When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Staff Writer

Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

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The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

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Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

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Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Joel Robinson

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> Beach has quietly evolved into one of the Sunshine Coast’s most complete coastal lifestyle precincts, defined not just by proximity to the ocean, but by how residential living, local retail and everyday amenity are stitched together.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina-qld-4575">Bask Bokarina</a> now represents the final residential chapter in that transformation.

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Over recent years, the Bokarina Beach precinct has taken shape as a walkable, community-oriented neighbourhood, anchored by beachfront access, Lake Kawana to the west, and a growing mix of cafés, specialty retail and public open space.&nbsp;

With Zinc Bokarina already delivered next door by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG), Bask is the last opportunity to buy a brand new apartment within the precinct, effectively rounding out a fully formed coastal village.

GVG has positioned Bask to strengthen that lifestyle framework. Ten ground-floor retail spaces are planned beneath the residences, extending Bokarina Boulevard’s existing activity and reinforcing the area’s everyday convenience, from casual dining and coffee to local services, within a short walk of the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

The residential component comprises 135 apartments across two buildings, Mydas and Caretta, with a clear shift toward larger three- and four-bedroom layouts and penthouses. That mix reflects a maturing buyer profile in Bokarina, where demand is increasingly led by owner-occupiers and active downsizers seeking space, permanence, and connection to place rather than short-term coastal accommodation.

Design and amenity have followed the same logic. Residents will have access to a heated plunge pool, gym, private dining room with a full kitchen, landscaped communal gardens with barbecues and a firepit, and a shared herb and vegetable garden, facilities intended to support daily use rather than resort-style turnover. Pet-friendly features, including a dog wash bay, acknowledge both buyer expectations and the area’s dog-friendly beach, located around 250 metres from the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333366]

“Bokarina has become one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable beachside communities, and Bask represents the very last chance to buy new in this location,” GVG Director Sam Gardner said.&nbsp;

“Our focus has been to create spacious, functional apartments that meet the needs of locals who want to downsize without compromise, as well as those seeking a full-time coastal retreat.”

Positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Kawana, Bask apartments have been oriented to capture outlooks toward the water or the Glass House Mountains, reinforcing the project’s connection to its natural surroundings. With parks, beachfront paths, hospitals, retail and public transport already in place, Bask arrives at a point where the broader precinct is no longer emerging, but established.

Construction is expected to complete in Q3 this year, with apartments ready to move into this Spring.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Bask to complete Bokarina’s Sunshine Coast lifestyle precinct as final apartments are released

Property development giant <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/avid-property-group">AVID Property Group</a> is approaching completion, and sell-out, of its Surry Hills apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rathbone-23-47-flinders-street-surry-hills-nsw-2010">The Rathbone</a>.

The Flinders St project has sold well over half of its 32 apartments, which will sit above two retail spaces.

Now hitting the market are the final 14 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, which start from $1.15 million. AVID is targeting a mid-2026 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51208]

AVID General Manager New South Wales Danny Boubli said as more apartments are introduced to increase housing options in inner-city areas, homebuyers are searching for a &nbsp;sense of belonging in addition to location, convenience and value.&nbsp;

“There are very few opportunities for new developments in Surry Hills, and since acquiring the site, we’ve even seen one early purchaser merge two apartments plans together, reflecting the demand for a spacious, premium offering in a prime location,” Boubli said.&nbsp;

“Demand has been strong since we launched to market – we don’t see these final apartments staying on the market for long.”&nbsp;

Architectural firm Studio SC has designed the building which pays homage to the former 1900s Rathbone Terraces that once sat on the 990 sqm island site.

Boubil said the team has made every effort to create "truly liveable apartments", through&nbsp;functional floor plans, security, storage, and the inclusion of quality fittings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5947 project_image_fid=51207]

&nbsp;

Sustainable design has also been implemented throughout the development, with natural light flooding each apartment, ventilation throughout, extensive landscaping and where possible, materials with a high level of recycled content and low volatile organic compound paints have been used. &nbsp;

Apartments range in size from 57 sqm for the one-bedrooms to the large-scale 165 sqm three-beds which are priced at $2,575,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5947]

AVID launches final apartments at The Rathbone, Surry Hills

New Apartment Development

Boutique Sydney&nbsp;developer Central Element, who are behind the luxury Neutral Bay apartment development Pienza, has lodged plans for the construction of a 19-storey mixed-use building on the fringe of Hyde Park.

There will be&nbsp;three retail tenancies at lower and upper ground floor levels, with 53 residential apartments above.

The plans involve the amalgamation of two lots at 262-266 Castlereagh Street and 271-279 Elizabeth Street, which will see the site area come to around 875&nbsp;sqm.&nbsp;

The subject sites are currently occupied by a vacant four-storey commercial building as well as the&nbsp;16-storey Hyde Park Inn hotel.

Central Element were granted special dispensation to forego the standardised&nbsp;design competition after engaging with Pritzker Prize-winner Glenn Murcutt and the respected architecture firm Candelapas, the latter also designing Shanghai Development Group's&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/castle-residences-sydney-116-castlereagh-street-sydney">Castle Residences</a>&nbsp;down the road.

<a href="/new-apartments/266-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="2414" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-16_at_11.09.43_am_0.png" width="2400" /></a>

"This proposal is based around building forms with elegant rectilinear proportions, a sense of depth and rhythm across the façades as well as high levels of detailed building articulation,” the application documents outlined. &nbsp;

The apartment design has been considered throughout the development to ensure that future layouts remain universal and flexible. Living rooms will be typically located on the façade adjoining the inset balconies, which allow for solar access. Further internal apartment areas and room sizes generally exceed the ADG requirements, with the one, two, three and four-bedroom apartment configurations outlined. &nbsp;

The apartments will feature&nbsp;generous private open space with views to the park and city, as well as spacious, open-plan living areas&nbsp;and well-designed communal open spaces.

“The development will provide housing opportunities within proximity to employment opportunities, major transport routes and community facilities in the City of Sydney,” Murcutt and Candelapas noted in the submission.

<a data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" href="/new-apartments/266-castlereagh-street-sydney"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="560" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-03-16_at_12.02.23_pm.png" width="583" /></a>

Aspect Studio is handling the landscape design, proposing a new garden light court to Elizabeth Street, which will be a key feature of the development.

There will be a sky garden located on level 16, with an east facing terrace along with another sky garden on level 17, which will provide another communal space for residents.

In addition, the proposal includes a rooftop garden, terrace, and pool area on level 18. Notably, the rooftop is given away to dense gardens and stepped terraces, carefully designed for residents’ recreation, with views across Hyde Park towards St Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney harbour beyond.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=112282]

There will be three retail tenancies at lower and upper ground floor levels, with 53 residential apartments above

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Central Element lodge $100 million mixed use Sydney CBD plans

&nbsp;

The suburb of Scoresby is well known for its number of walking trails and abundance of nature, just 30 kilometres east of Melbourne.

A boutique development of just 12 townhouses and apartments, set across the road from the popular Scoresby Recreation Reserve, have been listed for sale.

Set for completion in 2022, the homes feature a modern open-plan design with large windows to get plenty of sun. Many of the townhomes&nbsp;also come with a balcony.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108727 project_image_fid=179506]

While the suburb was&nbsp;named for the&nbsp;Arctic explorer William Scoresby, it&#39;s anything but cold as proven by its title as the brussels&nbsp;sprout&nbsp;capital of Victoria.

Scoresby is located in south east of Melbourne, next to Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Wantirna and other popular suburbs.

Located at 747-749 Stud Road, the apartments and townhomes sit&nbsp;is across the road from a Scoresby Recreation Reserve home to the Tennis, Health and Cricket clubs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108727 project_image_fid=179503]

Also nearby&nbsp;is a Woolworths, specialty stores and a number of dining institutions including the Cinta Raya Restaurant, Cafe Dinicious and Stanley Burgers.

It is a four&nbsp;minute drive to the Swinburn University of Technology and a number of schools,&nbsp;Scoresby Primary School,&nbsp;Carrington Primary School, Scoresby Secondary College and more.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108727]

Scoresby is located south east of Melbourne, next to Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Wantirna and other popular suburbs

jordan_55689

Scoresby Recreation Reserve townhome and apartments for sale

Aria Property Group always have a steady stream of interest from off the plan investors&nbsp;in their Brisbane apartment developments.

Investors who bought in to one of Aria&#39;s most recently completed developments, The Standard, Aria, located in the heart of the Fish Lane arts precinct, saw great success.

Those who bought pre-completion have secured resales between 10 per cent and 38 per cent more than what they paid.&nbsp;Owner-occupiers showed the greatest keenness on the resales.

The investors who decided to hold on&nbsp;to their apartments are seeing&nbsp;strong 5.48 per cent rental yields throughout the building.

Aria&#39;s latest development, Trellis, also in South Brisbane, is also expected to be a hit with investors.

The&nbsp;12-story building with 110 apartments is Aria&#39;s most sustainable yet, with&nbsp;60 percent of the building covered in greenery of some variety. It will feature&nbsp;trellises within which improve biodiversity, as well as solar technology and even Tesla batteries and charging stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173592]

There&#39;s&nbsp;over 1,000 sqm of recreational amenity space, including the Temple of Wellness on the ground floor and the Residents&rsquo; Rooftop Club on level 13. That features magnesium baths and an infinity pool with views across Brisbane. Amenity is also high on the priority list for tenants.

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000 to $1,224,000.

Completion is forecast for mid-2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173613]

The Brisbane&nbsp;apartment market has continued to show strength over 2021, after a resilient 2020 in the wake of the pandemic.

Research from property data firm CoreLogic showed Brisbane&nbsp;apartment&nbsp;values rose 0.6&nbsp;per cent over September, triple&nbsp;the&nbsp;growth of apartments in Melbourne.

At the end of 2020, the median apartment value in Brisbane was at a yearly high of $390,000. Now it&#39;s $430,000.

Unit rental prices have also seen steady growth in 2021, up&nbsp;3.5 per cent over the past 12 months.

This&nbsp;growth trend is expected to continue, backed in large part by billions of dollars in investment from both private and public sectors as part of the pipeline for the 2032 Olympics.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108278]

Aria Property Group have pushed the envelope not only on sustainability but value at their newest tower, Trellis in South Brisbane

Why investors snap up apartments in Aria Property Group's Brisbane apartment developments

Paramount on Parkes, the latest apartment tower to hit the market in Parramatta, has been&nbsp;strategically located to take advantage of Sydney's second CBD, but on the fringe of the continually expanding area to give it a sense of freedom from the busy city streets.

The glass-swathed tower, which is being developed by ALAND, the main sponsor of the Parramatta Eels, will rise 39 levels from its Parkes Street address, which puts it closer to four parks and reserves than it does the Parramatta train station.

That itself however is just a 600 metre walk to the west, offering commuters who aren't based in the Parramatta CBD an equally convenient commute to work. Two blocks up from Paramount on Parkes is the Harris St Light Rail stop.

To the east of the building, designed by ALAND's inhouse architecture team, is four reserves, including the popular Queen's Wh​arf Reserve on the banks of the Parramatta River. ALAND designed the building having been inspired by the curves of the winding river.

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The foot of the building itself will offer considerable convenience, with a number of street-level retail as part of the entry, flanking the luxury lobby with grand hotel-style marble finishes and soaring ceilings.

Westfield Parramatta is only 600 metres away, the closest retail precinct.

Nearby is the popular&nbsp;Church&nbsp;Street, a famed foodie haven&nbsp;lined with bars, cafes and restaurants like&nbsp;Alex and Co, El-Phoenician,&nbsp;Mama and Papas, Ray and Lou's, Sicilian Parramatta, The Meat and Wine Co and Coco Cubano.

There are no less than seven schools within walking distance, from Parramatta, Arthur Phillip and Macacrthuth Girls High School's, to Western Sydney University's two Parramatta campuses.

Rosehill Gardens, which comes alive on the weekend, is just a few kilometres east of Paramount on Parkes, and CommBank Stadium is less than two kilometres north-west, where ALAND sponsor the Parramatta Eels.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164851]

That sits beside the 85 Parramatta Park, affectionately called the&nbsp;‘people’s park’ for more than 160 years.

It plays host to sporting fields, playgrounds and The Crescent natural amphitheatre for outdoor concerts and events. It also marks the site of Australia’s first inland settlement, on the Burramattagal’s traditional hunting grounds.

Parramatta River is another local attraction with walking tracks and cycleways including the iconic 20km track from Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park.

Further infrastructure upgrades are expected in the next few years, with the Powerhouse Precinct to welcome a number of new bars and restaurants overlooking the river in 2023.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164852]

Paramount on Parkes also offers residents a number of on site amenities, including a swimming pool and manicured gardens on the podium level.

There will also be a rooftop terrace with kids play area, a fire pit, and barbecue areas.

The foot of the building itself will offer considerable convenience, with a number of street-level retail as part of the entry

What's within walking distance of a Paramount on Parkes, Parramatta apartment?

Paramount on Parkes,&nbsp;a 39-storey apartment tower in on the fringe of the Parramatta CBD, is the latest development from the respected Sydney apartment developer, ALAND.

ALAND's internal team of architects and&nbsp;designers handled every aspect of the development from top to bottom, and will also deliver the construction of the building,&nbsp;to ensure a high quality apartment tower.

The Australian-owned family company has two decades&nbsp;of experience as&nbsp;a specialist builder and developer delivering contemporary residential projects representing both quality and&nbsp;value.

With a focus on a&nbsp;full-body approach to their developments, Urban has taken a closer look at the floorplans currently on offer at Paramount on Parkes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164855]

Three Bed | Two&nbsp;Bath | One Car | 107 sqm | from $1,083,000&nbsp;(pictured below)

<a href="/buildings/paramount-on-parkes-harris-park-14-20-parkes-street-harris-park"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/pop_3_bed.jpg" /></a>

The apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows that&nbsp;frame&nbsp;city and district views and&nbsp;capture maximum natural light.

The covered outdoor terrace or balcony acts as an extension of the living room, opening through glass sliding doors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164856]

The kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, stone benchtops and glass splashbacks, and gold Grohe tapware.

All the&nbsp;bedrooms are designed with a&nbsp;neutral colour palette, with plush carpets and walk-in or built-in wardrobes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164857]

Residents at Paramount on Parkes will also have access to&nbsp;a number of amenities, from the&nbsp;swimming pool and manicured gardens on the podium level to a&nbsp;rooftop terrace and kids play area.

The&nbsp;design of the striking tower was inspired by the meandering Parramatta River.&nbsp;Entry to the development is through a grand lobby, which features soaring ceilings, marble finishes and statement lighting, reflecting that of a luxury hotel.

Construction is forecast for completion by late-2023.

The apartments feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame city and district views and capture maximum natural light.

max.kwok_55688

Inside ALAND's Parramatta apartment development, Paramount on Parkes

According to a report from the Melbourne City Council&rsquo;s planning department, the ongoing trend in the City of Melbourne was&nbsp;for increasingly small apartments, with 40 per cent having less than 50 square metres, the recognized minimum size of a one bedroom apartment in Sydney.

At the time of the late 2016 report, some two bedroom apartments were&nbsp;being marketed or proposed in the municipality that are of a similar size to that of one bedroom apartments in other cities.&nbsp;

Previous&nbsp;Institute of Architects Victorian president Peter Malatt has said, &quot;developers are building apartments that are uninhabitable; they&#39;re not restrained by any regulation; they&#39;re maximising profit.&quot;

Sydney&#39;s larger apartments consistently yielded much higher returns for investors, he said.

With larger apartments yielding better returns, Urban has picked out four developments that beat the trend and the Melbourne apartment size average without breaking the bank.

<h2>1. Queens Place</h2>

One-bedroom apartments from $439,600

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2806 project_image_fid=175429]

Developer 3L Alliance $1 billion twin tower development, Queens Place, rises 70 stories as one of the Melbourne CBD&#39;s largest residential developments.

Packed with resort-style amenities and rarities like childcare facilities, the&nbsp;one-bedroom, one-bathroom, one-study apartment in Queens Place is a sizable 62 square metres, starting from $532,400.

Situated at 350 Queen Street on the fringe of Flagstaff Hill, the development&nbsp;has been collaboratively designed by renowned&nbsp;architects from Fender&nbsp;Katsalidis and&nbsp;COX Architecture, with interiors by&nbsp;Hecker Guthrie.

<h2>2. Voyager</h2>

One-bedroom apartments from $601,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3494 project_image_fid=89073]

Mirvac&rsquo;s&nbsp;Voyager tower is the ninth completed tower in Yarra&rsquo;s Edge master plan community.

A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is 63 sqm, more than 20% larger than the median, according to the data.

The $300 million, 315-apartment development on the&nbsp;Docklands&nbsp;waterfront&nbsp;rises 130 metres and is home to a sweeping range of facilities, including&nbsp;a resident sky deck, dining room and bar, hanging gardens, 270-degree skyline views and a cinema and karaoke room.

Contemporary apartments and a number of resident-only amenities have also encouraged investors to purchase into the development.

<h2>3. FOCUS Melbourne</h2>

One-bedroom apartments from $499,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=62316]

FOCUS Melbourne at 75 City Road, Southbank, is the product of a partnership between Central Equity and Doig Architecture.

Set for completion in 2022, the 50 level building will comprise 592 one, two and three bedroom apartments. The one-bedroom apartments are 55 sqm at their smallest and are the most affordable one-bedders over 50 sqm on this list.

FOCUS Melbourne boasts a range of amenities, including a 17-seat luxe movie theatre, an expansive indoor/outdoor barbecue and social dining area, as well as lifestyle facilities including a pool, gymnasium and sauna.

<h2>4. St Boulevard</h2>

Two-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$725,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260 project_image_fid=177987]

While the one bedder&#39;s have sold out at St Boulevard, their&nbsp;two-bedroom apartments are larger than much of the competition. Two bedders range from&nbsp;72 sqm to 86 sqm, a size up from the 66 sqm median for two-bedroom apartments, according to the last available data.

For a limited time, St Boulevard is offering buyers a suite of incentives on completed one and two bedroom apartments in their Magnolia, Ginko and Anaca apartment towers.

Monetary incentives include a 5% deposit match and covering the first year of owners corp&nbsp;fees.&nbsp;St Boulevard, developed by The Shakespeare Group, is also offering a white goods package and a $12,000 Coco Republic furniture voucher.

Peter Malatt has said that developers are building apartments that are uninhabitable; they're not restrained by any regulation; they're maximising profit.



Four new Melbourne city apartments super-upsizing the competition

Aria Property Group continue to improve sustainability across their South East Queensland residential apartment developments.

Their newest tower,&nbsp;Trellis, in South Brisbane, is their most sustainable to date.

Unabashedly green, as an homage to it&#39;s name, Aria&nbsp;have implemented environmentally forward practices across all aspects of the development, from the site itself, of which 60&nbsp;percent is covered in greenery of some variety, as well as the trellises within which improve biodiversity, to solar technology&nbsp;and Tesla batteries.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173594]

All 110 two and three-bedroom apartments in the 12-storey building&nbsp;feature&nbsp;cross flow ventilated corridors, operable architectural screen doors,&nbsp;double-glazed glass and more. Residents will experience significantly cooler apartments compared to competitor projects, reducing reliance on air-conditioning and facilitating cost savings

With the growing scale of landscaping and greenery on Trellis, Aria is incorporating 60,000L of rainwater tanks to capture as much rainwater as possible to irrigate planting. This will assist in reducing Body Corporate water costs and recycle rainwater typically wasted in most buildings.

This is in line with Aria&#39;s proven track record in more than just sustainability,&nbsp;recognised as the Best High Density Developer in Australia from 2017 - 2019 with&nbsp;Oxley + Stirling Residences, The Melbourne Residences and Botanica Residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173606]

ARIA say Trellis is one&nbsp;of their most liveable apartments to date. Designed by Rothelowman, they feature&nbsp;three metre high ceilings, Miele appliances, operable glazing and high-end contemporary finishes.

Reminiscent of an urban retreat, Trellis reflects a new style of resort living with&nbsp;1,119 sqm&nbsp;of recreational amenity across the Temple of Wellness on the ground floor and the Residents&rsquo; Rooftop Club on level 13. That features magnesium baths and an infinity pool with views across Brisbane.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108278 project_image_fid=173613]

The development also offer a podcast/boardroom, serving as a multi-use space for working at home. There&#39;s also a&nbsp;Residents&rsquo; Wine Cellar.

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for an apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000 to&nbsp;$1,224,000.

Completion is slated for mid-2023

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108278]

Unabashedly green, as homage to it's name, Aria have implemented environmentally forward practices across all aspects of the development

Aria Property launch South Brisbane apartments Trellis, their most sustainable development to date

Keen golfers&nbsp;have long had the fantasy&nbsp;of&nbsp;waking up on the weekend and getting right into their first round of golf after just a short stroll or a couple minutes in the car.&nbsp;

That&rsquo;s the dream for many, no fighting traffic to get to the club, no need to set aside hours of travel time, and if you get tired and want to quit mid-way through the round,&nbsp;home is round the corner.

Living so close to a golf course sees many of the advantages of living in a golf course community, like quality school zones and&nbsp;increased community amenities, without the downside of a&nbsp;stray golf ball&nbsp;crashing through the&nbsp;window.

Urban has picked out some of the best new apartment developments&nbsp;currently on the market across Melbourne with premium golf course access.

<h2>Omnia</h2>

Address:&nbsp;4-6 Horscroft Place, Moorabbin VIC 3189

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=151675]

One of the standouts of this list is Omnia in Moorabbin, which is close to half a dozen golf clubs just 10 minutes away by car.

The closest&nbsp;golf course is the Brighton Public Golf Course, merely 3.4 km away, followed by the&nbsp;Yarra Yarra Golf Club,&nbsp;Cheltenham Golf Club, Kingston Golf Club and the&nbsp;Royal Melbourne Golf Club to name just a few.

Omnia, by Shenfield Property, has already been drawing in Melbourne CBD commuters&nbsp;seeking a more affordable property without compromising CBD&nbsp;proximity.

Located less than 500 metres from the Moorabbin train station, Omnia is close to a&nbsp;wide range of schools, higher education facilities, caf&eacute;s, shopping and numerous parks and reserves are at your doorstep, including RSEA Park &ndash; home of the St Kilda Football Club.

<h2>Riverbend Park House</h2>

Address:&nbsp;631 Victoria Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29856 project_image_fid=156314]

Riverbank - The&nbsp;Park House resides on the banks of the Yarra River immediately opposite Kew and Studley Parklands, 3kms from the CBD. It is the only development on our list to not only have golf course access just across the river, but is also home to its very own golf simulator, perfect for practicing without all the ball fetching.

If residents are eager to get in a few quick holes, the&nbsp;Studley Park Par 3 Golf Course is right there across the Yarra, even closer than the&nbsp;Yarra Bend Public Golf Course Melbourne which is just 2km away.

Park House is the latest completed development out of Salta Properties, and in similar fashion to Omnia, has seen massive success due to it&#39;s&nbsp;proximity to the CBD while retaining an&nbsp;affordable price point.

The nine level building has been designed by SJB Architects and is finished with interiors by Sue Carr at Carr Design Group

<h2>Port Lane</h2>

Address: 201 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne VIC 3207

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147504]

Port Lane has been drawing on&nbsp;not just its beachside location minutes from the Sandridge Beach sand but also how close it is to golf courses. Less than 5km away are both the&nbsp;Albert Park Golf Club&nbsp;and&nbsp;West Gate Golf Club.

ID_Land, listed among Urban&rsquo;s list of 10 developers to watch in Victoria this year, are behind the Williamstown Road development.

Award-winning architects Rothelowman&nbsp;worked in lockstep with interior designers Hecker Guthrie and landscape consultants Tract to create a development that is authentic and distinctive, all while priced lower than Port Melbourne&#39;s median.

Spend your weekends exploring the bayside location, venture into the CBD to peruse the shops and catch up with friends for brunch. Walk to Fishermans Bend, Sandridge Beach, South Melbourne Market or meander along the Bay Trail. Whichever direction residents choose, theyre&nbsp;spoilt for choice, with lush parks and gardens for relaxing, trails for exploring and the Royal Botanic gardens to enjoy an afternoon picnic or bike ride.&nbsp;

<h2>Moonee Valley Park - Thomas Street and&nbsp;Feehan Row</h2>

Address: Moonee Valley Racecourse

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167491]

Next on the list are a unique pair of developments in Moonee Ponds, Thomas Street and Feehan Row located in the brand new Moonee Valley Park development by Hamton in partnership with Hostplus.

These two developments, the Thomas St apartments and Feehan Row terraces,&nbsp;are the debut buildings in the brand new&nbsp;$2 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan,&nbsp;designed by Rothelowman.

Located on the east side of the development, both are just 3.8km&nbsp;away from the&nbsp;Riverside golf and tennis centre and less than 5km from the&nbsp;Royal Park Golf Course.

Being a part of the Moonee Valley Park has residents living alongside&nbsp;the crowning jewel of the master-plan, the horse-racing club now known as The Valley. With a new grandstand, the Moonee Valley Racing Club aims to be the premier night racing venue and is already home to major races like the Cox Plate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102580 project_image_fid=167438]

<h2>Canvas</h2>

Address:&nbsp;272 Barkly Street, Brunswick VIC 3056

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358 project_image_fid=85966]

ID_Land&rsquo;s latest Brunswick development, Canvas, offers residents a premier home with breathtaking vista&#39;s in a convenient location. It is the one of the developments on this list closest to golf with the Royal Park Golf Course just a kilometre away.

Designed&nbsp;by Rothelowman&nbsp;Architects, Canvas puts a focus on residential facilities with&nbsp;is a variety of rooftop communal spaces providing residential amenity and green spaces, with views of Melbourne&rsquo;s city skyline and parks.

It lies in the heart of Brunswick&rsquo;s vibrant community with retail hotspots, diverse eateries and bustling bars that are just a short walk away.

The development an impressive walk score of 97/100, located less than a minute from nearby shops and just three minutes&rsquo; walk to the nearest tram stop.

<h2>Ivanhoe Gardens</h2>

Address:&nbsp;43 Linden Avenue, Ivanhoe VIC 3079

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22308 project_image_fid=75052]

Residents at Blue Earth Group&#39;s latest apartment development, Ivanhoe Gardens in Melbourne&#39;s north-east, have more than just golf access with&nbsp;over 2,000 sqm of dedicated amenity space.

The development, built across two stages by leading builder Hamilton Marino to designs by CHT Architects, has 13 different entertainment zones.

It is 3.7km away from the&nbsp;Ivanhoe Public Golf Course, as well as the winding Yarra River along which golf courses are dotted along its shores.

For the fair-weather golfer who only hits the greens when the sun is shining, Ivanhoe Gardens is another which offers&nbsp;a virtual golf simulator.

Living so close to a golf course sees many of the advantages of living in a golf course community, like quality school zones and increased community amenities

Melbourne's newest off-the-plan apartments and their closest golf courses

Demand for apartments&nbsp;is not letting up on the Sunshine Coast.

Cube Developments, led by veteran developer Scott Juniper, have secured a sell out of their $27 million apartment&nbsp;project One Prosperity in the small waterfront suburb of Birtinya, and are soon to sell all of the apartments in their boutique Mooloolaba project Picasso.

Picasso saw high demand from investors from Sydney and Melbourne, and Juniper says the trend, which he&#39;s seen across the whole of the portfolio,&nbsp;isn&#39;t slowing down.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29372]

&quot;The demand on the Sunshine Coast has been exceptional,&quot; Juniper says.

&quot;We had a much higher increase in both investor demand and owner occupier demand from Melbourne and Sydney,&quot; Juniper says, adding that there are still high number of owner-occupiers moving from the southern states to the Sunshine Coast.

&quot;People are still not tied to the city, there&#39;s been no change to that&quot;, Juniper says.

<img alt="" height="770" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cube_2.jpg" width="2228" /> 
Cube&#39;s sell-out One Prosperity development. Image supplied 
 
Investors are still keen from Sydney and Melbourne, with the vacancy rate holding firm at record lows of around 0.5 per cent.

Cube&#39;s latest offering is Seasons by Cube, which Juniper says is a much more budget conscious apartment development in Birtinya.

The majority of stock in the development of 146 apartments is under $600,000, with it focused on bringing an affordable product to the market.

<img alt="" height="884" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/seasons_by_cube.jpg" width="1486" /> 
Seasons by Cube, designed by Cottee Parker. Image supplied

Prices start from $495,000.

Cube only have a handful of apartments left at another one of their Birtinya developments, Curve, which is set for completion in July.

&quot;There are quite a few people in the market looking to move immediately, reflected by the area&#39;s very low vacancy rate&quot;, Juniper suggests, adding that that gives Curve an advantage in the current market that the product will be available to move in in just a few months.

Cube have their&nbsp;premium product,&nbsp;Nature at Cotton Tree in Maroochydore, overlooking&nbsp;Rotary Park and the Maroochy River.

Juniper told Cottee Parker Architects to deliver&nbsp;the best the Sunshine Coast has ever seen.&nbsp;

<a href="/buildings/nature-by-cube-maroochydore"><img alt="" height="700" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/nature_juniper.jpg" width="733" /></a> 
The luxury Nature development. Image supplied

&quot;Nature allowed me to do some things you couldn&#39;t do in other developments&quot;, Juniper says of the boutique 13 apartment development. The ground floor is dedicated tp communal space and facilities&nbsp;including a 25-metre lap pool, gym, steam room and sauna and&nbsp;yoga studio, as well as barbecue areas and a private dining area.

Cube are also in the planning stages of one of their best projects to date in Alexandra Headland.

Cube's latest offering is Seasons by Cube, which Juniper says is a much more budget conscious apartment development in Birtinya



Sunshine Coast apartment demand continues as Cube sell-out one development, launch another

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Cabana, the newest luxury development at Palm Beach, has seen soaring levels of interest since its launch just a few months ago.

With sale of more than two thirds of the development secured within two weeks of the project hitting the market, construction of the six level absolute beachfront block has been fast-tracked. Construction will now begin in June, with a late 2022 completion date.

Ignite Projects are behind Cabana at 1 Nineteenth Avenue. They had Plus Architecture design the luxury tower.

Urban has taken a look at the best beach benefits amenities and opportunities around Palm Beach that should put Cabana on your short list.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=84861]

Starting with what will be available within Cabana itself, is the unique onsite beach club Plus Architecture is planning on its lower level.

The resort-style beach club facing the beach will feature a number of day beds on and off the water, with cabana's on the private lawn.

<a href="/new-apartments/cabana-1-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cabana_daybed.jpg"></a>

Located directly in front of the recently completed Artificial Reef, Cabana has also catered for the surfers in its amenities, with a number of surfers racks and storage for residents.

Plus each of Cabana's apartments span at least 200 sqm and have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking spaces, plenty of storage space included.

Nearby beachgoing facilities include the Tallabudgera Surf Club, Gold Coast Recreation Centre, and the Palm Beach Surf Club.

<a href="/new-apartments/cabana-1-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cabana_location.jpg"></a>

It sits between Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks and is a stone's throw from Burleigh. There's a number of trendy bars, beachfront cafes and eateries nearby including Balboa Italian, Jefferson's Coffee Nook, Wildernes Cafe &amp; Bar and Suga.

As well as boutique shopping venues and entertainment precincts like Watsons Bloom, Tribones and Pavilions Palm Beach.

Schools and early learning facilities nearby:

<ul>
<li>Elanora State School &amp; Elanora State High School</li>
	<li>Palm Beach Currumbin State High School</li>
	<li>Currumbin School</li>
	<li>Marymount College</li>
	<li>St Augustine's Parish Primary School</li>
	<li>C&amp;K Palm Beach Community Kindergarden</li>
</ul>
<a href="/new-apartments/cabana-1-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cabana_facade.jpg"></a>

Plus Architecture have ensured Cabana blends organically into its pristine coastal environment. 

Fluted concrete, floor-to-ceiling glazing and detailed screening lend a classical tranquility to the building, while maintaining an absolute connection with the spectacular ocean views. 

The master bedroom has been designed to take in the views just as much as the open plan living spaces. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors capture the natural light and cooling sea breezes, and open to a private balcony with glass balustrading.

With a definitive nod to a tropical Palm Springs beach house, Cabana’s design merges seaside relaxation with elevated luxury. 

<a href="/new-apartments/cabana-1-nineteenth-avenue-palm-beach" target="_blank">Secure your own slice of paradise now</a>, before Cabana sells out.
</body></html>

With sale of more than two thirds of the development secured within two weeks of the project hitting the market, secure your own slice of paradise before it's sold out

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