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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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;

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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."

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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.

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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."

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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

The Grounds

The latest luxury development by national developer JWLand, The Grounds in Ivanhoe East, is set to welcome its first residents in early 2023.

Located only nine kilometres north east of Melbourne’s CBD, construction of the trio of apartment buildings and townhomes is at the tail end of construction.

Proving to be popular among local downsizers, JWLand has fast tracked construction of a three-bedroom apartment in the Wilfred building.

No expense has been spared at The Grounds, with premium SMEG kitchen appliances and a 50-bottle Vintec wine fridge set to make entertaining a delight in either of the apartments or townhomes.

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Residents will also be able to enjoy luxury inclusions such as heated towel rails and underfloor heating in the master ensuite, making those chilly Melbourne winters more tolerable.

JWLand’s Project Marketing Manager Nick Babic says the fast-tracked display apartment gives both prospective buyers, and those who have already purchased, the most accurate representation of the finished product.

“The completed apartment shows purchasers what they bought,” Babic says.

“We’re getting a number of locals walking through the display and they’re getting a feel for the size and quality of the project when in the space,” Babic added.

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Babic said that buyers will have the confidence that the fast-tracked apartment is exactly what will be delivered because JWLand is both the developer and the builder of the project, an uncommon offering which allows them to control the process from start to finish.

“We’re a one stop shop,” Babic added. “There’s only one place buyers need to go to. There’s not the unknown of the builder/developer relationship, or whether the building firm is under pressure in the current labour and materials shortage environment.”

The structures for all three apartment buildings, Wilfred, Wamba and The Boulevard have been completed with internal fitouts well underway. Also nearing completion are the structures for the townhomes, also known as Oak Terraces.

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The landscaping by Memla Landscape Architects is one of the most impressive features in this master planned development. More than 15,000 sqm of land has been dedicated to gardens and public spaces, creating a sense of nature and tranquility on residents' doorstep.

Babic says it will really hit home what they’re producing as the landscaping starts to come to life.

“The landscaping is one of the major drivers for this project. Most of the residents will be downsizers from the local area, who have been accustomed to large gardens.

When forming the masterplan for The Grounds, we focused on creating this landscaped environment where residents are still connected to nature, without having to maintain their own gardens.”

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JWLand also has a promotion running currently where buyers can secure their apartment or townhouse with just a $10,000 deposit, leaving the rest payable at settlement.

“Traditionally buyers would have to pay 10% on exchange of contract, which can be a significant cash outlay. By offering the opportunity to exchange on just $10,000, we are giving our buyers a few more months to store or save the rest of their deposit.”

Two, three and four-bedroom apartments start from $995,000 while three-bedroom townhomes start from $1.85 million.

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Buyers are expected to move into the nature-driven project toward the end of Q1 2023

The Grounds, Ivanhoe East to welcome residents in early 2023

Ivanhoe East is a highly sought-after pocket of Melbourne, thanks to the picturesque streets of the north-eastern suburb.

The historic streetscape blends European heritage and modern style, combining community, culture and convenience.

East Ivanhoe Village is awash with charm, a pocket of energy in the heart of the neighbourhood thanks to its shopfronts, caf&eacute;s and independent boutiques.

Melburnians seeking to enter this prestigious market need not look further than JWLand&#39;s development&nbsp;The Grounds, situated on The Boulevard.

The Grounds is an exclusive collection of three apartment buildings, Wilfred, Wamba and the Boulevard, and a limited number of townhomes at Oak Terraces.

Featuring 116 residences in two, three and four-bedroom configurations, the development is primely positioned to take advantage of the range of offerings in Ivanhoe East.

Urban takes a look at six things we love about this suburb.

1. Neighbourhood amenities

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From the bustling main streets to tranquil green spaces, The Grounds residents can offer all that Ivanhoe East has to offer.

&ldquo;At your doorstep, healthy outdoor spaces invite exploring, exercise and relaxing close to nature&rdquo;, JWLand&#39;s Project Marketing Manager Nick Babic says.

Nearby, Ivanhoe Park provides the ideal setting for children&rsquo;s play and weekend sports, while Ivanhoe Golf Club and Chelsworth Park are also around the corner.

Other recreational amenities that residents can enjoy include Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre, Olympic Leisure Banyule or Macleod Recreation and Fitness Centre

2. Cultural hub

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Forming Melbourne&rsquo;s greenest precinct, rolling lawns, parkland and native reserves bring a community together.

The area&rsquo;s treasured heritage has fuelled its modern-day appreciation of arts and culture,&nbsp;previously known as a hub for renowned Australian landscape artists.

The suburb is&nbsp;now home to the iconic Heide Museum of Modern Art, the Courthouse Museum and many independent galleries that dot the precinct.

3. Green spaces at The Grounds

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Within and around The Grounds, a profusion of native and exotic plantings are designed to surround the architecture with calming greenery.

Clusters of native grasses and shrubbery around the base of the buildings give the structures an appearance of floating within the natural parkland setting.

An expansive lawn encourages guests to gather and connect outdoors, while the central courtyard features inbuilt seating and space to bask in the sunshine.

4. Self-contained neighbourhood

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&ldquo;Ivanhoe East offers an idyllic lifestyle balance in a self-contained neighbourhood, where you&rsquo;ll walk to everything you need&rdquo;, Babic added.

The neighbourhood features a range of local caf&eacute;s to nurture the community and a diversity of eateries and fresh food providers a few minutes&rsquo; walk&nbsp;away.

Major retail hubs at Ivanhoe Shopping Centre and Heidelberg Central offer a range of retail and dining offerings.

5. Family-friendly development

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The affluent suburb places community at its centre, with close to half its residents established and older couples and families.

The development is largely targeted towards maturing couples and semi-retirees, mostly local who are keen to stay in the area.

&ldquo;I think people buy in because it will be a community, it won&rsquo;t be a transient place with 50 for-lease signs up all the time,&rdquo; sales agent Natasha Johnson said.

&ldquo;That&rsquo;s the main attraction &ndash; there&rsquo;ll be no investors here&rdquo;, Johnson added.

The median house price recorded in Ivanhoe East by the REIV for the September 2021 quarter was $2.18 million for homes.

This is significantly higher than the starting price for three-bedroom townhomes at The Grounds, which begin from $1.89 million.

6. Proximity to the CBD

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Just 9 kilometres north-east of the CBD, Ivanhoe East delivers a sophisticated, relaxed lifestyle surrounded by established parkland.

Using a network of public transport or the Eastern Freeway, making it into the city is stress-free.

The Boulevard is central to a cluster of Victoria&rsquo;s most prestigious state and independent schools including Marcellin College, Ivanhoe East Primary School, Ivanhoe Grammar and Ivanhoe Girls Grammar.

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East Ivanhoe Village is awash with charm, a pocket of energy in the heart of the neighbourhood thanks to its shopfronts, cafés and independent boutiques

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Culture and convenience at Ivanhoe East: Six things we love about the north-east Melbourne suburb

As Melbourne continues to emerge stronger out of lockdown, JWLand are seeing increased enquiry activity at their green-laden Ivanhoe apartment and townhouse development, The Grounds.

Buyers are more and more attracted to green spaces within their residences, which The Grounds offers in spades.

JWLand Marketing Manager&nbsp;Nick Babic said the project has been particularly in demand with downsizers.

&quot;They&#39;ve been attracted to the low maintenance living, which enables a lock up and leave lifestyle and encourages travel now the borders are starting to reopen,&quot; Babic says.

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Babic also notes the downsizers have been keen on The Grounds for the quality fixtures and fitting put together by the team across each apartment and townhouse.

&quot;They&#39;re downsizing, not downgrading,&quot; Babic added.

JWLand has put an&nbsp;emphasis on community and the environment at The Grounds, with more than half of the grounds being green spaces.

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At the established suburb of Ivanhoe puts residents in the heart of one of Melbourne&#39;s most sought-after suburbs, just 15 minutes from the CBD and on the doorstep of the ever-popular Upper Heidelberg Road.

The Grounds comprises an exclusive collection of three apartment buildings, Wilfred, Wamba and The Boulevard.

At the centre of the precinct is the sprawling Central Park, stretching into a network of gardens and out into the nearby Ivanhoe and Chelsworth Parks.

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There is also the Oak Terraces, located off Cedric Street, offering a small collection of townhomes.

Townhomes optimise aspect and outdoor space where living zones are filled with natural light and genuine connection to their leafy environment.

The open design is generously scaled to easily adapt from a relaxed living space to a luxurious entertainer.

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Comfort and warmth are achieved through a controlled neutral palette and wide timber floorboards underfoot.

The two-level homes feature independent entries, outdoor terraces to both levels and a lockable garage for two cars.

Fa&ccedil;ades of brickwork, textural concrete render and blackened metals establish a timeless identity with material elements inspired by the grand homes of Ivanhoe East.

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Buyer enquiry on the 116 residences have picked up steam since Melbourne's lockdown ended

Demand rises for Ivanhoe apartments and townhouses at The Grounds

Ivanhoe East is one of the most prestigious suburbs in Melbourne at the foot&nbsp;of the CBD, drawing many&nbsp;of their street names from characters in the novel Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott.

The suburb has held strong fundamentals as a blue chip investment suburb and for the past decade has seen strong growth at 5 per cent for houses and 2.5 per cent for apartments per annum in the past decade.

Currently comprised of primarily couples, growing families and older independents, the demographics have been shifting towards younger professionals and younger couples looking to buy their first family home or apartment.

The Grounds meets this growing need for space with more than half of the&nbsp;precinct comprising gardens, public spaces&nbsp;and a central landscaped Village Green, designed by Memla. There&#39;s plenty of space for those raising or looking to start a family.

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The Grounds is comprised of an exclusive collection of three apartment buildings, each architecturally designed to respond to their own address; Wilfred, Wamba and The Boulevard. There is also the Oak Terraces, located off Cedric Street, offering a limited collection of townhomes.

The homes&nbsp;are&nbsp;finished with hardwood flooring and a choice of colours and finishes, offering ensuites and walk-in robes, or an additional living room or study depending on the buyers needs.

All homes are complete with a host of luxury features, from high quality&nbsp;European kitchen appliances and larder, to double glazing and pure wool carpets.

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Prices start from $1.1 million&nbsp;for a two-bedroom apartment, with three-bedroom apartments starting from&nbsp;$1.31 million. There&#39;s a&nbsp;a limited selection of four-bedroom apartments, which are priced at at $2.35 million. The small collection of townhouses&nbsp;range from $1.89 million to $2.4 million.

The townhouse prices sit right in the range of the suburb median, while the apartment prices are in line with their size, premium quality and design. The apartments are 20 per cent to&nbsp;30 per cent&nbsp;larger&nbsp;the median size for two bedders&nbsp;in Melbourne.

Just 15 minutes from the CBD, there is plenty on offer on location with&nbsp;some of the best Ivanhoe East dining and shopping&nbsp;destinations like&nbsp;Upper Heidelberg Road&nbsp;and&nbsp;Templestowe Road minutes away.

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Ivanhoe East has held strong fundamentals as a blue chip investment suburb and for the past decade has seen strong growth across every segment of the market

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