A new 23-level apartment tower has been greenlit on the burgeoning Chevron Island.

The approval for the 76-apartment block on the corner of Kalyan and Parneno streets&nbsp;was secured by the landowner Ben Taylor rather than a large development company.

The 1,012 sqm block, which is currently occupied by a brick home and an original building of four units, is located towards the north end of the island which has become a development hotspot in recent years.

<img alt="8-10 Kalyan Street, Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a486127c-05f9-4101-80eb-ce3e267246ce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kalyan.png?VersionId=GFsm_rYahqK0aqKDjtMXe2EqG5uLuZ_I" />

The tower has been designed to “complement and enhance the existing and emerging urban forms” of Chevron Island, which has seen a marked shift toward high-density living in recent years.&nbsp;

The design, by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/raunik-design">Raunik Architects</a>, features a slender tower form above a two-storey podium, integrated landscaping on lower levels, and varied orientations to capture views of the hinterland, skyline, and coastline

<img alt="8-10 Kalyan Street, Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fd854ec-8060-4179-9684-029ef88674ca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kalyan%20st.png?VersionId=Afm4wMcz4UDQWfpH4EB8Xj5fkUSKmR90" />

Bensons kicked off a wave of new development on the under-developed suburb when they signalled plans to build the tallest tower the island will likely ever see, Chevron One. Since Siera Group has jumped in and is well under-construction of Tapestry, while South East Queenslander developer Gardner Vaughan Group will debut their brand in the Gold Coast on the small island.

The new approved plans will see a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments on offer, as well as a rooftop pool, lounge, gym, barbecue areas, and a landscaped podium level lawn.

Vehicle access will be via Kalyan Street, with 98 resident and nine visitor car spaces provided across four basement levels and the ground floor, alongside 83 bicycle parking spaces

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150933]

Urban Editorial

New tower approved on Chevron Island

ASX-listed developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cedar-woods">Cedar Woods</a> has submitted a new application to Brisbane City Council for a two-tower residential development on its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wooloowin-qld-4030">Wooloowin</a>&nbsp;site north of Brisbane.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/12-chalk-street-wooloowin-qld-4030">4,178 sqm Chalk Street block</a> sits in the developer's wider near 2.5-hectare masterplanned Greville community, where they are currently building the final 47 townhouses and Vera, the first apartment building in the precinct.

The upscaled plans will now see two 12 and 14-level buildings delivered with 232 apartments, a significant jump in both height and density from the approved eight-level buildings.

<img alt="12 Chalk Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfa28de7-f15b-4007-a128-f040f27320b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/12%20chalk%20st%20building.png?VersionId=qLYXo5_n7426yg_K26PKD0tGCtNvy17P" />

According to the Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ellivo-architects">Ellivo Architects</a>, the buildings will comprise a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments set above a shared two-level podium.&nbsp;

A key design consideration is the site’s transitional setting between suburban low-rise residences and the higher-density urban context emerging along the adjacent railway corridor.

“Built form is located predominantly to the west of the site to create a strong street address and to maximise solar access and natural surveillance across the park interface,” Ellivo noted in the report.&nbsp;

“The proposed built form provides a transition in scale from existing and emerging low-to-medium density development to the east, towards the established and emerging medium-to-high density residential typologies to the west.”

<img alt="12 Chalk Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="841047c6-d7e7-47a9-867a-b460f16abddf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/12%20chalk%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=fNNvnHCS0vdJMc0Q5Uku28wQwyZoG6Sq" />

Both buildings will feature communal rooftop spaces, deep balconies, and integrated landscaping. The podium will accommodate resident amenities and basement car parking. Materials and finishes include face brickwork, precast concrete, and powder-coated metal cladding, intended to reflect the character of surrounding developments while offering long-term durability.

The Design Report also outlines sustainability measures aligned with Brisbane City Council’s Buildings that Breathe principles. Passive ventilation, northern solar access, and deep soil planting zones have been prioritised throughout the design, alongside active transport facilities and EV charging readiness.

Ellivo noted that “the project has been carefully composed to engage with all edges of the site, with landscaped setbacks and podium expression used to reduce bulk and enhance interface with the existing neighbourhood context.”

<img alt="12 chalk st site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd7ced3b-8cb1-4f5a-aa1e-8d0a101af02b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/12%20chalk%20st%20site.png?VersionId=vt1k4hfwLg1_fzPTs04VyCzG455kZh3G" />

Cedar Woods has been active in southeast Queensland for over a decade, with recent projects including Ariella in Ripley and Ellendale in Upper Kedron. The Greville precinct at Wooloowin has been years in the making, transforming a former school site into a new community of apartments, townhomes, and parkland.

The Chalk Street site is positioned adjacent to Wooloowin train station, providing direct access to the Brisbane CBD, and sits close to local schools, parks, and retail centres including Lutwyche and Albion.

Joel Robinson

Cedar Woods upsizes Wooloowin apartment tower plans in Greville precinct

Sydney-based Sun Property Group is looking to divest a prime residential apartment site in Melbourne's blue-chip Toorak.

They are hoping for around $15 million for the 1,774 sqm site at&nbsp;226–228 Williams Road, with three street frontages to William Road, Tashinny Road, and Gordon Street.

&nbsp;

The sale comes with a permit-approved scheme for a&nbsp;three-level building with 18 high-end apartments designed by Cera Stribley, a mix of&nbsp;10 two-bedroom apartments, four three-beds, and four penthouses.

Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s Hamish Burgess, Leon Ma, and Daniel Wolman said this is not just another development opportunity, it’s a rare convergence of scale, location, and perfect timing in the market as Melbourne’s development landscape shifts in lieu of three rate reductions so far in 2025.

<img alt="226–228 Williams Road, Toorak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875d85f7-ade6-4035-a181-5731e3c85253" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/226%E2%80%93228%20Williams%20Road%2C%20Toorak-%20current%20aerial.jpg?VersionId=YPtGUtFjvd6OIetFZfaYyOugMi_wOSN1" />

&nbsp;

With an existing permit in place and strong potential for further uplift under innovative new planning initiatives such as the expanded Activity Centre Program or Great Design Fast Track, the site offers a blueprint for high-end living in one of Melbourne’s most affluent enclaves.

Surrounded by elite amenities, from Hawksburn Village and Toorak Village to Como Park, Royal South Yarra Tennis Club, and Saint Haven Wellness, the location is a magnet for lifestyle-focused buyers. The success of nearby projects like Hawksburn Place by Gurner and Tintern by Prime Edition underscores the appetite for luxury apartment living in this tightly held pocket.

<img alt="226–228 Williams Road, Toorak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cd00bc1-ad8c-4514-97fc-4e94f6b30f8c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/226%E2%80%93228%20Williams%20Road%2C%20Toorak%20artist%20impression2.jpg?VersionId=Gefxpx5RxJKTf0Qv7TBAwayz3fz5sbuW" />

“We’re seeing strong interest from boutique developers and private family offices who understand the value of delivering timeless, high-end residences in blue-chip locations," Hamish Burgess of Cushman &amp; Wakefield said.

"This site ticks every box; scale, frontage, planning, and prestige.”

Sun Property Group has previously delivered The Brookville in Toorak.

Sydney developer to offload $15 million Toorak apartment site

A new modular apartment tower that promises rapid delivery in its construction that would occur off site and take just nine months to build, is being planned for Woolloongabba.

The Carl Street building will span 18 levels and home 126 apartments, an upsize from a previous proposal by Brisbane Modular Manufacturing.

<img alt="First look: 18-storey modular tower for Woolloongabba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcc8b704-5b3c-44cb-b6de-4d64c96a84ce" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/carl%20park%20perspective.png?VersionId=ig4mYSx.q_ttqOQLwEFpTKR8FTlFEAmR" />

The revised plans, prepared by architecture and design studio SheltaCo, outline 48 studio apartments, 50 two-bedroom apartments, and 28 three-bedroom apartments.

Located within the Eastern Corridor Neighbourhood Plan area, the 1,517 sqm site is zoned High Density Residential and sits adjacent to parkland to the south.&nbsp;

The build will take substantially less time because the basement car parking levels have been removed. Cars will now park in the striking three-level podium. The change enables the use of off-site prefabricated construction techniques, central to the modular strategy.&nbsp;

There will be 500 sqm of communal space, including a 250 sqm rooftop terrace with a pool and lounge areas.

&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: 18-storey modular tower for Woolloongabba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c31ac1d-3c42-48c9-927b-980b7e0ed767" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/terrace.png?VersionId=ZI1vAUIbk04ERHH54REfoPKn1BTPbBfK" />

The Assessment Report by Blume Planning’s suggested the "accelerated timeline offers a compelling incentive for Brisbane City Council to support the proposed development,” citing the proponent’s “expertise and innovative business model” as a contributing factor in addressing Brisbane’s current housing pressures.

SheltaCo’s design seeks to balance density and amenity, with generous apartment layouts and elevated views over Carl Street Park. Site coverage at the tower level is limited to 51 per cent, allowing for landscaping and deep planting at ground level. The scheme also proposes 110 car parks, 72 secure bicycle spaces, and capacity for service vehicles.

<img alt="First look: 18-storey modular tower for Woolloongabba" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36ecf843-025b-4b5b-a986-8ccc692f4a69" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/carl%20entry.png?VersionId=7gsAhw7BN9vuDOpFKQFjivOk.WVo7Oz7" />

The site is well-serviced by public transport and lies within walking distance of the Buranda transport hub, making it a strategic location for higher-density residential infill. The proposal aligns with the zoning provisions but exceeds the mapped height limit of 12 storeys under the Buranda Residential Sub-Precinct.

Council previously approved a development on the site in 2016 for 89 apartments across 11 level with basement parking. That approval was extended in 2024 and remains valid until early 2026. The new proposal seeks to supersede that scheme while retaining the site’s residential focus.

Nine month build slated for new modular tower in Woolloongabba

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/subiaco-wa-6008">Subiaco</a>’s Hay Street corridor serves as a key link between Perth’s CBD and the western suburbs, offering seamless access to city amenities while retaining the intimacy of a residential precinct.&nbsp;

At the junction with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/olive-st-263-hay-street-subiaco-wa-6008">Olive St</a>, this connectivity is reinforced by Subiaco Station and high-frequency bus routes, making commuting and weekend outings effortless.

Here, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devwest">Devwest</a>’s new apartment development Olive St is entering its final phase of construction, offering a rare opportunity to secure a home in one of Perth’s most complete lifestyle suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106968 project_image_fid=3036]

Positioned in a leafy and character-filled pocket on the less-developed eastern side of Subiaco, Olive St stands out as one of the few apartment developments in this part of the suburb. Its quieter residential setting balances the density west of Rokeby Road, while the corner location on Hay Street places residents within walking distance of local favourites such as Found. Subiaco, Lums Wine Bar, and Hangout on Hay. Together with the celebrated Rokeby Road retail strip, these venues give residents an immediate connection to the cafés, restaurants, and bars that define the Subiaco lifestyle.

Cultural destinations including the Subiaco Arts Centre, Regal Theatre, and Subiaco Library reinforce the area’s reputation as a hub for entertainment and the arts.&nbsp;For outdoor recreation, residents have easy access to the manicured grounds of Market Square and Bob Hawke Oval, while Kings Park and Lake Monger Reserve offer expansive green space just beyond the suburb’s edges.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106968 project_image_fid=3031]

A diverse educational landscape underpins the suburb’s long-standing appeal for families and professionals, with institutions such as Subiaco Primary School, Perth Modern School, and Bob Hawke College located nearby. Health services including St John of God Subiaco Hospital further support everyday convenience and peace of mind.

With construction nearing completion this September, Olive St will soon deliver 71 new residences to Subiaco. One bedroom apartments are fully sold, with only a limited selection of two and three bedroom residences remaining, priced from $877,000.

Buyers who secure an apartment before the construction period ends may still be eligible for the WA Stamp Duty Concession, offering savings of up to $50,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106968]

Devwest’s Olive St connects residents to Subiaco’s best amenities

Affordable

<html><body>
OPINION

The exodus to an affordable lifestyle has become the dominant trend in Australian real estate across the nation. 

But many people believe - mistakenly – that this means that Australians are moving en-masse to the beach. 

This speaks to a fundamental misunderstanding of what is meant by the term “lifestyle”.

The reality is that the “lifestyle” means different things to different people – and, as a consequence, Australians are not just moving to the coast. 

Australians are moving in large numbers from the largest cities to some of the smaller capital cities and also to regional areas inland.

Brisbane, Hobart, Darwin, Adelaide – our smaller capital cities are gaining population from this trend, as are inland regional centres like Orange, Tamworth, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Mudgee, Toowoomba, Gympie, Ballarat, Bendigo and Mildura.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

So while coastal locations like the Central Coast in New South Wales and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland have been major beneficiaries, many of the locations getting the biggest uplift are hours away from the nearest beach.

The Exodus to Affordable Lifestyle trend really started with people moving from Melbourne to regional centres in Victoria. This trend has been under way for at least the past 3-4 years.

Many of the suburbs of Ballarat have had double-digit growth in their median house prices in the past year, with Soldiers Hill up 18% and Buninyong rising 22%. Virtually every suburb of Bendigo has grown more than 10% in the past year, with many of them rising by between 15% and 20%.

Several hours from Melbourne, Warrnambool is up 13% in 12 months, Shepparton has grown 11% and Mildura is up 10%.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

The trend is also seen large numbers of Sydney residents moving to regional areas of New South Wales and to other parts of Australia.

In various parts of regional NSW, median house prices have risen 13% in Orange, 20% in Bowral, 12% in Parkes,11% in Mudgee and above 15% in some suburbs of Wagga Wagga.

All these places have rising prices on the back of a big uplift in sales activity, boosted by demand from major cities.

The population data shows that Sydney has been losing population to internal migration for the past 10 years and that Melbourne has also been losing population through people moving to other parts Australia for at least the past three years.

Clearly, in many cases, the relocation of people has not been to the coast but to regional cities and towns inland.

This is because “lifestyle” can mean living in a town where there is a strong sense of community or living in a place where there are no traffic lights and you can get a park in the main street.

People value the safety and security available in regional centres. These places are often seen as good places to raise a family. Many regional centres have good schools, including private schools, and all the facilities and amenities that families need to lead comfortable and fulfilling lives.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

I live in a hill change town in Queensland where the median house price has risen 22% in the past year, because it’s a perfect fit the Exodus to Affordable Lifestyle trend.

This location is not about beaches, although they’re only 30 minutes away. It’s about green hills, clean air, a strong sense of community, safety, access to good schools and ease of parking (although it’s getting harder). There are no traffic lights in this town.

It’s a strong area for arts and crafts, has a great music scene and there are lots of good places to eat. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Lifestyle.

And I work from a home office. As a researcher and writer, I have no need to be in the big, expensive, congested capital cities, apart from the occasional visit to meet clients or speak at a seminar.

Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au

ryder@hotspotting.com.au

twitter.com/hotspotting
</body></html>

terryryder

Exodus to affordable lifestyle not just moving to the beach: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

Whether your&nbsp;children have moved out or you&#39;re wanting to save money, downsizing provides a great option for couples of all ages &ndash; but downsizing doesn&#39;t have to mean downgrading.&nbsp;

With Sydney&#39;s luxury market proving resilient following the coronavirus pandemic, many buyers are seeing the benefit of investing in a high-end development at affordable prices.&nbsp;

Below&nbsp;are nine of the best downsizer apartments on the market in Sydney to help you on your journey towards finding a new home.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

1. <a href="/buildings/polo-collection-55-rothschild-avenue-rosebery">Polo Collection</a>, Rosebery 
Address: 55 Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 
One-bedroom apartments from $710,000

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/buildings/polo-collection-55-rothschild-avenue-rosebery" rel="gallery-all" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/polo_collection.jpg?itok=KAk-HRy4" width="580" /></a>

Meriton&rsquo;s Polo Collection offers downsizers the chance to remain close to the CBD and enjoy luxury living in a brand new architecturally designed apartment.

Comprising 275 luxury apartments across four buildings, the development offers dynamic and elegant living, green vistas and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, designed by SJB Architects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7588]

2. <a href="/buildings/alex-collective-alexandria-163-173-mcevoy-street-alexandria-nsw-2015">Alex Collective</a>, Alexandria 
Address: 163-173 McEvoy Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 
One-bedroom apartments from $750,000

<a href="/buildings/alex-collective-alexandria-163-173-mcevoy-street-alexandria-nsw-2015"><img alt="" height="2160" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/alexcollec.jpeg" width="3189" /></a>

In the neighbouring suburb of Alexandria, 163 apartments in one, two and three-bedroom configurations are set to be delivered by Ceerose, boasting floor-to-ceiling storage, bay windows and a balcony fringed by greenery.

Tastefully designed by Andrew Burns Architecture, Alex Collective features concrete-inspired stone benchtops, sandstone-toned joinery and integrated black glass ovens, bringing a warm and contemporary aesthetic with an industrial edge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29785]

3. <a href="/buildings/cornerstone-717-727-canterbury-road-belmore">Cornerstone</a>, Belmore 
Address: 717-727 Canterbury Road, Belmore NSW 2192 
Two-bedroom apartments from $655,000

<a href="/buildings/cornerstone-717-727-canterbury-road-belmore"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cornerstone.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Whilst further from the offerings of the CBD, Sydney&rsquo;s inner-south-west provides the ideal downsizer location, boasting a tight-knit community and, soon, the proposed Belmore metro station.

Delivered by ALAND, Cornerstone features high ceilings, open-plan kitchens, alfresco dining areas and recessed balconies. Ground floor retail space and local parkland activate the residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9188]

4. <a href="/buildings/lighthouse-9-17-howard-avenue-dee-why">Lighthouse</a>, Dee Why 
Address: 9-17 Howard Avenue, Dee Why NSW 2099 
Two-bedroom apartments from $935,000

<a href="/buildings/lighthouse-9-17-howard-avenue-dee-why"><img alt="" height="474" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lighthouse.jpg" width="1024" /></a>

Situated in Dee Why&rsquo;s new retail hub, Meriton&rsquo;s Lighthouse development offers the tallest towers in the Northern Beaches suburb.

Complete and ready to move in, the development is built over four buildings and offers views of the ocean, beach and lagoon. Downsizers or retirees will enjoy the convenience of this development, located nearby ocean shores and within 35 minutes to Sydney&rsquo;s CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6337]

5. <a href="/new-apartments/trilogy-112-talavera-road-macquarie-park">Destination</a>, Macquarie Park 
Address: 114 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 
One-bedroom apartments from $600,000

<a href="/new-apartments/trilogy-112-talavera-road-macquarie-park"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/destination.jpg" width="1920" /></a>

Located within NSW&rsquo;s second largest business district, Destination offers lots of opportunity to downsizers hoping to take advantage of Macquarie Park&rsquo;s competitive advantages, including its proximity to Macquarie University.

Delivered by Meriton and designed by DKO Architecture, Destination offers serene garden terraces, timeless design and views from every angle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8669]

6. <a href="/buildings/moseley-17-21-moseley-street-carlingford">Moseley</a>, Carlingford 
Address: 17-21 Moseley Street, Carlingford NSW 2118 
Two-bedroom apartments from $752,900

<a href="/buildings/moseley-17-21-moseley-street-carlingford"><img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/moseley.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Still located in the City of Ryde, and close-by Epping Station is the affordable Moseley project by H&amp;T Group. The 41 one, two and three-bedroom apartments match the needs of families, downsizers and young professionals with contemporary design, modern silhouettes and amenities.

The apartment offers private storage, a gym, communal entertaining areas and an electric charging dock.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=25486]

7. Elle, Waitara 
Address: 53 Balmoral Street, Waitara NSW 2077 
Two-bedroom apartments from $749,000

<img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/elle_.jpg" width="1200" />

Located on Sydney&rsquo;s Upper North Shore, Elle provides a prime location for downsizers to enjoy the convenience and style of elite suburban living.

The new residential community boasts free-flowing contemporary living options and landscaped garden space, delivered by Developcorp. Elle is minutes to public transport, quality private schools and Hornsby shops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29140]

8. <a href="/buildings/park-avenue-waitara-16-20-park-avenue-waitara">Park Avenue</a>, Waitara 
Address: 16-20 Park Avenue, Waitara NSW 2077 
Two-bedroom apartments from $649,000

<a href="/buildings/park-avenue-waitara-16-20-park-avenue-waitara"><img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/park_av.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Also located in the fast-growing is Park Avenue, offering one and two-bedroom configurations, ideal for investors or downsizers. The spacious residence is located in proximity to Hornsby&rsquo;s amenities.

The residences offer practical layouts, balconies, spacious bedrooms and the relaxed lifestyle of the Upper North Shore community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29538]

9. <a href="/new-townhouses/collection-rouse-hill-49-terry-road-rouse-hill">Collection</a>, Rouse Hill 
Address: 49 Terry Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155 
One-bedroom apartments from $399,000

<a href="/new-townhouses/collection-rouse-hill-49-terry-road-rouse-hill"><img alt="" height="548" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rouse-hill-1.jpg" width="987" /></a>

Downsizing doesn&rsquo;t have to mean smaller either. Collection provides 311 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations in Sydney&rsquo;s growing north-west region.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the master-planned offers spacious open-plan layouts, generous entertainer balconies and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and Berowra Valley National Park.

Rouse Hill&rsquo;s town centre boasts an abundance of amenities and retail offerings, as well as a new metro station that connects residents to Castle Hill, Chatswood and Sydney&rsquo;s CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6284]

Here are nine apartments on the market in Sydney to match the needs of downsizing couples

max.kwok_55688

Nine of the best downsizer apartments on the market in Sydney

<html><body>
The Melbourne unit market continued to shrug off the worst of the 2020 COVID impact on property, recording 0.6 per cent gains over December, according to data analytics firm CoreLogic.

It followed from 0.1 per cent gains in October and <a href="/news/melbourne-apartment-values-outperform-houses-in-november-corelogic">0.7 per cent gains in November</a> to be 1.4 per cent up over the quarter. The quarterly performance saw apartments offset any early year losses to be flat over the calendar year.

The unit market comfortably outperformed the housing market over 2020, with houses contracting two per cent, CoreLogic's data found.

The unit median rose to $576,905 over December, now higher than July levels.

Urban has taken a look at five apartments blocks to secure under the median apartment value.

<h2><a href="/buildings/canvas-272-barkly-street-brunswick">Canvas, Brunswick</a></h2>

Address: 272 Barkly Street, Brunswick, VIC 3056

<img alt="" height="887" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/canvas_brunswick.jpg" width="1200">

Canvas, the Brunswick development by ID Land, has one bedroom apartments starting from $480,000, well below Melbourne's median apartment price. The facade of the Rothelowman-designed block pays homage to Brunswick’s industrial past. Formed by concrete construction and urban design principles, the visual grid spans the building, framing each apartment. It will feature 62 one, two and three bedroom residences with interiors by Hecker Guthrie, expected to be completed in 2022.

Their two beds start from $680,000.

<h2><a href="/buildings/parkhill-apartments-west-melbourne-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne">Parkhill Apartments, West Melbourne</a></h2>

Address: 408 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003

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Parkhill Apartments in West Melbourne are offering one bedrooms starting from $479,000, developed by the award-winning Central Equity. Early buyers will have the chance to save $430,000 on stamp duty.

Parkhill Apartments has a range of one and two bedroom apartments with 6.5 Star energy ratings. There's a rooftop gym for residents and a rooftop garden with outdoor seating and barbecue areas.

<h2><a href="/buildings/hawthorn-park-33-camberwell-road-hawthorn-east">Hawthorn Park, Hawthorn East</a></h2>

Address: 33 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123

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Just over the rising median is Hawthorn Park, where developer Dahua Group is offering its one beds in from $609,000. The Camberwell Road development, estimated to be completed earlier this year, comprises 368 residences spread across seven floors and five buildings. Another designed by architect Rothelowman, Hawthorn Park features a fully-equipped gym with yoga and meditation studio, massage suites, a sky boardwalk, sky lounge, garden pavilion and a swimming pool.
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Melbourne's unit median now sits at $576,905 after seeing a 0.6 per cent rise in unit values over December.

Melbourne unit values rise 0.6 per cent in December: What you can buy for the new median

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GUEST OBSERVER 
The outer west remains one of Melbourne’s most affordable pockets to buy property. And with interest rates at record lows, we have seen many buyers dip their toes into the market this autumn.
The reduction of the cash rate by the Reserve Bank often impacts the price-sensitive segments of the market, and this has certainly been the case in Melbourne’s west.
While renting has traditionally been the norm in Melton, residents are now considering entering the market for the first time. The median house price across Melbourne sits at $688,000, but in Melton you can still get a three bedroom family home for a median house price of <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/recentlysold/26_BARRIES_ROAD_MELTON_VIC_3337_SOLD" target="_blank">$226,000</a>.
As such, young families and couples renting a large family home are realising mortgage repayments in the current economic climate is similar to that of weekly rental payments.
That’s why this quarter we’ve seen a flurry of activity from the younger, family orientated segment of the market who now realise that the Great Australian Dream might actually be in reach.
The affordability factor is no doubt drawing people from greater Melbourne to the outer west. In fact, <a href="https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/Council/About_the_City/Demographics/Growth_Statistics" target="_blank">City of Melton statistics</a> show that between 2001 and 2014 the estimated residential population of Melton more than doubled, and in 2013, the region had the fifth fastest population growth in Victoria (4.3%).
Population projections also indicate that Melton’s population will be more than 315,908 by 2036, which is almost the size of our nation’s capital Canberra. If Melbourne’s house prices grow as much as they did in the first quarter of this year (11.1%), then we expect to see a rise in demand for the outer suburbs where buyers can have space and value for money.
Another drawcard for families relocating to the west is the vast improvements to amenities and infrastructure in the area. For instance, the Council of Melton has recently completed new state of the art five-green-star accredited library and learning facility, as well as the Taylors Hill Youth and Community Centre.
The likes of Palmerston Street, Brooklyn road and Greigs Road are also undergoing refurbishments to ease traffic in the area. The countless number of amenities and infrastructure improvements make Melton a more desirable place for families to live in. 
The perfect combination of population growth, improvements to infrastructure, good borrowing conditions, low vacancy rates and low median house prices have also attracted savvy investors to Melton. Vacancy rates are notably low in Melton – sitting around 2.2%.
Investors therefore are privy to a low risk investment with low upfront capital. And if the rental returns are good enough, some can even positively gear their investment.
The Reserve Bank just cut interest rates to a record low of two per cent, and this will continue to drive interest into the outer west from first home buyers and young families. We will even start to see the dial quickly shift from renters to buyers in suburbs like Melton as these savvy buyers realise the benefits the area brings.
Julian Conte is director of hockingstuart Melton. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/?pagecall=staffMember&amp;staffID=96340" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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