ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Joel Robinson

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> is down to the final Canopy Villa release at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara, as construction continues on the 59-residence gated community positioned above 100 hectares of natural savanna on the Gold Coast.

The remaining Canopy Villa forms part of one of four collections within the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>-designed community and has attracted interest from buyers seeking larger-format homes that combine privacy, security and low-maintenance living. Positioned within a private cul-de-sac and facing a protected black she oak forest, the four-bedroom villa includes a large private outdoor area suited to pet owners and families wanting more flexible space.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a>, located at 17 Baltimore Court, comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom villas across the Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview collections. Prices currently range from $1.455 million to $1.895 million, with the final Canopy Villa priced from $1.825 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360477]

The Canopy Collection villas offer four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and approximately 245 sqm of internal space, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. Expansive glazing, open-plan living spaces and private balconies have been designed to maximise natural light and outlooks toward the surrounding savanna landscape.

Construction is now underway across the fully funded development, which VentureCrowd says has become an increasingly important consideration for buyers assessing off-the-plan opportunities on the Gold Coast. The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, which has operated in South East Queensland since 1993 and delivered more than 1,000 homes across the region.

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting previously said the project responds to changing buyer priorities in the prestige Gold Coast market.

“Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Whitting said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360505]

The buyer profile at Cumulus has reflected that shift toward owner-occupier-driven demand. Stuart Towns and Tracey Loynes recently purchased a Canopy Villa, drawn to both the lifestyle offering and the flexibility the home provided for their next stage of living together.

The couple, who met three years ago, sold their Robina home earlier this year after identifying what they saw as strong long-term investment potential at Cumulus while remaining within the same Gold Coast market. The villa’s private backyard was a major drawcard for their dog Luna, while proximity to golf courses including Emerald Lakes also aligned with their lifestyle interests.

Beyond the residences themselves, the community has been planned around shared lifestyle and recreation amenities. The Infinity Terrace will include a 20-metre heated pool, barbecue facilities, alfresco dining spaces and elevated retreat areas overlooking the surrounding landscape. Walking trails, a private nature reserve, orchard and herb garden are also integrated into the masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360473]

BDA Architecture Director Darren Greenaway said the design approach was heavily influenced by the site’s outlook and secluded setting.

The practice sought to create what Greenaway described as a “little piece of paradise,” drawing inspiration from the elevated views, surrounding greenery and quiet location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a> continues to attract buyers seeking larger homes within proximity to the coast but without direct beachfront pricing. Cumulus sits within easy reach of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and the M1, providing connections north to Brisbane and south toward the Gold Coast Airport and northern New South Wales.

The first stage of Cumulus Grand Villas is targeting completion in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Waverley Council has made a call that many councils have been reluctant to make publicly. Growth is coming, regardless of who controls it.

The release of the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan is less about whether the Eastern Suburbs’ primary centre will change, and more about how that change is shaped, funded, and ultimately experienced on the ground. Waverley Council has released a 100-page plan which is effectively the first comprehensive blueprint for Bondi Junction in over two decades, and in doing so, signals a clear shift in how councils are positioning themselves in the current planning environment.

For the past 18 months, the conversation across New South Wales has been dominated by the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms and the emergence of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway. Both have created faster, more centralised avenues for development approvals, particularly in well-located, infrastructure-rich areas like Bondi Junction.

Waverley Council’s response has been to move early, and decisively.

Rather than react to individual proposals as they come through the HDA or broader State-led reforms, Council has sought to establish a clear, place-based framework that sets the terms for how Bondi Junction evolves. The underlying position is relatively straightforward: if densification is inevitable, it should be tied to infrastructure, public domain improvements, and a cohesive vision for the centre, not delivered piecemeal through ad hoc applications.

<img alt="bondi junction" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f1f729c-ed99-4c6c-bf87-ffbce6991941" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-19%20at%209.58.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ULX4OlXKjeJ5BvNCNGL86evgXCjCfMih" />

At its core, the document is attempting to reposition Bondi Junction from what it largely functions as today, a transport interchange anchored by a major retail centre, into something far more layered. The ambition is to transform it into what the plan describes as the “civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East,” a place that is active beyond commuting hours and capable of supporting a broader mix of uses, experiences and communities.

That repositioning is built around four key ambitions.

The first is to create a true destination. Bondi Junction already attracts significant foot traffic, with more than 86,000 daily transport users and millions of annual retail visits, but much of that activity is transient. People pass through, rather than stay.

The Master Plan seeks to change that dynamic. It leans heavily into the idea of an “18-hour economy,” extending activity well beyond traditional retail hours through dining, cultural programming, events, and a more active night-time offering. This is not just about adding more hospitality venues, but about fundamentally shifting how the centre operates, from a daytime shopping destination to a place that functions across the full span of the day and into the evening.

Oxford Street Mall sits at the centre of that shift.

Long seen as underperforming relative to its potential, the Mall is identified as one of the key catalyst projects in the plan. It is to be reimagined as a day-to-night spine, combining retail, dining, wellness and cultural uses in a way that creates a continuous flow of activity. Outdoor dining, rooftop venues, laneway activation and a curated events program are all part of the strategy, alongside significant public domain upgrades that aim to improve comfort, safety and usability.

&nbsp;

The second ambition is to transform Bondi Junction into a world-class interchange.

Despite being one of the most heavily used transport nodes in Sydney, the current experience is fragmented. Connections between the station, Westfield, Oxford Street Mall and surrounding streets are often unclear, and major roads create physical barriers that disrupt pedestrian movement.

The Master Plan proposes a more seamless, people-focused network. That includes clearer pedestrian links, improved wayfinding, better integration between transport modes, and a rethinking of how arrival into the centre is experienced. The aim is to shift the perception of Bondi Junction from a place people move through, to a place they arrive in.

The third ambition focuses on greening and open space.

One of the more consistent pieces of community feedback throughout the Vision phase was the need for more greenery, better public spaces, and a more comfortable urban environment. Despite being surrounded by major parks, Bondi Junction itself has relatively limited accessible open space, with much of the public realm dominated by hard surfaces and traffic infrastructure.

The plan responds with a network of new and upgraded public spaces, increased tree canopy, and what it terms the “Parkline,” a green link connecting Waverley Park through to Centennial Park. This is not just about aesthetics. It is about addressing heat, improving liveability, and ensuring that increased density is matched by access to high-quality outdoor space.

The fourth ambition is perhaps the most important from a development perspective: growth that gives back.

Bondi Junction is already the primary location for new housing supply in the Waverley LGA, and that is expected to continue. The area carries a target of 2,400 new dwellings by 2029, with further growth projected beyond that as demand for well-located housing continues to rise. The Master Plan does not seek to limit that growth. Instead, it attempts to shape it.

New housing is to be concentrated around transport, with stepped building heights designed to protect the character of surrounding neighbourhoods. At the same time, the plan introduces a more explicit link between development uplift and public benefit. This is where value capture becomes central.

The document outlines a framework where increased development potential is tied to contributions that fund public domain improvements, community infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing. It is an approach that recognises that much of the transformation of Bondi Junction will be delivered by the private sector, but seeks to ensure that the benefits of that growth are shared more broadly. The Civic Precinct is a key part of that equation.

Leveraging Council-owned land, the plan proposes a consolidated civic and cultural hub centred around Ebley Street. This would include new community facilities, cultural spaces, and potentially a new Council Chambers, creating a focal point for civic life that currently does not exist in Bondi Junction at scale.

It is one of several catalyst projects identified in the Master Plan, alongside the Oxford Street Mall transformation. These projects are intended to anchor change, acting as early interventions that unlock broader investment across the precinct.

Importantly, the Master Plan is not just a design document. It includes a delivery framework that sets out how these ambitions are intended to be realised.

Council is explicit in acknowledging that it cannot deliver the transformation alone. Implementation will require coordination between State agencies, private developers, landowners and the community, with a mix of planning agreements, infrastructure contributions and direct delivery mechanisms used to fund and stage improvements over time.

The plan outlines a mix of short-term, medium-term and long-term actions, from immediate public domain upgrades and planning controls, through to larger-scale projects that will unfold over the next decade or more. In practical terms, the next 12 to 24 months will be the most important.

This is when the Master Plan will move through exhibition, refinement and eventual adoption. It is also the period in which Council will seek to embed the framework into its planning controls, giving it weight in the assessment of future development applications.

Council officers have indicated that once the Master Plan is in place, it could be used as a benchmark when assessing Housing Delivery Authority proposals, and potentially reduce the need for further HDA declarations within Bondi Junction. In effect, it is an attempt to bring planning control back to the local level, while still aligning with State housing targets.

That tension between State-led reform and local planning control is not unique to Waverley. It is playing out across Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If delivered as intended, Bondi Junction will become denser, more active, and more complex. It will support more residents, more workers, and a wider range of uses, extending beyond its current retail core into a more layered urban environment.

“The civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East”: Bondi Junction masterplan revealed

Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

Parramatta apartments

Parramatta, a thriving suburb of Sydney, is set to reach new heights with the completion of its tallest residential tower.

Rising 67 levels, Meriton's 180 George will offer extensive views across Sydney through its glass facade.

The development promises to redefine riverfront living in Parramatta, with the tower's strategic location, or the corner of Charles and George streets, providing residents with convenient access to essential services and transportation options, such as the newly upgraded Parramatta Wharf, Parramatta Train Station, future Light Rail, and Metro West stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=205055]

Additionally, prominent institutions like the University of Western Sydney (UWS) and Westfield are mere meters away, ensuring an unparalleled urban lifestyle.

Beyond its prime location, 180 George offers an array of desirable features that cater to the needs and desires of its residents.

Anchored by an on-site Woolworths supermarket, the tower also houses two riverfront restaurants, Hunter &amp; Barrel and Italian Street Kitchen, and a 75-place childcare centre.

The building showcases a collection of spacious residences ranging from the largest one-bedroom units to multipurpose rooms, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments. Many units enjoy the convenience of direct lift access to secure underground parking and separate lock-up storage, a rarity in Sydney's competitive apartment market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=205059]

The development also boasts a range of amenities and facilities. The tower features a 20-metre indoor pool, a fully equipped gym, a sauna, and a spa, offering residents the opportunity to relax and unwind.

The sprawling 1200 sqm podium gardens house a 20-metre outdoor pool and barbecue facility, while there's also a co-working hub for remote work, complete with high-speed internet, individual workstations and team meeting facilities.&nbsp;

The safety and convenience of residents are prioritised through the implementation of My Parcel Locker systems, ensuring secure delivery of all items.The tower also includes three visitor/electric vehicle pay-as-you-go charging spaces, free bicycle and motorcycle parking, as well as a dedicated on-site building manager and after-hours security.&nbsp;

Prospective buyers can take advantage of Meriton Property Finance's offer, a three-year fixed interest rate at 5.5 per cent (terms and conditions apply).

Up to 90 per cent of the purchase price can be financed without requiring a valuation. Loans are pre-approved before purchasing, providing buyers with the assurance of guaranteed finance upon completion. For investors, a tenant is guaranteed on settlement, ensuring a hassle-free and seamless experience.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=8590]

Rising 67 levels, Meriton's 180 George will offer extensive views across Sydney through its glass facade

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Parramatta's skyline transformed by tallest residential tower

Investors are securing a five per cent yield on apartments in Parramatta's completed Matrix apartment development on Hassall Street.

Developers Blue Land has introduced a low-maintenance offering that aligns with the progress and growth that Parramatta is witnessing, with their collection of just 32 apartments designed by Tony Owens Partners.&nbsp;

Just one-bedroom apartments remain in the project. Buyers are able to secure an apartment with just a five per cent deposit, with an added bonus of two years&nbsp;of free strata levies.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7255 project_image_fid=196056]

Each residence has been designed with functionality and comfort in mind, with the apartments featuring a range of high-quality inclusions, including bespoke cabinetry, ducted air conditioning, and expansive living and dining areas that seamlessly flow onto spacious outdoor entertaining terraces.&nbsp;

The living areas are adorned with engineered timber flooring, with the the building also designed to maximise ventilation and natural light.

Residents will have secure lift access into their homes, in addition to video intercom systems and private lock-up storage areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7255 project_image_fid=195549]

The crowning jewel of The Matrix is the residents-only rooftop entertaining terrace. The space offers an outdoor dining area, providing residents with panoramic views of the surrounding Parramatta CBD, district, and Sydney CBD skyline.&nbsp;

Location plays a significant role in The Matrix's appeal. Situated in the heart of Parramatta, residents have the convenience of stepping outside their door and accessing the best the city has to offer, from local cafes to world-class recreational amenities and international culinary experiences.

Additionally, the building's prime location offers easy access to a flourishing shopping precinct, an array of public transport options, and prestigious private and public schools.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7255]

Buyers are able to secure an apartment with just a five per cent deposit, with an added bonus of two years of free strata levies

Five per cent yield, five per cent deposit on offer at Parramatta's completed Matrix apartments

The collapsed apartment developer Caydon Property has filed plans for a massive 36-level tower in Harris Park, bordering Parramatta, just days after listing the prime development site for sale.

The 1,818 sqm site at 114-118 Harris Street is just 850m from Parramatta Train station, 750m from the Parramatta Ferry and 240m from the new Parramatta Light Rail stop.

The documents submitted to the Parramatta City Council are dated across May and June, a month before it was announced the Melbourne-based developer collapsed.&nbsp;

MHNDU, led by Brian Meyerson, won the Parramatta City Council’s Architectural Design Excellence Competition for the project, dubbed Clay Cliff Point due to its&nbsp;location adjacent to Clay Cliff Creek, an important water way for the Burramattagal people of Parramatta.

<img alt="Clay Cliff location" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4fba4d3-3970-47e6-9173-e330b2097dda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-05%20at%204.11.16%20pm.png?VersionId=enYC9sP4BxVeKc05cFXbkzU9aEru3Ciu" />

"With an intrinsic connection to place as a guiding principle for our design, we are taking inspiration from the nearby waterway to attune the significant multi- residential building with its surrounding natural landscape," MHNDU said on the design.

"As part of our overall concept, we are devising a re-naturalisation of the nearby Clay Cliff Creek. By investing in the regeneration of this ecosystem, we envisage that our development will enhance the ecological condition of the waterway and provide public amenity for the broader community. "

There are 203 apartments planned, a mix of 38 one-beds, 142 two-bedders, and 23 three-bed apartments. There's also a marked effort for public artworks to engage the wider community.

<img alt="The plans by MHNDU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9e7a1f6-452a-47a1-8071-402fa5cd5880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-05%20at%204.10.32%20pm.png?VersionId=_VvB9XXtgg.neB1YXLKQdvZ9oqy5GwaY" />

"The heritage of Parramatta is perhaps amongst the richest in the State, but struggles with the primacy of change and that change sometimes overwhelms the scale and nature of the 18th, 19th &amp; 20th century heritage and its fabric," Cracknell &amp; Lonergan Architects noted in the documents submitted.

"The three proposed visual artists, Brendan Van Hek, Justene Williams and Gemma Smith are all contemporary Sydney based artists with nationally recognised public artworks/ installations. Through a public art proposal these stories can be retold in a contemporary and didactic manner to inspire and educate occupants of, and visitors to the building."

The plans include a large ground floor retail space and four commercial spaces on level one, which will within a red brick podium.&nbsp;The communal facilities will be located on level four, with a pool, gym, sauna, steam room and function room proposed.

Caydon collapsed in July owing debts of a reported $200 million.

The documents submitted to the Parramatta City Council are dated across May and June, a month before it was announced the Melbourne-based developer collapsed

First look exclusive: Caydon lodge Parramatta apartment tower plans to flip project

The luxury Melbourne apartment developer, GURNERTM, is again set to branch out nationally, with $450 million plans to developer a 61-level mixed-use building in the heart of Parramatta's CBD.

In a joint venture with investment manager Qualitas, the tower at 12 Hassal Street will home 385 apartments and 4,000 sqm of retail and commercial space on its 2,049 sqm site.

The building will be crowned by a rooftop facility.

The site was previously earmarked for over 300 apartments by the Sydney developer Top Place.

The acquisition marks the first of many planned in Sydney in the coming years as GURNERTM have earmarked the city as a key focus for continued growth, off the back of recent regulatory changes and an evolving macro-economic climate.

<a href="/new-apartments/12-hassall-street-parramatta">To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here</a>

Last year Gurner ventured out of Melbourne for the first time, breaking in to the QLD market with apartments plans lodged for Port Douglas and Surfers Paradise.

GURNERTM has recently established an office in Sydney to lead the aggressive acquisition phase with several additional sites currently under consideration.

The development team will look to submit planning documentation in early 2022, with construction likely to commence in late 2022.

“We are excited to announce this strategic acquisition as the first of many more to come as we look to significantly grow our portfolio in Sydney and wider New South Wales, across both our Build-to-Sell and Build-to-Rent platforms," Gurner said.

<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="927" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_parramatta_tower.jpg" width="1200" />

“For a long time the development fundamentals in Sydney didn’t stack up against Melbourne and Brisbane but looking ahead, Sydney will be a key strategic focus for us in the coming years as the environment is now much more conducive to development sites that fit our model.

“We set out about 12 months ago to align ourselves with the Sydney market and within a short period of time we’ve established an office, acquired our first major site and have a number of other opportunities in our sights.

<a href="/new-apartments/12-hassall-street-parramatta">To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here</a>

“In terms of the project, at 61 levels we want to create a new icon for Parramatta, bringing a new level of luxury, service and design to the precinct along with a vibrant hospitality and wellness precinct at the ground floor.

“In our signature style we are also exploring unique amenity opportunities including a rooftop bar and exclusive building services.

“Parramatta really is an incredible story of transformation into Sydney’s second city, and we are excited to be playing a role in its continued evolution."

Qualitas opened their office a decade ago.

Qualitas global head of real estate and co-founder Mark Fischer said the team has&nbsp;continually invested in that market across our funds platform.

<a href="/new-apartments/12-hassall-street-parramatta">To keep up to date with the development and its launch, enquire here</a>

"Qualitas continues to seek investment opportunities across Sydney, and we see Paramatta as providing the perfect location for this type of mixed-use development," Fischer said.

“As the precinct continues its transformation into Sydney’s second city, our partnership with GURNERTM allows us to deliver market-leading product quality across residential, retail, and commercial – including premium amenity and a rooftop facility.

“We are excited for what we can deliver in conjunction with GURNERTM, with Paramatta being a continuation of that relationship.

“Parramatta has shown resilience through the changing environment post pandemic and with movement of people across states and cities in Australia, this development is perfectly positioned to capture population growth in this area."

Last year Gurner ventured out of Melbourne for the first time, breaking in to the QLD market with apartments plans lodged for Port Douglas and Surfers Paradise

GURNER set to make mark in Sydney with Parramatta apartment development

Pent up demand in Sydney has been released at Paramount on Parkes in Parramatta, one of the first apartment buildings to launch sales since Sydney came out of its prolonged lockdown.

The launch of sales at Paramount on Parkes, the 39-level tower&nbsp;to be developed by the well respected and local developer ALAND, saw 25 sales secured over the weekend, with a further 60 appointment scheduled.

ALAND released the first 135 apartments of the 294-apartment tower, designed by Sketch Design Group and Stanisic Architects, which were&nbsp;a hit with investors and owner-occupiers.

They were drawn to Paramount's prime location on the fringe of Parramatta, a stones throw from Parramatta train station&nbsp;and minutes from riverside parks, shopping precincts and a number of fine dining restaurants, bars, and cafes.

The spacious floorplans were also a tick for buyers, as well as the state of the art amenities which will include a resort-style pool on the podium level, a 300 sqm rooftop terrace with barbecue area, lush landscaped gardens with local Western Sydney flora, and resident-only children’s play areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=181002]

Buyers so far have been predominantly young couples&nbsp;and young families in their early and mid 30's, moving to the area from within a 10 kilometre radius of Parramatta.

The first stage will see 10 one-bedroom apartments up for grabs&nbsp;from $573,000,&nbsp;115&nbsp;two-bedroom apartments starting at&nbsp;$767,000, and 10&nbsp;three-bedroom apartments starting at&nbsp;$1.083 million.

ALAND Sales Director, Mark Bernberg, said purchasers are keen to see new supply become available that also represents great value for money.

"Paramount on Parkes has created a lot of buzz among buyers who‘ve spent their lockdown period reassessing what qualities they’re seeking in a home," Bernberg said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164856]

"Given the excellent lifestyle amenities of this flagship development and its very convenient location, it offers an extraordinary move for homeowners and investors alike."

Each apartment is designed to maximise light and space with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic district views and covered balconies.

Finished with neutral colour palettes so buyers can add their own personal touch, the apartments also have ducted air-conditioning, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, Grohe tapware and marble surfaces.

Some apartments come with the option of convenient study nooks and additional storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164848]

Head of Development for ALAND, Ryan Lane, said the premium Western Sydney development had been a passion project for the family-run business, which is also the major sponsor of the NRL’s Parramatta Eels.

“With the ALAND name proudly emblazoned on the jerseys of the local team every weekend, we feel that we’ve earned our place as part of the fabric that makes up Parramatta. The launch of Paramount on Parkes now further cements that position,” Lane said.

Lane added that with Parramatta taking pride of place as Sydney’s second CBD, the dynamic destination has become a highly desirable location for both owner occupiers and investors.

“As the geographical heart of Sydney, Parramatta offers its residents a wealth of cultural, educational and employment opportunities. And with the second airport at Badgerys Creek underway, as well as easy access to other transport links, it will soon offer locals even more convenient travel connections,” Lane added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164853]

Paramount on Parkes is an approximate 10-minute walk to riverfront reserves or the Parramatta Wharf and is a short stroll from the soon-to-be-completed Parramatta Square employment hub and Civic Centre.

There are a number of local attractions, including&nbsp;Eat Street, Riverside Theatre, the Powerhouse Precinct, walking tracks, cycleways and the 85ha of green space at Parramatta Park.&nbsp;Westfield Parramatta is 600m from the doorstep.

In addition to a number of in-demand public and private schools in the vicinity, Parramatta is also home to campuses for the University of Western Sydney and University of Sydney.

ALAND released the first 135 apartments of the 294-apartment tower, designed by Sketch Design Group and Stanisic Architects, on the weekend



Sales surge at launch weekend of Parramatta apartments Paramount on Parkes

The property developer Ecoworld International has secured 90 per cent of sales at its $300 million Parramatta apartment development, West Village.

The 40-level, 398-apartment development, designed by Woods Bagot, was slated to bring a new level of luxury to Parramatta by the developer, who have created luxury apartment towers in&nbsp;London.

West Village was their maiden Australian development, which was shortly followed by the recently completed Yarra One in Melbourne's South Yarra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5851 project_image_fid=150363]

West Village has&nbsp;been a hit with residents since completion last year, due to its number of onsite amenity.

Most popular has been the virtual golf room, allowing golfers all-round time on the course without having to avoid crowds or call off the day for bad weather.

“Since September last year, I've been playing with my golf group religiously once a week; the sessions really help with our form on the field in terms of skills and range,” keen golfer and West Village resident Franki Cheung said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5851 project_image_fid=180736]

“The golf room has so many course selections with different skill levels and we can enjoy the games in an air-conditioned room with privacy.”

The music room has been popular among residents, no less so&nbsp;professional musician and private music tutor Rebekah House.

“Apartment living doesn't usually allow for hobbies which require large amounts of space so the piano room at West Village was one of the major factors in our decision to purchase within West Village," House said.

Residents also have access to a chef kitchen, residents lounge, rooftop observation deck, and a&nbsp;rooftop garden with barbecue area.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=5851]

West Village was EcoWorld's maiden Australian development, which was shortly followed by the recently completed Yarra One in Melbourne's South Yarra.



West Village, Parramatta apartments, secure 90% of sales

The general consensus&nbsp;among property investors is that Parramatta, Sydney's second CBD, continues to be undervalued.

Parramatta is a focal point for economic activity; the&nbsp;$27 billion economy ranking as the third largest in Australia, only behind Sydney and Melbourne.

A&nbsp;commitment to infrastructure has made Parramatta a convenient and well-connected location to work and live in, with the&nbsp;number of jobs within Parramatta’s local government area&nbsp;expected to almost double by 2036.

Some of Australia's leading businesses and government branches are making the leap to Parra with NAB, the&nbsp;Department of Education, Western Sydney University and University of NSW among them.

Parramatta is a hub of connectivity with express trains, frequent bus services and upgrades to the M4 as well as the planned Metro West line.

$3.4 billion has already been committed by the NSW government over the next 10 years to the&nbsp;Westmead Health Precinct, currently&nbsp;Parramatta’s largest employment sector.

The investment potential in Parramatta has property investors enquiring on Paramount on Parkes, the new&nbsp;tower developed by the respected local developer, ALAND.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164848]

Top on a priority list for property investors is the apartment's&nbsp;proximity to transport and local infrastructure.

The 42-level tower of 294&nbsp;apartments is located&nbsp;just a five minute walk to Parramatta Station, and bordering the well-known horse racing spot of Rosehill which lights up on Saturday's with punters.

Prices start from $573,000 at Paramount on Parkes, less than the $610,000 suburb median apartment price. Two-beds range between&nbsp;$767,000 and $922,000,&nbsp;while three-bedroom apartment&nbsp;begin at $1,083,000.

Parramatta's demographic is younger than the average of Greater Sydney, with 46 per cent&nbsp;of residents aged between 25 and 39 years old, according to the most recent census data.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164856]

In 2016, 71 per cent&nbsp;of Parramatta locals were renting, with 84 per cent&nbsp;of all residents living in apartments.&nbsp;

Over the last decade to March 2020, Parramatta apartments have seen six per cent capital growth per annum.

Parramatta is a focal point for economic activity; the $27 billion economy ranking as the third largest in Australia, only behind Sydney and Melbourne.




jordan_55689

Why investors are targeting ALAND's Paramount on Parkes, Parramatta apartments

Meriton has secured a record $5.96million sale in an off-the-plan apartment amalgamation in its 180 George Parramatta project.

The buyer has purchased four apartments in the complex being developed by billionaire Harry Triguboff&rsquo;s Meriton Apartments.

It is due for completion in early 2023.

Meriton national sales director James Sialepis told News Ltd the buyer secured a combined 460 sqm floor space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590 project_image_fid=71714]

&ldquo;To break the record for the highest priced apartment sold in the entire western Sydney is a phenomenal result,&rdquo; he said.

The buyer will be able to customize their layout within the 67 storey glass tower.

There were 522 apartments approved prior to amalgamations in 180 George.

One of the nearby popular off the plan projects in Parramatta is&nbsp;Imperial&nbsp;by Merhis as was the completed The Galleria project at 9 Hassall Street by Nucorp.

Meriton has negotiated a record off-the-plan amalgamated apartment price in its 180 George Parramatta complex

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