A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

Melbourne apartments

The recently completed One Coburg Quarter is one of the most striking residential components&nbsp;within the&nbsp;landmark $1 billion masterplan by Rothelowman.

Developed by Future Estate, the building connects Melbourne&rsquo;s northern hub to the future.

Its location at 11 Urquhart Street&nbsp;puts it within eight kilometres of the Melbourne CBD, and within walking distance of Brunswick.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783 project_image_fid=188151]

The thriving cosmopolitan part of inner Melbourne already boasts a number of eateries, parks and entertainment hubs, cementing itself as a place not only rich with history but also with the potential for great expansion.

Ideally located between bustling Sydney Road and the expanses of Coburg Lake, and incorporating heritage bluestone remnants of the 19th century Pentridge buildings, Coburg Quarter will be much more than a new place to live.

Public transport is easy to find in the area, with links taking only 15-minutes to get you to the CBD. Schools and the University of Melbourne are all within close proximity to the unique space, while also being complemented by a new high street, offering a range of restaurants, caf&eacute;s, bars, retailers and spaces to engage with the wider neighbourhood.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783 project_image_fid=188150]

Coburg is where famous Australian musician, Tex Perkins, with leading publican Danial Caneva restored The Post Office Hotel a few years ago, with the venue now regularly packing in crowds to see gigs in the old pub and enjoy top nosh in the dining hall.

That&rsquo;s just the beginning though - with the traditional Lebanese flavours of Zaatar to the Latin-American infused cuisine of True North all within a stones throw of One Coburg, there are more than enough local flavours and eateries to not only draw people to the area but to keep every foodie here well and truly satisfied.

The communal spaces within One Coburg Quarter include an indoor lounge and dining areas that open seamlessly to an outdoor rooftop terrace with landscaping, outdoor seating and a barbecue for a more private entertaining option.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3783]

The thriving cosmopolitan part of inner Melbourne already boasts a number of eateries, parks and entertainment hubs, cementing itself as a place not only rich with history but also with potential for great expansion.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

How One Coburg Quarter fits into Melbourne's Coburg

Melbourne Quarter&rsquo;s East tower, designed by renowned architects&nbsp;Fender Katsal​idis, is set in the new wider precinct Lendlease has developed between the popular Collins and Flinders Street.

The national developer is now offering investors limited-time incentives in the completed <a href="/buildings/east-tower-melbourne-quarter-628-flinders-street-docklands">East Tower</a>, which include a choice between an eight per cent rebate OR a guaranteed rental yield of five per cent for two years^. That applies to all one, two and three-bedroom apartments in the 40-level East Tower.

One-bedroom apartments are priced from $446,000, with two-bedroom apartments starting from $607,000.

For a limited time Lendlease is also offering no stamp duty for eligible buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459 project_image_fid=147577]

The entry is a statement to the whole tower, through a grand lobby with a soaring nine metre canopy and signature stone and bronze highlights.

The theme of contemporary elegance is evident not only in the lobby but throughout the apartments, as exhibited from the high end fittings and timber flooring.

Each of Melbourne Quarter&rsquo;s one, two and three-bedroom apartments have been designed for timeless livability, with high-quality fixtures and fittings, considered layouts and contemporary interiors.

Take advantage of your brand new European appliances or if you prefer dining in without the hassle, the tower also boasts private dining spaces with fully-equipped kitchens and a residents&rsquo; lounge.

Soak in the sights from your sleek, stone-paved balcony from high-rise Skyhomes with panoramic city, river or bay views, to boutique apartments overlooking the green oasis below. Especially since a generous 50% of the precinct is dedicated to outdoor open space for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy.

Experience the views wherever you go, including at East Tower&#39;s exclusive Club MQ where every resident has access to three floors of resort-style amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459 project_image_fid=147571]

As part of Club MQ, the inner city development offers multiple fitness facilities exclusively for its residents, including access to gym facilities, a private yoga space, a spa and sauna and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.

The pool area&rsquo;s large double-storey floor-to-ceiling windows provide countless opportunities to take in the city skyline while swimming laps.

Home to Melbourne&rsquo;s newest laneway, promising delights and delicacies for locals and visitors alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459 project_image_fid=147566]

As one of Melbourne&#39;s most popular retail precincts, you can pop down to the Designer Fashion Outlet whenever you like. Also within walking distance is Crown Melbourne, South Wharf Promenade and education hubs including the University of Melbourne and RMIT.&nbsp;

Melbourne Quarter is conveniently situated between two of Melbourne&#39;s most iconic streets, Flinders and Collins, and is opposite Southern Cross Station. It&#39;s just a stroll to&nbsp;Collins Street&rsquo;s top restaurants and retail stores and Bourke Street Mall.

^Apartments seeking nomination. Incentives are available for a limited time, subject to terms, conditions and eligibility criteria available at www.melbournequarter.com/live.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3459]

For a limited time Lendlease is also offering no stamp duty for eligible buyers

What incentives are Lendlease offering investors at Melbourne Quarter?

Southbank, the cultural heart of Melbourne, is getting a facelift from the Victorian state government, with plans to invest $470 million into redeveloping the art district.

ARA Australia are undertaking the government-funded project, with the purpose of enhancing amenities and experiences for locals, with a wider plan of attracting more visitors to the area.&nbsp;There will be new bars, office spaces and restaurants across a five-story podium.

The continued development of the Southbank area has apartment developers seeking to create towers for the expected high demand of buyers. The highly anticipated STH Bnk by Beulah is expected to launch in 2022, which will see around 449 apartments created in the $2.7 billion mixed-use development.

Urban has wrapped up the best apartments for sale in Southbank.

1. The Evermore 
Developer: Landence 
Price: From $455,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2087 project_image_fid=180823]

The Evermore, located on Dorcas Street and completed last year,&nbsp;was designed to be timeless in both architecture and interior design.&nbsp;

Comprising 200 apartments spread across two slender towers, the 24-level high-rise was designed by architect Hayball and developer Landence. The Evermore&rsquo;s towers are anchored by a podium where residents can shop at retail outlets. Unique in its folded composition and louvered facade, The Evermore offers a lift between its two towers to transport residents to a wellness zone on level three.

Floor plans are spacious ranging between 60 sqm and 120 sqm of living space with a versatile range of 200 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Apartments under $1 million in The Evermore qualify for $0 stamp duty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2087 project_image_fid=180824]

2. Australia 108 
Developer: World Class Land 
Prices from: $480,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582 project_image_fid=182879]

Set on Southbank Boulevard, Australia 108, the tallest apartment tower in the southern hemisphere, was designed by the renowned architecture firm Fender Katsalidis and pays homage to the Australian flag with a rotated golden structure protruding from the building.

The 161 Cloud Residences are located between 210 metres and 319 metres above ground across the tower&rsquo;s 72 through 100 floors, atop the building&rsquo;s iconic Starburst feature.

A collection of four limited edition Nova sub-penthouses are also on offer. Located on level 97, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartments span up to 200 sqm. They have price tags between $4,746,000 and $5,558,000.The Cloud Residences also represent some of the most expensive residential apartments real estate in the nation, with prices between $1.9 million for a three bedroom and $25 million for the statement trophy 797 sqm penthouse, the most expensive apartment sold in Australia at the time of its sale in 2015.

Apartments under $1 million in Australia 108&nbsp;qualify for $0 stamp duty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=582 project_image_fid=182851]

3. Melbourne Square 
Developer: OSK Property 
Prices: From $711,400

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137896]

At Melbourne Square on Kavanagh Street, both public and private amenity has been thoughtfully considered, giving residents a number of relaxation, work and entertainment zones.&nbsp;

The impressive offering spans over 14,000 sqm and includes a landscaped public park, a network of green spaces, the city&#39;s largest resort-style pool (50 metres long) and private entertaining pods. Comprising 1,054 two and three-bedroom apartments, the development reflects the essence of the city thanks to dynamic designs by Cox Architecture.

Residents of the precinct can enjoy a host of shared amenities, including a resort-style outdoor pool, indoor pool, yoga studio, golf simulator, gym and private cinema.

Apartments under $1 million in Melbourne Square qualify for $0 stamp duty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137895]

4. FOCUS Melbourne 
Developer: Central Equity 
Prices: From $499,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62315]

Southbank is set to welcome newcomer FOCUS Melbourne on City Road, the product of a partnership between Central Equity and Doig Architecture.

Located on City Road, residents will benefit from easy access to an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options, with the Botanic Gardens, Crown Entertainment Complex, Arts Centre and the Melbourne CBD all within walking distance.

Comprising 592 one, two and three-bedroom apartments spread across 50 levels, this glazed high-rise features a contemporary facade of strong rectilinear geometry, clear and bronze glass, and the retention of a heritage fa&ccedil;ade along the streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62320]

5. Normanby 
Developer: Capital Alliance 
Price: From $536,550

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1487 project_image_fid=92313]

Normanby, Southbank offers a unique way of living, with the 40 level development part of Australia&#39;s first AC Hotels by Marriot.

Residents of these private high-end apartments will be able to join the exclusive hotel membership and access services and amenities provided by the hotel, including, the infinity pool, gymnasium, concierge services, room service, housekeeping and much more. Featuring spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each apartment also comes with its own storage room located on the same level as your apartment.

Delivered by Capital Alliance and DKO Architecture, and built by Crema, the apartments start at $536,550 and rise to $1,431,150 for the three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1487 project_image_fid=92319]

The continued development of the Southbank area has apartment developers seeking to create towers for the expected high demand of buyers.

The best five Southbank apartments on the market

First home buyers will get an exclusive crack at three of the latest apartment projects by the Melbourne apartment developer, MAB Corporation.

A Victorian-first, MAB are offering what is essentially a pre-release of apartments just for those getting on the ladder for the first time, with an eight-week window before the apartments are available to everyone.

The three inner northern ring apartments,&nbsp;Academy North Melbourne, Merri Northcote and Preston Crossing, will see first home buyers get a chance to purchase with a three percent deposit, or less than $11,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109972 project_image_fid=185444]

For deposits greater than three per cent, purchasers will be entitled to a rebate that reduces the balance paid at settlement &ndash; an initiative designed to encourage saving while the homes are delivered.

Over 100 new apartments across the three projects will be available to first home buyers before launching to the broader public in 2022.

MAB General Manager Residential, David Allt-Graham said the initiative is&nbsp;a great opportunity for first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109972 project_image_fid=185457]

&ldquo;MAB understands the challenges first home buyers face entering the inner-city property market and we believe that this initiative will help people in our city purchase their first home in tightly held inner-city locations,&quot; Allt-Graham said.

&ldquo;What&rsquo;s more, all three projects are being developed as sustainable, future-proofed homes with a minimum 7 Star NatHERS rating along with our commitment to deliver a 5 Star Green Star As-Built certification.

&quot;With a focus on sustainability, and operating fully electric, we&rsquo;re ensuring these future residents will have homes that are less expensive to operate and are better for the environment as we move towards a carbon-free future.

About MAB&rsquo;s Participating Projects 

Academy, North Melbourne 

The third collaboration between MAB and architect McBride Charles Ryan (MCR), Academy comprises 17 townhouses and 150 apartments and showcases an innovative, avant-garde design underpinned by flexible, welcoming homes that elevate the wellbeing of residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110214 project_image_fid=185969]

Merri, Northcote

Designed by Six Degrees to complement the natural beauty of Merri Creek, Merri Northcote will be home to 151 apartments upon its completion.

The new homes at the development aim to feel familiar and are immersed in their lush surroundings &ndash; encouraging a connection to nature through planned biophilic integrations and easy access to walking tracks.

Preston Crossing, Preston

Spearheaded by renowned architects Hayball, Archier and Breathe Architecture, Preston Crossing will home a&nbsp;mix of apartments and townhouses totalling 147 dwellings, which will champion progressive design and a connected community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109972 project_image_fid=185447]

Over 100 new apartments across the three projects will be available to first home buyers before launching to the broader public in 2022

MAB Corporation to reserve first release of three Melbourne apartment developments for first home buyers

The Agency Port Phillip agent&nbsp;Michael Paproth says every prospective apartment buyer he is speaking&nbsp;to at the moment is interested in knowing what&nbsp;the star rating of the building is, or whether there is EV charging.

&quot;Most buyers don&rsquo;t have an EV but understand that they soon will have,&quot; Paproth says, with buyers&nbsp;planning well ahead with their off t​he plan purchases.

Urban recently caught up with Paproth to discuss the trends emerging in the apartment market.

JC: How have you viewed the performance of the of​f the plan market in 2021, and what are the strongest positive and negative factors that will influence outcomes in 2022 and 2023?

MP: The off t​he plan market has been incredibly resilient in 2021. To consider that we threw a pandemic and statewide lockdown and lock out at it shows that Melburnians &ndash; the local market &ndash; have an insatiable appetite for new, low maintenance living.

The strongest positive factors for this market ironically are the lack of approvals for new development that have slumped and are only showing very slight improvement in numbers which will mean a drastic lack of supply into 2023/24. Coupled with the eye watering construction costs due in part to material shortages to lack of apprenticeships the market will absolutely lap up what little availability there is. 
&nbsp; 
The negative factors that will influence the market are all centred around immigration to and migration out of the state. My hope is that Melbourne will once again be seen as the safest and most beautiful City in the world to come and work and study in. As we open back up to the international students and expats return home to avoid the European winter I think we can expect that demand for new and off th​e plan will be extremely strong.

If we miss this opportunity then the sector may struggle. 
&nbsp; 
JC: What trend (short term or long term) has prompted your greatest enthusiasm for the apartment market, and what is the issue of most concern to you and or your clients?

MP: The short term trend that I have great enthusiasm for is seeing buyers embrace what they didn&rsquo;t know they wanted. Melbourne developers have stepped it up in relation to amenity and now buyers are enjoying life in 6 star hotel like accommodation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The longer term trends are the home as the central hub of entertainment and for work. Work from home is a now a thing and employees are showing flexibility as the pandemic rolls as the risk of a infecting a team or entire office means the flexibility remains. That is translating into studies and spaces for that within residences. We are also seeing things like Chairmans Lounges at Saint Moritz or Vaults at Rondure House which are dedicated, on title work spaces. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
JC: Has urbanisation stalled amid the rush to the regions and what will it look like over the decade ahead?

MP:&nbsp;Over 2021 I have sold numerous apartments to families who are maintaining an apartment close to the City in the villages of South Melbourne, Collingwood Elwood &amp; Brighton whilst making the family home on the Peninsula, West coast or Macedon Ranges. That&rsquo;s why we have seen those markets rise to extraordinary levels also. So I sense that the urbanisation may have stalled and a line has been drawn. Buyers want the City for dining, study, work, sports and enterntainment and the regions to enjoy time with family and space to unwind. Covid has taught us that none of us are getting out of life alive so we have to enjoy it. 
&nbsp; 
The next decade I think the trend will only get stronger. I think we will see our regional communities grow and our loved holiday getaway spots become family home towns for traditional City dwellers. WFH is now a thing rather than a stopgap and the ease of commuting with the onset of autonomous driving and better rail and transport infrastructure will ensure that to commute is not only palatable but enjoyable. The City will be a thriving hub of work, education, entertainment and sports. 
&nbsp; 
JC: How important do you view the push for sustainability practices in the apartment market, and what initiative has seized your interest or focus?&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
MP: I love what Gurner, Hip V Hype and Millieu in particular are doing with their focus on sustainability and industry leading strategies in the new developments market. We are now seeing individual activism in the sustainability space where I think we have worked out that marching in the streets and holding up traffic is really doing nothing in changing politicians minds to act on climate change. &nbsp;We are seeing market led change as buyers are consuming what leaders of the industry are now implementing.

I think we all want to be environme​ntally conscious and our developers are showing us how to do it! History will show that it wasn&rsquo;t government virtue signalling, but the entrepreneurs and developers who effected the most amount of change. 
&nbsp; 
Every (and I mean EVERY) buyer I speak with is asking what star rating is the building and is there EV charging? Most buyers don&rsquo;t have an EV but understand that they soon will have. This is again a situation where our visionary developers are building what we don&rsquo;t even know we need yet. It&#39;s market led. It&#39;s happening now.

"Most buyers don’t have an EV but understand that they soon will have," Paproth says, with buyers forward planning as to what the future holds

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Energy rating and electric vehicle charging on the apartment wishlist: Five Minutes with The Agency's Michael Paproth

Melbourne apartments values continued to show their resilience&nbsp;over 2021, with a further 0.5 per cent growth in November, CoreLogic&#39;s&nbsp;monthly Hedonic Home Value Index found.

Melbourne&#39;s rolling quarterly gains are now at 1.7 per cent,&nbsp;following a one per cent gain over October and 0.2 per cent growth over September.

The median apartment value across Melbourne is now 8.4 per cent higher than it was at the start of 2021, up from $576,000 to $626,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175417]

Based on median values, capital city houses are now 37.9 per cent&nbsp;more expensive than capital city units &ndash; the largest difference on record. In dollar value terms, a capital city house is averaging around $240,500 more than a capital city unit.

In Sydney, where the gap between house and unit values is the widest, a house costs $523,000 more on average than a unit. Melbourne&#39;s gap is around $360,000.

Although values are continuing to rise, the November result was the softest outcome since January when values rose 0.9 per cent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137895]

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic&rsquo;s research director, says the slowdown in the pace of growth is due to a number of reasons.

&ldquo;Virtually every factor that has driven housing values higher has lost some potency over recent months. Fixed mortgage rates are rising, higher listings are taking some urgency away from buyers, affordability has become a more substantial barrier to entry and credit is less available,&quot; Lawless noted.

&ldquo;With such a large value gap between the broad housing types, it&rsquo;s no wonder we are seeing demand gradually transition towards higher density housing options simply because they are substantially more affordable than buying a house.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108979 project_image_fid=181109]

Apartment rents in Melbourne continue to rise at a faster pace than house rents over the past four or five months, one of the few capital city&#39;s to be doing so, as investors become more and more inclined to get back in to the inner-city market.

&ldquo;Melbourne&rsquo;s unit sector was previously recording the weakest rental conditions of any capital city, with rents plunging -8.5% between March 2020 and May 2021,&quot; Lawless said.

&quot;It seems that more tenants are taking advantage of the renewed affordability of unit rentals, especially across inner city precincts where rents had previously fallen sharply.&quot;

In Sydney, where the gap between house and unit values is the widest, a house costs $523,000 more on average than a unit. Melbourne's gap is around $360,000.

Melbourne apartment insights: What happened to Melbourne apartment values in November?

Cultivate, the newest apartment project by developer Kincaid, is set to change the face of the small suburb of&nbsp;Heidelberg West&nbsp;when it is completed in late 2023.

Ideally located between the adjoining&nbsp;suburbs of&nbsp;Ivanhoe, Heidelberg and Preston, Cultivate will be the first high-rise in Heidelberg West. It will activate the&nbsp;street-level of Bell Street,&nbsp;with retail space at the foot of the two&nbsp;buildings.

Over 50 per cent of the building has sold, to a good mix of first home buyers, investors, and owner-occupiers, Kincaid&#39;s development manager Joel Martin says.

Investor Patrick Hernandez was one of the latest buyers. He saw a number of benefits&nbsp;to Cultivate, his first investment in Melbourne&#39;s northern suburbs.

We recently sat down with Patrick to discuss why he opted for a Cultivate apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178987]

JR: How did you discover Cultivate?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: Via email and Urban&rsquo;s internet website.

JR: What makes Cultivate an attractive investment opportunity?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: Good value for money with strong capital growth and long term rental yield.

JR: How do the returns in Heidelberg West compare to investments you have in surrounding areas?&nbsp;

PH: This is my first time to invest in this part of Melbourne, i. e., in the northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=180701]

The investment however ranks comparatively though, with&nbsp;an attractive rental yield at 5.2% which is much better than most investment properties I have researched so far.&nbsp;

Capital growth is projected to be around the same level.

JR: Which apartment configuration did you opt for, and what led you to narrow down your decision to the apartment you purchased?&nbsp;

PH: I opted for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, one-park&nbsp;unit as this unit type would give me a much better yield than a one-bedroom unit in the long run.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=180702]

JR: What made you decide to buy?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: The demographics and gentrification of the area has a lot of potential for further growth and development!!

JR: Are there features at Cultivate that surprised you?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: It has a WALK SCORE of 80, ergo, more room for future growth and development!

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178984]

JR: What do you love most about what Cultivate has to offer residents?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: It&rsquo;s gentrification from surrounding but more established suburbs of Ivanhoe, Preston, and Heidelberg will spill over to Heidelberg West to spur further development in the area.&nbsp;

On top of this, La Trobe University has plans to become a &ldquo;world-class University City of the Future with its 235 hectare Campus development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=628 project_image_fid=178988]

Ergo, this will create over 20,000+ jobs over ten years, additional housing for 12,000 students, and educational facilities for 40,000+ students.&nbsp; This will generate $3.5B in GRP over 10 years!

JR: Do you have any advice for budding investors?&nbsp;&nbsp;

PH: Do the maths as this rare property investment in Cultivate is a no brainer!&nbsp; If you are looking for strong capital growth and consistent rental yield, DON&rsquo;T GO PAST CULTIVATE @ HEIDELBERG WEST!&nbsp; It will surely pay you handsome dividends!

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=628]

Over 50 per cent of the building has sold, to a good mix of first home buyers, investors, and owner-occupiers, Kincaid's development manager Joel Martin says

Why investor Patrick Hernandez bought a Cultivate, Heidelberg West apartment: Urban buyer Q&A

R&amp;F Property Australia&#39;s new glass-swathed Box Hill apartm​ent development, Prospect, has topped out it 25th level, on time and on budget, despite a number of external factors contributing to a significant slowdown in the off t​he plan apartment construction space.

The regarded apartment builder, Hutchinson Builders, commenced construction on the $157 million mixed-use tower, which incorporates 194 apartments as well as street-level retail,&nbsp;in January 2020, and are on track to see residents move in in mid-2022.

Vincent Chen, R&amp;F Property Australia General Manager, said Prospect had been designed to provide a solution to post-pandemic demand for residential apartments that allows people to live, work a​ nd play all under the one roof.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3516 project_image_fid=153765]

&ldquo;We&rsquo;re excited to see the vision for Prospect coming to life during a challenging time in Victoria&rsquo;s development and construction industry,&rdquo; Chen said.

&ldquo;COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of work/life balance, and buyers now want to live somewhere where they can work, rest and play all under the one roof.

&ldquo;Recognising this demand, we have adapted our original plans for the project&rsquo;s ground-floor commercial space in favour of retail shops and a caf&eacute;, so residents can shop or grab a cup of coffee without having to leave the building.

&ldquo;There are also plans for a co-working space at the podium level that will provide residents with a quiet, convenient place to work or study essentially on their doorstep, a wellness club that comprises of a swimming pool and a gym, and other contemplative spaces and lounges.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3516 project_image_fid=153762]

Prospect, at 9&nbsp;Prospect Street,&nbsp;in the heart of one of Melbourne&rsquo;s fastest growing suburbs,&nbsp;is located a short distance from the Box Hill Central Shopping Centre, education precincts, dozens of dining options, and excellent public transport services, including Box Hill Central train station and a tram stop.

Remaining apartments in Prospect start at $459,000, with a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available.

R&amp;F Property Australia is also offering buyers a cash rebate of $25,000 for a limited time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3516 project_image_fid=153756]

Eugene Chieng, Director at Hayball Architects, said once completed, Prospect will create a sense of balance and ease of living due to the luxurious design and proximity to conveniences.

&ldquo;Residents are seeking wellness and balance to recalibrate life. The offering at Prospect will cater to a vast majority of buyers seeking this lifestyle which R&amp;F Property Australia and Hayball are committed to delivering,&rdquo; Chieng said.

&ldquo;The &ldquo;butterfly-shaped&rdquo; tower footprint takes advantage of the privileged views with outlook towards the Dandenong Ranges to the east and City views to the west while the slightly tapered profile of the floor plate also subtly allows for the apartments to capture and maximise daylight.

&ldquo;If immediacy and convenience is the new luxury, Prospect has it all at its doorstep. A vertical village where residents inhabit, work near home and have immediate access to daily needs is highly appealing in this inter-covid / post pandemic climate.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=3516]

Remaining apartments in Prospect start at $459,000, with a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments available

Prospect, Box Hill apartment development tops out on time and on budget

In the last few years Ormond, the small, near Bayside suburb, has grown to become one of Melbourne's most sought-after areas.

On the fringes of Brighton and Caulfield, Ormond is well connected to the rest of Melbourne through extensive bus&nbsp;and train network, as well as&nbsp;access to major road networks.

The small pocket in the Glen Eira district has grown substantially, and is&nbsp;now brimming with&nbsp;bustling retail precincts, extensive amenities and education options, as well as having many spacious public parks and gardens, and of course its proximity to Brighton Beach.

Ormond came to life more than 150 years ago, growing with the nearby CBD while still maintaining its community charm of a Bayside lifestyle.

Set to take advantage of the growth in the suburb is Walsh Grange, a contemporary collection of just 23&nbsp;apartments, developed in a joint venture between CQ Property Development and Loi Projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108897 project_image_fid=180976]

A short stroll from Ormond Station, Walsh Grange offers one, two and three-bedroom residences, designed by&nbsp;local architecture firm Telha Clarke.

Named after its corner location bordering Walsh and Grange Street, Walsh Grange&nbsp;has been designed to deliver the security of community and the comfort of a private, premium residence.

It puts residents near Ormond's own&nbsp;shopping precinct, as well as&nbsp;&nbsp;takes advantage of a number of nearby shopping strips, including Carnegie,&nbsp;Bentleigh&nbsp;and Caulfield.

The Chadstone Shopping Centre, with more than 500 stores and boutiques, is one of Australia’s largest retail experiences, alongside a range of medical, financial and entertainment amenity, there’s a multitude of restaurants and cafes serving an impressive diversity of international and local dishes. That's just 10 minutes away.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108897 project_image_fid=180983]

Families can find many of Melbourne’s finest schools within proximity to the development, with private schools like Kilvington Grammar, to state schools like&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/bentleigh-vic-3204">Bentleigh</a>&nbsp;Secondary College and McKinnon Secondary College. The jewel in the crown is its close proximity to Monash University, one of Australia’s top tertiary institutions.

Within ten minutes you can find yourself by the bay at North Road foreshore where there is a beach side bike path stretching around the southern bay for kilometres.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108897 project_image_fid=180973]

Playgrounds, parks, sporting grounds and facilities, gardens, pools, bike paths and trails, Walsh Grange is surrounded by an incredible array of public outdoor spaces and activities.

It’s key to what makes Walsh Grange in Ormond such a hidden gem – an impressive collection of residences expanded by convenient amenity and places to enrich your life.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108897]

Ormond came to life more than 150 years ago, growing with the nearby CBD while still maintaining its community charm of a Bayside lifestyle.

Stepping Out: What's around Walsh Grange in Ormond 

It&rsquo;s been nearly two years of rolling lockdowns, but Melbourne is officially open for business. Not just to residing Melburnians, but to interstate travellers, office workers, and the rest of the world, all factors which contribute to experts&rsquo; belief that inner-city apartment prices are ripe for growth.

Buyers wanting to secure an apartment in the City of Melbourne LGA, which includes the CBD as well as popular surrounding areas of Southbank, Dockl​ands, Carlton and North Melbourne, <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions">can save 50% in stamp duty</a> on new&nbsp;apartments&nbsp;worth up to $1 million.&nbsp;If the property has been on the market for more than 12 months, then stamp duty is waived completely.

But the expectation is prices will have jumped significantly by then. Despite the pitfalls of 2021, from lockdowns, lack of interstate and international travel, and the exodus of office workers from the CBD for the best part of nine months, the median apartment value in the City of Melbourne LGA is still up 7.5 per cent year to date, research from property data firm CoreLogic shows.

Scott Jessop, the sales and marketing director at OSK Property who is currently developing the $2.8 billion mixed-use precinct <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> in <a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>, said there&rsquo;s been a major uptick in enquiry volumes since Melbourne&rsquo;s lockdown was lifted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=139891]

&ldquo;Since mid-October we&rsquo;re trending up week on week,&rdquo; Jessop says, adding that there&rsquo;s been activity from across the board, from buyers walking in to display suites to those making appointments.

Jessop says he just dealt with a foreign purchaser who is buying for his daughter who is studying in Melbourne. &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t seen one of those transactions in over 18 months&rdquo;, Jessop says, expecting that he will be seeing more as international students return.

&ldquo;The combination of the generous stamp duty concessions, the continued affordability gap between house prices and apartments, and the reactivation of the CBD, will no doubt see growth ahead.

&ldquo;A perfect storm is coming for the Melbourne apartments, it&rsquo;s just a matter of when.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929 project_image_fid=137896]

Jessop says as demand grows, developers are likely to reduce the incentives that they are currently offering buyers. Buyers of apartments at <a href="/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square</a> can save up to $120,000 on an apartment with an average sale price of $850,000. The savings include the government stimulus and a range of free incentives such as furniture packages and design stylist consultations.

Dennis Wilson, the managing director of <a href="/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> who is currently selling <a href="/buildings/focus-melbourne-81-city-road-southbank">Focus</a>, the soon to be complete 600-apartment Southbank apartment tower, and the completed <a href="/buildings/melbourne-grand-560-lonsdale-street-melbourne">Melbourne Grand</a>, Lonsdale Street apartments, expects the City of Melbourne to bounce back strongly in 2022.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62353]

&ldquo;The federal and state governments are working to open borders and increase business migrant intakes, stimulate the tourism industry, re-invigorate major events and welcome back international students. The City of Melbourne should be a beneficiary of this,&rdquo; Wilson says.

The general consensus is that buyers are coming back from the surrounding suburbs, having spent the last few years outside of the city.

&ldquo;As well as seeing buyers already living in the inner-city, we are seeing interest from people who are looking to move from the suburbs, wanting to be closer to their workplace as offices reopen, shops and all the conveniences that come with inner city living,&rdquo; Wilson added.

&ldquo;For many the inner city is a more affordable option than living in their existing suburbs.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62320]

Elysa Anderson, General Manager of Residential Victoria at <a href="/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>, said the Mirvac team is focused on accelerating their supply of high-quality apartments in Melbourne, as they anticipate a shortage of owner-occupier residences in premium locations in the future.

&ldquo;We anticipate Victoria&rsquo;s population growth and demand for apartments to continue to strengthen in line with the Victorian Government&rsquo;s Roadmap to Recovery and various state budget stimulus packages,&rdquo; Anderson said.

&ldquo;The strength of the established housing market and the opening up of international borders will continue to drive very strong demand for well-designed and quality constructed apartments,&rdquo; Anderson added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=180326]

Mirvac has tweaked the design of Tower 9, in their master-planned Yarra&rsquo;s Edge precinct in the burgeoning Docklands&nbsp;area.

The ASX-listed developer saw a considerably stronger market for their projects in 2021 than in 2020, with <a href="/buildings/voyager-docklands-103-south-wharf-drive-docklands-vic-3008">Voyager</a>, the recently completed eighth tower in Yarra&rsquo;s Edge, seeing a 20 per cent increase in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period the year before.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=167751]

Around 80 per cent of the buyers were owner-occupiers, but Anderson says they are seeing investors slowly creep back in.

&ldquo;Investors have begun to return to the market, primarily focused on master planned communities but demand is also gathering pace in the apartment markets.&quot;

For more information on stamp duty savings in the City of Melbourne,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1637718410495000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WoR6xmIwVttUthAfW2SKq" href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty-concession-or-exemption-city-melbourne-residential-property-transactions" target="_blank">read more here</a>.

The suburbs that can save on stamp duty:

<a href="/new-apartments/kensington-vic-3031">Kensington</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051">North</a><a href="/developments/north-melbourne-vic-3051"> Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/parkville-vic-3052">Parkville</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/carlton-vic-3053">Carlton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/east-melbourne-vic-3002">East Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/south-wharf-vic-3006">South Wharf</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic?bedroom-prices2=1000000&amp;any-bedrooms=1&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;bedrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=5&amp;any-bathrooms=1&amp;bathrooms%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;bathrooms%5Bvalue2%5D=3&amp;any-parking=1&amp;parking%5Bvalue%5D=1&amp;parking%5Bvalue2%5D=4">Melbourne</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/west-melbourne-vic-3003">West Melbourne</a>.

Parts of <a href="/developments/flemington-vic-3031">Flemington</a>, <a href="/developments/carlton-north-vic-3054">Carlton North</a>, <a href="/developments/port-melbourne-vic-3207">Port Melbourne</a>, and <a href="/new-apartments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a> are also eligible&nbsp;for stamp duty concessions.

Buyers wanting to secure a new apartment in the City of Melbourne can save 50% in stamp duty on properties under $1 million.


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