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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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

Perth apartments

The Perth market is pumping in a way that hasn&rsquo;t been seen since the end of the resources investment boom in 2013.

This is most starkly evident in the sales data. In the three years from 2018 to 2020, Perth recorded between 34 and 59 suburbs with rising sales activity in our quarterly surveys. But our three surveys in 2021 have found 118, 103 and 115 rising suburbs.

Our latest quarterly analysis has found improvement in many of the major municipalities across the Perth metropolitan area. Armadale, Bayswater, Belmont, Canning, Gosnells, Joondalup, Kwinana, Stirling and Wanneroo have all increased the number of suburbs with rising market activity, while Rockingham has maintained its position with all nine suburbs classified as rising markets.

The one notable under-achiever is the Melville LGA, where only three of 14 ranked suburbs are rising markets.

The two leading municipalities are Wanneroo and Stirling. In Wanneroo, 17 of the 21 ranked suburbs are classified as rising markets, headed by Butler (quarterly sales of 50 51 61 65 71 95 96 120 125), Landsdale (50 67 70 73 82) and Clarkson (58 64 63 99 101 114 120). In Yanchep, quarterly sales have risen from 35-40 in 2019 to above 100 per quarter now.

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Fifteen of the 23 ranked suburbs in the LGA of Stirling are rising markets, maintaining this area&rsquo;s track record as a place of sterling performance. Quarterly sales in Balga have been 59 77 83 83 101 while Mt Lawley has recorded 56 71 101 106 112 and Nollamara 53 99 94 109 115.

Rockingham is one of the few LGAs in the nation where every suburb is rising, headed by Baldivis (134 223 220 290 295) and Port Kennedy (48 48 76 85 91 112)

The always-steady Joondalup LGA has improved its ranking, with the number of rising suburbs increasing from six to nine in the latest survey, with a notable uplift in prices (see below). Quarterly sales in Craigie have been 33 39 50 59 67.

There has also been a significant improvement in the LGA of Bayswater, with the number of rising suburbs improving from two to six, including Bayswater, Bedford, Maylands and Noranda.

In the city of Cockburn, nine of the 13 ranked suburbs have upwardly-mobile markets, including Coolbellup, Coogee, Hamilton Hill and Spearwood.

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There has been notable improvement in several of the cheaper markets in the Perth metro area: Armadale (6), Canning (4), Gosnells (6) and Kwinana (5) have all increased the number of suburbs with rising sales.

The suburb of Armadale has recorded quarterly sales of 50 61 69 79 87, while Bentley in the Canning LGA has had 29 29 51 57 65 and neighbouring East Cannington has done 19 26 27 39 43. Quarterly sales in Gosnells have been 60 63 99 105 134 138.

In the Kwinana LGA, the cheapest market in Perth, Orelia sales have been 12 17 21 25 43 and Wellard 33 50 66 93 110.

Swan has maintained its steady position with five rising suburbs, led by Ellenbrook (88 96 96 131 153 159 165).

PRICES: It&rsquo;s been a long time between drinks, but prices are now moving strongly upwards in the Perth market &ndash; 97% of suburbs have recorded annual growth in their median house prices while 73% of unit markets have risen in the past year.

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There are only six suburbs in the Greater Perth area which have failed a record price growth in the past 12 months.

For several years we have ranked the Joondalup LGA as the precinct most likely to thrive when the Perth market recovered and now it&rsquo;s leading on price performance. Thirteen suburbs have had double-digit growth in their median house prices in the past year, led by the 21% rise to $595,000 in Currambine. Craigie ($465,000) and Duncraig ($750,000) have risen 15-16%.

Northern neighbour Wanneroo has also done well, with eight suburbs rising more than 10% in the past year, headed by the 16% rise to $400,000 in Banksia Grove. Girrawheen ($320,000), Marangaroo ($425,000) and Yanchep ($415,000) have all increased 15%. As the figures show, affordability is a feature here.

We have also predicted improvement in the ridiculously cheap suburbs in Kwinana LGA &ndash; Wellard ($410,000), Parmelia ($275,000), Leda ($290,000), Medina ($250,000) and Orelia ($265,000) have all risen more than 10%, with Medina (up 28%) the star.

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Further south, another affordable precinct, the Armadale LGA, has several good growth markets, led by Kelmscott ($340,000) and Armadale ($245,000), which have increased 21-22%.

Two middle market areas which have featured often in our Top 5 Perth Hotspots reports &ndash; Stirling and Melville &ndash; are both prominent now with good price growth. The Stirling uplift is headed by Joondanna ($710,000), Yokine ($650,000) and Osborne Park ($550,000), all up 15-16%. In Melville, Bicton has surged 31% to $1.13 million and other growth suburbs are Palmyra, Mt Pleasant, Bull Creek and Bateman.

Among the more expensive suburbs, the growth leaders are Claremont (up 34% to $1.7 million), City Beach (25% to $2.09 million), Floreat (21% to $1.57 million) and Cottesloe (20% to $2.3 million).

Our three surveys in 2021 have found 118, 103 and 115 rising suburbs.

terryryder

The Perth property market continues its resurgence: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

The ASX-listed Perth developer Finbar Group are set to redevelop the old heritage-listed former Chemistry Centre on the fringe of Queens Park in East Perth.

The $154 million plans, drawn up by architecture firm S S Chang Architects, see the current heritage-listed building at 101 Hay Street, which dates back to 1942, incorporated in the design, acting as a base for a 27-level tower.

Given the vast 5,335&nbsp;sqm site, Finbar are also building another 38-level tower alongside. Combined the development will have 331 apartments.&nbsp;

The development plans pay homage to the heritage by retaining the Material Sciences building and a hexagonal design feature that also provides shade to apartments. The former Chemistry Centre will home 550 sqm worth of restaurant or cafes. There will be a further&nbsp;eight spaces slated for restaurant or cafe use, three personal service spaces and a shop, activating the 1,300 sqm of street level commercial space.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/110_east_st_perth.jpg" width="1200" />

Finbar,&nbsp;alongside Singaporean developer&nbsp;Ventrade bought the 5,335 sqm site from the state government for $16 million.

In 2015&nbsp;the local developer Diploma Properties Pty Ltd was chosen as the preferred developer to transform the former Chemistry Centre site, with over&nbsp;200 apartments, dining venues and shops planned. That would have been a 16-level apartment tower with rooftop sky gardens.

The heritage component would have turned in to a laneway-style eat street.

<img alt="" height="1010" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/110_east_st_perth_2.jpg" width="1200" />

Finbar and Ventrade&#39;s plans will see a shared podium on level seven.

There&#39;s a clear intent to create a work-from home space following the border restrictions and reduced appetite to return to the office.

The development will have a business lounge with consult room, board room,&nbsp;and over 10 study pods.

<img alt="" height="850" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/finbar_east_perth.jpg" width="1200" />

Resident amenity will feature a landscaped deck, cinema, resident dining and bar, virtual golf simulator, meditation&nbsp;yoga room, a child play centre, activity games room, and two swimming pools.

The taller tour will also have a rooftop sky bar and gym.

Summary by the strategic planning, urban design firm Element Advisory

The proposed development presents an exciting opportunity to deliver a contemporary redevelopment of the subject site that accords with DWA&rsquo;s established vision for the area through the provision of:

&bull; A well designed, sustainable development that offers an outstanding level of amenity to residents and visitors, and respects and celebrates the cultural heritage significance of the subject site;

&bull; An activated, human scaled edge, through a suitably screened podium with slender residential towers above;

&bull; Extensive landscaping and pedestrian zones at the ground floor level, offering a high level of amenity for pedestrians and designed to celebrate the cultural heritage significance of the subject site;

&bull; A density and diversity of land use that will contribute to the critical mass of people required to activate the subject site and surrounds; and

&bull; Increased housing choice in the locality, complemented by a range of ground floor commercial tenancies that will offer employment and leisure options for a diverse range of people

Given the vast 5,335 sqm site, Finbar are also building another 38-level tower alongside. Combined the development will have 331 apartments

Finbar set for 331 apartments on East Perth's Queens Gardens

There were 2,734 properties for rent in Perth at the end of July, according to reiwa.com data.&nbsp;

Listings for rent have increased 13 per cent since the height of the rental shortage in December 2020.&nbsp;

&quot;Although there is still a rental shortage, this is an encouraging trend that needs to continue to achieve a balanced market,&rdquo; Damien Collins said.

The five suburbs to record the biggest increase in rental listings during July were Bayswater, Mount Hawthorn, Halls Head (photographed), Ascot and Bassendean.

&quot;The increase in listings since January reinforces that investor confidence is slowly starting to return,&quot; he noted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26734 project_image_fid=153695]

&quot;This is also backed up by Australian Bureau of Statistics data which shows investor loan approvals in Western Australia increased to $498 million in May 2021, which is 10 per cent more than April 2021 and 209 per cent more than May 2020.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We still have some way to go before we get back to a balanced market, but the early signs are good.&quot;Perth rental market

Perth&rsquo;s median rent price was stable in July, holding at $425 per week.

&ldquo;Although the Perth median rent price has increased over the last year, we are still $25 cheaper than the peak median rent price of $450 per week in 2013 and 2014.

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&quot;It&rsquo;s reassuring for tenants that the rate of growth has slowed since the end of the rental moratorium.

Leasing activity increased 0.3 per cent in July and is up 7.1 per cent compared to April.&nbsp;

Victoria Park saw the biggest increase in leased properties, with activity up 71 per cent in July compared to June.&nbsp;

Other suburbs to perform well were Maylands (up 63 per cent), Piara Waters (up 50 per cent), Balga (up 50 per cent), Dianella (up 40 per cent) and Southern River (up 38 per cent).

The five Perth suburbs to record the biggest increase in rental listings during July were Bayswater, Mount Hawthorn, Halls Head, Ascot and Bassendean

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Perth rental shortage eased in July: REIWA

Gary Dempsey Developments&rsquo; award-winning apartment complex, Taskers, has launched its highly anticipated final release with numerous luxury amenities.

Siskas, which boasts 55 two, three and four-bedroom residences is set to reach construction this year with a futuristic vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) facility on its rooftop.

Nearing sell-out with over 85 per cent of apartments sold, the development will allow residents to access drone deliveries, air taxis and commute via private helicopter.

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The development aims to combine the latest technological advances into residents&rsquo; homes, with other features including electric car charging facilities in the basement and large flat-screen digital intercoms in apartments.

Located in North Fremantle, the collection of luxury residences has been designed in collaboration between ZMH Architecture and Craig Steere Architects.

&ldquo;Siskas&rsquo; meticulously designed interiors offer a natural link between its waterside location, artisanal craftsmanship, premium materiality and its philosophy for living&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142669]

Each apartment boasts floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows and frameless glass balustrading to deliver panoramic views across Swan River to the Indian Ocean.

Interiors include Gaggenau appliances, European cabinetry and timber accents that can be customised to create an ideal home for buyers.

The project boasts a five-star Green Star rating and an average energy efficiency rating of 7.5 stars, thanks to rooftop solar panels that heat the 25-metre lagoon pool and motion detectors that lower power consumption.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142655]

Residents are spoilt for choice with five-star hotel-quality amenities, including 3000sqm of private landscaped grounds, communal herb garden and fruit trees, temperature-controlled wine appreciation room and fully furnished lounge and dining rooms.

The home will also come with access to a workshop equipped with communal tools for DIY projects, a yoga and pilates studio, a commercial-sized gym and a cedar-lined sauna.

Taskers has won numerous industry awards for excellence in construction and development, with recognition from the Master Builders Association and the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

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Siskas, which boasts 55 two, three and four-bedroom residences is set to reach construction this year with a futuristic vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) facility on its rooftop

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Taskers final stage to host Australia’s first autonomous passenger drone landing station on top of luxury Perth apartments

Perth has long had a problem with the size of apartments for downsizers.

That&#39;s the view of&nbsp;Abel Property sales agent Gethen Sullivan, who&#39;s&nbsp;been&nbsp;marketing off the plan and established apartments for the best part of two decades in Perth.

&quot;The overwhelming feedback from apartment buyers is that the internal size, and specifically the master bedrooms, are always too small,&quot; Sullivan suggests.

&quot;This is the case for the majority of developments in Perth.&quot;

Sullivan has recently started marketing apartments at 66 Jersey Street,&nbsp;a boutique Jolimont development&nbsp;near Subiaco, where the floor plates are around 50 per cent larger than any other two and three bedroom apartments on the market in Perth.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101137 project_image_fid=162858]

&nbsp;

&quot;For me, after I studied the floor plans and strata plan for this project, it is something that I couldn&rsquo;t wait to be involved in selling,&quot; Sullivan says.

Designed by SPH Architects, the two bedroom apartments span 146 sqm and start from $755,000. The master bedroom is spread across 23 sqm alone.

The three bedroom apartments, which offer over 265 sqm, start from $1,375,000. They have a 30 sqm master suite.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101137 project_image_fid=162853]

Sullivan says the apartments are 100 per cent geared toward owner-occupiers.

&quot;They are largely aimed at people looking to downsize from a house to the security of an apartment, without sacrificing space,&quot; Sullivan says.

&quot;The developers of this project themselves are architects. They designed the floor plans to be something they themselves could/would live in.&quot;

The local construction firm Kastle are set to start the build later this year, with completion slated for Q3 2022.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=101137]

Perth has long had a problem with the size of apartments for downsizers.

Biggest apartments in Perth hit the market

Traditionally on the hunt for house-and-land, Perth&rsquo;s downsizers have been breaking new ground with a surge of interest in the high-rise market.

Sirona Capital have noticed the surge in buyer interest at their newest development 28 Lyall in South Perth, which they are developing in conjunction with Singapore-listed developer&nbsp;Chip Eng Seng.

They&#39;ve had commitments to almost half of their 98 apartments in the 37-level Bates Smart-designed tower, with construction soon to commence.

High-rise residences like this are filling a gap in the market, offering downsizers the best of both worlds, suggests&nbsp;Sirona&rsquo;s Managing Director, Matthew McNeilly.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29229 project_image_fid=147623]

&ldquo;A lot of people in this market are finding that the perfect option to downsize is also an upgrade on the classic family home,&quot; McNeilly says.

&quot;28 Lyall&rsquo;s residences offer loads of space as well as the high-rise lifestyle features you&rsquo;d struggle to find in a house &ndash; starting with the views.&rdquo;

The near 100 sqm two-bedroom apartments are popular with downsizers, as are the 155 sqm three-bedroom apartments. They all feature engineered timber floorboards, kitchens fitted with European appliances, double glazed floor-to-ceiling windows and north-facing recessed balconies to take in the views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29229 project_image_fid=147626]

The most apartments located on each floor is four, with some levels homing just two or three apartments.

It&rsquo;s a deliberate choice which is part of the development&rsquo;s &lsquo;vertical village&rsquo; concept, says&nbsp;McNeilly.

&ldquo;Owner-occupiers like the fact that they&rsquo;ll know their neighbours &ndash; that&rsquo;s partly why we&rsquo;ve kept to a maximum of four residences per floor. They&rsquo;re designed as private, luxury homes with a lot of space, but they&rsquo;re still part of a tight-knit local neighbourhood.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29229 project_image_fid=147616]

28 Lyall&#39;s location places it&nbsp;a five-minute walk from the Mends St Jetty and ferry service to Elizabeth Quay and the CBD.

The two-bedroom apartments start from $720,000

&ldquo;Downsizers are a savvy market and they know how property works &ndash; they want a spacious two-bedroom or three-bedroom place that feels like home but which is also going to be a good investment for the future,&rdquo; McNeilly added.

&ldquo;Premium high-rise residences like this are hugely appealing because they promise excellent growth. There&rsquo;s a lot of potential for those who take advantage of the window of opportunity with off-the-plan incentives.&rdquo;

Eligible purchasers have limited time remaining to secure government incentives on off-the-plan residences. This rebate for pre-construction contracts is 75% of the stamp duty paid for purchase, up to $50,000.

High-rise residences like this are filling a gap in the market, offering downsizers the best of both worlds, suggests Sirona’s managing director, Matthew McNeilly

Why downsizers are looking sky high in Perth

Siskas is the final release of Gary Dempsey Developments&rsquo; coveted Taskers development in Perth&rsquo;s North Fremantle.

Designed by ZMH Architecture and Craig Steere Architects, the residence features a collection of two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

The broader Taskers project has won numerous industry awards for excellence in construction and development, with recognition from the Master Builders Association and the Urban Development Industry of Australia.

We recently spoke with Gary Dempsey Developments&rsquo; very own Gary Dempsey to discuss the luxury development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142655]

MK: What are the highlights of&nbsp;Siskas&nbsp;at Taskers and what is attracting buyers to the project?&nbsp;&nbsp;

GD: Undoubtedly buyers are attracted to&nbsp;Siskas&rsquo;&nbsp;unique location between the Indian Ocean and the Swan River and the lifestyle that comes with that. It promotes the best of our enviable laidback WA lifestyle but is within easy reach of Fremantle, the CBD and some of Perth&rsquo;s best schools and colleges.

As well as the location, our buyers know that with GDD they are buying an unmatched level of construction quality and sophistication &ndash; in terms of the features you do see, but also those you don&rsquo;t including rooftop solar, double glazing, acoustic plumbing, the extensive use of natural stone and European appliances across the project as well as a range of resort style, residents&rsquo; only amenities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142658]

MK: What was the design brief for the architect Fred&nbsp;Zuidefeld (ZMH Architects)?&nbsp;

GD: The architectural brief focused on creating a sophisticated, timeless development that fostered a connection with its&nbsp;waterfront location combining the use of the highest quality materials and finishes with the latest in innovation technology and sustainability features.&nbsp;

MK: Where have the buyers comes from and who is it appealing to?&nbsp;

GD: Our buyers and prospective buyers span a range of demographic but tend to be downsizers from the local area wanting to move from larger family homes but stay in the area in which they have grown up in and have established connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142657]

We&rsquo;re also seeing growing demand from young professionals who value the waterfront location and the range of amenities on their doorstep.&nbsp;Overall&nbsp;we are seeing buyers who want quality in terms of the finish but also the construction and the features you don&rsquo;t see. Our development is dominated by owner occupiers rather than investors which also appeals across our buying demographic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MK: What else does&nbsp;Siskas&nbsp;at Taskers offer residents?&nbsp;

GD: Additional resident features include a wine room, workshop, 3000sqm of&nbsp;established&nbsp;private gardens &ndash; unseen in any comparable apartment development &ndash; a 25m lagoon style pool,&nbsp;alfresco dining/ entertaining spaces, yoga/ pilates and massage room,&nbsp;gym,&nbsp;sauna and onsite caf&eacute;.&nbsp;

MK: Why did you choose North Fremantle Does this area offer strong investment opportunities?&nbsp;&nbsp;

GD: North Fremantle is primarily dominated by older&nbsp;free standing&nbsp;homes on larger blocks with limited development but plenty of potential.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;also a standout location in terms of its access to river and ocean, Fremantle, Claremont and Cottesloe. The annual growth rate is 4.3% and properties tend to be very tightly held, making it a very&nbsp;sought after&nbsp;suburb.&nbsp;&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864 project_image_fid=142670]

MK: Where is current buyer enquiry coming from?&nbsp;

GD: It tends to be dominated by those from the local area however we are seeing an increasing level of both interstate and overseas enquiry as a growing number of people post-COVID&nbsp;realise the unbeatable lifestyle WA offers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Designed by ZMH Architecture and Craig Steere Architects, the residence features a collection of two, three and four-bedroom apartments

What buyers need to know about North Fremantle’s Siskas at Taskers: Urban chats with Gary Dempsey Developments

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Matheson on Kearns in Perth's Ardross is approaching sell-out as the apartment development nears completion.

The project of 46 apartments, developed by Megara and designed by the local Maine Architecture, only has nine apartments remaining, with 80 per cent sold before its predicted Spring 2021 completion date.

Pulse Property Group agent Jared Rayner said the local infrastructure and amenities had been the key to a number of different buyer demographics.

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"The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers who wanted to be a part of a smaller boutique development where they have still have access to shops, cafes, restaurants across the road," Rayner said.

"The attraction to not only the downsizer market place but wider buyers across the development has been the easy access to public transport links and local amenities for all demographics to enjoy."

The development sits less than two kilometres from Garden City shopping centre and also has three ground level retail and commercial spaces.

<a href="/buildings/matheson-on-kearns-22-24-kearns-crescent-ardross"><img alt="" height="1084" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/matheson_2.jpg" width="1800"></a>

Matheson on Kearns has a nod to the history of the suburb of Ardross, with the name a nod to the Scottish explorer Sir Alexander Percival Matheson, who subdivided the adjoining suburb of Applecross, creating the name Ardross Street.

It is said it was named after the town of Ardrossan on the Scottish west coast or Ardross Castle, near Inverness.

One bedroom apartments in Matheson on Kearns start from $445,000. Two beds are priced from $599,000 and three bedders from $749,000.

<a href="/buildings/matheson-on-kearns-22-24-kearns-crescent-ardross"><img alt="" height="1080" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/matheson_3.jpg" width="1800"></a>

Rayner's says the Perth off the plan market has seen strong demand since coming out of COVID-19, with a number of local, interstate and international buyers looking to acquire property in the Perth Metro area.

"Buyers feel the market is improving and the attraction they can see with this building is the fact that it has reached its final sixth Penthouse level and this has given buyers confidence this project will be finished on time."

About the developer

Megara is fast becoming one of Western Australia's leading boutique developers, identifying locations with outstanding potential in lifestyle and growth. 

As well as Matheson on Kearns, Megara have Maraboo Island, a 52 apartment development in Port Coogee under construction, as well as 30 apartments known as The Foundry in Leederville.
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Matheson on Kearns in Perth's Ardross is approaching sell-out as the apartment development nears completion

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