Castle Hill’s booming development market is set for another boost, with builder-developer Buildex proposing a new mid-rise apartment building near Castle Towers.

Buildex has submitted plans to The Hills Shire Council for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/197-old-northern-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">nine-storey building comprising 57 apartments</a> on Old Northern Road. The company acquired two adjoining sites earlier this year, totalling more than 2,683 sqm.

Texco Design has prepared the scheme, which includes five one-bed plus study apartments, 37 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms.

Castle Hill has become a hotspot for developers in recent years, undergoing significant transformation driven by the opening of the Hills Showground Precinct to development and the introduction of two metro stations servicing the suburb.

Developers including Deicorp and Kassis Homes have already completed projects, and are progressing future developments, while Meriton, Arada, and Ellipse are currently delivering new projects in the rapidly evolving area.

Staff Writer

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a>&nbsp;has unveiled what it intends to deliver at its recently acquired Toowong site, its debut apartment development in Brisbane.

Immerse, founded by John Kearney who is also the founder of regarded construction company Greyburn, secured the prime Sylvan Road site <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-moves-into-brisbane-apartment-market-with-toowong-site-acquisition">earlier this year</a>, in an area which has historical significance to Kearney who&nbsp;studied at the nearby University of Queensland.

"It feels like a full circle moment," Kearney told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/" target="">Apartments.com.au</a>.&nbsp;

“I spent many nights at the Regatta Hotel just down the road, as have most people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld" target="">Brisbane</a>. It’s one of the city’s most well-known hotels, and with several cafes, restaurants, and a CityCat stop nearby, it’s become an even more attractive place to live.”

He is planning a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/22-24-sylvan-road-toowong-qld-4066">15-storey project with 88 apartments</a> above an activated ground plane with a shop and hospitality spaces.

<img alt="Toowong podium" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c350436b-9d64-46cc-ab6f-defc009e1b65" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_0.png?VersionId=zt7A0_14M62TkZ61YHnGmEck9KM9HqDA" />

The architecture, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, presents a tower massing that responds to the area's evolving mid-rise context. The scheme incorporates podium and rooftop communal spaces, while the commercial elements aim to activate the Sylvan Road frontage and enhance the site's interface with the adjacent parkland.&nbsp;

Landscaping plans by Ivy May Landscape Architects include subtropical planting and deep soil zones to support stormwater management and visual integration.

Supporting documentation from Mewing Planning Consultants notes that "the proposed development will deliver a mixed-use outcome that enhances the vibrancy of the Sylvan Road corridor" and highlights its proximity to high-frequency public transport and community facilities.

<img alt="First look: Immerse Projects moves into Brisbane apartment market with Toowong site acquisition" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/22-24%20Sylvan%20%20Rd%20Toowong_Markups.jpg?VersionId=u4_IGzpYLPFfAZSsgCZynov3bm7umwJ." />

&nbsp;

There's been little new apartment development in Toowong in recent years. The most notable is Consolidated Properties two-tower Monarch Residences, which is approaching completion with nearly all of its 224 residences sold.

Kearney describes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066" target="">Toowong</a>&nbsp;as a suburb with real depth.

"The suburb attracts everyone, from students to retirees, and that's what makes it interesting."

Joel Robinson

First look: Immerse Projects reveals debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is down to its final three-bedroom apartments at Audrey, the developer’s parkside St Leonards South project, pairing the remaining homes with a limited-time offer.

The developer is extending a five per cent deposit and a $50,000 settlement rebate on selected apartments, aiming to help owner-occupiers secure one of the final homes ahead of move-in in early 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=311393]

Located on Canb​erra Avenue opposite Newlands Park, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/audrey-st-leonards-13-19-canberra-avenue-st-leonards-nsw-2065">Audrey</a> comprises 102 residences, including a mix of three-bedroom residences and a double-storey, five-bedroom terrace with two outdoor areas.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/north-shore-property-construction">North Shore Property Construction</a>, the project reflects Hyecorp’s focus on owner-occupier planning, with open-plan layouts, extensive storage integration, and a material palette built around stone, oak timber flooring and bespoke joinery. Many of the three-bedroom apartments capture views toward the city and Harbour Bridge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=207373]

Hyecorp’s internal design team, Jackson Teece, has emphasised a consistent level of specification across the building, including Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, brushed metal tapware and large-format stone detailing that conceals cabinetry.

The Tiffany Collection, crowning the development on Levels 12 to 15, features added luxury of fluted standalone baths, heated bathroom floors, custom walk-in robes and upgraded appliance packages across its spacious 155 to 159 sqm homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=301367]

Beyond the private residences, Audrey carries a strong amenity focus. Residents have access to an indoor lap pool and spa, personal training studio, private cinema, music room and private dining room.

A landscaped rooftop terrace with CBD views anchors the communal offering, complemented by an onsite café and an integrated daycare centre within the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110379 project_image_fid=198680]

The location continues to be a drawcard for buyers, with new retail additions at Mall 88, including Coles, alongside Woolworths and the established offerings of Forum Plaza. St Leonards Station and Crows Nest Metro is within easy reach, as are local health precincts such as the Royal North Shore Public and Private Hospitals. Nearby green spaces include Newlands Park, Gore Hill Oval and Naremburn Park, supporting strong day-to-day amenity for families and downsizers alike.

Hyecorp is expected to welcome residents to Hyecorp in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=110379]

Audrey St Leonards nears completion – settlement bonus now available

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a>&nbsp;has been given the green light to develop its flagship mixed-use project in the Crows Nest metro precinct.

The NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority approved the 40-storey tower, aligning with the NSW Government's Transport Oriented Development (TOD) agenda to deliver more homes in highly connected, high amenity locations.

The $600 million tower, at 378-398 Pacific Highway, will comprise 178 apartments with resident amenities, two levels of commercial offices, and a curated retail offering. Freecity will also dedicate a 10 percent Affordable Housing Contribution, supporting the Governments broader housing objectives.

<img alt="Freecity Crows Nest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4de9b03b-e8aa-4929-b3f1-6747acbe6b73" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20Crows%20Nest%20Project.jpg?VersionId=oWwFWxGj_oUFEYX4j_qRFdSzcShLw3DG" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the tower will offer a diverse residential mix, from one-bedroom homes to expansive four-bedroom penthouses, all crafted to maximise light, views and liveability.

Lawrence Zheng, Co-Founder and Joint CEO of Freecity Group, said the approval represents a significant step forward for both Crows Nest and Freecity.

"We are proud to be delivering a landmark project that brings new homes, new amenity and new economic activity to one of Sydney’s most strategically connected locations,"&nbsp;Zheng said.

"With our $6 billion pipeline of 12 mixed-use projects, this development reinforces Freecity’s commitment to helping deliver the housing supply and transport-integrated precincts the Government is championing.”

Michael Romano, Executive Director of Development, said the companies focus is on "creating places that genuinely enhance how people live day to day - communities that balance accessibility, amenity and neighbourhood vibrancy.”

“This project reflects the future of urban living - design led, highly liveable and seamlessly connected to the city’s major transport, employment and education hubs. Being directly opposite the Crows Nest Metro means residents can access the best of Sydney with unrivalled convenience."

&nbsp;

Freecity secures approval for Crows Nest metro precinct tower

The Bedford by Mosaic marks the culmination of a near-decade journey for South East Queensland’s most active developer.

Mosaic Founder and CEO, Brook Monahan, said the company first identified the prime Prospect Street, Kangaroo Point site in 2016 as an A-grade opportunity they were eager to secure. They almost bought it at the time, before it was ultimately acquired by Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot.

The opportunity resurfaced late last year when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was offered for sale again.

Backed by years of history, feasibility research, and detailed product planning for the 3,195 sqm corner site, Mosaic was able to move swiftly. The Bedford by Mosaic is now proving a clear market success, unsurprising given the depth of work the developer had undertaken on the location and potential density mix well before they owned the land.

Active across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and with a development pipeline more than $2 billion, Mosaic has already sold 90 per cent of apartments in what has become the area’s most significant residential addition in more than a decade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

Designed by BDA Architecture, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom apartments, including the Masterpiece Series Skyhomes across the top two levels. These residences offer the largest floorplans and the best views over the river and city. Premium inclusions—such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature in every apartment, not just the top-tier offerings.

A defining feature of The Bedford is its integrated mixed-use component, set to deliver Kangaroo Point’s first Woolworths supermarket, along with a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=355673]

Residents will also enjoy one of Brisbane’s most comprehensive amenity collections. Dubbed the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace, the wellness-focused spaces include a resort-style pool with sun deck, an indoor/outdoor gym, spa, sauna, steam room and cold plunge.

Additional amenities include a residents’ lounge and relaxation zones, a private dining room with kitchen, barbecue areas, landscaped gardens, an outdoor viewing deck capturing city and river views, and a bookable golf simulator.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=355681]

The remaining residences at The Bedford span the upper levels of the building and include two- and three-bedroom floorplans, which start from $1,645,000.

Mosaic's in-house building arm has already commenced construction on The Bedford. They estimate a late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328121]

Monahan notes that Mosaic’s most successful projects often begin years before the first plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, initially making it onto their radar in 2018.

“We aren’t opportunistic,” Monahan says. “Every site purchase is well considered and thought out. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we are looking at now that we might not secure for several years.”

Mosaic is set to launch its new South Brisbane project&nbsp;in the next year, while its latest Gold Coast development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/josephine-by-mosaic-166-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Josephine</a>, is coming soon to Burleigh Heads.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134792]

A decade in the making: Mosaic's long-awaited success story at The Bedford, Kangaroo Point

Cheapest

There&#39;s a lot going for the South East Queensland property market, well before the announcement of the 2032 Olympics.

Queensland&#39;s handling of COVID has seen a number of southern state dwellers move north, buying apartments from Brisbane up to the Sunshine Coast.

There&#39;s expected to be further demand in 2022, when international travel opens up and local and international investors get back in to the market.

There was a 20 per cent rise in of new loan commitments by investors in Queensland in the 12 months to March 2021.

Urban has had a look at the best buys across South East Queensland, all under $495,000.

1. Estilo on Kittyhawk 
Address: 91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside QLD 4032 
One-Bedroom apartments&nbsp;from&nbsp;$299,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6668 project_image_fid=153835]

Apartments in Estilo on Kittyhawk, the second tower in the three building development in Chermside, north of Brisbane and developed&nbsp;by Gardner Vaughan Group, have been released.

The first tower in the project has finished construction and is sold out.

The family-ran developer are luring investors to the second tower with a $25,000 developer grant, as long as the purchasers pay a $25,000 deposit.

Situated right on Marchant Park, Estilo on Kittyhawk sits across the road from Westfield&#39;s premier shopping centre and is just over 10 minutes from the airport.

2. The Mill 
137 Eugaree Street, Southport QLD 4215 
One-bedroom apartments from $485,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7435 project_image_fid=153965]

The Mill presents a collection of 27 spacious apartments, thoughtfully designed to appeal to those who value quality, luxury, space and design.

Developed by PSA Group and designed by BDA Architecture, don&#39;t miss the opportunity to live a life of opulence surrounded by everything you need right at your doorstep.&nbsp;

Queen Street Village, a $550 million integrated masterplanned community is already taking shape and once complete will be within walking distance. It will feature an urban village with retail, dining and entertainment, as well as commercial office space, a medical centre and cinema.

3.&nbsp;Regal Residences Imperial Square 
Address:59-73 Meron Street,&nbsp;Southport QLD&nbsp;4215 
One-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$364,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29350 project_image_fid=154910]

Gold Coast developer Azzura have fast-tracked construction of Regal Residences, the first stage in their $2.3 billion Imperial Square development in Southport.

Also featuring 200 hotel suites, local construction company Descon Group Australia is on the job.

Already around half of the 145 apartments in Regal Residences have sold, with Azzura&#39;s sales director Jason Paris pinning the strong sales on the pent-up demand for new product in the city&rsquo;s CBD hub.

Regal Residences will also include a range of commercial spaces on completion, rooftop bars, and amenities such as rooftop infinity pool, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, spas, zen garden, BBQ and a residents lounge.

4.The Coterie 
Address:&nbsp;365 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 
One-bedroom apartments from&nbsp;$383,880

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6257 project_image_fid=141425]

Vicland Property Group&rsquo;s two breathtaking apartment buildings at Fortitude Valley offers a modern-day sanctuary in an energised urban village.

A prestigious collaboration by&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bruce Henderson&nbsp;Architects delivers residents a range of versatile, open-plan designs and luxury lifestyle offerings.

Preserving the history of the site, the Coterie integrates an original heritage bakery fa&ccedil;ade and feature a ground-level retail presence.

Residents will also have access to crafted social spaces that come together as two indulgent rooftop retreats, featuring an alfresco dining pavilion, rooftop pool, garden lounge seating and sun decks.

5. Ocean 
Address: &lrm;84 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217 
One-bedroom apartments from $425,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7974 project_image_fid=72337]

The Meriton-developed Ocean at Surfers Paradise will soon be the tallest high-rise in the area, standing at 252 metres and 76 levels, therefore there will be a number of the higher apartments which look down on every building in the popular Gold Coast tourist hotspot.

Each of the SJB-designed apartments are complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, made to take full advantage of its iconic beachfront views.

Properties are available in a selection of one, two or three-bedroom apartment configurations, with one beds starting from $425,000. Prices over the last six months have ranged from $450,000 to $1.4 million.

<a href="/developments/gold-coast-qld?source_news_article_id=102343&amp;ref=news_body_link" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gold_coasttile_6.png" style="width: 1200px; height: 797px;" /></a>

The entry level apartments in the Queensland market are the next wave to be snapped up, as investors continue to come back in to the market 

jordan_55689

Five properties you can buy in Queensland under $495,000

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
As Australian house hunters wade through the economic uncertainties brought on by COVID-19, it seems many are hoping to stumble upon a bargain.
We are yet to see any dramatic shift in house prices despite some economists predicting increases as well as major price falls – some even say the falls are already occurring.
Nevertheless, house hunters appear to be preparing to strike when the iron is hot, which is evidenced in very high levels of buyer search activity on realestate.com.au during the health crisis.
They might get what they’re hoping for in spring when financial supports from the Federal Government and the banks – which are largely keeping the property market afloat – grind to a halt.
Characteristics Australians look for in properties under $400K
The average property seeker on realestate.com.au shows a strong preference for a house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car parks.
For those looking at cheaper homes – under $400K – houses are still preferred, but the greater availability of cheaper apartments means many will end up looking at apartments. Preferences for cheaper houses are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one car park.
Perhaps the only consistency between both buyer types is air conditioning and secure parking, with these features being the most popular for both.
Beyond that, regular buyers show a much stronger preference for a swimming pool while bargain hunters are satisfied with built-in-robes.
Most in-demand affordable suburbs and properties
Every city has affordable suburbs, but Adelaide and Hobart top the list for the most in demand. Rosewater in Adelaide, only 10km from the Adelaide CBD and containing some lovely period homes, is currently the most in-demand affordable suburb in Australia.
Coming in at number two is New Town in Hobart where it might not be possible to purchase a house for under $400,000, but you can certainly get a unit. Not a bad price for waterside living. 
<div class="flourish-embed flourish-table" data-src="visualisation/2595461?206536" data-url="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/2595461/embed"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/1/REA%20MAY%2031.JPG" alt=""></div>
If $400,000 is out of the budget, and rural living isn’t an issue, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-kadina-130477510" target="_blank">an ultra-cheap one bed, one bath, and one car is available in Kadina</a> – 150km from Adelaide – for $35,000. Marketed as unliveable and unsafe to walk through, the 950sqm of land may appeal.
NERIDA CONISBEE <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/author/nerida-conisbee/" target="_blank">is the chief economist for the REA Group</a>
</body></html>

nconisbee-4KnoX9XmtH

What bargain buyers want the most: REA's Nerida Conisbee

<html><body>
The cheapest median regional building lot price for the March quarter is in the southern region of Tasmania with a price of $82,500.
The Murray Lands region in South Australia followed with a median of $84,000 and East Gippsland in Victoria next with a median lot price of $88,000, according to the HIA-CoreLogic RP Data Residential Land Report
<a href="/images/2015/07/20/700_least.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/20/700_least.jpg" alt="">
For the top regional market lot prices in the March 2015 quarter, click <a href="/expert-insights/buying/northern-nsw-tops-regional-median-building-lot-prices-hia">here</a>.
</body></html>

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