development on side streets and other designated areas to single-lot dwellings.

The planning amendment was one long fought for by the residents of some of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs like those surrounding Marshall White’s four offices through Boroondara, Stonnington and Bayside, as they strove to protect their leafy-green streetscapes from new apartment buildings.

Many would say it’s been a win for the residents, however something incredibly interesting and unprecedented is now occurring as a result.

For the first time in recent memory, the same demographic which once vehemently opposed new developments - baby boomers and empty nesters - are looking to sell the family home and purchase a large, bespoke apartment in the same neighbourhood they know and love. It’s an extraordinary shift in sentiment from say two or three years ago when this particular demographic wouldn’t even consider living in an apartment.

On the contrary, now they have wholeheartedly embraced it, but there’s just one problem – the type of apartments they are seeking; boutique projects located on quiet side streets away from the hustle-and-bustle of the main road traffic, don’t actually exist anymore due to the flow on effects of the new planning regulations which have severely restricted new apartment growth in these suburbs.

Developers are now adjusting to the new regulations by purchasing what properties they can on main roads, and redeveloping them into large-scale new apartment buildings. Some landowners are even now cashing in by combining their sites and selling multiple adjoining parcels for a huge profit.

But, with development opportunities now so restricted, developers simply can’t keep up with the demand for more boutique developments of say 10 luxury apartments in quiet neighbourhood streets.

As baby boomers and empty nesters continue to flood the market, there is simply not enough new product coming to market in Melbourne’s inner east and northern suburbs to keep up with demand. With the rapidly changing market, the time is now to reassess the neighbourhood planning guidelines in order to free up the pipeline of new apartment developments in order to adequately satiate demand.

A market as dynamic as Melbourne’s demands flexible planning schemes that provide clarity, are nimbly changed and evolved to keep up with constantly changing market needs.

This new wave of apartment-embracing downsizers will just continue to grow as more and more people seek to trade in their family home for something more manageable, yet still with the luxury finishes and amenity to which they have become accustomed.

Our planning regulations are behind the times and we urgently need reform in order to better serve the market in the future.

Leonard Teplin is Director of Marshall White Projects.

Lead image courtesy Trust Advocate
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Leonard Teplin

Government should re-assess the neighbourhood planning zones

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Ageing in place and housing shortage are the two biggest buzz words in property at the moment, with current reports suggesting that older generations are refusing to downsize, causing a shortage of housing for younger buyers.

However, Marshall White Projects is in fact witnessing the opposite – now more than ever before we are seeing a substantial number of retirees buying up luxury apartments in order to fund their retirement lifestyle. In fact in my lifetime I have never seen a more large-scale acceptance towards apartment living from retirees than right now.

In the past six months alone, we have seen an astounding number of retirees purchasing off-the-plan apartments.

As an example, more than 70% of our Somers Avenue project in Malvern was sold to retirees, while at another luxury off-the-plan project in Doncaster, Arbor, retirees bought over 65 percent of the apartments sold. These retirees are either choosing apartment living of their own volition, or often they are assisted by their children who are supporting the move to downsize.

Whether you are for or against the merits of apartment living, there is no denying that the apartment landscape has changed drastically over the past five years.

No longer restricted to towering high-rise developments in the CBD, developers now understand that new demographics are adapting to apartments and are therefore delivering more larger-than-average, luxury apartment offerings in boutique developments in quiet tree-lined streets, to cater for these new buyers.

This has in turn opened up a host of opportunities for the retiree market who is seeking to swap their sprawling, aging home for something that offers a low-maintenance lifestyle without compromising on luxury or convenience.

According to the government’s Housing Decisions of Older Australians report, the primary motivator when retiring is to remain in a familiar community that’s close to family friends. Second is the desire to access amenity that assists with ageing in the form of facilities and low-maintenance housing.

That’s where these boutique apartment projects become so appealing to retirees.

Firstly they are located in areas that are familiar to the location the retirees know and love, and secondly they offer a spate of facilities and communal amenity that encourages community interaction and ease of living. I believe the recent shift in the retiree market’s mindset is only the beginning; as more older buyers recognise the benefits of apartment living, more will follow suit.

Which brings me to highlight the need for the current government neighbourhood planning zones to be overturned in order to fuel the demand for these sorts of boutique developments. Right now, under the current planning scheme, most of the ideal locations for these boutique developments – quiet side streets in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs – are restricted to two-lot subdivisions, with main roads the only approved locations for future development growth.

As retirees embrace apartment living, we need to meet these new expectations and provide suitable dwelling options to meet the heightened demand. If we don’t enforce change we will be unable to deliver the sorts of boutique apartment options that appeal to the retiree market.

In my opinion, it is this underlying lack of supply, not a voluntary refusal from retirees to downsize, which will cause a shortage of housing supply for future generations.

Leonard Teplin is a director of <a href="http://www.marshallwhiteprojects.com.au/">Marshall White Projects</a>.
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Retirement is no barrier to apartment living

<html><body>
It’s been just over two years since the State Government’s controversial Neighbourhood Residential Zones were gazetted, which restricted new apartment development to certain ‘zones’ within each suburb, thus limiting development on side streets and other designated areas to single-lot dwellings.

The planning amendment was one long fought for by the residents of some of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs like those surrounding Marshall White’s four offices through Boroondara, Stonnington and Bayside, as they strove to protect their leafy-green streetscapes from new apartment buildings.

Many would say it’s been a win for the residents, however something incredibly interesting and unprecedented is now occurring as a result.

For the first time in recent memory, the same demographic which once vehemently opposed new developments - baby boomers and empty nesters - are looking to sell the family home and purchase a large, bespoke apartment in the same neighbourhood they know and love.

It’s an extraordinary shift in sentiment from say two or three years ago when this particular demographic wouldn’t even consider living in an apartment.

On the contrary, now they have wholeheartedly embraced it, but there’s just one problem – the type of apartments they are seeking; boutique projects located on quiet side streets away from the hustle-and-bustle of the main road traffic, don’t actually exist anymore due to the flow on effects of the new planning regulations which have severely restricted new apartment growth in these suburbs.

Developers are now adjusting to the new regulations by purchasing what properties they can on main roads, and redeveloping them into large-scale new apartment buildings. Some landowners are even now cashing in by combining their sites and selling multiple adjoining parcels for a huge profit.

But, with development opportunities now so restricted, developers simply can’t keep up with the demand for more boutique developments of say 10 luxury apartments in quiet neighbourhood streets.

As baby boomers and empty nesters continue to flood the market, there is simply not enough new product coming to market in Melbourne’s inner east and northern suburbs to keep up with demand.

With the rapidly changing market, the time is now to reassess the neighbourhood planning guidelines in order to free up the pipeline of new apartment developments in order to adequately satiate demand.

A market as dynamic as Melbourne’s demands flexible planning schemes that provide clarity, are nimbly changed and evolved to keep up with constantly changing market needs.

This new wave of apartment-embracing downsizers will just continue to grow as more and more people seek to trade in their family home for something more manageable, yet still with the luxury finishes and amenity to which they have become accustomed.

Our planning regulations are behind the times and we urgently need reform in order to better serve the market in the future.

Leonard Teplin is Director of Melbourne-based <a href="http://www.marshallwhiteprojects.com.au/">Marshall White Projects</a>.
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