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.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

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

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

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

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

Urban Industry

<html><body>
In the lead up to the end of the year and with one eye firmly on 2019 and beyond, Apartments.com.au is coming to you with a number of announcements from within the architectural fraternity. This follows on from <a href="/news/a-number-of-architecture-firms-make-key-leadership-appointments-ahead-of-2019">Urban.com.au's article earlier this month</a> detailing some key appointments around the industry.

Read on for news from i2C Architects and Architectus:

<h2 class="rtecenter">Experienced retail design firms merge, cementing position as leaders in national market</h2>

<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/l2r_rod_rose_anthony_merlinbrian_jende-photographer_luke_marsden_4638.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="L-R: Rod Rose, Anthony Merlin, Brian Jende. Image: Luke Marsden"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/l2r_rod_rose_anthony_merlinbrian_jende-photographer_luke_marsden_4638.jpg?itok=O6lekKZN" title="L-R: Rod Rose, Anthony Merlin, Brian Jende. Image: Luke Marsden" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>L-R: Rod Rose, Anthony Merlin, Brian Jende. Image: Luke Marsden</figcaption></figure>Currently located in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, i2C Architects is set to expand up the country’s east coast, announcing its amalgamation with Brisbane-based TRG Queensland.

With a similar client sect in the retail, industrial, mixed-use, urban and build-to-rent sectors, the merger will now see i2C Architects offer an enviable skill set and expanded client database, with full coverage across Australia.

While in a coup for Queensland, the move will mean a truly international offering to the design and architectural market with i2C Architects providing an expansive global alliance and network of offices.

It is expected that the combined revenue of the merged entity will exceed $16 million per annum, with the i2C Architects team growing to over 100 members across the four locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Following a reevaluation of the business and its brand after almost 20 years in operation, co-founder and Managing Director of i2C Architects, Anthony Merlin, said the desire to expand the company’s offer and value to clients was the motivator to merge.

According to TRG Queensland Managing Director, Rod Rose, who will become a third Director at i2C Architects, it is the larger scale projects the office can now take on that will bring a dynamic offering to clients in the Sunshine State.

TRG Queensland will officially transition into i2C Architects Queensland office effective 1 January 2019.

<blockquote>
“i2C Architects has been privileged enough to work alongside TRG Queensland on a number of projects over the past 18 months, and it became very apparent to my co-founder Brian Jende and myself, that the synergies between our two companies were almost identical, from the client base to our core values.

In the past we haven’t been able to service Queensland as much as we would have liked to, and in our vision to become a truly national firm, it was vital that we made a strategic move.

We now have an established office in Brisbane that is home to talented building designers and architects, and that is a very exciting prospect for the company.”

-  Anthony Merlin, co-founder and Managing Director of i2C Architects
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“From our inception 13 years ago, our focus at TRG Queensland was always on small to medium projects, the largest we’ve worked on is $30 million.

Joining i2C Architects allows us to offer our current and prospective clients additional services, and we will certainly be able to provide incredible value with our skill set particularly architectural documentation.” 

-  Rod Rose, TRG Queensland Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<h2 class="rtecenter">Architectus welcomed to Perth by property and construction industry leaders</h2>

<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/architectus_launchlaunch_qv1_perth_jillianmchughphotography_6674-edits.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Architectus Perth office launch. Image: Jillian McHugh Photography"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/architectus_launchlaunch_qv1_perth_jillianmchughphotography_6674-edits.jpg?itok=AjQdteUG" title="Architectus Perth office launch. Image: Jillian McHugh Photography" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Architectus Perth office launch. Image: Jillian McHugh Photography</figcaption></figure> 

Top-tier Australian design practice, <a href="/developments?architect=Architectus">Architectus</a>, has officially launched its Perth studio welcoming over 100 leaders from the WA property and construction industry to its fifth capital city workplace located at QV1 in central Perth.

On the back of sustained national growth and building on a portfolio of local Architectus-designed projects, Managing Director, Ray Brown said the Perth studio affirms the practice’s commitment to servicing clients nationally and strong belief in the Western Australian market.

Architectus’ growth has been driven by a number of key project appointments including the design of the Western Sydney Airport Business Park Master Plan; 505 George Street, Sydney - a landmark mixed-use residential tower; ‘Triplets’, a high rise office building in Brisbane; several education projects including for Macquarie University and the Growth Area Schools Project for the State Government of Victoria; Sydney Metro City and Southwest in collaboration with Foster + Partners as part of the METRON consortium; and as part of the Aurecon Jacobs Mott Macdonald joint venture (AJM JV) consortium, appointed as technical advisor to Rail Projects Victoria (previously the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority) for the Victorian Rail Infrastructure Program (VRIP), which includes amongst other projects investigations into the Melbourne Airport rail link and Geelong fast rail.

Providing services in urban design and planning, architecture and interior architecture, Architectus has experienced substantial growth over the last three years, comprising 400 employees across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and more recently Perth.

With key senior hires already underway, the Perth studio is expected to grow to a team of around 30 under the leadership of Managing Principal Mark Mitcheson-Low, supported by well-known Perth design architect Paul Jones who has been working with Architectus for the last three years.

Perth projects designed by Architectus include multi-unit residential developments Waterbank Building J, The Islands at South Beach, and The Esplanade on the site of the historic Steve’s Hotel, Nedlands (in association with Kerry Hill Architects).

<blockquote>
“To be a truly national practice it is imperative that Architectus is in Perth,” Brown said. “Like all growing cities, the complexity and scale of projects is increasing which suits our skillset, whether across education, workplace, commercial, transport, or residential. It’s a great city with a really deep talent pool, which we’ll utilise not only for local projects, but to support our projects across Australia.”

- Ray Brown, Managing Director
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
“Architectus announced its intention to open a Perth studio in August this year and we were thrilled to see so many of the industry turn out to celebrate the arrival of the practice with us.

The opening of the studio provides our national clients with access to the expertise they’re familiar with on the East coast, and our Perth clients with a long-awaited new national entrant to provide a fresh design offer into the market.”

- Mark Mitcheson-Low, Managing Principal
</blockquote>

<a href="http://www.kerstinthompson.com/">Lead image: Kerstin Thompson Architects </a>

 
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urban.com.au

Around the Industry in 80 seconds

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Today's thought piece looks at how the Andrews Government’s policies are likely to affect planning and design outcomes, and the potential design opportunities for Melbourne, from the perspective of an architect:

<h2>Development controls to be relaxed to allow for commercial development to thrive</h2>

With the re-election of the Andrews Government, we anticipate a relaxation in the planning controls in central Melbourne, particularly as they relate to commercial developments. This should be achieved through an increase in incentives for good design that delivers better urban design and public realm outcomes.

During his time as the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne put a halt to the sort of residential towers that sprang up in the north western corner of the city. Many of these developments had little regard for the public realm. However, with only four planning applications approved since the introduction of the C270 planning controls two years ago, there needs to be a relaxation and a more granular approach to the controls.

For instance, if we assess the potential of a building 200m in height on a 3,000sqm site it could reasonably deliver about 75,000sqm of GFA. The relaxation of the controls such that either the side or rear setbacks were reduced from 6% of height to 5m could lead to a potential increase in area of about 20%. This additional area could be incentivised via the delivery of additional public space or public benefit. Whilst the current controls do contemplate additional area for public benefit, they are silent on the benefits associated with street activation. For example, if a loading bay or services are removed from the ground floor and relocated to a basement, where they are replaced with commercial space or retail or cafes, there should be an uplift in allowable area. This should provide an opportunity for an improvement in dialogue and greater collaboration between designers, developers, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), the City of Melbourne and other key stakeholders.

The Labor government should take the learnings from the past four years and adopt a greater relaxation of planning controls for mixed use developments, such as residential/ commercial, or commercial/ hotel developments. Greater rewards could be gained for those projects that are offering more interesting architectural and urban design outcomes.

Currently, commercial development opportunities are encouraged in the Docklands, Southbank and western half of the CBD by allowing additional area for commercial floorspace. Further investigation should be undertaken into stimulating commercial opportunities in other parts of Melbourne’s CBD particularly the eastern half. This is important in the context of the stagnating CBD residential market.

<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/171_collins_street_10.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="382" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/171_collins_street_10.jpg?itok=pFRUyZcQ" title="The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The award winning 171 Collins Street for Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><h2>Focus on creating polycentric cities that support communities and population growth</h2>

There needs to be stronger government support for the creation of polycentric cities. That is, those cities that have clusters of density located outside the CBD. London, New York and Hong Kong are all examples of successful cities of over 10 million people that have a series of clusters of density located outside of the CBD.

A polycentric approach allows for the more even distribution of resources and takes pressure from the roads and rail networks leading into the CBD. It also has the potential to allow for the wider distribution of capital, with the current lack of capital flowing into the CBD as a result of residential development opportunities slowing and commercial projects being constrained by planning controls.

The Andrews Government’s ring rail plan must be embraced as an opportunity for increased density around those new train stations which includes new public space as well as built form. 
Sydney has leapt ahead of Melbourne as a polycentric city with greater clusters of higher density around Parramatta and North Sydney.

The Docklands has outstripped the CBD in terms of growth on commercial floorspace and population in the last ten years, yet it lacks a focal point for its community. Community space needs to be provided within proximity to Spencer Street, such as public parks and recreational facilities to activate the area.

The redevelopment of Central Pier is a perfect opportunity with its proximity to Southern Cross Station and Marvel Stadium. There should be consideration given to providing new open spaces that have a connection to the water, with aquatic based recreation including new pools, food and beverage outlets and a market to be introduced. Multiple examples of similarly scaled successful water-front urban regeneration projects exist around the world including along New York’s waterfront at Pier 17, in Copenhagen at Paper Island and at San Francisco’s Ferry building marketplace.

<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/seaport1-jumbo.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/seaport1-jumbo.jpg?itok=A0VTesvX" title="New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New York's Pier 17. Image: New York Times</figcaption></figure>Julian Anderson is a Director of architecture and interior design practice, Bates Smart. 

https://www.batessmart.com/bates-smart/studio/people/staff/directors/julian-anderson/
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Julian Anderson

2018 Victorian Election Outcome: An Architect's Perspective

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Brisbane-based landscape contractor Martin Brothers is shining a light upon the increased utilisation of rooftop spaces across a host of Brisbane-based apartment projects.

So much so, in release penned by the landscape construction and maintenance firm, they posed the question; is rooftop amenity the new standard inclusion for residential development? The fortitude Valley-based builder has extensive experience in a range of high density and detached residential, commercial projects, and has 40 staff on its books.

In an inner city residential context, Martin Brothers contend that the new Great Australian Dream is an apartment, particularly for young Australians looking to own their first home. The sustained growth in apartment living in Brisbane, and the continued differentiation of product in the market, has seen amenities, particularly useable rooftop space, take precedence.

<blockquote>
As apartment living becomes a standard choice for not only Millennials but also many downsizing retirees, developers need to think about how they improve their customers’ quality of high density living.

Especially in cities like Brisbane, that enjoy a temperament climate year-round, planning the inclusion of beautifully landscaped rooftop amenity can not only help developers capitalise on once-overlooked space, but also improve the capital value of their residents’ apartments over the long term.

Brisbane City Council’s ‘Buildings that Breathe’ guidelines have resulted in rooftop amenity being increasingly recognised for its potential, and for subtropical tailored infrastructure, developers are utilising rooftop space as an asset, which in turn becomes a major talking point for their development.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

The prime example is Silk One who's recently launched marketing and sales campaign saw its rooftop terrace space become the primary selling aspect of the apartment project. Apartments.com.au <a href="/news/silk-one-secures-woolloongabbas-best-seat-in-the-house">covered the project last month</a>; it boasts Brisbane's only rooftop Skystand which will include tiered seating and unobstructed views over The Gabba.

<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/image32_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="338" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image32_17.jpg?itok=SIIJuFfQ" title="Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Silk One's Skystand. Image: CBRE</figcaption></figure>Martin Brothers has recently completed three major rooftop amenity areas atop high-density residential projects in inner Brisbane. The lead image depicts the firm's build for Oxley and Stirling, a 16-storey South Brisbane project designed by Elenberg Fraser.

Atop the tower is a 1,300 square metre communal rooftop space which includes a pergola laden with greenery, a lap and plunge pool, al fresco barbeques, day beds and terraced seating areas. Martin Brothers describe the South Brisbane project's rooftop amenity as a national benchmark.

On the back of developments such as Oxley and Stirling, Martin Brothers are urging developers to capitalise on a huge opportunity to leverage what is traditionally a ‘second thought' on most projects.

<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/image33_15.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="421" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image33_15.jpg?itok=hbb-YLRI" title="Pinnacle@Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Pinnacle at Duxton's rooftop garden. Image: ArchitectureLab</figcaption></figure>In terms of benchmarking, Mr Martin has found overseas projects particularly inspirational.

<blockquote>
Looking abroad to more densely developed cities such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore, developers have long leveraged the potential offered by rooftop spaces.

In Hong Kong, for example, the rooftop amenity at Skypark in central Kowloon is geared towards young professionals seeking a lifestyle balance, with developer New World creating a setting primed for socialising and relaxation, offering lawned gardens, a green clubhouse and park spaces with amphitheatre-style outdoor seating.

Mr Martin also singled out Singapore’s Pinnacle at Duxton building, winner of the CTBUH’s award for Best Tall Building Asia &amp; Australasia in 2010, which features the world’s two longest linear sky gardens at 500 metres each.

At 50 levels above ground, the higher sky garden features publicly accessible, tropically-landscaped recreation zones, separate green zones and children’s play equipment, which is prime greenspace for such a high-density urban area.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

Martin Brothers has also had a hand in the emerging South City Square development in Woolloongabba. Once complete the project will include six rooftop gardens across five residential towers and a hotel building onsite.

<blockquote>
We worked closely with Pellicano and Oculus to rethink the boundaries of green space in a high-density urban area. Buyers are looking for apartments that offer state-of-the-art design, bespoke fittings and resort-style experiences.

A well-planned rooftop amenity is invaluable, especially in high-density areas that are lacking in green space and outdoor facilities.
<cite>Jack Martin, co-founder and Director</cite>
</blockquote>

 

Lead image: Aria Property Group
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silvermb

Martin Brothers sees the rooftop amenities area take precedence across Brisbane 

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The advent and continued adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) as a key design tool has made it easy for almost anyone to place virtual content in the real world.

This uptake has opened whole new markets for innovative software products across a range of industries with urban design and geospatial specialists, <a href="http://www.taylorsds.com.au/">Taylors</a> developing software to address the complexities of design and planning in the built environment.

Although there are many applications and devices that are AR capable, the real challenge, according to Taylors is the ability to place complex design objects into the real world effectively. The apps that will matter with respect to AR, will be those that are capable of effectively integrating location, AR and big data to deliver unique, captivating and useful experiences to clients and users. 

<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/taylors_bourke_street_ar.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bourke Street Mall augmented reality. Image: Taylors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/taylors_bourke_street_ar.jpg?itok=dTeEsvG0" title="Bourke Street Mall augmented reality. Image: Taylors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bourke Street Mall augmented reality. Image: Taylors</figcaption></figure>One of the main challenges in urban design is the ability for users to visualise the overall development, with traditional plans open for interpretation which then leads to variation away from the initial intent. Taylors’ mixed reality solutions allow stakeholders to essentially step into building plans and experience exactly what a project will look like once it’s completed.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are free from the limitations of existing design techniques and provide an immersive experience for clients. Current representations of the built environment utilise either two dimensional plans, sections and elevations, or computer generated imagery and physical models.

The limitation and downside of these types of representations is that the observer is always positioned outside the representation, rendering them as spectators instead of participants.

Taylors realised early on that addressing these challenges would require a solution focused approach incorporating the latest in survey and geospatial technology, with the company committed to paving the way for this technology to become widespread. 

The key differences between the software at Taylors and other virtual and augmented reality techologies are tools they call the 'hologram room' and the 'hologram table'. The ability to visualise a project from different angles is a huge asset for clients and can provide assurances to all stakeholders involved in a development. 

There is a belief that once clients begin using the hologram room and see the technology used in urban design, everyone will begin using it.

The next step for Taylors will be the development of its own software providing users with the ability to alter designs in real time. Ultimately Taylors want clients to enter the hologram room with a designer and be able to change elements of their designs instantly. 

The ability to customise a neighbourhood, for example will not only save clients time, but just as importantly according to Taylors, it will also make the process more dynamic and engaging and ultimately change the way people design, plan and build.

<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/ar_subdivision_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Mixed reality visualisation of a subdivision. Image: Taylors"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="324" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ar_subdivision_plan.jpg?itok=61Dae2Hn" title="Mixed reality visualisation of a subdivision. Image: Taylors" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Mixed reality visualisation of a subdivision. Image: Taylors</figcaption></figure><h2>What they say</h2>

<blockquote>
Clients will walk into the hologram room and put on a pair of glasses, which allows them to interact with the scene. You can look under tables, around corners, see the view from an upstairs window and even bump into things. This is what it means to reproduce reality, and it has the potential to change the way the industry works.

There are a number of virtual reality companies and many urban design firms, however Taylors are trying to create the full package, where clients can not only visualise the project but also interact and alter designs in real time. Richard (Cirillo) is envisioning what the industry will look like in 10 years and pushing the company to grow in that direction and stay ahead of the trends.

Taylors’ new technology will allow clients to effectively step into building plans, walk around and see exactly what a project will look like once it’s completed. Not only that, but we’re developing software that will allow designs to be altered in real time. If a client wants to see what the neighbourhood looks like with more trees or a wider road we’ll be able to push a few buttons and change the plans instantly.

In 10 years, the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies in urban design will be the norm. Once people see how effective it is in urban design, it will become standard across the industry, they won’t want to go back to the way it is done now.

- Anthony Emmerson, General Manager for the Infrastructure Team at Taylors.
</blockquote>

 

<blockquote>
We knew that this type of reality modelling would be the next frontier in spatial data. We identified that a number of years ago and made an effort to be earlier adopters of it.

Making changes during the design phase is relatively efficient to do, but if you need to make changes once construction has begun, there are huge time and cost implications. However, with augmented reality, you can see it before it’s made and identify any problems. You can’t do this with a plan or a video.

It really gives stakeholders a lot more control and flexibility in the way that they can understand and interpret a proposal. The power of this technology is giving the user the ability to go anywhere they like, and see a development from any angle.

This will revolutionise the way projects are completed, as it will no longer take weeks of going back and forth with the client to finalise designs.

- Alastair MacColl, Geospatial 3D &amp; Technology Manager at Taylors
</blockquote>
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Laurence Dragomir

Taylors looks to AR to create the Urban Reality 

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I have observed over the years, that the urban development process is often very siloed with a very conscious effort made to limit inputs from outside the developer’s core team. This may be seen as commercially and operationally astute and necessary to prevent budget, planning approval and program blow outs.

However, in an increasingly networked society and business world, successful and innovative developments are more often borne out of collaboration and partnerships than they are from keeping all of your cards close to your chest.

By their very nature, development sites do not exist in a vacuum but contribute to a much broader urban ecosystem that is brimming with opportunity for those who take the time to gather information and insights and are willing to cultivate useful partnerships in order to take advantage of certain market opportunities.

I believe there is a distinct commercial advantage to be gained by including local government in the core team, identifying key community and industry groups for consultation, and engaging with future residents as these steps can create a range of benefits. This level of engagement makes it possible to reduce risk; explore potential socially and commercially lucrative ‘what if’s’; create advocates for your project to assist with the planning approvals process; secure tenants and project partners early; and to develop a strong vision and value proposition for your project.

The core team usually consists of just the developer and one or two lead consultants. Alternatively, I am advocating that this core team should be expanded to include ‘place focused’ representatives from the local council. I realise that this is a controversial view as the relationship between developers and local councils is so often adversarial, however the council representatives could provide valuable insights into the local social and economic context, assist to identify service, housing and infrastructure gaps which could be potential market opportunities.

During my recent experience, working on Warralily Village, a new town centre in the growth suburb of Armstrong Creek, Victoria, the early visioning workshops included council officers from key departments such as Economic Development, Strategic Planning and Social Services. This allowed for productive discussion and debate on the most appropriate targets and outcomes for the new community.

The entire core team, including the council representatives, attended site visits to existing village centres to learn from what worked well and what could be improved. This was a valuable process as it allowed the design team to capture new ideas, provided council with a forum to table their concerns and desires from the outset, and provided the developer the opportunity to outline their commercial imperatives while gauging council support in the early design stages.

Involving the council to this degree from the early stages also enables discussion of potential council funded facilities, provides the opportunity to explore more creative and unique site specific design solutions and also ensures there are strong advocates for your project during the development approvals process.

In addition to this suggested change to the core team, it is also important to identify a network of potential tenants/operators/service providers from a mix of sectors. This may include potential stakeholders such as a supermarket operator, major medical group, medium density housing developer, office hub operators, council facilities representatives; through to site specific groups such as the local indigenous representatives or organisations like the local water or energy authority.

They will all be able to provide a different perspective and further inform the core team in the formation of the project vision. While liaison with these stakeholders may involve a mix of individual discussions and potentially larger workshops once a reference group is formed, seeking input from such diverse contributors enables an early understanding of their requirements, allows the feasibility of their inclusion to be explored and, where appropriate, secures their future involvement.

Finally, if we are aiming to create a place that people are proud of, where they can socialise and connect, walk or ride, or start a small business, then it is crucial that we involve those people in the process of creating a new place. By consulting with the community we have the opportunity to hear first-hand what is most important to them, and allow opportunities to capture some unique stories and historical references about the particular site which could be integrated into a broader place making approach.

The difficulty with this form of community consultation in growth areas is that in the very early stages of a development, there may be no residents to consult with. However, there are very often situations where adjacent existing neighbourhoods could be consulted, especially given the statistics that show up to 50 per cent of new residents will originate within a 5–10km radius of the new development.

Also, the delivery of the town centre is often occurring several years after the first housing subdivisions have been established, so there will in fact be an existing community in place that can act as representatives for the future residents that are still to come.

Going one step further, there is potentially a largely untapped opportunity for developers to integrate and thereby simultaneously enhance their marketing, sales and planning activities, by inviting potential residents to participate in consultation sessions in return for genuine pre-sales opportunities, building a network of potential buyers who are actively involved in the process of creating their new neighbourhood.

I am in the privileged position to drive many of these forms of engagement and collaboration in my work as an architect; however, I am keen to hear from others in the industry who are already broadening the traditional stakeholder engagement process to enable a more collaborative approach and whether this is generating positive results?

 

Dean Landy is a registered architect, urban designer, speaker and author for the recently published book, <a href="http://creatingvibrantcommunities.org/">Creating Vibrant Communities</a>. With 19 years experience in community development projects within Australia and overseas and as a partner at Melbourne based architecture firm <a href="https://www.chc.com.au/">ClarkeHopkinsClarke</a>, he is actively involved in the design of many town centres across Australia.

Landy is also the founder and director of <a href="http://oneheart.foundation/">One Heart Foundation</a>, a unique 'for purpose' organisation breaking the poverty cycle in Africa by establishing schools and homes to care for orphaned and abandoned children.
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Dean Landy

The value in a collaborative approach to urban development

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As well as restricting supply to an already full rental market, the 50% foreign ownership restriction removes some of the competitive advantages overseas developers had over local developers.

Prior to this change coming into effect, overseas developers had a competitive advantage as they had no overseas sales limits whatsoever. Overseas developers using overseas banks could, if they so desired, have 100 per cent foreign sales, with 100 per cent en masse sales occurring overseas.

What Scott Morrison has done is even the playing field between local and overseas developers, with overseas developers now forced to generally work within the same FIRB sales metrics as local developers.

To commence a development, local banks require local developers to presell approximately 70 per cent of the apartments in a development and impose a 25 per cent Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) restriction on these presales. This means local developers require 52 per cent local sales prior to construction commencing.

Once the developer has achieved financial close with a local bank, they are free to sell the rest overseas. Meaning, under a 25 per cent FIRB presales limit, local developers using local banks can develop buildings with circa 48 per cent foreign ownership.

Banks are always looking at the FIRB presales limit and whilst many current developments are at 25 per cent, there is a more recent bank trend to constrict this further – more in the realm of 15 per cent. If this is the case, then locally banked projects can end up with 40 per cent foreign ownership.

It is also fair to say that overseas purchasers have settled better than local sales. Many pundits were nervous about large buildings settling this year, yet what we are seeing is that very few overseas purchasers are falling through when it comes to quality developments (just 1-2 per cent in fact), even against Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) headwinds of overseas purchaser mortgage finance.

With the 50 per cent FIRB restriction placed across the whole market, coupled with APRA’s new powers across non-bank lenders, it means that the metrics by which local and overseas developers, local and overseas banks, and local and overseas non-bank lenders are becoming converged.

As a flow on effect of the overseas sales metrics now being similar, this policy change will result in overseas developers using local banks and non-bank lenders more readily to avoid foreign exchange risk, again levelling the playing field.

Perhaps this new measure may even narrow the gap between what an overseas and local developer can pay for a site, which sets the market and ultimately gets passed onto the (local) consumer.

As an unintended consequence however, this change will further constrict supply to rental markets, thus driving rental and housing prices further out of reach of local first home owners and owner occupiers. It is only state planning ministers that can affect real change by encouraging the supply side of the housing economic supply/demand pendulum.

 

Point Polaris Director, Andrew Hogan, has penned the above piece in response to the 2017 Federal Budget where foreign ownership of new developments is expected to be capped at 50 per cent.
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andrew.hogan@pointpolaris.com.au

How will the 50% foreign ownership limit affect developers?

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Walking around some of Melbourne’s best-designed apartments recently, I was struck by how much design could make a small space feel like a home.

I was on the Robin Boyd Foundation’s exemplary apartment tour, showing off the best in Melbourne apartments.

In Victoria, there are some exceptional examples of how clever spaces, light and ventilation can add to liveability, and how apartments built some decades ago still hold their own today.

Victoria’s property industry is brimming with experts in clever design, the very people I’m appealing to contribute to the draft apartment guidelines our government is working on.

In May, I launched a discussion paper, <a href="http://delwp.vic.gov.au/planning/policy-and-strategy/better-apartments">Better Apartments</a>, at the Planning Institute of Australia’s national conference.

The discussion paper was chosen as the best way to kick-start consultation. Rather than beginning with draft guidelines, I want the people who deliver apartments and the people who live in them to have their say from the start.

Developers are lured to Melbourne for its liveability and investment potential.

Record-low interest rates and a thriving property market have encouraged property investors and owner-occupiers to buy. These are some of the factors pushing up apartment approvals in the past few years.

While that is great news for the state’s economy and for our property industry, we need to make sure planning policy keeps pace with the surge in apartment living.

The rise in apartments has thrown up a red flag from local government, architectural and industry bodies around the standards of some apartments in Victoria.

While I’ve seen some great apartments, I have also seen some dogboxes - poorly designed with little access to natural light, airflow and storage.

The Better Apartments discussion paper raises those concerns and weighs up housing needs, market demands and building standards with the aim of improving liveability and affordability.

The government’s goal is to deliver sustainable housing outcomes, deliver on affordability, respond to the desire to live near jobs and services while also supporting investment.

The discussion paper’s focus is on internal amenity, as well as outlook and privacy.

While apartment sizes are a hot talking point, we must keep in mind that good design is the key. There are some fantastic small apartments offering good amenity, natural light and are affordable, just as there are plenty of poorly-designed large apartments.

We are working towards guidelines that give certainty but still allow for innovation and new ideas.

As well as Better Apartments, work has begun on a refreshed Plan Melbourne strategy and we have begun detailed work to plan the country’s biggest infill opportunity, <a href="/news/fishermans-bend-proposals-an-overview">Fishermans Bend</a>.

We aren’t starting from scratch. Rather, major issues left out of Plan Melbourne and Fishermans Bend plans to date, such as energy efficiency, housing affordability and climate change, will be included.

Future planning work will also factor in the major infrastrcuture projects the Andrews Labor Government has committed to, such as the Melbourne Metro Rail project.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can deliver innovative, robust, world leading policy in apartment design. We will be holding stakeholder forums and already, online submissons and survey responses are rolling in.

We will strive to deliver apartments to balance affordability and liveability, in buildings which enhance the city skyline and the streetscape.

Melbourne leads the world in liveability, let’s see that reflected in our aspirations for apartment living.

http://delwp.vic.gov.au/better-apartments

The Hon Richard Wynne is the member for Richmond and the Minister for Planning. <a href="https://twitter.com/rwynnemp">Follow the Planning Minister on Twitter</a>.
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