Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Joel Robinson

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

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A completed Castle Hill apartment development is returning to market with an uncommon level of financial backing, positioning it as one of the more secure options for buyers in Sydney’s north-west.

Skyview in Castle Hill, originally developed by Top Place and now overseen by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, is being relaunched following a full remediation process. Central to its repositioning is a substantial financial reserve designed to provide ongoing protection and reduce uncertainty for incoming purchasers.

At the core of this offering is an $11 million bond secured during the project’s remediation phase, negotiated by former NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler. With less than $4 million required to complete the works, approximately $7.2 million remains in reserve, with around 15 years left on the term.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359134]

Rather than a typical insurance-backed structure, the remaining funds are held as cash, creating a readily accessible financial buffer should any future building issues arise. The structure is intended to provide buyers with an added layer of certainty, differentiating the development from more conventional apartment offerings.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure provides a level of security not typically seen in apartment developments.

“The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers,” Huxley said.

“Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359135]

The remediation process has now been completed in full, with no active rectification orders or outstanding directives linked to the project on NSW Government registers. This outcome reflects the broader tightening of building oversight across the state, while also highlighting the project’s transition into a completed, compliant asset.

In a market where many buyers remain cautious about apartment quality, initiatives like this are designed to restore confidence, giving purchasers greater certainty and a stronger sense of security in their investment.

Equitifund has since acquired the remaining apartments and is managing their reintroduction to the market. With the works finalised and a significant financial reserve in place, the project now presents with a markedly different risk profile compared to its initial release.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359137]

Beyond the added security, the development is positioned in one of Castle Hill’s more established pockets. The Gay Street address places it within close proximity to Castle Towers, one of the country’s largest retail centres, as well as Castle Hill Metro Station, which now connects directly to the broader Sydney Metro network.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said buyer demand in the area continues to be driven by access to transport and amenity.

“Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre,” Hamblett said.

“There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359145]

The apartments also enter the market at a relatively accessible price point for the area, with two-bedroom configurations starting from $995,000 and rental demand for similar stock reaching around $900 per week. This combination of pricing, connectivity, and completed status is expected to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors seeking lower-risk entry into the Hills District apartment market.

For eligible buyers, a limited 3.50 per cent p.a. two-year fixed interest rate is currently available through Equitifund’s lending partners, providing an additional layer of affordability.

EquitiCredit Pty Ltd ACN 676 363 769 holds ACL 559289 and provides credit assistance. Finance is arranged through EquitiCredit and funded by its lending partners. Interest rates are subject to change and eligibility criteria apply. Terms, conditions, fees and charges may apply. This is not financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Prospective buyers should seek independent financial advice.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]
</section>

Castle Hill apartments offering unmatched buyer protection through dedicated fund

St.A

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St A, Cedar Woods’ new masterplanned community in St Albans in Melbourne's north-west, is attracting a wide range of buyers to its townhouse development.

Cedar Woods are offering buyers the opportunity to choose from six different floorplans, with each townhome ranging between two and four bedrooms.

Located in the burgeoning growth area, west of Melbourne’s CBD, St.A delivers a family-friendly community, a landscaped central park and stunning designs by DKO Architecture.

We recently spoke with Cedar Woods chief operations officer, Patrick Archer, to discuss the benefits of securing a townhome at St.A.

MK: Have you seen an increased demand in townhouse sales post-COVID-19? 

PA: St.A sales have seen a solid increase since late last year when restrictions eased and the economy showed signs of a solid recovery.

At the same time, the central park landscaping was installed and several stages of townhomes were completed so the project is looking amazing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7633]

MK: What are the buyer demographics of owner-occupiers purchasing townhouse developments?

PA: It has been a very diverse mix of buyers but typically, it has been first home buyers who already live in the area. There’s also a good proportion of young families and downsizers.  

MK: What should homebuyers look for in the ideal townhouse development? 

PA: If 2020 has taught us anything it is that floorplan functionality is the make or break of a home. Quite a few of our purchasers have told us that this was one of the biggest selling points at St.A, a floorplan that has outdoor space and allows you to set up a home office which is important to purchasers.

<a href="/new-townhouses/st-a-1-griffiths-street-st-albans" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="2004" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sta-10-mckechnie-street-st-albans-9d1abe1b454fe77398ed1c690a5cfdf6_1.jpg" width="3000"></a>

MK: Do properties in St Albans hold long-term investment opportunities? 

PA: Melbourne’s western suburbs have been widely reported as the biggest opportunity for investors who want to make excellent returns.

St Albans is no exception and buyers at St.A are focused on the long term return on their investment with strong prospects for capital growth in a suburb that is so well serviced. 

MK: What does the project offer that other townhouse developments may not?

PA: St.A allows beautiful and architecturally designed homes, set around a large central park where neighbours can meet. These features and proximity to shops and transport is what makes St.A unique.

Also St.A is being developed by Cedar Woods, an ASX listed national property developer so buyers can rest assured that their homes will be delivered to a high standard. 

<a href="/new-townhouses/st-a-1-griffiths-street-st-albans" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="628" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st-a-10-mckechnie-street-st-albans-42e8b87e5367c66d772c8261833858a6_0.png" width="1200"></a>

Townhouses in the community start from just $499,000 for the two bedroom, two and a half bathroom townhouse in the Argyle II.

Buyers can choose from a number of other configurations, including Sapphire IV, Amber, Topaz II, Novo III, Argyle I and Jasper.
</body></html>

Urban speaks with Cedar Woods COO, Patrick Archer, to discuss the benefits of securing a townhome at St.A

max.kwok_55688

Why Cedar Woods’ St.A townhouses are appealing to first home buyers, young families and downsizers

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Since the pandemic, developer sales trends have revealed that first home buyers are becoming increasingly focused on quality of life, rather than location.

Urban spoke with Cedar Woods COO Patrick Archer, who provided the following insights about what to expect in property this year.

“[First home buyers] are looking for quick access to green space and a real sense of community”, he said.

<a href="/new-townhouses/addison-walk-williams-landing"><img alt="" height="3400" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lincoln-apartments-100-overton-road-williams-landing-765d957441bcbab9cdee57559b9fe828.jpg" width="5100"></a>

According to Archer, 2020 buyer trends that are likely to continue into the new year is the strong renaissance of the suburbs, with buyers taking a keen interest in developments designed around local amenity and wider community living.

This has been true for Cedar Woods’ masterplanned community developments, St.A and Lincoln, who have seen significant interest from first home buyers.

Over the financial year, first home buyers made up 64 per cent of purchases at the 250-dwelling St.A project in Melbourne’s north-western suburb of St Albans.

<a href="/new-townhouses/st-a-1-griffiths-street-st-albans"><img alt="" height="2004" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sta-10-mckechnie-street-st-albans-9d1abe1b454fe77398ed1c690a5cfdf6_0.jpg" width="3000"></a>

As first home buyers look at moving to the suburbs and tuning into this new way of life, Cedar Woods has put forward a range of apartments and townhomes so that buyers can choose what works for their lifestyle.

<h2>Is now the time to buy?</h2>

The current low interest rates and government incentives mean that, for many first home buyers, it is cheaper to own than to rent, and new developments are no exception.

“Right now, first home buyers should be looking to take advantage of all the government grants and concessions while they can. Targeting your search to new developments that meet the criteria of the incentives will mean you are getting a considerable saving.” Archer said.

Before the Federal HomeBuilder grant and other state Government schemes come to an end in March, now may be the best time to cash in on the competitive offers by many developers who are also offering additional incentives to buyers and investors.

However, Archer emphasises the importance of knowing your developer.

“Every first home buyer has different needs for their home but one thing they all want is to have complete trust in the developer”, he said.

His advice? Buy from a developer with a track record and long-term commitment to delivering quality projects. 
 

<h2>Cedar Woods’ Lincoln Apartments at Williams Landing</h2>

According to Archer, Lincoln Apartments is designed around local amenity, community and open space, and offers many first home buyers the opportunity to access a range of government incentives.

<a href="/new-townhouses/addison-walk-williams-landing"><img alt="" height="1333" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lincoln-apartments-100-overton-road-williams-landing-db709a9bbd193a26b59a6e057637cc46.jpg" width="2000"></a>

Prioritising community living and access to green space, Lincoln Apartments brings both convenience and quality to residents.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the five-storey building features sculptural elements, a rooftop garden, residents’ gym and north-facing balconies.

<a href="/new-townhouses/addison-walk-williams-landing"><img alt="" height="2400" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lincoln-apartments-100-overton-road-williams-landing-a506725222c6c442d6e2e9b1c433b5f0.jpg" width="6000"></a>

Two-bedroom apartments in the complex start from $419,000.
</body></html>

Urban spoke with Cedar Woods COO Patrick Archer, who provided the following insights about what to expect in property this year

First home buyer trends: Will 2021 be the renaissance of the suburbs?

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As Melbourne continues to experience unprecedented levels of population growth, housing affordability and urban sprawl are amongst some of the greatest challenges facing the city, with traffic congestion and long commute times on the rise. 

In response to this, the 20-minute city concept was proposed as part of the solution to addressing some of these issues and one which is increasingly being realised in Melbourne’s inner and middle ring suburbs with many choosing to live, work and play in close proximity.

Additionally many are adopting apartment living as a means of entering the housing market as an affordable alternative to traditional housing or renting.

<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/20min_neighbourhood.png" rel="gallery-all" title="The 20 minute neighbourhood. Image : DTPLI"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="479" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20min_neighbourhood.png?itok=4xhgb5ND" title="The 20 minute neighbourhood. Image : DTPLI" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The 20-minute neighbourhood. Image: DTPLI</figcaption></figure>The 20-minute concept is one of the core focuses of the Andrews government’s Plan Melbourne blueprint for 2050, with the idea of creating a series of ‘20-minute neighbourhoods’, where people can access everything from work, recreation, schools and medical care all within 20 minutes from home. 

This has been evident in Cedar Woods' St Albans master planned community St.A, where a number of sales have gone to buyers wanting to live close to the amenity offered within the suburb.

The Maple Release, the latest release in St.A, is already 80 per cent sold since launching in March and so far the majority of sales have been to the owner-occupier market.

Phung Nguyen, a 28-year-old radiographer, and her partner recently purchased a four-bedroom townhouse in St.A, primarily due to its close proximity to her workplace as well as the best shops and amenity in the area.

<blockquote>
Our reasons for purchasing a property in St.A came down to the location. I work in several different hospitals in the western areas and this played a huge role in the locations we were looking at.

We plan on spending a majority of our time living locally. St.A is pretty much in the heart of the suburb, we will look to utilise local services on Alfrieda Street for day-today tasks such as dining out, groceries and the medical centre.

- Phung Nguyen
</blockquote>

<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/st_albans.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Cedar Woods' St A development takes advantage of the 20-minute concept. Image : Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="347" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/st_albans.jpg?itok=lFoBb3Jw" title="Cedar Woods' St A development takes advantage of the 20-minute concept. Image : Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Cedar Woods' St A development takes advantage of the 20-minute concept. Image: Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure>In response to the issue of housing affordability Cedar Woods' other current master planned development - Jackson Green in Clayton South - has seen buyers choosing to buy an apartment instead of renting, with over 40 per cent of owner-occupier purchasers in Gardenia apartments first home buyers.

According to Cedar Woods Chief Operating Officer Patrick Archer, Gardenia apartments offer buyers, particularly young couples genuine chance to enter the property market.

Eloise Wilmann, a 27-year-old student and administration worker, and her fiancée Alex Lewis were tired of Melbourne’s expensive and unreliable rental market, and made the decision to purchase their first property together, a two-bedroom apartment at Gardenia for $539,000.

<blockquote>
Our mortgage repayments are likely to be around $2,200 per month, only slightly more than our $1,900 monthly rent in Clayton, and we don’t have to worry about being forced to move out with little notice or rental increase – which was due at our next lease renewal.

Both traditional houses as well as townhouses have always been out of our price range. We were delighted when we found the Gardenia apartments, they were still large but offered us a way in. My partner and I have wanted to enter the property market for some time now, but had not been in the right financial situation nor found somewhere we would be happy with. We love living in Clayton and wanted to purchase a property around this area that was affordable and suitable for our two dogs.

- Eloise Wilmann
</blockquote>

<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/cwp007_gardenia_v03_courtyard_1200x550_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Gardenia Apartments at Jackson Green, Clayton South. Image : Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="266" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/cwp007_gardenia_v03_courtyard_1200x550_0.jpg?itok=_66MUW1C" title="Gardenia Apartments at Jackson Green, Clayton South. Image : Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Gardenia Apartments at Jackson Green, Clayton South. Image : Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure>A large factor in making the move to an apartment from a traditional house was the ground floor offerings at Gardenia compensated with a yard of similar size to most townhouses, says Wilmann.

Gardenia apartments range from 54 sqm to 78 sqm, with some including outdoors areas of up to 100 sqm.
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