Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

Brisbane off the plan apartments

After experiencing calendar year growth not seen in nearly four decades, it was inevitable that Brisbane’s unit market would eventually cool.

Although it hasn't reached the exceptional monthly growth levels seen last year, which drove a total annual increase of well over 16 per cent, January kicked off 2025 with a strong 0.6 per cent gain, according to CoreLogic's latest Home Value Index.

The unit market outpaced houses again, which were up 0.3 per cent in Jan.

The median value for a unit in <a href="/developments/brisbane-qld">Brisbane</a> is now $685,000, while the median house value is $977,000.

Only Brisbane and Perth recorded an increase in dwelling values (houses and units combined) last month, CoreLogic found, with a nation-wide slowdown expected to only last a brief period given the upcoming interest rate drops.

CoreLogic Research Director, Tim Lawless, noted that affordability constraints and rising advertised supply levels have contributed to the cooling trend.

<h2>What happened in Brisbane’s off the plan apartment market in January?</h2>

The Brisbane off the plan apartment market showed signs in January that we're in for another strong year.

Enquiry levels across new and off the plan apartment developments in Brisbane were at a five-month high, according to <a href="https://industry.urban.com.au/data-insights">MatterFact</a>, the data partner of <a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a>.

Interest in properties priced between $500,000 and $1 million surged, driven largely by the launch of <a href="/new-apartments/astra-apartments-gaythorne-16-station-avenue-gaythorne">Astra Apartments</a> in <a href="/developments/gaythorne-qld-4051">Gaythorne</a> which hit the mark on the affordability scale.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148948 project_image_fid=320219]

A sign of intent is always search - and search activity for suburbs across Brisbane was well over the 2024 median in January.

Upper Mount Gravatt emerged as the most searched suburb across Brisbane, with notable spikes in search for&nbsp;<a href="/developments/hamilton-qld-4007">Hamilton</a>, <a href="/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a>, and <a href="/developments/kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Kangaroo Point</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=210749]

The most exciting news in Brisbane in January was an Urban exclusive. We reported that <a href="/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a>, who is behind landmark towers in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, bought the well-known R&amp;F site in West End.

The 1.68-hectare site,&nbsp;formerly home to Riverside Corporate Park, has had previous approvals for a multi-tower precinct with around 1,000 apartments, a retail plaza, and a riverside walkway.

ICD will file a new application with a different design.

<img alt="Exclusive: ICD Property secures riverfront West End site for Brisbane's latest multi-tower precinct" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-01-21%20at%201.50.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=8gLSNkWvhxKuY5vvmYcF7NKji0gZmoah" />

The only other significant development application in January was in East Brisbane where&nbsp;<a href="/developers/rg-property">RG Property Group</a>&nbsp;is seeking to developer a 10-level apartment development near the future Olympic Games Precinct.

The Wellington Road site already has approval for an eight-level building. RG's plans for the new project, dubbed The Banksii, are for 72 apartments.

&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: RG Property files for Brisbane Olympic Games precinct apartment tower" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-01-09%20at%203.57.59%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=xQw.MAEHV9KiTYc2hhMekO5ZKpv2f3pG" />

The redesign by <a href="/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> incorporates a rooftop swimming pool, a gym, and a public laneway connecting Wellington Road to Manilla Street.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="/developments/woolloongabba-qld-4102">Woolloongabba</a> precinct continues to attract investment, with several residential projects in the pipeline alongside public infrastructure upgrades.

Enquiry levels across new and off the plan apartment developments in Brisbane were at a five-month high, according to MatterFact, the data partner of Urban.com.au.

City Beat January 2025: Brisbane unit market continues upward trajectory as off the plan enquiry reaches five-month high

Brisbane’s suburban renewal continues to gain momentum with a transformative vision for Alderley, where&nbsp;Darveniza Group is planning to convert an industrial site into a vibrant residential community.

The new project, to be known as&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/station-quarter-78-farrington-street-alderley">Station Quarter</a> on Farrington Street, will put residents adjacent to&nbsp;<a href="/developments/alderley-qld-4051">Alderley</a> train station. The 17,167 sqm masterplan by Nettletontribe will have seven low to mid-rise apartment buildings, ranging between four and 10 levels, and have around 400 new apartments.

Darveniza Group is led by Queensland richlister Jane Darveniza, the widow of millionaire property developer Bojan Darveniza.

<img alt="Station Quarter Alderley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f30454c-4781-4ad5-81b1-da2e7f447cdb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Station%20Quarter%20building%20one.png?VersionId=jsW_dHEXIr.wseqsVxyM9T9IpkRJQg8t" />

The precinct will be anchored by a central 1,750 sqm communal open walkway with extensive retail spaces.

The Farrington Street address, opposite Alderley Station with street frontage to Huddart Street, is surrounded by established amenities, including schools, parks, and shops, with direct access to major arterial roads and the Ferny Grove train line.&nbsp;

The masterplan aims to offer diverse housing options to cater to a wide range of residents, including affordable choices that address Brisbane’s growing housing demand.The first stage will comprise two buildings, one with 34 units across a four-level block, the smallest in the development, and 66 units in an eight-level building.

The 100 apartments in this initial phase will range from one to three bedrooms, with a 102 sqm ground-floor space for a café.

<img alt="Alderley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="655d1e5c-3951-4d66-81de-13104db77c89" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-30%20at%209.29.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=2yXwMWIvdOpkTbG5uyDNt8FsqqbHrPPi" />

The Town Planning Report by Urbis suggested Station Quarter is a "catalyst for Alderley and its evolution as a growth node."

"Station Quarter is set to redefine urban living in Alderley, by transitioning from low impact industry to a dynamic, low-medium density residential community," the report noted.

"Station Quarter is more than just a residential project; it is a commitment to sustainable urban development. By replacing industrial land uses with residential, the project not only meets the immedaite housing needs but also fosters a thriving, connected community within Brisbane's inner 5km radius."

Alderley isn't a suburb often associated with new apartment development. The last time a new project launched was nearly 12 months ago.

Breathe Residences, by&nbsp;joint venture partners&nbsp;<a href="/developers/capital-prudential">Capital Prudential</a>&nbsp;and the architecturally-driven property developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/guavalime">Guavalime</a>, will be just across 800m from Station Quarter.

Alderley set for 400-apartment Station Quarter development opposite train station

ICD Property has a penchant for grand-scale, mixed-use developments, with a focus in recent years in its native Melbourne, Adelaide, and most recently Sydney.

The latest play by the Matt Khoo-led developer is in Brisbane, its first foray into the Queensland market. They've picked up a prime&nbsp;<a href="/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a>&nbsp;site from R&amp;F Property, spending just under $50 million on the 1.68-hectare riverfront plot which cost R&amp;F $82.5 million in 2014.

Currently home to Riverside Corporate Park, the site, which borders Donkin and Buchanan Street, is currently occupied by&nbsp;three low-rise commercial buildings.&nbsp;

ICD has yet to reveal its own plans for the A-grade block of land, but previous approvals have been for seven buildings with around 1,000 apartments, a retail plaza, and a riverside walkway.

<img alt="ICD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="035146a7-0cb7-4dba-80a9-c222c7143235" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-21%20at%201.50.40%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=_Zi1F4QY8u6JKkcuE7voWdNUxI_g3qbw" />

ICD has already established a joint venture to work on the project, much like their upcoming Sydney CBD development, Sydney House. They're working with&nbsp;Singapore-listed&nbsp;<a href="/developers/first-sponsor">First Sponsor</a>&nbsp;on the redevelopment of&nbsp;the landmark City Tattersall building on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD.

<a href="/builders/richard-crookes-constructions">Richard Crookes Constructions</a>&nbsp;has already started the build of the striking new tower that will emerge above the heritage-listed former club that will be restored and converted into heritage hospitality venues.

Sales are expected to commence soon for the 241 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that will be spread across a new 50-level tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312149]

ICD is also working with the Adelaide City Council on Market Square, a $400 million mixed-use project with apartments, a hotel, offices, and a childcare centre, as well as a significant retail precinct and a park.

Completion for Market Square is slated for 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=104946 project_image_fid=218790]

ICD's latest project joins the ranks as yet another planned for the Brisbane River, which is going under somewhat of a precinct boom.

Across the road from ICD's recently acquired site, Heidelberg Materials is <a href="/news/qld/multi-tower-precinct-planned-for-south-brisbane-riverfront">proposing three 50-level towers</a> with 620 apartments, above&nbsp;a food and beverage plaza and a 5,400 sqm public park.

Apartments are still under construction at Queens Wharf, Brisbane's landmark riverside development, while <a href="/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe">Tenneriffe Banks</a> by Kokoda Property has been a hit with buyers since it launched to market.

ICD has yet to reveal its own plans for the A-grade block of land, but previous approvals have been for seven buildings with just around 1,000 apartments, retail spaces, and a riverside walkway.

Exclusive: ICD Property secures riverfront West End site for Brisbane's latest multi-tower precinct

Rhett Williams' RG Property Group is the latest to join the residential apartment development scene in the booming Brisbane Games Precinct around Woolloongabba.

RG Property, a diversified developer predominantly playing in the shopping centre and office space nationally, recently acquired the 1,619 sqm site at 169 Wellington Road, East Brisbane, just 800 metres from The Gabba. The site purchase came with approval for a 50-unit, eight-level building.

The developer is seeking to push the height to 10 levels, and increase the density to 72 apartments, in a building dubbed <a href="/new-apartments/banksii-169-wellington-road-east-brisbane-qld-4169">BANKSII</a>,&nbsp;in response to its design that was inspired by the Banksia flower.

Now on offer will be nine one-bedroom apartments, 36 two-beds, and 27 three-bed apartments. A rooftop will home swimming pool, pool deck, a bar, and a barbecue and alfresco area. There will also be a gym on the podium level.

<img alt="Rooftop" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fa7be62-7ac8-403b-bd3d-651c224b8507" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-09%20at%203.07.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=Y1fPPvWPgoNmUuVhfk__JaRXRXRuE0SS" />

MAS Architecture has come in for the redesign of the building.

In the documents submitted, MAS said the design concept draws deeply from the Grevillea Banksii, a flowering plant native to Queensland which is&nbsp;mostly found on the Queensland coast from Ipswich to Yeppoon, but sometimes further inland. The shrub, or slender tree, has divided leaves with four to twelve narrow lobes, and creamy white to bright scarlet and yellow flowers.

MAS said the 10-level residential tower is "poised to redefine East Brisbane’s urban fabric."

"Framed by the city skyline to the north, the river to the east, and parklands with mountain vistas to the west, the site presents a rare opportunity to celebrate Brisbane’s distinct landscape.

"The re-imagined ground plane aims to anchor the building within its context, combining landscaped elements with communal spaces to enhance its connection to the streetscape. The architectural design responds by creating a striking yet contextually grounded presence, balancing inspiration from nature with a refined urban sensibility."

<img alt="East Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29c62e47-db1c-4a13-bfa0-19a69bf757f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-01-09%20at%203.07.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=.KkSmV_o4bux1FDVYRr39h2cz0tadKsX" />

Town planner Urbis noted that, whilst the proposal is generally consistent with the existing approved development, there are additional elements that elevate the design, liveability and public realm to achieve a significant improvement compared to the previous design.

"More glazing has been incorporated to maximize the views of Raymond Park and improve the flow of natural light to each apartment within the tower."

RPG held a pre-lodgement meeting with the Brisbane City Council in October, with the council supportive of the proposed amendments, agreeing that the&nbsp;amendments were relatively minor in nature.

The development will include a laneway that will partially open to the sky and connect Wellington Road to&nbsp;Manilla Street. It will also provide the opportunity for a public art installation.

RG also has approved plans for a former bread factory in Fortitude Valley. The plans 15-level tower, rising from the heritage-listed building that would home 118 apartments, were approved in 2023.

The Woolloongabba precinct is a buzz with both private and public infrastructure projects. Mosaic has a second project in Kangaroo Point <a href="/new-apartments/77-linton-street-kangaroo-point">pending launch on Linton Street</a>, while Sarazin is currently developing <a href="/new-apartments/murcia-residences-east-brisbane-9-overend-street-east-brisbane">Murcia on Overend Street</a>.

The design for BANKSII took inspiration from the Banksia flower

First look: RG Property files for Banksii, Brisbane Olympic Games precinct apartment tower

Buying off the plan isn't for everyone.

Every building begins as a new build before aging into the secondhand property market, much like cars transition from the showroom to the used car lot. While most Australians purchase established homes—akin to the prevalence of used cars on our roads—the majority of property buyers are more familiar with existing real estate.

While the concept of off the plan purchasing has been around for decades, the trend only really gained momentum in Australia in the 2000s, following a recovery from the early 1990s recession. As the market stabilized, property developers increasingly saw opportunities in multi-residential developments, particularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

As urban centers grew, there was rising demand for apartments, particularly in inner-city areas. The trend toward apartment living grew as people sought more affordable and convenient living options close to city centers.

Now, off the plan buying in Australia is widespread and growing, and the type of purchasing has become favorable for those who are willing to wait for construction to complete on their new home. It favors first home buyers who want to get into the property market but aren't ready to make repayments or are increasingly frustrated by being outbid at auctions in the more traditional established market.

Downsizers have been the biggest movement in recent years. These buyers typically purchased their family home decades ago and are now ready to move into something closer to the city from the suburbs they've lived in. They seek properties that are low-maintenance and “lock and leave,” ideal for travel in retirement, and prefer buildings with high levels of amenities for added convenience.

While there are many factors that contribute to the popularity of off the plan buying, in this article, we’ve looked at eight of the biggest reasons why people choose this option.

<h2>Floorplans designed for 21st-century living</h2>

The majority of Australia's apartment buildings, particularly the classic 'walk-up' apartments, were built four or five decades ago.

While these properties present at a more affordable price point compared to brand-new developments, they don’t have the modern floorplan configurations that today's buyers expect for 21st-century living.

Many of these older buildings still feature communal coin-operated laundries, carport parking, and lack modern intercom systems for security.

New apartments now typically feature integrated study nooks (a response to the growing work-from-home trend), concealed internal laundries, balconies to extend the main living area, and kitchens with floating islands that create additional prep or dining spaces.

<h2>Customisation</h2>

Off the plan buyers often have the option to customise their apartments. This could be as simple as selecting a color scheme or upgrading appliances, or as significant as combining two apartments to create a larger unit or changing internal walls to adjust room configurations.

For an owner to do this in an established apartment, a renovation of that scale could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it may not even get past the strata committee, which can be notoriously difficult when it comes to apartment renovations.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/why-the-ability-to-customise-is-a-crucial-offering-in-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">Why the ability to customise is a crucial offering in the off the plan apartment market</a>

<h2>Sustainability</h2>

New apartment buildings have a responsibility to focus on sustainable practices.

Most state governments enforce sustainability requirements, and now buildings have to be 7-star NatHERS rated, which means they must include energy-efficient features like double glazing and better insulation.

While it's a positive for the environment, it's also a benefit for new apartment buyers. Energy-efficient appliances and standard practices like solar panels and rainwater harvesting can save thousands on electricity and water bills every year.

You’d be hard-pressed to find an apartment building built before 2000 with solar panels.

<h2>Technology</h2>

Developers today go the extra mile to set their developments apart, and a small feature they often include is advanced technology.

Some developers offer keyless entry systems, whether through keypad door handles or facial recognition, as well as smart home capabilities like routine-driven lights or Wi-Fi-controlled air conditioning. Many fixtures in an apartment, from blinds to air conditioning and lighting, can be controlled remotely via an app, whether at home or not.

This enhances both the functionality and security of living in these buildings.

Developers creating large towers or masterplanned communities in particular understand they're not just building homes, but fostering a community. They&nbsp;go as far as offering a mobile phone application, which, depending on the project, can be used to reserve any of the bookable facilities, request concierge services, or see what community events are taking place.

<h2>Facilities</h2>

One of the biggest differences between apartment buildings from the 1960s and those of today is the level of facilities.

While the facilities offered vary depending on the size of the apartment building, developers dedicate significant resources and floorspace to ensure that residents are well-catered for within the building.

At a minimum, developers allocate large portions of the site for walkable gardens, often landscaped by a professional. Smaller boutique buildings, which may not have a pool or gym, often feature rooftop communal spaces with barbecue facilities and alfresco dining areas.

Larger skyscraper towers go all out with luxury facilities. It's no longer enough to have just a pool and a basic gym. Now, towers are offering facilities that rival those of high-end hotels.

Lap pools, accompanying spas, and daybeds are now standard. Gyms are often replaced with wellness centres that include saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, and rooms reserved for classes or yoga.

Private dining spaces with large communal kitchens have become common, and many developers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast orient these facilities on the rooftop to take advantage of the warmer climate.

In recent years, some towers have even included golf simulators, cinemas, and karaoke rooms. The majority now feature co-working spaces. Buildings with a prominent street presence often include a ground-level café, while those on larger sites may offer multiple hospitality and retail venues at street level, along with office spaces on the lower floors.

Parking is also becoming more innovative, with license plate recognition systems that sometimes eliminate the need for key fobs.

<h2>Location</h2>

The location of new developments tends to be more strategically selected than older buildings.

Developers nowadays ensure their sites are close to major transport links or local amenities like parks, beaches, and shopping areas. Buyers are less willing to compromise on location when they’re paying more than ever before for a new apartment.

<h2>The fact it's brand new</h2>

Much like the customisation reason, the fact that the apartment is brand new is a huge selling point.

There’s no need to upgrade any fixtures or fittings once the apartment is complete. New apartments feature top-of-the-line appliances, typically from brands like SMEG or BOSCH, with some luxury apartments offering Gaggenau appliances.

Additionally, improvements in flooring materials, like engineered timber and stone benchtops, provide durability and a modern finish that is resistant to wear and tear.

<h2>Financial benefits</h2>

Buying off the plan comes with several financial advantages, including potential stamp duty savings in certain states, which can significantly reduce costs on completion.

Additionally, the staggered payment structure in the off the plan market allows buyers to secure a property at today’s prices while saving for settlement during the construction period.

Generally, buyers pay 10 percent upon going unconditional on the contract, with the remaining 10 percent due on completion. Many developers, however, offer flexible deposit terms, which could be as low as five percent.

The deposit is placed in a protected trust account by the developer, ensuring that the money is safe and untouched, while also generating interest during this time. That interest is handed to the buyer upon completion.

Eight reasons why people buy an off the plan apartment

It was 1988 the last time the Brisbane unit market saw a growth rate of over 16 per cent in a calendar year.

2024 has just broken that 36-year record, according to data commissioned by property data analytics firm CoreLogic shows. The&nbsp;0.8 per cent gain in unit values in December pushed the annual growth rate of units in the Queensland capital to 16.6 per cent, far outperfoming the unit markets in Sydney and Melbourne.

The unit market in Brisbane is proving to be more resilient than other capital cities, albeit the 0.8 per cent growth in December is down from the highs of around two per cent per month in the middle of the year.

The median apartment value in Brisbane now sits at $680,000, having started the year at $568,000.

Annual growth in the unit market in Brisbane far surpassed houses. Houses in Brisbane rose 10.2 per cent over the year, with values in December growing at half the pace of units (0.4 per cent).

CoreLogic's National Home Value Index saw a decline for the first time in two years. CoreLogic Research Director, Tim Lawless, said the decline in values is no surprise.

“This result represents the housing market catching up with the reality of market dynamics,” Lawless said.

“Growth in housing values has been consistently weakening through the second half of the year, as affordability constraints weighed on buyer demand and advertised supply levels trended higher.”

<h2>What happened in Brisbane’s off the plan apartment market in December?</h2>

December is traditionally a quiet month in the new apartment market. There were some notable movements however, the biggest in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a> where&nbsp;Heidelberg Materials Australia submitted plans for a multi-tower precinct on a 1.3-hectare site along the riverfront.&nbsp;

The proposal is for three 50-level residential towers with 620 apartments, a food and beverage plaza, and a 5,400 sqm public park.&nbsp;

<img alt="Multi-tower precinct planned for South Brisbane riverfront" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%2012.29.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=KDcTWEPBQ4btDYLGCkMi94uoT_uaeu.u" />

This ambitious project reflects the ongoing transformation of the Kurilpa Precinct, where new planning policies encourage greater density and sustainability benchmarks.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/multi-tower-precinct-planned-for-south-brisbane-riverfront">Multi-tower precinct planned for South Brisbane riverfront</a>

Developer <a href="/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> also filed for a new development, another one in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/new-farm-qld-4005">New Farm</a>&nbsp;where they've recently delivered <a href="/buildings/chalk-by-graya-228-230-moray-street-new-farm">Chalk</a> and <a href="/new-apartments/york-new-farm-299-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">York</a>.

They've submitted plans for&nbsp;Ivory New Farm, just four apartments at&nbsp;17 Julius Street. The Julius Street site spans 688 sqm and has 32-metre frontage to the river. It was bought by the Gray family for $8.5 million in late 2022&nbsp;from developer Tom Dooley, who had approved plans for a luxury four-level home.

It was reported that a home at that scale, on that rare of a site, would be worth around $20 million. A mid-1990s home sits on the block currently.

<img alt="First look: GRAYA files plans for Ivory New Farm apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202024-12-11%20at%201.46.45%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=55h24WR43SLDbAokm7Fq2LaoiLc15QVu" />

Popular Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/mosaic-property-group" target="">Mosaic Property Group</a> achieved a landmark pre-sales result at <a href="/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a>&nbsp;in <a href="/developments/kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Kangaroo Point</a>, securing $210 million in sales within two weeks.&nbsp;

Positioned on a long-vacant site, The Bedford will deliver 128 apartments and the area’s first full-service supermarket, addressing a critical gap in local amenities.&nbsp;Mosaic’s in-house construction arm is set to commence building in 2025.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/qld/mosaic-secure-210m-in-pre-sales-at-the-bedford-by-mosaic-in-kangaroo-point">Mosaic secure $210m in pre-sales at The Bedford by Mosaic in Kangaroo Point</a>

The median apartment value in Brisbane now sits at $680,000, having started the year at $568,000

City Beat December 2024: Brisbane unit market surges to highest annual growth since 1988

It was just last month that construction materials provider Hanson Australia rebranded to&nbsp;Heidelberg Materials Australia, in line with a global rebrand of the company.

A few weeks later, Heidelberg has submitted plans for a landmark riverside community in South Brisbane.

Heidelberg Materials Australia has had global design firm fjcstudio draw up plans for the 1.3-hectare precinct that will comprise three 50-level residential buildings with 620 apartments, a food and beverage plaza, and a 5,400 sqm public park.

<img alt="Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="665cbb01-1e81-4803-840d-c99d27240107" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%202.29.00%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=BqRWokUw5YXxlNR4uh6UKutIWLXlJn3a" />

Fjcstudio says the eastern and southern towers respond to the Brisbane landscape with a subtle earthy tone facade, while the western tower, providing more premium views, features a largely glazed facade and white cladding.

Of the 620 apartments, only 15 per cent (96) will be one-beds. 122 two-bedroom apartments have been pitched, while 372 of the apartments, 60 per cent, will have three or more bedrooms.

The documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council suggest the&nbsp;prestigious development at the intersection of Nott Street and Hoskings Street "celebrates the area’s rich industrial heritage, seamlessly blending it with the vibrancy of an emerging inner-city lifestyle and the allure of a subtropical climate."

<img alt="Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea9c0d51-619e-421b-aa35-4b565a3930b2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%202.25.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=0f55SIn5elGITBU_SBmUsc1mTG0.bZ1w" />

Conversations about the development have been ongoing for 12 months prior to the recent submission. They focused on the&nbsp;riverfront parkland proposed dedication, proposed embellishments associated with the proposed park, parking location, and the built form of the tower, including setbacks and separation between the towers.

Each tower will have a rooftop communal level with outdoor terraces and alfresco spaces, as well as another level further down the building with a swimming pool and other facilities.

Urbis said in the town planning report that South Brisbane, and specifically the Kurilpa Precinct, is undergoing significant change in response to Brisbane’s demand for housing supply, affordability, and diversity in the inner-city areas.

"The current external circumstances have resulted in changes in policy including the adoption of the recently gazetted Kurilpa Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) Amendment No 1, which provides for greater density, building height and reduced car parking requirements where design and sustainability benchmarks can be delivered.

"The proposal comprises of an integrated, subtropical, high-density mixed-use development, which capitalises on the site’s location within the Kurilpa TLPI."

<img alt="Brisbane" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5646ca90-3f9c-439a-8724-51879f31e569" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-23%20at%202.26.01%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=PjllO59Mho0BU9OcxMbYerQ7L3OHr8PQ" />

Urbis said the proposal "goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for a development of this scale in Brisbane."

"This level of community and public benefit are made possible through the additional density allowed for by the TLPI and is more than justified through its suburban, precinct and site-level context. This unique offering of a high-quality, high-density residential product will become an important landmark in South Brisbane and will set the benchmark for development in the region moving forward."

Currently on the site are industrial and warehouse buildings which have been owned and operated by Hanson.

Urbis said the proposal "goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for a development of this scale in Brisbane."

Multi-tower precinct planned for South Brisbane riverfront

First home buyers in Victoria and Queensland are increasingly willing to stretch their budgets, surpassing spending trends seen in New South Wales.

While affordability remains a key consideration, data from November and December reveals a growing willingness among first-time buyers in these states to invest more in their first property.

In contrast, in New South Wales, where <a href="/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> is consistently ranked among the least affordable cities globally, first home buyers are primarily focused on apartments priced between $600,000 and $1 million.

<a href="/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, above the Crows Nest Metro station, has attracted significant demand for its one-bedroom apartments that are priced just under $970,000, while the completed apartments in <a href="/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">The Grand</a> Eastlakes offer an attractive entry at $745,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7652 project_image_fid=291042]

First home buyers in Queensland, mainly Brisbane and the Gold Coast, are increasingly willing to spend over $1 million, particularly for larger homes or apartments in sought-after suburbs.

A prime example is <a href="/new-apartments/citrine-townhomes-rochedale-311-gardner-road-rochedale">Citrine</a>&nbsp;in <a href="/developments/rochedale-qld-4123">Rochedale</a>, where buyers can secure three or four-bedroom townhouses priced between $1 million and $1.5 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295 project_image_fid=273135]

In the hot Gold Coast new apartment market, buyers are also willing to exceed the $1 million mark, as seen at <a href="/new-apartments/flourish-on-sixth-ave-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach">Flourish on Sixth</a>, the newly released development by Sherpa in Palm Beach.

This development offers some of the most affordable apartments the area has seen in years.

One-bedroom apartments initially listed under $600,000 sold quickly, while two-bedroom units, previously priced in the mid-$800,000s, are now listed just above $1 million — still offering incredible value in one of the Gold Coast's most desirable suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306036]

In Victoria, while entry-level apartments remain more affordable compared to Queensland and New South Wales, first-home buyers are still opting to spend more for better properties.

The most popular price range for first-time buyers in Victoria is $400,000 to $1 million, but, similar to Queensland, many are willing to stretch their budgets for more desirable options.

<a href="/new-apartments/kindred-mentone-25-brindisi-street-mentone">Kindred Mentone</a>, with its architecturally striking townhouses south of Bayside, has been a standout choice for many first home buyers in this price range.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138768 project_image_fid=214857]

Another popular project in recent months is New Johnston in <a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a>, which offers a range of apartments in the $400,000 to $1 million bracket.

Located at 398-400 Johnston Street, near Victoria Park Station, this development consists of 58 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across nine levels, with ground-floor retail spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110322 project_image_fid=259899]

<a href="/new-apartments/new-johnston-abbotsford-400-johnston-street-abbotsford-vic-3067">New Johnston</a>, currently under construction by Valeo Constructions, is expected to be completed by late 2025.

First home buyers prepared to spend more in VIC, QLD, than in NSW

Downsizers and rightsizers have dominated the new and off the plan apartment market in 2024.

The two camps, downsizers in particular, are the least impacted by the continued high interest rates compared to a first home buyer or investor, positioning them as a key target for developers. Most of the new apartment developments that have come to the market in 2024 have been large apartments that suit the size and budgets of a downsizer.

Many downsizers have built significant equity in their family homes over the years and are now looking to move into more manageable living spaces, while also securing funds for retirement.

But where are downsizers and rightsizers looking to buy?&nbsp;

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Brisbane&nbsp;for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas.

<h2>Stones Corner</h2>

<a href="/developments/stones-corner-qld-4120">Stones Corner</a>&nbsp;was only officially recognised as a suburb in 2017, having previously just been classed as a precinct in Greenslopes.

Since then the suburb has become popular among downsizers and rightsizers, with close proximity to the Brisbane CBD but a suburban feel to the suburb. The fully rejuvenated Hanlon Park, voted one of the best parks in Australia, has also been a major drawcard, as has the broader infrastructure boom geared around the neighbouring Woolloongabba due to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Taking advantage of the Stones Corner boom is longtime Brisbane developer <a href="/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>, who are developing <a href="/new-apartments/stonebrook-stones-corner-10-flora-street-stones-corner">Stonebrook</a>, a nine-level, owner-occupier focused tower on the fringe of Hanlon Park.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114094 project_image_fid=223427]

The builder-developer, who is focusing on two, three and four-bedroom apartments in the building, is on track for an early 2025 completion of the development which will give its residents direct access to Hanlon Park, lined with walking and riding tracks and a natural waterway.

Stonebrook will be a short four-minute walk from Stones Corner Village which is set to be transformed by Stockwell into a thriving mixed-use village with a new retail and dining precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114094 project_image_fid=249477]

Demand in Stones Corner is expected to continue through 2025 with the likes&nbsp;<a href="/developers/huon-property-group">Huon Property Group</a> wanting to launch their 114-apartment, Cleveland Street development, while up the road Peter Gartshore's Idec Group also have approved plans for a two-tower development with 226 apartments.

<h2>Arana Hills</h2>

Outside of the city in Moreton Bay,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/arana-hills-qld-4054">Arana Hills</a> has proven popular among families, generally the rightsizer demographic, due to its family-friendly community, schooling, abundant parklands, relative affordability, and just 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD.

Developer&nbsp;<a href="/developers/jam-group">JAM Group</a>&nbsp;saw a gap in the market, a market which rarely sees new development, particularly in the townhouse community space.

The vertically-integrated builder-developer is crafting <a href="/new-apartments/nuovo-arana-hills-23-leslie-street-arana-hills">Nuovo</a>, 80 freehold townhouses on Leslie Street, near&nbsp;conservation parks and the Arana Hills Plaza.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141590 project_image_fid=226629]

Nuovo, meaning "new" and "fresh" in Italian, has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/ceccato-associates">Ceccato + Architects</a>&nbsp;to offer the privacy and individuality of a freestanding home, but without the upkeep.

Each townhouse is a separate dwelling with a freehold title, meaning no shared walls.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141590 project_image_fid=226631]

Construction of Nuovo is underway, with completion of the second and final stage slated for late 2026.

<h2>Rochedale</h2>

Known for its expansive green spaces and luxury houses, <a href="/developments/rochedale-qld-4123">Rochedale</a>&nbsp;has become a highly sought-after suburb for those looking to downsize.

Where previously opportunities to downsize locally were scant, townhouse developers have descended on the area south of Brisbane to offer a realistic option for those wanting to stay in the area but not in a large family home.

Its excellent connectivity to key employment hubs and the Brisbane CBD, along with the ongoing development of premium amenities, positions it as a top choice for individuals and families seeking a semi-rural feel with all the benefits of modern suburban living.

Rightsizers and downsizers have jumped at what national developer <a href="/developers/metro-property-group">Metro Property</a> is putting together in the heart of Rochedale.

Their new development, Citrine, is already 60 per cent sold ahead of its construction completion in mid-2025.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295 project_image_fid=273135]

<a href="/new-apartments/citrine-townhomes-rochedale-311-gardner-road-rochedale">Citrine</a>&nbsp;will comprise 90 three and four-bedroom townhomes, each either two or three levels, set in a community anchored by a central community area with a&nbsp;resort-style pool and barbecue and dining facilities.

Future upgrades to Rochedale Town Centre promise an even greater array of amenities for residents of Citrine, including a new supermarket, additional retail and dining options, and improved pedestrian access.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136295 project_image_fid=273134]

More development to uplift Rochedale even further is on its way. Developer <a href="/developers/kinstone-group">Kinstone Group</a> has plans for a $380 million mixed-use, masterplanned community with new housing, expansive green spaces, retail, and a boutique hotel and tavern.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kinstone plot $380 million Rochedale precinct, Rochedale Terrace" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Rochedale%20Terrace%20-%20R03%20-%20V02.jpg?VersionId=pL6nB0WXHxCrFKMjuVMmwKnPihnKzrqo" />

It has been envisioned as a ‘new community heart’ for the suburb, linking a large new parkland with existing green space to create a walkable corridor that integrates recreation, retail, and residential—where retiree-downsizers can enjoy an active lifestyle with easy access to amenities and social opportunities.

<h2>Chermside</h2>

Gardner Vaughan Group again were one of the first developers to take a really good look at&nbsp;<a href="/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, which has earned a&nbsp;reputation as Brisbane’s “mini CBD,” offering unmatched convenience and connectivity.

Home to Westfield Chermside, one of Australia’s largest shopping centres, extensive parklands, and with excellent transport links and proximity to employment and education hubs, Chermside is one of the most popular suburbs for downsizers and rightsizers.

Supply for this market had been limited, before Gardner Vaughan Group revealed <a href="/new-apartments/estilo-on-the-park-chermside-81-kittyhawk-drive-chermside">Estilo on the Park</a>, its three-stage development across the road from 7th Brigade Park, pitched as the very lark parkside location in Chermside.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100682 project_image_fid=186912]

Two of the three towers, Lujosa and Belleza, are both sold out, and the final stage Esencia, has just a handful of apartments remaining, ahead of its completion in early 2025.

Over 95 per cent of enquiry on Apartments.com.au for Estilo on the Park has come from owner-occupiers since the project launched in 2024. More recently, as the two-bedrooms were snapped up, the next home buyers has emerged as the most dominant buyer demographic for the three and four-bedroom apartments that range from 182 sqm to 280 sqm, some of the largest apartments ever produced in the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100682 project_image_fid=186903]

Estilo Residents will also have access to a rooftop terrace with indoor and outdoor dining, in addition to several relaxation zones, a central outdoor pool, and landscaped gardens.

<h2>Milton</h2>

<a href="/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a> has transformed in recent years into a lively and dynamic suburb, appealing to foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and city commuters with a new tranche of&nbsp;eateries and, breweries emerging in recent years.

Excellent transport links and pedestrian-friendly streets make Milton an easy and convenient place to call home, ensuring its appeal for those looking to downsize without leaving the energy of the city behind.

<a href="/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda</a>&nbsp;Property Group has been one of the most active developers in Milton in recent years. Their <a href="/new-apartments/ruby-ruby-milton-12-crombie-street-milton">Ruby Ruby</a> development is one of just a handful of true tower developments to have launched in the last 18 months, and with that came unprecedented demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139032 project_image_fid=232275]

Over 80 per cent of the apartments within the Crombie Street tower have sold, prompting Kokoda to add a further four levels to the building, resulting in 34 more apartments.

Amenities on offer include a rooftop infinity pool, thoughtfully landscaped BBQ areas and deck, floating daybeds, cabanas, a fire pit, private dining and bar space, a private cinema lounge, billiards room, versatile meeting rooms and a dog wash facility.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139032 project_image_fid=231171]

Prior to Ruby Ruby, Kokoda completed <a href="/buildings/the-ambrose-19-23-mcdougall-street-milton">The Ambrose</a>, which has just one penthouse left since its recent completion. The Ambrose has 174 apartments above two retail spaces.

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director Mark Stevens said demand far outweighs supply for new apartments within Milton and its surrounds.

In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Brisbane for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas.



The most popular Brisbane suburbs for downsizers and rightsizers in 2025

Mosaic Property Group has sold $210 million worth of apartments within the first two weeks of its new Kangaroo Point apartment development, <a href="/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a> by <a href="/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a>.

The pre-sale result&nbsp;is&nbsp;Mosaic's strongest early Brisbane response ever, coming ahead of its scheduled public launch in January 2025.

<a href="/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a>, earmarked for a 3,195 sqm site at 25 Ferry Street that has been vacant for three decades, attracted more than 600 expressions of interest in a few weeks.&nbsp;

Mosaic Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan noted the high anticipation surrounding the undertaking, set to become the first major development in the area in over a decade, with the bulk of sales coming from the Company’s database.&nbsp;

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db451ca6-af42-4f6c-b693-ef9bc317650f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Building%20NW%20Corner_Dusk.jpg?VersionId=nb083lLOUBqx3kHfXbm9liAyqKY_jpb." /> 
&nbsp; 
"The intense interest generated with minimal advertising speaks to the iconic nature of this development and its exceptional location," Monahan said.

"It also underscores the deep trust and confidence buyers place in the Mosaic brand and ability to deliver with consistency and quality."

Monahan says the Bedford introduces the peninsula’s first full-service supermarket alongside expansive luxury residences.

"With its timeless architectural design, it sets a new benchmark for inner-city living, seamlessly blending convenience and sophistication in one of Brisbane’s most cherished locations.”

Located in the Dockside precinct, The Bedford comprises 128 two and three-bedroom apartments across 17 levels.

Residents will enjoy sweeping city and river views, world-class amenities tailored to contemporary urban living, and easy access to Brisbane's riverside walks, parklands, and the CBD.

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic - living and dining area" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc3f1017-3a07-4342-bd3c-2e8704240b8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SPH%20Living_Dining_Balcony.jpg?VersionId=MTIhfls3U1TZQk83mTKmxy37bBfB2heV" />

Following acquiring the site from Woolworths, Mosaic collaborated with Gold Coast-based architecture firm <a href="/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a> to enhance the original Cottee Parker scheme.

The development will feature a 2,236 sqm Woolworths supermarket, accompanied by a café, liquor store, and ample basement parking—addressing a long-standing demand for essential amenities and convenience in the area.

&nbsp;

Solidifying its reputation as one of the region's most prolific developers, Mosaic has successfully delivered over 65 projects since 2012, with a combined value exceeding $2 billion, and has an additional $2 billion in projects either under construction or in the immediate pipeline. Currently, Mosaic is progressing three other sold-out addresses in Brisbane, all on track for completion in 2025.

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic - kitchen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5d085e3-f413-465f-865a-427a7d042efa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SPH%20Kitchen.jpg?VersionId=vKtm2TMBPDu_e7sOHwY1lX2J.wBbTVsH" />

Mosaic’s in-house construction arm, now ranked among the top-tier builders in Australia, will undertake The Bedford’s build.

Mosaic Construction recently earned a triple ISO certification in Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety Management, cementing its reputation as a builder that meets the industry’s highest standards of quality, sustainability and safety.

Mosaic is gearing up for the official sales release of The Bedford, with prices starting from $1.3 million. Early construction is set to commence in 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134792]

Mosaic is gearing up for the official sales release of The Bedford, with prices starting from $1.3 million

Brisbane off the plan apartments

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Brisbane off the plan apartments

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News