Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[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

Apartment Development

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Queensland developer Coolum Terrace Holdings has sold 30 percent of apartments in its $35 million development Illoura.
Illoura Coolum features 37 apartments and three penthouses in two boutique buildings with subtropical landscaping, lagoon style heated pool, spa and sundeck.
Since opening some 11 out of 37 units have either been sold or are under contract, totalling $10 million.
Construction is expected to start on Illoura Coolum within three months. 
Prices in the residential development range from $375,000 to $1.5 million.
Features include elevated beach views from nearly all apartments, 2.7m ceilings, extensive glazing to maximise natural light and ventilation and balconies with full-height stacking glass doors.
For more information, <a href="https://illouracoolum.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Coolum Terrace Holdings reaches $10m in sales for luxury beach project

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GUEST OBSERVER
With Melbourne driving 46 percent of Australia’s apartment development, it’s a good time to be a developer in the world’s most liveable city.
And in theory, it’s also a good time to be a purchaser as apartments flood the market, increasing stock and therefore theoretically driving down pricing. It’s the age old story of supply versus demand.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, by 2020 Melbourne’s population will rise to five million, making it the largest city in Australia and sparking even more demand for more housing and apartments.
As a relative newcomer to the Melbourne property development scene, I’ve been striving to create innovative and affordable developments that provide people with access to purchasing property. Many of my friends work typical jobs, and I’d like to think they should be able to afford to live in said developments.
From my reading of the current situation and listening to debates play out in state and federal politics, it seems that access is currently at the core of the public debate and, more specifically, affordability to access.
I take the concept of affordability very seriously and in my position I’m fortunate to have control over providing reasonably priced property in the current market.
What is concerning from where I stand is the ability to deliver this. Hear me out because this is a very different point of view – one which isn’t discussed often in the public domain.
That is: the emergence of a new sub-market within the property market that is focused on acquiring land, receiving permit approval and selling without intention of going into construction.
While there are of course examples where the economy changes and you may not be able to build as planned, I think more and more permits are being sold and people are taking advantage of the demand for permit approval and selling at inflated prices.
This is where I find myself in a quandary. Of course, I agree with a free market and I applaud those who find new opportunities to create value out of the property market – this is innovative and entrepreneurial. 
However, as a developer who is trying to develop projects that are in the reach of everyday working people, I see how this practise limits what developers are able to do in terms of minimising the cost base of development.
If a vendor is selling at an inflated price, it creates a tricky situation for the buyers. The developer who purchases the site with the intention to build is forced to sell apartments at a higher price to meet their targets, which ultimately comes out of the purchaser’s pocket.
On the other side of the coin, selling at this inflated cost means local developers cannot afford to invest and that many of these sites can only be purchased by foreign developers. Therefore, the majority of the stock will be sold offshore to purchasers who can afford to buy at these inflated prices.
To put it very simply, let’s use the below example to articulate.
An original land owner has obtained a permit to build apartments on a site. Assuming the original holding cost is $10 million, the apartments could be sold to purchasers for around $8,000 per square metre.
The original land owner sees there is risk in developing and decides to sell the site to generate windfall profits with no associated risk. The site is then sold to another developer for $40 million. The new land owner will now have to on-sell apartments to end purchasers for perhaps around $10,500 per square metre in order for the development to provide a return.
As you can see, this trend is creating a vicious cycle. This begins with the permit approvals and leaves developers like us with no choice but to consider whether to follow the crowd, despite understanding the implications on affordability and local investment for the world’s most liveable city. 
With decent apartments in the city now all but out of reach of first homebuyers, it is now up to developers, agents, consumers and the government to intervene and look at limited restrictions that at least deters this flipping sub-market or to encourage developers to actually…develop.
Many people will fiercely disagree with my opinion on this sensitive topic, but this is out there now.
We should conduct ourselves for the future, not as a singularity.  
Mohan Du is founder and managing director at Capital Alliance Investment Group and can be contacted <a href="https://capitalalliance.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne driving 46 percent of Australia’s apartment development: Mohan Du

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Generation Y are driving demand for apartments in Brisbane's middle-ring suburb of Upper Mount Gravatt for both rentals and purchase.
According to research from Urbis, the suburbs links to education, employment hubs and public transport is creating the appeal.
Urbis associate director Paul Riga said off-the-plan apartment activity in Upper Mount Gravatt had increased notably over the past 12 to 24 months due to proximity to key employment nodes, a comprehensive education offer and an abundance of established infrastructure and lifestyle.
“The Upper Mount Gravatt catchment is likely to see continued growth in the investor market spurred by the high proportion of young people residing in the area," he said.
"Generation Y was attracted to the area’s proximity to Westfield Garden City, Sunnybank, Griffith University’s Nathan and Mt Gravatt campuses, the M1, and the South East Busway.
“This youth demographic will contribute to rental demand in Upper Mount Gravatt and its surrounding catchment, with the downsizer market also potentially a contributor."
The $96 million Avion Residences, the soon-to-be launched debut project of Brisbane’s Raying Property will comprise 174 two and three-bedroom apartments across two 15-level towers in Cremin Street, which is just 200m from nearby Westfield Garden City.
 
 
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Gen Y demand sparks Brisbane's apartment surge

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Brunswick Group have announced their new 74 apartment residential development Hawke + King.
Located on an elevated island site at the junction of Hawke, King and Curzon street in West Melbourne, the four building development surrounds a central courtyard.
Rising between three and six levels, Hawke + King offers one, two and three bedrooms with all homes coming with underground parking.
The one bedroom apartments start at 55 sqm, two bedrooms at 70 sqm and the three bedrooms start at 100 sqm.
Its one bedroom are priced from $495,000-$605,000; two bedrooms $640,000-$885,000 and three bedrooms $915,000-$1,085,000. Buyers are being invited to register.
Designed by architects Six Degrees, the apartments feature a range of recycled materials and warehouse inspired finishes including recycled timber floors, brick feature walls and exposed concrete ceilings.
Six Degrees suggested that long term livability, amenity and an enjoyable lifestyle were three of the key principles in the development.
<a href="https://www.hawkeandking.com.au/" target="_blank">Hawke + King</a> is the second time Brunswick Group has come together with Six Degrees after working in conjunction to create the award-winning Heller Street Park and Residences project.
Most apartments come with substantial floor to ceilings windows with views of the Melbourne CBD.
The development that also includes a rooftop garden has an average energy rating in excess of seven stars.
Hawke + King is located in Melbourne's unversity high school zone and received a walkability score of 98 with west Melbourne's vibrant community a short walk from the apartments.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Hawke + King - Brunswick Group's new West Melbourne residential development

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Billionaire Harry Triguboff's Meriton Group has made its first apartment site purchase in almost a year, paying around $67 million for the property at Mascot near the airport.
It has development approval for 242 units and the potential to increase it to 299.
The 671- 683 Gardeners Road site is adjacent to Meriton's Mascot Central development on Kent Road.
The property was sold with a short-term leaseback to the vendor Jewel Fine Foods. Jewel bought 683 in 2004 at $2.79 million from the Townson Property Group, then 671 in 2010 for $7.5 million having traded at $7.6 million five years earlier. 
The Australian Financial Review advise the sale was negotiated by Meriton's group acquisitions manager Angelo Mantsis and Colliers International's James Bellew and William Gathercole.
His last known purchase was in April last year with $90 million for the six hectare balance of British American Tobacco’s Pagewood property.
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Harry Triguboff buys a Mascot site for $67 million

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A boutique site in Melbourne CBD with an approved permit for a 34-level apartment tower comprising 89 apartments is up for sale.
The site at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melbourne-501727429" target="_blank">9-11 Exploration Lane</a> has a land area of 168 square metres.
The site has a fully approved permit for a project designed by architect Rothe Lowman.
It is listed by agents Nick Peden and Clinton Baxter of Savills.
The East End CBD location is close to Melbourne Central train station.
"This offering is one of the best to hit the market for many years," Nick Peden said.
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Exploration Lane, Melbourne CBD site with permit for 34-level tower up for sale

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Apartment developers who delay construction works to invoke the sunset clause, cancelling the contract with their off the plan buyers, and then reselling at higher prices have recently undermined confidence in buying off the plan.
But soon buyers will have greater protections under changes proposed by the Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello.
The long suffering purchasers will have to give their consent to the contract termination, or otherwise the developer will be required to give good reason to the Supreme Court. 
“The NSW Government is putting developers on notice that from this day forward if they use a sunset clause for no other reason than to reap a windfall profit at the expense of the purchaser – then they do so at their own peril,” Mr Dominello said earlier this month noting the legislation will apply to existing off the plan contracts which have not yet reached the sunset clause date.
The legislation is intended to provide developers with legitimate reasons, such as planning permission or unavoidable building delays, a get out clause.
“The overwhelming majority of developers are reputable and do the right thing,” Mr Dominello. 
According to property research and investment firm Aviate Group managing director Neil Smoli there are two kinds of developers that operate in this disappointing fashion - those greedy and happy to forgo reputation and longevity in the industry for a quick profit or those inept and inexperienced operators who have miscalculated their financial projections.
I think UDIA NSW chief executive Stephen Albin was right when he said the issue was occurring on the fringes of the industry, but I also sense the dramatic price spurt of the past few years has tempted more of these fringe developers than ever to try it on.
There has also been the odd case where a big Chinese developer has gone to market without any development approval for their project in their haste to secure sales, and then had to restart the sales given council approvals were not forthcoming.
The strata process typically begins with development approvals, then sales, financing and construction, then settlement. The NSW LPI typically approves around 120 new strata plans a month, with a record 158 lodged in July. 
The Owners Corporation Network of Australia noted off-the-plan purchasers have long borne the brunt of an off-the-plan purchase system weighted heavily against them. 
Thick, complex contracts which favour the developer. Forget buyers putting a caveat to protect their purchase. That's banned.
Currently dispossessed buyers rarely mount the costly court case, as they typically end up being out of pocket and also out of home.
I sat in on the recent court case involving a Wolli Creek project that buyers claimed was beset with nine specified issues of delays but the judge ruled only one, the piles installation had failed to have reasonable endeavours made. And that contributed six weeks only, so the developer won the case. There was an interesting adjudication that the developers’ failure to construct the building in accordance with the original development consent did not necessarily constitute a breach of their obligations.
As much as the termination of contract is a huge issue, I'd suggest substantial changes to apartment floorplans are occurring more regularly with distraught buyers left with little choice but to cop it.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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