IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Joel Robinson

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

House And Land

<html><body>
Five Squared Property Group has released the latest stage of its 475 lot master planned community in Doreen, Katandra Rise.
About 1,500 people are expected to live in Katandra Rise when it is completed. Ashley Lewis, the development and marketing manager at Five Squared Property Group, zoning changes as part of Plan Melbourne are expected to see an increase in development in the area.
Moving forward, it’s likely we’ll see more high density development in the area, so buyers are looking for the certainty that comes with a master planned community like Katandra Rise,” said Lewis.
Some of the City of Whittlesea, Doreen's local government area, has been converted to a Residential Growth Zone, allowing apartment and townhouse development, with building heights of over 13.5 metres.
According to Lewis, the group has seen a high volume of enquiries since community's latest sales stage, The Boulevard, launched earlier this month.
"Much of the interest has come from first and second homebuyers wanting an affordable white picket fence lifestyle and peace of mind knowing their home won’t be surrounded by apartments in ten years," he said.
He believes the level of interest indicates a strengthening market.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen buyers sit tight because of economic uncertainty, which meant it could take up to a year to sell each release. We’re extremely encouraged by the initial response we’ve had at this early stage and expect to sell out easily by Easter next year," said Lewis.
Katandra Rise features a new community garden, with 12 individual plots, one communal plot and a garden shed, managed by the development group in conjunction with Doreen Primary School.
“Community gardens are popping up across the city and providing a connection to nature and community that residents really value as space becomes increasingly tight,” said Lewis.
“Buyers to Katandra Rise love the idea of having access to the garden - it’s already playing a large role in helping to foster a strong community spirit.”
Six of the development's 37 hectares will be dedicated to open space, with bike paths, terraced play and picnic areas, and a playground.
Katandra Rise's fourth land release, The Boulevard comprises 22 home sites at the bottom of Katandra Rise hill. Elevated home lots range from 375 square metres to 603 square metres, with frontages ranging from 12.5 metres to 16 metres. Land is priced from $174,500 to $234,500. Construction on the stage will begin next week, with completion expected for December this year.
The development is located 500 metres from the Doreen Town Centre.
Click to open in new window.
<a href="/images/2014/07/30/0305769r02_FIVE_Katandra_Rise_Master_Plan_940px_x_555px.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/30/0305769r02_FIVE_Katandra_Rise_Master_Plan_940px_x_555px.jpg" alt=""></a>
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

New release from Doreen masterplan development

<html><body>
ASX-listed property developer Peet Limited has been focusing attention on Melbourne’s north and has officially launched its fourth residential community in the area.
This week, with the City of Hume and Melbourne Water, Peet officially launched the Roxburgh Park Arena. The development will be supported by major road works, recreation facilities and open space.
Within the development, $14 million has been allocated to construction a section of Aitken Boulevard, including a direct connection between Somerton Road to James Mirams Drive in <a href="/news">Roxburgh Park</a>.
A total $6.5 million is set for parts one and two of the 10-hectare district sports precinct in the Peet Arena community, while the City of Hume is pouring in $2.5 million for the facility.
Part one works begin next month, and will be completed in mid-2015.
Peet Limited managing director and CEO, Brendan Gore, said the company has committed to Melbourne’s northern corridor. Over the past six years, they have brought almost 1,000 home sites to the area in its Aston Craigieburn and Greenvale Lakes developments.
“Peet has more than 3,000 lots in the pipeline on a total of 200 hectares, across its active communities of Aston in Craigieburn, Aspect in Greenvale and Arena in Roxburgh Park,” said Gore.
“Across our portfolio in the City of Hume, Peet will account for an investment of more than $110 million in community infrastructure including 23 hectares of parks and playgrounds; and two neighbourhood activity centres.”
In the Roxburgh Park Arena, Woolworths has already been named the anchor tenant and the supermarket’s planning is underway.
In total, they expect this new community to include 500 new properties. They will then have three sites in the area – Aston Craigieburn, focusing on first home buyers, Arena Roxburgh Park, focusing on families and upgraders, and Aspect Greenvale, focusing on maturing families, upgraders and empty nesters.
“Providing the infrastructure to support and create robust communities is an important part of Peet’s expansion plans in Melbourne’s north,” he said.
“We have been working closely with government, and particularly the City of Hume, Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria, to ensure we meet the community’s needs and complement the strategic vision for the region.”
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Peet Limited’s Roxburgh Park Arena in Melbourne’s north launched

<html><body>
Forget just paying for an apartment or a house and land package alone anymore, the past few years have seen apartments promise all sorts of whistles and bells to net in a buyer.
Here are the top five that got us talking.
<ol>
<li>
Vehicles From <a href="/expert-insights/buying/developer-offers-free-scooter-but-no-car-park-to-encourage-off-the-plan-apartment-sale">scooters in an apartment development with no car parks</a>, to <a href="/news/vic/vespa-offer-to-entice-buyers-to-south-yarra-one-bedroom-apartments">Vespa’s in South Yarra one-bedders</a>, this has been an increasingly popular option. In the last couple of years, cars have also been seen as offered with an apartment – with a free Toyota worth up to $40,000 offered by Peet for house and land buyers. Even <a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-apartment-buyer-enticements-include-rental-guarantees-marina-berths-and-even-a-boat-ride-as-market-ripe-with-new-offerings">free marina berths on a leasehold arrangement</a> and a boat ride were offered for a period of time. 
</li>
<li>
Food supply Established properties have seen incentives like a year’s supply of ice-cream, and off the plan and new developers have gotten in on the action. Bringing <a href="/expert-insights/investing/food-trucks-latest-marketing-technique-for-developers">food trucks, and even cooking classes</a>, to launch events and buyers – the stomach is certainly the way to some peoples’ pockets. 
</li>
<li>
Qantas Points In September 2013, it was <a href="/news/frequent-flyer-points-might-be-a-gimmick-but-will-off-the-plan-buyers-be-attracted-by-the-incentives">frequent flyer points that took out Property Observer headlines</a> as the latest marketing techniques. A number of developers offered this incentive, from $1 for 1 point, to a certain number of points for each buyer. 
</li>
<li>
Financial incentives In 2012 all the rage was about <a href="/expert-insights/building/from-10-000-to-50-000-residential-developers-tempt-buyers-with-incentives">financial incentives to buy</a> – developers covering half of your deposit, or taking $10,000 off for those who purchased early. Time-limited discounts are also regularly seen. 
</li>
<li>
Furniture packages An increasingly common incentive is the furniture package – allowing buyers to move in to their carefully selected and furnished property. A number of developers include this for their developments, such as at Studio Nine. Usually, these <a href="/news/qld/close-to-11-million-of-new-apartment-sales-recorded-at-mon-komo-development-redcliffe">furniture packages</a> will have an interior stylist behind them.
</li>
</ol>
What unusual incentives have you seen offered to prospective new property buyers?
If you're marketing off the plan, you should consider signing up to the <a href="/news">Property Observer/Investorist free webinar off the plan marketing masterclass</a>.
</body></html>

Five unusual new build marketing incentives

<html><body>
A sell out of their latest release of 35 homes in CityVillage, in Queensland’s Robina, has seen Robina Group push forward another wave of properties.
The $200 million project has already seen almost $62 million in sales across their two Robina projects – <a href="https://www.cityvillage.com.au/" target="_blank">CityVillage</a> and Riverlily. After the 35 homes in CityVillage sold out in March, in two days for $16 million, they are pushing another 33 to market.
The Riverlily terrace homes, which were launched in April, also saw strong sales. Currently just a few terrace properties are left from $449,000. Meanwhile, this latest CityVillage stage – number four- includes 33 three-bedroom properties. This includes 20 that are waterside homes from $529,000.
The first tri-level homes in the development, with ground level courtyard and a balcony, are also being sold in this release.
<a href="/news">Robina’s median house price is $525,000</a>, while the median unit price sits at $410,000, according to RP Data.
Robina Group residential sales manager Azura Griffen said that many buyers missed out in the early stage.
"The level of interest in property in Robina is only continuing to rise and we've been fast tracking the design and construction of our developments just to keep pace,” said Griffen.
"Robina is a highly sought after residential address because of the unparalleled mix of amenities on offer literally at the doorstep, including Robina Town Centre, schools, Hospital, Bond University and Cbus Super Stadium, and its relative ease of access."
In total, CityVillage will have 130 terrace homes over four hectares.
If you're marketing off the plan, you should consider signing up to the <a href="/news">Property Observer/Investorist free webinar off the plan marketing masterclass</a>.
</body></html>

CityVillage, Gold Coast extends release after sell out

<html><body>
The western Melbourne suburb of <a href="/news">Tarneit</a> is seeing house and land development The Heartlands selling out in its various stages, with the latest 29 blocks now hitting the market.
This is Stage 21, and includes eastern-facing blocks close to the recreation centre and wetlands precinct. Blocks range from 400 square metres upwards, with prices from $160,000. The blocks are located down Barrangi Drive.
Asset1 is behind <a href="https://theheartlands.com.au/" target="_blank">The Heartlands</a>, and have previously announced that it will include future school sites and sporting area, as well as a childcare centre set to open by the end of 2015.
Asset1 sales director Mark Adams said that the focus is on a family-friendly community with accessible amenities.
“Tarneit is developing rapidly, so we’re thrilled to see our neighbourhoods flourish as new families move in to their dream homes,” said Adams.
“With homes located just moments from established parklands, Club Heartlands, proposed future school sites and the recently announced childcare centre, purchasers and their families are even closer to achieving a healthier work/life balance than ever before.”
The site is 30 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, near to Tarneit Railway Station.
The blocks in this release span up to 484 square metres, and is the fifth stage to be released.
</body></html>

The Heartlands stages selling out in Melbourne’s Tarneit

<html><body>
A new display centre will launch for ShellCove on the Illawarra’s South Coast this weekend from Allworth Homes.
There will be three new home designs, with a coastal living aspect, showcased at the opening from 12 July, with each of an open plan aspect and with an outside alfresco.
Other South Coast Allworth Homes centres are at South Nowra’s Twin Waters and Horsley’s Brooks Reach.
Managing director of Allworth Homes, Stephen Thompson, said that there should be strong sales on the South Coast.
“We are really upping the game with these designs. They well and truly speak to a modern audience – people that really want that ‘resort’ style living plan. There are a number of alternate floor plans available for each home and the façade designs are inter-changeable,” said Thomspon.
“As the display centre at ShellCove opens, another chapter closes. We have recently closed our Haywards Bay centre after being there for eight years. Our sales consultant from Haywards Bay, Terry Ryan, is moving over to ShellCove. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of over 30 years.”
The three houses are Pembrey, Sebring and the Carlisle.
The Pembrey is a four-bedroom design with features including a hidden walk-in pantry and master with walk-in robe. It’s aimed at first home buyers, investors and downsizers. It is single storey and priced from $154,800.
The Sebring is a four-bedroom property for those wanting a larger living space option, and it features a media room and an alfresco dining area. It is single storey and priced from $150,400.
The Carlisle includes a butler’s pantry, a kids’ activity room and a home theatre and suits families. Further details are still to be announced.
The display will be at <a href="https://allworthhomes.com.au/shell-cove" target="_blank">21 Apollo Drive, </a><a href="https://allworthhomes.com.au/shell-cove" target="_blank">Shell Cove and will be open from 10am to 5pm</a>. 
</body></html>

Illawarra’s ShellCove display home to launch this weekend

<html><body>
A boutique land estate, with just 25 lots, has been launched on the Gold Coast’s Tallebudgera by Gordon Corp.
The estate is called <a href="https://www.hiddenvalley.land" target="_blank">Hidden Valley</a>, located on Connection Road, and is the debut for developers Gordon Corp, linked to Tim Gordon, and will also be the first land subdivision the semi-rural area has seen for some time.
It will provide lots from 600 square metres to 821 square metres, priced from $295,000.
<img src="/images/2014/07/07/hidden-valley-july-7.jpg" alt="">
Marketing manager for Gordon Corp, Bianca Gordon, said the estate would be of interest to young families and existing residents who are downsizing from their acreage.
“There’s currently nothing available here for people who want to move off their acreage property to something more manageable in the same location,” said Gordon.
“As a result there’s pent-up demand for smaller blocks which has prompted us to bring Hidden Valley to the market.”
Professionals Black and Young Burleigh Heads agents Adam Young and Chris Wolters are the sales and marketing agents for the estate, and are expecting quick sales.
“There’s huge unmet demand from people who are keen to live in this area without the expense and maintenance of acreage property,” said Young.
“At present there is no vacant land on the market less than 1.5 acres in Tallebudgera and the majority of vacant blocks are well over two acres.”
Civil works will begin within weeks.
Tallebudgera is <a href="/news/qld/bellagio-la-villa-listed-as-tallebudgera-owners-cash-in-their-glorious-gold-coast-hinterland-chips">home to the incredible Bellagio La Villa</a>.
</body></html>

Boutique Gold Coast 25-lot land estate launched as developer’s debut

<html><body>
A new masterplanned estate from AVJennings has released its first stage, with homestead allotments and heritage protected countryside views.
The community, called <a href="https://www.avjennings.com.au" target="_blank">Arcadian Hills</a>, is in Cobbitty, New South Wales, some 60 kilometres south west of Sydney. The area is largely farmland, and it is a village near the more widely-known Camden.
<a href="/news">Cobbitty</a> is home to many amazing homes, including <a href="/news/amanpuri-one-of-the-great-estates-of-west-sydney-sells-for-5-6-million">Amanpuri that sold for $5.6 million earlier this year</a>.
This development will bring 457 country-style residences to the township, and also offer land-only sales in later stage releases.
AVJennings NSW’s executive general manager, Alan Soutar, said that the development is unique to the Camden LGA, and will be part of the growth already seen in the council area.
“The village of Cobbity has all the benefits of a wonderful rural community, yet the proximity to the future Oran Park Town and Camden making it a convenient place to live. Arcadian Hills will offer a tranquil family haven with a distinctive country feel,” said Soutar.
“The Arcadian Hills site was once home to a small village clustered around a historic homestead, with everyone from a blacksmith to a brickmaker and their families sharing a thriving community. Today, Arcadian Hills adjoins a 500 acre heritage area, providing never-to-be-built out neighbouring green pastures and bushland,” he said.
A fitness trail and cycleway will be included, as well as ‘Village Green’ areas and playground facilities.
Member for Camden, Chris Pattrerson, said that the development will appeal to those looking for a rural lifestyle but maintaining the conveniences of the suburbs.
 “We are pleased that AVJennings is investing further in the Camden region following the success of the company’s other local development, at Elderslie.”
The first stage includes six homes, with prices from $595,000, including both single and double storey properties.
The historic Lily Pond will be the centre of the development, with Stage One’s arterial road being Olive Hill Drive.
In February 2013, things were reportedly looking tough for AVJennings as they awaited interest to return to the house and land sector. As a result, they'd <a href="/expert-insights/buying/avjennings-awaits-the-return-of-confidence-to-house-and-land-buyers">cut the value of this development due to bureaucratic red tape</a>.
</body></html>

Masterplanned estate with homestead allotments for Cobbitty, New South Wales

<html><body>
Land developers in Sydney have been producing large numbers of new lots and charging more for land, but data from a specialist residential property researcher shows sales are now declining and could fall rapidly if pricing is not reduced.
Sales activity volumes in Sydney fell by 7% in the March quarter compared with the December quarter, Research4’s National Land Survey Program found. It was the first fall in activity levels since December 2012.
“We think the Sydney [land] market is going to moderate ... Where it goes from here will depend on how [developers] manage pricing,” Research4 director of strategic research Colin Keane told Property Observer.
“It’s either going to stabilise and fall away quietly, or drop quickly if they keep pushing prices up.”
On average across the Sydney market median lot pricing rose by 1.8% in the March quarter, Research4’s data shows.
In the city’s west and south west, median prices rose by 17% during the quarter.
Keane said the sizable jump in prices in those regions was mainly due to price rises at a development by Landcom and Greenfields Development Company at Oran Park, and at Stockland’s Willowdale.
Research4’s figures show median lot prices in Sydney’s North West rose by 7% in the March quarter, while median lot prices in the Lower Hunter fell by around 4%.
The median price for land across the Sydney region was $283,000 for a 516 square metre block, Keane said.
“We think the pricing is problematic in the Sydney market now,” he said. “I don’t think developers can push prices any further. The might have to take a hit and reduce their prices over the coming months.”
Land prices last fell in Sydney in September 2013, according to Research4’s data.
While prices have been rising, lot sizes have been falling so cost per square metre is at a record high, Keane said. In 2010, the median lot size was 600 square metres. In 2012 it was 550 square metres and now is it around 510 square metres.
Keane said land developers may not be aware that a problem was emerging, as the market was still good and customer cancellation rates were still very low.
“The market is still really good but I think now is a good time to start thinking about the next 12 months and the next 12 months is going to be tighter in terms of demand and [customers] are going to be looking at saving in pricing,” he said.
The Sydney land market has historically suffered from significant supply shortages, but Keane said since June 2013 the land market had been fully meeting underlying demand and exceeding demand in some locations.
“It used to be an issue five years ago but with the South West market coming online we have seen lots of land coming on the market,” he said.
Demand would also fall as net overseas migration into NSW and visa applications had moderated, while the number of loans issued to second home buyers was falling, Keane said.
Australian Bureau of Statistics housing finance figures for the month of March will be released on Tuesday May 13, but the February result showed the number of finance commitments for the purchase of new dwellings around Australia fell by 5% in seasonally adjusted terms compared with January.
On approvals for new dwellings, Housing Industry Association chief economist, Harley Dale said: “Building approvals for the month of March 2014 were consistent with healthy growth in new home building activity this year, although the approvals cycle itself may well have peaked.”
</body></html>

zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Sydney land sales could rapidly decline if prices not reduced warns researcher

<html><body>
As I was dicing onion for tonight’s dinner, I saw some news on TV that made my ears prick.
A house in Swansea, a suburb of Newcastle <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-28/sink-hole-opens-up-under-nsw-home/5482498" target="_blank">was seemingly sinking into a hole</a>. The cause? An old mine shaft laying approximately 25 metres below.
This is mine subsidence – very unusual, yet something we do prepare for in our development process.
The area underneath the neighbourhood was once part of the Swansea Pit, a coal mine abandoned in 1953.  It was reported that Mine Subsidence Board officers believe the sinkhole appeared above an old vertical furnace shaft. Today they were pouring concrete into the hole to stabilise the area around the house and hopefully they can secure the area and save the house.
There is one comfort for the house owners; the cost for this work required is covered by the Board.
The <a href="https://www.minesub.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">Mine Subsidence Board</a> is a NSW government department funded by the current mining companies today. The mine companies pay a levy that goes into a trust account and is to be used for any repair works that are a result of mines located beneath the property. It operates for the community in coal mining areas of New South Wales and is responsible for administering the Mine Subsidence Compensation Act.  The Act provides for compensation or repair services where improvements are damaged by mine subsidence resulting from the extraction of coal. 
In an area where you are building new dwellings and that has been identified as undermined, there is a process to follow.
The Mine Subsidence Board is very helpful and provides strict building guidelines on what can be built and the construction methods.  They need to approve and stamp the engineer’s plans for the footings that will support the dwelling. They inspect during the building process to ensure the builder is meeting the engineering requirements and they keep a copy of the approved plans on file. 
If any problems arise in the future that relate to the undermining of the site, the Board make all repairs at their cost, kind of like an insurance company for your development but you don’t pay any premiums.
There is no time limit on the coverage so they basically guarantee the project as long as they have approved the engineering.
As part of our research process, one of our first checks on a potential development site is with the Mine Subsidence Board. They can tell you over the phone if the land our client is purchasing is within a proclaimed Mine Subsidence District.  The purpose of a District is to prevent damage through surface development controls that take account of the risk of damage by subsidence from old, current and future mining.
With detailed geo technical reports and the assistance of the Mine Subsidence Board, a development in an undermined area can be very successful. We have used ‘<a href="https://www.minesub.nsw.gov.au/SiteFiles/minesubnswgovau/MSB4ppA4Potholes07.pdf" target="_blank">pot hole</a>’ construction methods on a duplex development and the construction costs were not very much more than normal construction. But we did secure the land at a discounted price which meant more equity was created during the development for our client.
If you own a property in Newcastle, chances are its undermined, but the type of sinkhole activity reported this week is very uncommon, so don’t lose any sleep over it.
If you are building in a new estate, always have a geotech report completed and use the resources on hand at the Mine Subsidence Board to ensure your building process is correct for the location.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
Feature photo: Guatemalan sinkhole, 2010. Courtesy of Flickr/<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_parent">Creative Commons</a>.
</body></html>

House And Land

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

House And Land

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News