Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

Parramatta

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Parramatta's 3,000sqm Albion Hotel is on the market after being privately held for more than thirty years.  
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Bruce Solomon’s hotel and restaurant group Solotel is on the market through Ray White’s Andrew Jolliffe and Jeff Moxham and Anthony Khoury of Khoury Partners.
Solotel will retain and relocate the hotel licence and invest the sale proceeds in further growing the business, which already includes Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf, Aria and Chiswick restaurants, and the now world famous Opera Bar at Circular Quay.
Ray White’s Asia Pacific director of hotels Andrew Jolliffe said the George St site would appeal to hotel and residential developers alike; including a mixed use outcome.
“The flexibility afforded by this site is absolutely key for developers, and the combination of riverside positioning, north east orientation, scale of the land holding and permissible height levels, suggests to us that the interest in acquiring the opportunity will be both aggressive and certainly not restricted to local Australian development groups,” he said.
“We recently ran a hotel operator selection process for a China based client of ours, for a mixed use site they had in Chatswood, and the international interest from recognised hotel operators, developers and investors was profound."
The sale is through an expressions of interest campaign concluding Wednesday, March 16, 2016.
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The landmark P.J. Gallagher's Irish Pub at 74 Church Street could be a step closer to becoming an apartment and hotel tower if the planning proposal is given the green light by the Parramatta City Council this month. 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Albion Hotel, Parramatta development site hits market

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The Police Citizens Youth Club has sold its rezoned Parramatta club.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/12-hassall-street-parramatta-nsw-2150-2012428578" target="_blank">12 Hassall Street</a> holding fetched $33 million when bought by the residential developer Toplace. 
Toplace's current projects include its 3.3-hectare Rosebery Park site. 
It has also acquired the Hills Shire Council $140 million site in Castle Hill which is expected to yield 800 new apartments.
Last May it sold 260 apartments out of the 378 in two towers on Old Northern Road in the Atmosphere development.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Parramatta on Toplace agenda

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The November report from valuation firm Herron Todd White shows strong growth within the residential sector in Parramatta, especially over the past year.
The HTW report suggests the vision of the suburb becoming Sydney’s second CBD has seen construction boom within the region, with unit development the main driver and overseas investment acquiring off the plan purchases one to two years in advance.
"The past 12 months have been very good for dwelling investment returns compared to the rest of NSW, giving investors a capital gain of 13% to date with the median price for a house in Parramatta being $772,000."
The report also showed that advertised rent reached $490 giving a gross rental yield for property investors of 3% according to CoreLogic RP Data and APM.
"The high level of interest in apartment living in Parramatta from both local and overseas investors was reflected with the strong sale transactions over the past 12 months with the suburb becoming a focal point for economic growth and increase in population."
The HTW report concluded by showing the median price for a unit in Parramatta is $541,000 with a capital gain of 12% to date and advertised rent reaching $460 giving a gross rental yield for property investors of 4%. 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Strong growth in Parramatta for property sellers: HTW

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For me and for my team the marketing of new projects is always an exciting time and The Mills Holroyd is one of our current developments that I would like to share.
It’s a good example of what style of apartment project is proving popular in an area set to see almost spectacular growth over the next decade centred on Parramatta.
A few months ago I started to look at projects based around the idea Great Foundations, to examine new projects mainly from the buyer’s viewpoint, concentrating on what creates buyer interest and currently meets their requirements.
Reflecting shifting lifestyle choices buyers today have access to lots of new projects offering many different options. This trend now attracts a much more versatile and varied demographic of buyers which has been our experience with The Mills.
I think it’s a good sign of the maturing of the market when a project attracts a wide cross section of buyers. The Mills has a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, all with parking and storage and this mix is always popular. The Mills has gained solid support among buyers ranging across younger first time to more established buyers looking for a lifestyle change but wanting to stay close to the area, and close to all of the big-ticket projects that will be focused around Parramatta.
Location Gets a Big Tick
For The Mills, this location is a real bonus as it offers some of the best connections you could want to a big choice of locations mainly via the M4. The Parramatta CBD is about 10 minutes away, Homebush/Olympic Park is 20 minutes, Penrith 30 minutes, or a little further afield the Sydney CBD is also about 30 minutes, or escape to the Blue Mountains with Katoomba just over an hours drive.
Holroyd and anyone who will be living at The Mills also has easy access to the City Rail network with a choice of stations but mainly with the convenience of Merrylands Station. So this is a great location, and the retail facilities are also terrific centred on Merrylands Mall and Westfield Parramatta, Merrylands Mall is within walking distance.
The location would be playing an important part in attracting the type of demographic mix I have detailed and as might have been expected location remains key in its appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors with a 50/50 profile. And the existing infrastructure is also key, as it is across the Sydney region and this always helps to drive the continued demand to well-located in-fill projects.
Attractive Price Options
With the location and the range of apartments as among the key foundations, in any market price is a big factor. In Sydney there’s been a suggestion that prices are possibly running ahead of market expectations. The Mills offers, and I think this is an important distinction, a range of price points with 1-bedrooms starting just below $500,000. The 2-bedroom apartments, which are still the most in demand range from $600,000 and the 3-bedrooms near $700,000, these are competitive prices when combined with the quality of finishes here. The Mills is being sold off-the-plan, which is still a very popular way of entering the market and the building is expected to be complete late in 2017.
With all new projects there will understandably be a focus on the project team, and I think it’s important to highlight the team with the key focus on the developer and the architects.
The Landmark Group who is a wholly Australian-owned property development company whose track record is built on more than a decade of solid experience, is developing The Mills and their key focus remains on projects in Sydney’s most desirable areas.
Marchese Partners is one of Australia’s leading architecture practices specialising in medium and high-density residential projects for over 20 years. Their portfolio includes Top of The Town, Republic, Paramount, 185 Macquarie Street and the Bondi Icebergs and they also work internationally in the United States.
The Mills will deliver to buyers a number of what are now seen as essentials when looking for apartments that are not anchored to a central CBD location. This will always include the convenience of transport and shopping and in some areas access to a range of schools. Location and quality have been the clear drivers of demand here.
The Mills location and diversity of product type has appealed to a range of buyers from young homeowners through to families with children and retirees – generating a genuinely diverse community at the centre of a rapidly growing region of Sydney.
The Big Picture
It’s always a good idea to look at how any project like The Mills sits with the local population and according to the last census in 2011 the population of Holroyd City was 99,163 people and on a growth trend with an increase of 11.5% from the 2006 Census and in the 2016 census that trend will have accelerated. By 2031 it is expected that an additional 30,000 people will have moved to the area. And most will be living in medium and high-density housing.
The latest census also showed that 49.5% of locals were born overseas, interestingly some 27% of this population group arrived in Australia after 2001. The area’s median age is young at 34 years and as might be expected Holroyd is home to many children, with a decreasing senior community.
Of particular interest to local property investors is the fact that Holroyd City is as a major employment hub for Western Sydney, with approximately 31,188 people in jobs in the area. There are according to local council figures an additional 8,000 jobs projected to be created by 2031 and the local economy is estimated at $13.31 billion. The largest business sectors comprise of manufacturing (54.4% of total city output), wholesale trade (11.1%) and transport and storage (7.8%), which looks a positive mix of activity.
 
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Great foundations at The Mills, Holroyd: Peter Chittenden

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Harris Park secured a record price of $1,395,000 when the home at 15 Ruse Street sold last weekend through Ray White Parramatta.
<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/harris-park/1308596/" target="_blank">The three bedroom property</a> had been held by the same family for over 40 years. There had been higher sales but not as single dwellings, rather developer sites.
Adjoining the Experiment Farm cottage estate, the price reinforced the growing status of Harris Park as an inner city suburb of Parramatta City.
"In recent times the suburb has come alive with a vibrant restaurant strip, shopping precinct and an upgraded railway station, in fact an easy walk to the Parramatta CBD is possible from most parts of the suburb," Ray White Parramatta agent Amit Nayak said.
The auction campaign had over 250 inspections and 45 bidding registrations on the day at the 627 square metre property. 
 
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Harris Park record residential sale at $1,395,000

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The listed developer Payce Consolidated, and its Japanese partner Sekisui House, have sold their Wentworth Point site on Sydney's Parramatta River for around $100 million. 
Payce advised on Friday that a put and call option had been executed with a non-refundable call option fee.
It is suggested the buyer is Piety Investments, the boutique developer and asset manager.
The site has concept plan approval for 678 units. 
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
The Piety deal was brokered by James Bellew of Colliers International, according to the Australian Financial Review.
Piety managing director Bilal El-Cheikh owns and manages WK Quantum Quartz, the wholesale and distribution company in Australia specialising in marble and granite products. 
Piety, backed by a Malaysian-based partner, has a $210 million development at Lane Cove, due for completion in December, will comprise 270 apartments.
There is also a $200 million mixed-use project at Hurstville, known as Imperial.
</div>
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Payce and Sekisui sell Wentworth Point site to Piety Invesments

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China’s largest developer Greenland Group has bought a Parramatta development site.
It was the second property with development potential bought from Sam Arnaout’s hospitality and development group Iris Capital.
Greenland is buying the Crown Hotel, which has the potential to be developed into apartments.
Combined with the Crest Hotel, Kings Cross acquisition the purchase cost an unconfirmed $170 million.
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Greenland buys Crown Hotel, Parramatta site from Iris Capital

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The 23rd largest publicly-listed company in China, Fuxing Huiyu Real Estate Co Ltd, has established Starryland Australia, which will pour $550 million into a new apartment development in Parramatta across 11 towers.
The five hectare development, named <a href="https://%20www.promenadeliving.com.au" target="_blank">Promenade,</a> will have 774 apartments in the 11 towers that will be from three to 12 storeys on Parramatta River’s northern banks, as well as 1.2 hectares of open space and a pedestrian bridge across the river.
It is located at 2 Morton Street and was previously owned by Frasers Property who received the green light for the project last year from the NSW Joint Regional Planning Panel.
Frasers confirmed to Property Observer that the site was sold last year, with RP Data records showing that it transacted in September 2013 for $58,000,000. The site had been rezoned in 2011 for residential, mixed-use, public open-space and waterway under the Parramatta Local Environment Plan. They had initially planned for 10 towers from two to 12 storeys.
Prior to Frasers' ownership, the site was held by The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust before their June 2006 $21,500,000 sale.
The first stage will be two of the towers, to a total of 277 apartments, with work expected to start in late-June with a construction timeline of two years. Demand will determine the other two release stages.
This first stage includes one-bedroom apartments from 44 to 62 square metres from $399,000, two-bedroom apartments from 62 to 99 square metres from $520,000 and three-bedroom apartments from 99 to 112 square metres from $830,000.
Other than four of the one-bedroom apartments, they all have up to two secure car spaces, as well as 70 shared visitor parking spaces.
Savills has forecast weekly rents at Promenade for $450 to $540 for one-bedroom units, and $550 to $700 for two-bedrooms.
It will be the Chinese company’s first step into Sydney.
Hao Liu, director of Starryland, noted that they chose Parramatta specifically due to its current position as a cosmopolitan centre with potential for improvement.
Liu also noted that it is well serviced by public transport and motorways.
The vision for Parramatta’s northern entrance, where this development will be, is for a partnership with Smart Design Studio, landscape designers Aspect, and Starryland Australia.
“Promenade is in keeping with the style of residential communities we create in China, and we want it to set a benchmark to establish our credentials in Sydney as a quality developer,” said Liu.
“We truly believe Promenade will be the type of place where people will want to buy their first property, raise their children and grow old.”
Architect for the development, William Smart, says that there are two building designs called wharf and courtyard that use natural elements, such as water, to create the resort style.
“The ‘wharf’ buildings have horizontal slab edges in white with a pattern of vertical timber cladding and full height vertical fenestration woven between each floor level whilst ‘courtyard’ buildings appear solid and grounded with panels of dark masonry stepping along the façade,” Smart said.
Meanwhile, project director for Savills Residential Projects, Irene Lau, said that professional singles and couples would be interested due to the transport, dining, shopping and recreational options.
“Apartments in the upper floors will have spectacular multi-directional views,” Lau said.
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Chinese developer taking $550 million step into Sydney with 11 towers in Parramatta

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The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, after a two year absence and intense lobbying, has welcomed the recommencement of tenancy cases being heard in Parramatta.
Announced on Friday, Attorney General Greg Smith said that the area would once again host regular sittings, this time of the new super tribunal - the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, more commonly referred to as NCAT.
This will happen from 30 June 2014, and will see NCAT sit in Parramatta three days each week as a service for tenants and landlords.
This has been welcomed by the president of the REINSW, Malcolm Gunning, who said that it was needed for Sydney's west. Estimations are currently that up to 40 issues would be heard per day in Parramatta.
“We were very concerned when old Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) stopped operating in Parramatta in early 2012," said Gunning.
“Resolving disputes in Parramatta is a win for everyone in the property industry, especially landlords and tenants who will no longer face the costs and time restraints of having to travel to the Sydney or Penrith Register to have their case heard."
“Our efforts over the last two years to highlight the importance of tribunal hearings in Parramatta have been vindicated by this decision,” he said.
NCAT is the replacement to the CTTT system, that is said to simplify the "complex and bewildering" system, according to Smith.
“The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) will be a one-stop shop for almost all state tribunals, ranging from relatively small bodies such as the Chinese Medicine Tribunal through to the much larger Consumer, Trader &amp; Tenancy Tribunal,” said Smith.
It deals with tenancy disputes, customer complaints, applications for guardianship and a number of other issues.
After operating from 2 January 2014, NCAT conducted 28,000 hearings in 100 days.
Parramatta hearings will be held in a room at the Commonwealth Law Courts building.
“This is great news for Western Sydney and consolidates Parramatta’s position as the state’s largest legal hub outside of Sydney’s CBD," said Smith.
“It follows confirmation that the Court of Criminal Appeal will sit in Parramatta for two weeks in July and August, with the Chief Justice of NSW Tom Bathurst to be among the judges presiding over the hearings.”
Regular Supreme Court sittings may also be a possibility, with Chief Justice Bathurst examining this in the future.
“While the old Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal sat in Parramatta until early 2012, many of the tribunals that have joined NCAT have never conducted regular hearings in Sydney’s west,” said Smith.
“NCAT will provide the people of Western Sydney with quick and cost effective access to justice.
“Tribunal proceedings are typically less formal than a traditional court hearing and often achieve earlier resolutions.”
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REINSW lobbying pays off, tenancy cases to again be heard in Parramatta

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Riverside Tower will be a $250 million precinct development on Parramatta’s riverfront, and the largest multi-function event centre outside of Sydney’s CBD, provided the development application goes through as planned. It will also likely take its place as one of the tallest towers in Parramatta.
It appears the new tower, to see residential apartments across 37 storeys, may also take the spot of 'tallest' residential tower in Parramatta - a title currently held by the at-present under-construction V by Crown. Suggestions that V by Crown would soon lose the title had been <a href="/expert-insights/buying/slab-to-be-set-on-highest-residential-tower-in-parramatta-v-by-crown-today">heard by Property Observer for some time</a>. Meriton's as-yet unbuilt <a href="https://www.meriton.com.au/properties/altitude-apartments" target="_blank">Altitude West</a>, "coming soon" at 330 Church Street, at a suggested 53 levels (far surpassing Altitude East at 30 storeys) is also in the running for the tallest title. With completion for Altitude suggested for 2016, and entire project completion for Riverside Tower for 2017, it'll be a race as to who holds the title and shapes Parramatta's skyline first.
The DA, submitted to Parramatta City Council last week, has requested approval for 413 residential apartments, entertainment facilities, cafes, restaurants and a visitor/exhibition facility ‘Discovery Centre’.
The project, set to be a public/private partnership between PCC, LIDIS and Dockside Group, will complement a number of significant buildings in the Parramatta area, which has been going from strength-to-strength.
The riverfront location will see a number of exciting residential features, including 37 of the 41 storeys containing apartments with river views, that are said to never be built out. The homes include studios to three-bedroom residences, sky-homes and penthouses, with first sales anticipated this year.
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/parramatta-april-10-two.jpg" alt="">
Project completion is expected for 2017, with the apartments boasting access to a lap pool, gym, spa, sauna facilities, enclosed sun terrace, terraced gardens, BBQ facilities and lounge spaces.
“Riverside Tower will play a significant role in supporting Council’s commitment to growth and the evolution of Parramatta as a thriving centre for business, leisure and living,” explains official material of the development.
It is located between Lennox Bridge at Church Street to the East and Bernie Banton Bridge (Marsden Street) and is expected to bring 720 direct and 1,400 indirect jobs, with the Conference Centre expected to add $20 million a year to the local economy.
Discovery Centre is registered with the Green Building Council of Australia.
The City of Parramatta appears to be very much behind the proposal, with Lord Mayor of Parramatta John Chedid explaining that the proposal involves major upgrades to more than 4,400 square metres of public domain and foreshore land.
“As Parramatta continues to expand, access to the river and surrounding foreshore will be critical to the city’s recreational and cultural future. We are pleased to be working with LIDIS and Dockside Group who share our vision of refocusing Parramatta’s CBD towards the river,” said Chedid.
“The centrepiece of the Riverside Tower is the Discovery Centre which will replace the CBD’s existing Visitor and Heritage Centre and deliver a spectacular entertainment and dining experience that befits the geographical heart of Sydney.”
The Council will own and manage the Discovery Centre.
<ul>
<li>Construction partner: Hutchinson Builders 
</li>
<li>Lead architect, landscape architect, urban designer and interior designer: Johnson Pilton Walker 
</li>
<li>Project developer: LIDIS 
</li>
<li>Venue managers: Dockside Group</li>
</ul>
It appears it will be a busy time for Parramatta, with <a href="/expert-insights/buying/v-by-crown-development-reaches-150-million-in-sales">tallest residential offering, 29-storey V by Crown, seeing a significant number of sales as it undergoes construction</a>.
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