The 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, now one of the most important considerations on an off-the-plan apartment buyer’s checklist, has expanded its growing presence to another Sydney suburb.

Norwest-based developer Haitchin Group has secured the policy through Resilience Insurance for its recently launched Hornsby project, Habitat. The cover will protect the development’s 67 apartment owners against structural and waterproofing defects that may arise within the first 10 years after completion.

Located just 200 metres from Westfield Hornsby, Habitat will also include two retail tenancies and 15 commercial suites, creating additional opportunities for investors and owner-occupiers while contributing to the vibrancy of the surrounding precinct.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

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PRD Norwest Director David Inkster, who is managing sales for Habitat, said today’s buyers are seeking certainty and quality above all else.

“Location, reliable delivery teams and confidence in the finished product are paramount,” Inkster said.

“Buyers want proximity to retail, transport and green space, and reassurance that both the developer and builder have proven track records.”

He added that initiatives such as Latent Defects Insurance are playing an increasingly important role in restoring confidence among both owner-occupiers and investors by mitigating concerns around major structural issues.

Read more: <a href="https://industry.apartments.com.au/updates/resilience-latent-defect-insurance-protection-runs-hot-in-new-south-wales">Resilience Latent Defect Insurance protection runs hot in New South Wales</a>

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The development team is pitching Hornsby as a "compelling investment destination", underpinned by strong fundamentals, excellent infrastructure connectivity and a resilient rental market.

With strong rail access, proximity to major retail and employment hubs, and sustained demand from professionals, downsizers and essential workers, Hornsby offers investors an attractive balance of affordability, yield stability and long-term capital growth potential.

Habitat is the first new-build residential development to come to the local market in more than seven years. The undersupply of new housing, particularly three-bedroom apartments, will likely see Habitat's apartments perform well into the future.

“Off-the-plan investors are showing renewed confidence, supported by improving economic conditions and a greater willingness to commit when the right product is offered in the right location," Inkster added.

“The off-the-plan apartment market in Sydney is not just surviving, it’s adapting and evolving in response to buyer needs, setting the stage for a promising revival.”

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Haitchin Group General Manager Rob Tasevski said the vision with Habitat is to deliver a residential address that combines world-class architecture with interiors meticulously designed for owner-occupiers and downsizers, while also offering a compelling proposition for investors seeking stability and long-term value.

“Our previous masterplanned community, Infinity Park, set a new benchmark in the Hills District. With Habitat, we are proud to deliver the first development in Hornsby to offer Latent Defects Insurance, providing purchasers with an additional layer of confidence and security.”

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Two-bedroom apartments with a car space are priced from $845,000.

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Joel Robinson

Hornsby becomes the latest suburb with new apartments backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy

Leading Australian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/homecorp">Homecorp</a> has officially kicked off construction on its $210 million Florence Residences, ushering in the Gold Coast’s next era of wellness-infused luxury as the city continues to top sales charts nationwide.&nbsp;

Rising 26-storeys above the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach skylines, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Florence Residences</a> will deliver 120 curated homes paired with a private residents’ only wellness club including a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.&nbsp;

The project is anticipated to complete in late 2027.&nbsp;

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“This project was an opportunity to deliver something truly special for the Gold Coast," said Ron Bakir, Founder and CEO of Homecorp.

"We have listened and we have researched to develop a project that has been designed to meet a powerful shift in what buyers are craving around the world. The wellness residential market is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors and we wanted to deliver a place that feels like an escape from the everyday.

“Florence Residences is a community where architecture, lifestyle and wellness converge, designed as a home for the future, one that will truly stand the test of time. A place that can be passed down through generations, in a city where lifestyle never compromises. With construction underway, we mark not just the beginning of a build, but the start of a new era for our buyers, for Surfers Paradise and for the Gold Coast.”

Beyond each residence, the Eastern European-inspired project introduces a holistic lifestyle destination within one of the city’s most exclusive coastal and park-side enclaves, boasting social and community-focused spaces, including a resident-only lounge with private dining and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a striking hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking and pet-friendly perks including a heated dog wash.

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Mayor of the City of the Gold Coast, Councillor Tom Tate, said&nbsp;Florence Residences offers more variety of high-quality product for the Gold Coast, featuring a lot of rare wellness facilities for buyers chasing a lifestyle with a large focus on health.

"This project is one of the best to be bought to our skyline," Tate says.

"This city has something for everyone and in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics, projects like this are important to provide more homes for Gold Coasters."

Buyer demand on the Gold Coast remained exceptionally strong in the third quarter of 2025, with the region home to Australia’s highest-selling residential developments, including Homecorp’s $250 million Cienna Varsity Ridge Stage Two which led national results, selling out all 289 apartments and outperforming more than 161 developments across the country.

“The Gold Coast is truly growing and we have an opportunity to provide not only housing for local residents, but offer a lifestyle that you can’t find anywhere else," Gold Coast Councillor Darren Taylor says.

"From Surfers Paradise to the Gold Coast, those that call this area home are chasing a lifestyle that’s connected with access to the light rail and nestled between the gardens and the iconic coastline.

“Construction commencing at Florence Residences is really exciting for this city. Demand is continuing to soar across the Gold Coast, particularly in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and this is a project that is helping to meet that demand.”

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From coastal horizons to Hinterland contours and calm waterways, each residence is framed by a unique outlook that evokes a sense of calm, clarity and connection. Perfectly positioned, the project is just minutes from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

Florence Residences officially launched to the market in late 2025, with prices beginning from $1,249,000.

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Homecorp commences construction on $210 million wellness-infused Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise

Australian home values rose by 0.8% in January according to Cotality’s Home Value Index, a subtle acceleration from the 0.6% increase recorded in December.

While every capital city and broad rest of state region recorded an increase in home values through the month, the start of the year returned a mixed result across the capital cities.

Sydney and Melbourne are weighing on the headline numbers, recording a 0.2% and 0.1% increase in January; a marginal pickup following the slight falls recorded in December. Both markets have values slightly down on their peak levels, with Sydney -0.1% below the November 2025 peak and Melbourne values remaining -0.7% lower than record highs recorded in March 2022.

The mid-sized capitals have continued their solid growth run, however some momentum has left the upswing in these cities as well.

Perth values were 2% higher in January, the strongest gain across the capitals, but well below the cyclical high of 2.9% MoM growth recorded in November last year. Similarly, Brisbane’s monthly gain has slowed from 2% in October last year to 1.6% in January, and Adelaide’s monthly increase dropped back to 1.2% from a 1.8% rise in December.

Tim Lawless, Cotality’s Research Director, noted the market’s resilience, but suggests further momentum is likely to leave the market.

“Despite the most unaffordable conditions on record in many cities, along with a rebound in cost of living pressures and prospect of a rate hike as early as this Tuesday, we are still seeing a broad-based rise in housing values,” Lawless said.

“The ongoing capital gains reflect persistently low inventory in the face of above average housing demand, however we are likely to see demand side pressures gradually ease in 2026.

“Affordability and serviceability constraints are likely to naturally dampen demand, but also renewed cost of living pressures and a strong chance that interest rates will rise. There is also slowing population growth to consider.”

Cotality estimates the number of homes advertised for sale was 19% below levels at the same time last year, and 25% below the five-year average for this time of year. At the same time, the rolling quarterly number of home sales was estimated to be 1% higher than a year ago and only 3% below the five-year average.

Digging a little deeper, most cities are continuing to see homes at the lower end of the value spectrum supporting growth, especially for houses. Across the combined capitals, lower quartile house values were up 1.3% in January compared with a 0.3% rise across the upper quartile.

“This trend of stronger growth conditions at lower price points is supported by intense competition for more affordable houses,” said Mr Lawless. “This is where first home buyers, investors and, progressively, mainstream demand is most concentrated.”

Regional markets have delivered a stronger growth outcome, with the combined regionals index up 1% in January compared with a 0.7% rise across the combined capitals.

Housing values continued to rise in January

The final piece of Norwest’s most ambitious residential puzzle is falling into place.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, the concluding release in Sekisui House Australia’s decade-long masterplan, The Orchards, delivers the final 200 apartments to the already thriving Hills District community.

Several thousand residents already call the $1 billion masterplanned community home. Ideally positioned on the fringe of Norwest’s town centre, The Orchards sits close to Norwest Marketown and the Norwest Metro Station.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_HSzhcjpB_Q?si=snRoQIPupjxGlxaI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Set among landscaped parkland and walking trails, with the energy of an emerging lifestyle precinct at its doorstep, Zeste has been designed by award-winning architecture firm Rothelowman. Interiors draw on Japanese-inspired craftsmanship, prioritising restraint, material quality, and longevity, hallmarks increasingly sought after by owner-occupiers and downsizers alike.

With a mature community already established at The Orchards, Sekisui House Australia has spent years understanding how residents actually live. That insight has shaped Zeste’s refined apartment mix and intelligent floorplan designs, tailored to the expectations of today’s discerning buyers.

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This buyer-led approach has been reflected in strong early demand. Since launch, nearly half of all reservations have been secured by the Sky Home collection, premium upper-level residences offering private breezeway entries, oversized balconies, and cross-ventilated north–south layouts, a rare and highly prized combination in Sydney’s apartment market.

In some cases exceeding 200 sqm, the Sky Homes challenge traditional downsizer stereotypes, offering house-like proportions without the upkeep.

“Our apartment is over 200 sqm, so there is plenty of space,” says Ashwin, a Castle Hill local moving into Zeste with his wife, Dilu.

“The layout, light timber finishes, Japanese craftsmanship, balcony overlooking a landscaped courtyard, and concierge were standout features. Proximity to friends, shops, restaurants, Sydney Olympic Park, walk and cycle paths, and the new Metro made our decision very easy.”

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Reflecting its local appeal, almost 90 per cent of buyers to date are Hills District locals, many transitioning from family homes into low-maintenance apartments without sacrificing space or lifestyle.

Inside, Zeste continues Sekisui House’s philosophy of balancing home, people, and nature. Dual-aspect apartments maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, while timber-toned joinery, cathedral glass, and stone benchtops reference the site’s orchard heritage. Two interior schemes,&nbsp;Sunrise and Twilight,&nbsp;allow buyers to personalise their homes while maintaining a calm, cohesive aesthetic that matches the overall building palette.

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Residents will also enjoy access to a private pavilion overlooking the central courtyard, complemented by resort-style amenities including a lagoon-style pool, gym, function spaces, and barbecue areas.

The broader Orchards community is anchored by 1.4 hectares of parkland, complete with an outdoor cinema, playgrounds, and direct access to Norwest’s growing cycleway network.

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From above, Zeste reads as a green thread within Norwest’s evolving urban fabric. At street level, it offers a highly connected lifestyle, just 600 metres from Norwest Metro, adjacent to Norwest Marketown and Castle Hill Country Club, and within easy reach of Sydney Olympic Park.

Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated in 2028.

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A decade in the making: Inside Zeste, the final chapter at $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards

Apartments account for just 15 per cent of total dwelling stock in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/balwyn-vic-3103">Balwyn</a>, reinforcing the suburb’s long-standing identity as a low-density, detached housing area.

As a result, new apartment development has historically been limited in both volume and density. For homeowners considering a move out of larger family houses, options that maintain a residential setting while offering a genuine alternative to detached living have remained relatively scarce.

One of the most recent apartment developments completed in the suburb is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/threadneedle-balwyn-1-5-threadneedle-street-balwyn-vic-3103">Threadneedle</a>, a boutique project named after its location on the tree-lined Threadneedle Street. There are just 17 residences across two low-rise buildings.

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Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wulff-projects">Wulff Projects</a> in partnership with PGA Group, the project has been deliberately limited in scale, with just eight and nine residences per building, reflecting an approach more closely aligned with long-term owner-occupiers than higher-density apartment models.

At Threadneedle, the shift to apartment living has been approached as a recalibration rather than a compromise. The project is shaped around maintaining space, privacy and amenity while reducing the ongoing upkeep associated with a traditional family home, a balance that increasingly defines downsizing decisions in established suburbs.

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Rather than maximising yield, the design prioritises spatial comfort and landscape, with more than one-third of the site dedicated to gardens by Ben Scott Garden Design.

This emphasis on greenery creates separation between buildings, reinforces privacy and establishes a sense of domestic calm that mirrors the garden settings many residents are accustomed to.

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That residential character continues through the architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, which draws directly from the surrounding neighbourhood where many homes date back to the interwar period. The buildings are conceived as traditional residences rather than a single apartment form, allowing them to sit comfortably within the existing streetscape.

“Given the quiet residential character of the street, we approached Threadneedle wanting it to appear less as a collection of apartments and more as a traditional residence,” said John Scaramuzzino, director at Bruce Henderson Architects. “That led to creating two buildings that could breathe, with larger garden-based apartments functioning more like small homes.

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Inside, the residences are defined by proportions and layouts more commonly associated with houses than apartments, reinforcing the project’s alignment with buyers transitioning from detached living. All homes are three-bedroom configurations, many incorporating dedicated studies designed as separate rooms rather than adapted corners. Living areas extend to generous terraces or courtyards, while three-metre-high ceilings, oversized internal doors and full-height glazing enhance openness and natural light without sacrificing privacy.

“The interior design evolved from the architecture and garden setting,” said Chantelle Sinnott of Bruce Henderson Interiors. “We wanted to create spaces that feel connected to nature, with flexibility and functionality that supports how people actually live.”

Each residence has been individually planned to maximise privacy and outlooks, with garden views prioritised across multiple aspects. Parking and storage are treated as essential components rather than secondary considerations, aligning with expectations shaped by years of living in detached homes and reinforcing the project’s house-like approach to apartment living.

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Together, these characteristics, generous internal space, private outdoor areas, low-density form and a strong connection to landscape, closely mirror the qualities many downsizers seek as they transition out of family homes, without requiring a departure from the neighbourhoods they know.

Leafy streets, village-scale retail and established community networks underpin daily life, while access to public transport along Whitehorse Road and nearby parklands supports walkability and convenience. For many residents, the ability to remain within a familiar suburb is central to the downsizing decision.

With construction now complete, a limited number of residences remain available, including a top-floor penthouse offering single-level living with three bedrooms, a dedicated study and expansive terraces.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27816]

Why downsizers are choosing Threadneedle, Balwyn's newest apartment development

Slab Architecture

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DKO Architecture and SLAB Architecture's Campbell Street project in Collingwood has claimed gold in Architectural Design (Commercial and Residential), at the Good Design Awards hosted in Sydney.

The 60th Anniversary of the Awards attracted a record number of entries, with only 260 projects selected to receive a Good Design Award, after being whittled down from 536.

The jury commented that the project was a “great use of space, wonderful use of exterior, wonderful use of the metal-as decoration”, with the project's location in Collingwood playing an important role in the design approach.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/120_campbell_highres-28.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Campbell Street's rooftop terrace encompasses views of its Collingwood context."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/120_campbell_highres-28.jpg?itok=eY6Wk8l6" title="Campbell Street's rooftop terrace encompasses views of its Collingwood context." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Campbell Street's rooftop terrace encompasses views of its Collingwood context.</figcaption></figure>Designed by Jesse and Seada Linardi (DKO Architecture/Slab Architecture) the house is a study in pushing multi-residential architecture and vertical living to the limits, within its environment while offering an alternative typology to living in a contested urban landscape.

<blockquote>
The project provokes questioning and curiosity and challenges conventional notions of multi-residential development … if everyone was this creative in designing high density housing on small inner city sites our cities would be better places. Collingwood is almost cult-like in its community. It’s active, eclectic, unpretentious and accepting of culture, values and diversity.

- Jesse Linardi, Design Director from DKO Architecture
</blockquote>

The Campbell Street project cleverly configures this space in Collingwood into two light filled, three-bedroom vertical dwellings with footprint dimensions of 4m in width and 9m in length, totalling 36 sqm per dwelling across a site area of only 72 sqm.

Each six-level apartment features a basement, ground-floor garage and rooftop terrace plus a light well spanning the height of the property that illuminates each home. Campbell Street’s exterior has a jewel-like appearance with metal studs and a perforated, powder coated, operable steel screen.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/122_campbell_highres-14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The warmth and softness of the interiors is in contrast to the dark steel exteriors."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/122_campbell_highres-14.jpg?itok=zeaos21h" title="The warmth and softness of the interiors is in contrast to the dark steel exteriors." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The warmth and softness of the interiors is in contrast to the dark steel exteriors.</figcaption></figure>The interior design of Campbell Street is a deliberate and curated juxtaposition between the bold exterior presentation, and the softness and calmness of the interior living experience.

The project represents a density of 140 dwellings per hectare compared to the average Melbourne city lot size in 2016 of 400 sqm.

Winners of the Awards will be showcased to the general public during Vivid Sydney, from 25-27 May 2018 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay. DKO will display a model of Campbell Street as part of the showcase.
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