<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Off the plan

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The purchase of domestic real estate, and in particular residential real estate, is a topic that frequently attracts a lot of attention.
That’s nothing new; some of the same ‘concerns’ we hear and read about today have all been aired before. At various times and across different markets we have, for instance, seen big in-flows of money from Japan and the Middle East.
However offshore investment into our housing market always tends to be a touchy subject. I think that we should not see this as threatening or abnormal and as far as new projects are concerned, the impact of these buyers needs to be seen in the greater context of the total market.
It is unfortunate that currently any negatives surrounding this debate are being fuelled by a number of factors. Key among these is the reality that the inflow of funds is not aligned with our general market conditions. So as we see prices increase, and in some markets this may be impacting first time buyers, some blame is being attributed to offshore buyers. But there is also a clear benefit from the fact that demand in total is now driving a big increase in construction activity, and that is at a time when the local economy needs that stimulus.
Key motivations
Part of the reality of this trend is the fact that across Asia and in particular from China there is a weight of money available for investment. some of that money is regardless of any policy settings, naturally going to flow into our residential property. But are the key motivations of buyers necessarily any foundation for concern? I suggest that these buyers are in the main driven by motivations that we are all familiar with.
Accepting that almost all markets now operate on a global basis, offshore buyers will be motivated by quality of life, economic stability, good infrastructure – this includes both hard infrastructure like roads and everyday services such as power and water, but also soft infrastructure and a big item there is education and medical facilities. Lastly offshore buyers are attracted by political stability. A quick tally would clearly give Australia a big tick on all of these items and so it’s a good and appealing place to call home.
<blockquote>
There is clear benefit from the fact that housing demand is now driving a big increase in construction activity, and that is at a time when the local economy needs that stimulus.
</blockquote>
We also now have in Australia inter-generational changes that are reinforcing family ties and these are a big influence. it’s worth keeping in mind that we have seen this trend before. In particular as post-World War Two and post Vietnam brought about new waves of population growth.
I think that it’s easy to identify with these motivations, and also like most of us, it is the stability of the Australian lifestyle that is a strong appeal.
SENATE REVIEW
However now, and somewhat predictably, The Treasurer has asked the Senate <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=economics/index.htm" target="_blank">House Standing Committee on Economics</a> to inquire into and report on Australia’s foreign investment policy as it applies to residential real estate.
A key starting point is the principle of Australia’s foreign investment policy, as it applies to residential property, is that the investment should increase Australia’s housing stock and as such this includes new developments that aim to deliver benefits to the local building industry and its suppliers. Which is now starting to happen.
Off-shore or foreign investors cannot generally buy established homes; however, temporary residents can apply to purchase one established dwelling to use as their residence while in Australia.
Despite these conditions and in view of some of the concerns already outlined the Committee has been asked to examine:
<ul>
<li>The economic benefits of foreign investment in residential property;</li>
<li>Whether such foreign investment is directly increasing the supply of new housing and bringing benefits to the local building industry and its suppliers;</li>
<li>How Australia’s foreign investment framework compares with international experience; and</li>
<li>Whether the administration of Australia’s foreign investment policy relating to residential property can be enhanced.</li>
</ul>
This looks like a quick review with the Committee’s report due in early October 2014.
LET’S NOT FORGET OTHER POLICIES
If as it appears the Senate Review is partly in response to helping keep homes affordable in particular for the FHB market, then it would also be an ideal time for government to look at how much government charges and red-tape adds to the cost of a home.
Stamp duty for example is levied on the GST already built into the cost of a new home, and development delays almost defy reason without any real benefits.
Could all levels of government be more engaged in creating a positive environment for new housing by direct leadership and by ensuring a more collaborative, results focused view among decision makers that directly or indirectly impacts housing supply and costs.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Offshore buyers are here to stay

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This weekend, Lend Lease launched ‘Atherstone’ in Melton South – a house and land development that had been advertised on the council website and signs surrounding the area, notably on Bridge Road, in the lead up.
The area has a proposed train station, town centre, oval, community hub and school noted on the master plan and will see the 481 hectare masterplan potentially house 4,000 homes and up to 11,500 people.
With these significant statistics in mind, it’s not surprising that on the drive out there is vast expanses of currently undeveloped land, offering a range of lot sizes, prices and streets.
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/horizon-drive-april-7-breakout.jpg" alt="">
Sunday saw the release of the display homes, from a number of home builders showing off their wares. Burbank, Carlisle Homes, Ei8ht Homes, Elite Home Constructions, Fenhurst Homes, Granvue Homes, JG King Homes, Kingswood Homes, Porter Davis, Quantum Homes, Simonds and Snowdon were on the list to display, although on the day a couple of these appeared to be missing.
With such a range on offer, and similar at other releases, how can prospective investors and home buyers be sure to make the most of their time on site?
Prepare in advance
Do not head in to the development cold. Know whether you are interested in the area itself, or just trying to get a feel for different building styles. A display home launch is a great place to get inspiration for your next property, however it can also quickly see you overwhelmed as you walk through beautiful home after beautiful home.
Bring a camera (or smartphone/tablet with photo capacity), a notepad and pen and a bag (for all the brochures). If you already have a block of land, come prepared with the specs on that property and your budget requirements.
If you can, have an idea about which of the builders you may already be interested in. A bit of googling and searching online can do wonders for cutting down who you do and do not want to see. If you're going to be buying with someone else, then involve them in this process even if they cannot be at the display launch themselves.
Be the early bird
Come to the site a little earlier than any of the major events – such as BBQs or, in this case, a high tea.
House and land developments and display launches, particularly in family-friendly areas, are often swarmed with children. For those wanting to get a clear picture on the day – leave the kids at home. While these events are advertised to bring your little ones along, providing bouncy castles and balloons, they are still in your care. Property Observer notes how difficult it can be to really get a concept of how the floor plan might work for you when you’re trying to keep one eye on your offspring running from room-to-room.
Get yourself some easy parking and head in early so you don't find yourself waiting in queues.
Be selective
While there’s a lot on offer, you need to be specific and selective when on site. The more display suites you wander through, the more overwhelmed you are going to be. The closer you are to purchasing/building, the narrower your search field should be, so if this is your first display launch and you have not yet purchased a block, don’t feel too disheartened if you look around every property and still feel confused.
For those further in the journey, you should have some idea of what you are looking for. If you want a green-star property, or a two-storey home, then it’s time to prioritise. Do not feel that you need to go into the properties in the order they are presented in. Take five minutes to choose the top display suites to look at. Often, you will be presented with some form of a map (such as that below), which can quickly help you plan ahead.
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/melton-south-april-7-map.jpg" alt="">
While the above map itself was actually part of a competition - where maps that were completely stamped were up for a draw for a $500 prize - it actually proved to be a useful tool for navigating the site, and for later reference.
Heading in to the builder’s show room
Don’t get too distracted by the bells and whistles on the day. While it was nice that cakes and tea, a BBQ and face painting were offered on the weekend, for those with limited time frames, remember why you’re there.
Often, before you head into the display property itself – or in the first room – you will enter into a builder’s display. Here, floor plans, pricing information and other details are on offer. Gather what you can and keep these in order. Note the prices, and ensure to leave anything that is outside of your affordable range, unless you’re looking for comparisons. Leave speaking to the consultant until after you have wandered around the property itself, as this should give you more questions to ask.
Get a copy of the floor plan for the display suite you’re going to look at. This will come in handy later.
Entering the display suite
By this point, you’re ready to enter the display suite. This is the fun part that home buyers love – however, don’t be hasty. Pull out that camera and take a snap of either the marker sign (often at the front of the home) that notes which floor plan/property style this is, and which builder, or the appropriate part of the brochure. This provides you a marker for when looking back at your photographs. You don't need to be a photography expert - the below will attest to that - these are just to jog your memory for later use.
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/melton-south-april-7-one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/melton-south-april-7-two.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/melton-south-april-7-three.jpg" alt="">
The great thing about these photos is that they also provide details you may not have remembered - for instance, while the 'Jade' floor plan from one builder clearly sticks in the mind, the size of the lot and the dimensions were less easy to remember.
Now, put the camera away and walk through the property.
Enjoy yourself, look at the beautiful furnishings and wallpaper, and the pretty ornaments on the table. Have a bit of fun with the interior design. The below, for instance, was a stand out idea that Property Observer loved, and there was much to be in awe of.
<img src="/images/2014/04/07/melton-south-april-7-four.jpg" alt="">
We all thoroughly enjoy this part of the process, but now it’s time to take a step back, and move past the furniture. Remember you’re buying the building and that unless you purchase the interior design, furniture and (importantly!) the cleaner with the home, you’re unlikely to ever see your property looking quite this nice. This doesn't mean you can't take inspiration, nor that you can't order the furniture (there are often brochures available for the interior decorating, as well as furniture packs that you can purchase emulating these styles), however remember what you're here for.
Start from the front door again, and take photos clockwise of each room in the property. Take down notes of any features you particularly like, or elements that you do not like (such as, an open plan study right next to the kitchen – a feature seen in one of the Atherstone display suites). If you have a lot to get through, an easy way to remember a feature you really like is to photograph it twice - this will call your attention to it when you're later going through the details.
Then take a moment, and listen in to what other people are saying – are certain corridors too narrow (something that is easily noticeable when heavily trafficked by interested families) or is the bathroom too dark because of the tiles? Remember you can change the colours and materials, but that certain aspects will stay the same. The preference of different people will be revealing – is a certain floor plan popular with families, and another for DINKs? Don’t think that you can’t ask others looking what they think of the property as well - usually everyone is more than happy to have a chat.
Head back to the builder’s showroom
If you liked the display suite, head back in to the builder’s showroom and get yourself a business card. Speak to a consultant about inclusions and what can/cannot be changed. Note this information down and ask about other floorplans as necessary. Ensure you ask about extra costs for changing aspects of the building, and for any extra information that isn't easily available in the suite itself.
Repeat this procedure for the different builders and display suites.
A quick debrief
Head home and go over your notes. The quicker you review what you did/didn’t like and the prices, the more likely it is to stay in your mind. Don’t be too concerned if everything has blurred in your head already – after more than five display suites that are often quite similar, it’s unsurprising.
At this point, you may realise different things looking back at the photographs and floor plan. Perhaps the bedrooms are just slightly too small for the double beds that your teenagers need, and they just looked bigger due to careful furniture placement. Narrow down your selections and choose either your favourite elements, or your favourite overall floor plans. Some people scrapbook, others keep online folders and some even create excel spreadsheets. How you keep your records is a 'how to' for another time.
Well done! You’ve just finished navigating a display home launch. Now it’s time to either head to another, or to get in touch with a builder.
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How to: Navigate a house and land display home launch

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Vacant land and new residential communities are appearing regularly, particularly on Melbourne's outskirts and in other cities where land is in no shortage of supply.
Stephen Thompson, Allworth Homes' managing director, said that this makes it a good opportunity for investors, who should consider building a new home as their next investment.
"It is a lot easier than perceived and will give you many benefits along the way," he said.
"Building a new home gives you a blank slate to work with, allowing you to choose all of the decorative features that you prefer. New means low maintenance and more energy efficient as a result of being constructed with the most up-to-date materials, saving you money in the long run."
These are the reasons he provides 'for' purchasing a new home:
<ul>
<li>It’s not as hard as you think. Investors can have minimal hands-on involvement throughout the process and deal directly with the builder to purpose build what they want on their land. 
</li>
<li>Choose the best block. Most builders will assess your block of land free of charge. Or select from land the builder may have already assessed as suitable. 
</li>
<li>Choose the design. Think about what your ideal tenant would want and choose a design to suit. Choose how many bedrooms, bathrooms and even living areas. There are multiple options to choose from when you building new. 
</li>
<li>New homes command top dollar rental. People want to be a part of something new. A brand new property in a great location is super attractive to potential tenants. 
</li>
<li>Capital gain. Selecting a block and builder yourself means you’re the one that will enjoy the capital gain when it comes time to selling the property. 
</li>
<li>Tax advantages. Depreciation allowances apply on the building and also some home contents. Investors should consult with their finance professional to determine their exact tax advantages. 
</li>
<li>Lower ongoing maintenance cost. Big repair bills are a negative to your bottom line and viability of the property as an investment. 
</li>
<li>Save money. Do a little legwork and cut out the middle man. Investor buyers are paying a premium for ready-built.</li>
</ul>
However, there are also substantial advantages for buying established properties.
Here are Property Observer's reasons 'for' buying established property:
<ul>
<li>Usually obtain a discount. You are dealing with a home owner, or investor, usually - rather than a developer. This means you can negotiate down the price, and offer other attractive items, such as a different settlement period, to help secure the deal. 
</li>
<li>You know what it is from get go. It's already there, and there's no messing around. The builder won't do the dodgy on you, and you move in knowing upfront how big it looks and feels and what is included. 
</li>
<li>Renovation potential. Not only can you buy properties that need work for under market value, and face less demand, but you'll also find yourself able to do them up, or sometimes DIY, with any funds you have left available. This will increase the value and, if done well, save you money. 
</li>
<li>Timing. You can buy that house and have the settlement period down as quickly as arranged. When building, there can be unexpected delays or time blow-outs - and you have to wait until completion. 
</li>
<li>Can buy in a built up area. You might not want to buy in an area that's open for development, and this can prompt problems if you're looking for a new place, however established properties are available. You'll need to double check if the area's supply is going to be increased beyond balance by any new developments or house and land estates. 
</li>
<li>Tenants may be in situ. Regularly, properties go onto the market with a tenant already in the house, or a recent history of rental that you can get a gauge of market demand from.</li>
</ul>
Do you prefer new or established property?
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Buy established or buy new? The arguments for both sides

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Queensland’s Great Start Grant, offered to first home buyers buying or building a new house, townhouse or unit valued up to $750,000, saw 5,200 grants paid out, with 500 more approved and ready to be paid. This grant was announced in the 2012/2013 budget.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said that Great Start Grants have seen the government pay out $79 million in grants through this scheme.
Of the buyers, almost 50% were in the greater Brisbane area, while almost 20% went those in north Queensland and more than 10% to those on the Gold Coast.
“We’ve had 24 consecutive months of growth in the total number of trend dwelling approvals,” said Nicholls.
“Approvals in January this year were 64.3% higher than in January 2012 in trend terms. 
“We expect that the construction sector will continue to improve in 2014 with sustained low interest rates and stronger household income growth,” he said.
The Great Start Grant offers $15,000 to eligible first home buyers.
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Queensland first home buyer Great Start Grant taken up by 5,000

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Brought to you by
<img src="/images/marketing/frasersProp_black_rgb.jpg" height="50px">
Buying a new apartment off the plan is increasingly popular, but there can be pitfalls if individuals fail to do the necessary research on the property developer.
Background checking a developer doesn’t mean becoming Sherlock Holmes and sleuthing around, but it does require a potential purchaser to ask questions and take an interest in a developer’s history.
The best place to start is online by looking at property blogs and newspaper articles. A quick search of the developer’s name should yield results. Are there any court actions against a developer? Bad feedback on forums should ring alarm bells.
CBRE director of residential development Matthew Ramsay says the other key step is to research a developer on their website and see what other projects the company has developed.
“You can go out and see the display suite and see the quality of the actual project, or even older things they’ve built, to see the quality of the finishes,” says Ramsay.
Ramsay says there are two types of developers, tier one and tier two.
“There’s the developer who will employ a third party builder and it’s important to know who that third party builder is. It needs to be someone who has a signification in the market and someone who has done residential construction before,” says Ramsay.
“If a builder is known as a tier one or a tier two builder, then they’re known as a good quality builder in the market place.”
If an individual is going through a buyer’s agent, the agency will generally obtain information through their agent contacts in the market and will know the quality of the product the developer provides through past experience.
Property Searchers managing partner Scott McGeever says it is important to look at the facilities offered in the complex, as they can be big-ticket costs down the track and significantly add to strata expenses.
McGeever says to look at the type and quality of the construction and the level of fittings and fixtures that are used in the complex and well as the interior of the property itself.
“If they are cheap and nasty, they tend not to age well and look tatty after a short period and that will effect re-sale,” says McGeever.
Most new development projects have a mandatory seven-year structural warranty with an insurer and Ramsay says buyers do have rights in their contract of sale if things were to go askew.
“In most, if not all contracts of sale, there is a deadline date in which the developer must have the apartment completed and hand it over to the buyer,” says Ramsay.
“If the developer misses that deadline date, the buyer then has the right to refuse the contract and the deposit is returned.
“If the apartment layout changes or there’s significant changes to the apartment, the buyer also has the right to refuse the contract.”
It’s also important to have the contract of sale read by a solicitor.
With the right research done into the developer, the architect and the contract details, buying off the plan does not need to be a risky property investment.
 
{rsform 49}
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