Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

House And Land

Mirvac secured the weekend sellout of its new land release in Sydney&#39;s rural far south west.

The initial 28 lots at The Village Menangle near Campbelltown, were the first new land release by Mirvac for five years.

Set 56 kilometres from the CBD, the sales sat between $444,900 and $505,900.

The lots were sold on Saturday after buyers registered online last week.

The registrations were capped at 125 but went well beyond that, Toby Long, general manager residential development for Mirvac in NSW told The Australian Financial Review.

Noting the area was still mostly rural Long suggested it&rsquo;s &ldquo;almost like we were selling a feeling rather than property&rdquo;.

Mirvac has worked with Wollondilly Council to develop The Village design guidelines to help builders create homes that sit comfortably within the Heritage Conservation Area.

The NSW Government has prompted Macarthur as the major destination for retail, tertiary education and health services, with expansion of Macarthur Square, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown Private Hospital, the University of Western Sydney and Campbelltown TAFE.

In 2017 the state government announced a 958-hectare land release to make way for 3000 new homes and a town centre in rural Menangle Park.

Mirvac has sold out its first new land release in south west Sydney for five years

jchancellor

Mirvac sells out its first new land release in Sydney's Menangle

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The Melbourne-based house and land developer Moremac Property Group has taken the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) award in the Environmental Excellence category for their Point Lonsdale project The Point.

Moremac was recognised for having established the most sophisticated tidally based waterway in Victoria, as well as developing a complex sustainability master plan for its residential community.

The 600 home project, which is two-thirds in to its development, offers house and land packages with blocks ranging from 350 sqm to 700 sqm and priced from $374,000, as well as a collection of townhomes. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22700]

Moremac purchased the land on the Bellarine Peninsula in 2013 which had been unrehabilitated after having been mined for shell grit for over four decades.

They undertook a recovery plan to breathe life back to the area and grow an estate that protected and enhanced the natural ecosystem.

This included designing a fully monitored water quality solution to protect the RAMSAR-listed Swan Bay, Lakes Cutting and Lake Victoria which effectively blended environmental conservation with urban development and delivered a solution for potential sea-level rise from climate change.

<a href="/developments/point-lonsdale-vic-3225"><img alt="" height="768" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_point_lake.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Moremac project director Doug Vallance said that given the significant site degradation, rigid compliance frameworks and approval hurdles had to be overcome at Federal, State and Local Government level.

“We inherited an abused site with soil contamination and illegally dumped waste; parts of the site were hyper saline and the concentration of salinity was increasing," Vallance said.

“The nutrient load that was coming through from Lake Victoria was also something that needed to be managed.”

“It was a complex undertaking, one that required the team to address environmental, structural, political, and social challenges.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803]

Designed in harmony with the coastal landscape, The Point residences are built along 6.2 kilometres of winding canals, engineered to be self-sustaining by the flushing tides in a single direction to maintain water quality around the waterway.

“The Point has been a one-on-one lesson on how to undertake development within a coastal environment, and in one of the most challenging spots across Australia.” 

“There is another set of culverts to be built under the Bellarine Highway, which will assist in completing the loop in the waterways so you get the full tidal flushing movement.” 

“At the moment it’s a push-pull tidal movement, rather than a full flush - there is also some culverts to be built under Fellows Road as part of the next phase of construction.” 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783]

Vallance says The Point has been one of Moremac’s most rewarding projects.
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Moremac undertook a recovery plan to breathe life back to the area and grow an estate that protected and enhanced the natural ecosystem



Moremac Property Group wins UDIA Award for environmental excellence for The Point in Point Lonsdale

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Potter George Group achieved record sales volume at its outer Melbourne residential projects over the Christmas period.

The group sold 67 lots across its Trijena and Kerani Heights (pictured above) projects in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor.

“Our sales were constantly solid throughout the year, capped off with a particularly strong December with Trijena selling 50 lots for the month and Kerani achieving 17 sales,’’ said project manager Scott Payten.

It took sales in Trijena to just over 400 of the 624 available lots.

“Enquiry has been highly encouraging for the start of 2021 and we look forward to building on this strong momentum,’’ Mr Payten said.

Trijena is located 33km from the CBD and close to train stations at Craigieburn and Donnybrook.

The $175 million project comprises 624 lots in total, surrounded by shopping and medical centres, schools, colleges and a host of sporting and leisure centres either underway or in planning.

Restricted to 200 easy-building homesites in a range of sizes, Kerani Heights is located in the new suburb of Fraser Rise which is adjacent to Caroline Springs.

The project is a short drive from established amenities including, Watergardens Shopping Centre and Central Shopping Centre both at Caroline Springs, schools and colleges, medical centres, national parks and public transport options.
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The group sold 67 lots across its Trijena and Kerani Heights projects in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor

Potter George Group secure record sales volume in outer Melbourne over Christmas break

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The diversified developer ID_Land has spent $40 million buying two adjoining sites in Geelong's Armstrong Creek which will add over 500 greenfield lots and $135m to its rapidly growing pipeline.

Planning is currently underway for the project, dubbed The Reserve, with the project slated to hit the market early this year.

Regional property sales have experienced significant growth this year, driven by a shift in work- from-home habits, an increased focus on lifestyle amenity, and government stimulus.

ID_Land’s joint managing directors Matthew Belford and Jeffrey Garvey believe the strategic acquisition of the two Geelong parcels will anchor the developer’s regional portfolio and complement its built-form pipeline.

“Throughout 2020, regional projects have consistently outperformed other growth corridors, and we are predicting strong demand to continue over the coming years," the development duo said.

"The other part of our portfolio where we are seeing sustained demand is for medium and high- density living is in the inner ring of metropolitan Melbourne, both of which reinforce the need for diverse housing options throughout regional and metropolitan Melbourne.

“Strong sales across our regional portfolio is reinforcing our team’s belief that regional markets are undergoing a generational shift; the trend towards regional living continues to grow, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 and the rethink in lifestyle priorities it has elicited among buyers.

“Armstrong Creek is an area we have great confidence in, it is an infrastructure-rich location that benefit from a well thought-out precinct structure plan, continued investment from private enterprises and government, and the economic tailwinds created by its forecasted population growth,” Belford said.

“Our regional holdings currently encompass approximately 30% of our portfolio – $250m across the 615-lot Willow in Gisborne, and over 1000 lots at Watermark and Glenlee in Armstrong Creek, which have a combined value of $275m – regional projects will continue to be a focus, given the ongoing demand for high-quality housing stock, available government stimulus, and scarcity of supply across some locales,” Garvey said.

<h2>ID_Land Projects</h2>

<h2><a href="/buildings/yarraville-place-2-banool-avenue-yarraville">Yarraville Place, Yarraville</a></h2>

Address: 2 Banool Avenue, Yarraville, VIC 3013

Prices from: $820,000

<img alt="" height="914" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/yarraville.jpg" width="1200">

Only six townhouses remains in Yarraville Place, a collection of three bedroom townhouses designed by the award-winning architecture firm Rothelowman. Estimated for completion in early 2022, Yarraville Place townhouses have three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms and off-street parking. They're estimated to be completed in early 2022.

<h2><a href="/buildings/canvas-272-barkly-street-brunswick">Canvas, Brunswick</a></h2>

Address: 272 Barkly Street, Brunswick VIC 3056

Prices from: $440,000

<img alt="" height="865" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/canvas_brunswick_0.jpg" width="1200">

Canvas was ID_Land's first foray in to the apartment sector, with sales launching in October 2020 for the apartments on Brunswick's sought-after Barkly Street. Another designed by Rothelowman with interiors by Hecker Guthrie, Canvas' façade pays homage to Brunswick’s industrial past. Formed by concrete construction and urban design principles, the visual grid spans the building, framing each apartment.

It comprises 62 one, two and three bedroom apartments, with one bed apartments starting from $440,000 and two bedroom apartments priced from $680,000, with parking.

<a href="/buildings/the-walter-2-6-walter-street-hadfield">The Walter, Hadfield</a>

Address: 2-6 Walter Street, Hadfield VIC 3046

Prices from: $635,000

<img alt="" height="782" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_walter.jpg" width="1200">

The Walter is one of ID_Land's finished projects in Melbourne's northern suburb of Hadfield.

Architecturally designed by Peddle Thorp, The Walter comprises 64 townhouses with prices starting from $635,000 for townhouses spanning between 120 sqm and 124 sqm of living space. To get 144 sqm of living space, prices edge up to $685,000.

 

 

 
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Planning is currently underway for the project, dubbed The Reserve, with the project slated to hit the market early this year.

Developer ID_Land buys two Armstrong Creek sites with plans for 500 greenlots

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A growing number of land developers are conspiring to advertise high-risk house and unregistered land packages that hasn’t been titled by local councils.
Inexperienced first-time buyers need to beware before purchasing these properties.
Buyer’s agency DPP Property founder Zaki Ameer warns that when developers promote unregistered land, there’s usually a hidden risk attached.
First-time buyers may be conned into paying deposits for the packages with the aim of utilising the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant, which will finish at the end of this year.
However, in most cases, councils delay title processing on unregistered land, often up to 12 to 18 months.
“So, immediately, [first-time homebuyers] are giving back $25,000 on any savings they might have made on the package”, Ameer said.
Buyers are also locked into the contract until the full payment due date, which could be up to 48 months away, leaving them at risk of being sued by developers and builders if they have to forfeit the land purchase.
Ameer is calling for state governments to tighten land sale regulations, especially to first time home buyers who can easily fall prey to colourful marketing tactics.
The DPP Property founder also hopes governments put an end to delayed settlements.
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First home buyers urged to avoid buying unregistered land

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The real estate sales and marketing company Oliver Hume has appointed Julian Coppini as chief executive officer to its project marketing division. 
Mr Coppini, 41, is currently chief operating officer of project marketing.
he first joined the company as chief financial officer in 2015. 
As chief executive officer – project marketing, Mr Coppini will be responsible for a team of more than 100 employees managing a portfolio of projects across Victoria and South East Queensland valued at more than $5 billion.
Oliver Hume currently manages sales and marketing for 40 projects on behalf of more than 20 developers across the country. 
Corporation group managing director Michael Duster said the appointment recognised Mr Coppini’s contribution to the business over the last five years.
“Julian has done an outstanding job since joining Oliver Hume in February 2015 and will be focused on leading the Project Marketing team as well as driving technology innovation in the company's systems, processes and workflows,” he said. 
“Julian has provided strong leadership over recent months as the business adjusted to the coronavirus crisis and is the right person to lead us into the future.” 
Oliver Hume specialises in the delivery of new residential property developments throughout Australia. For over 65 years, the company has been offering expert services to the development industry including project marketing, project and corporate advisory, property fund syndication, development site sales and acquisitions and property and asset management. 
Mr Coppini was appointed chief financial officer of the Oliver Hume group in early 2015 before being appointed chief operating officer of the company’s real estate agency business (Project Marketing division) in early 2016.
After graduating from RMIT with a bachelor of business, Julian commenced his career with leading accounting firm KPMG, where he spent seven years in the assurance division primarily focusing on the property industry.
He was appointed group financial controller of listed pharma group Sigma Pharmaceuticals in 2007 before being appointed in 2010 as chief financial officer of Australia’s largest privately owned construction development company, Grocon Pty Ltd.
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Oliver Hume appoints Julian Coppini as project marketing division boss

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Housing design company Pettit &amp; Sevitt co-founder Brian Pettit has died at the age of 85.
With Ron Sevitt, he founded <a href="https://www.pinterest.com.au/adamharrispin/pettit-%2B-sevitt-ken-woolley-merchant-builders-grae/" target="_blank">the affordable housing design company</a> in the early 1960s.
Some 3500 Pettit &amp; Sevitt project homes for mostly middle-class aspirational buyers were designed and built by the company until it closed in the late 1970s.
The duo had met at ­Sun-Line Homes.
In collaboration with architect Ken Woolley they helped pioneer the open-plan living trend.
Last month a Pettit &amp; Sevitt-designed home at Bilgola Plateau (pictured below) sold for $1.55 million through agent Simon Gourlay.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/bilgola%201%201.jpg" alt="">
It had last sold for $400,000 in 1997, having had only two owners since being built by a flight traffic officer.
Val Sevitt, the widow of Ron, is putting together three updated designs set for marketing next year.
“Pettit &amp; Sevitt was a quirky name which people still fondly remember,” she said yesterday.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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Affordable Sydney house design pioneer Brian Pettit dies

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A new home construction in Port Adelaide has marked its dirt-breaking.
The Dock One masterplanned community will feature about 750n townhouses and apartments, as well as hotel rooms, across a 10.2-hectare land area.
The first stage will include 78 townhouses and 33 apartments.
Future stages will include a boutique retro hotel with 90 rooms and 5000 square metres of green parkland.
Starfish Developments’ Managing Director Damon Nagel said groundworks are already completed and Civils are on track at Dock One, with slabs to be poured this week for the first townhouses.
“This key stage of development is not just significant for Dock One and for Port Adelaide, it’s a real show of confidence for all South Australia to know that rejuvenation of the Port, and the last undeveloped dockland in Australia, is finally underway,” Nagel said.
City of Port Enfield Mayor Claire Boan said she was excited by the new vibrancy emerging at Port Adelaide and welcomed the contribution made by Dock One.
“(Dock One) will help bring more businesses to the Port, attracted to the area due to the extra accommodation that will be available to people. So bring on extra people into the Port, continue to bring it back to life .... we’re starting to bring the Port alive and you guys are part of that with us so thanks very much,” said Boan.
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Ground broken at Dock One masterplanned community at Port Adelaide

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Many of us do not need to hear any more warnings from <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/2018/10/08/summary-for-policymakers-of-ipcc-special-report-on-global-warming-of-1-5c-approved-by-governments/" target="_blank">the IPCC</a>, <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2209126-david-attenborough-on-climate-change-we-cannot-be-radical-enough/" target="_blank">David Attenborough</a> or climate activists like <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/11/greta-thunberg-schoolgirl-climate-change-warrior-some-people-can-let-things-go-i-cant" target="_blank">Greta Thunberg</a>. We have seen enough to be convinced that limitless <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/post-capitalism-life-within-environmental-limits" target="_blank">economic growth and the globalisation of high-consumption lifestyles</a> have <a href="https://www.breakthroughonline.org.au/whatliesbeneath" target="_blank">brought our planet’s life-support systems to the brink of collapse</a>.
In response to today’s urgent ecological and social problems, we often hear calls from sustainability advocates about the need to “<a href="https://www.sloww.co/downshifting-simple-living/" target="_blank">downshift</a>” away from consumer lifestyles, to practise <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-revolution-disguised-as-organic-gardening-in-memory-of-bill-mollison-66137" target="_blank">permaculture</a> and to embrace <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-simple-life-manifesto-and-how-it-could-save-us-33081" target="_blank">simpler ways</a> to live. When these <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-suburbs-are-the-spiritual-home-of-overconsumption-but-they-also-hold-the-key-to-a-better-future-108496" target="_blank">movements scale up</a>, the argument goes, we will “<a href="http://theconversation.com/life-in-a-degrowth-economy-and-why-you-might-actually-enjoy-it-32224">degrow</a>” our economies to a sustainable scale.
Important though these analyses and perspectives are, they almost always leave something critical out of the conversation. There is a very powerful reason we are currently unable to move toward a simpler and sustainable society: the costs of securing access to land for housing often mean only the relatively affluent can afford such “green lifestyles”.
In response to this problem, we offer some ideas to show how public land could be used for sustainable forms of community-led development.
Creating a place like Sustainable Fawkner’s ‘Dandelion Patch’ depends on access to suitable land. More creative public housing policies could lead the way in developing more community food gardens.
The property system makes simple living hard
Recognition of the need for <a href="https://theconversation.com/climate-strikes-greta-thunberg-calls-for-system-change-not-climate-change-heres-what-that-could-look-like-112891" target="_blank">system change</a> is growing. But those arguing for high-impact societies to downshift toward cultures of sustainable consumption need to acknowledge a fundamental problem more clearly: simply keeping a roof over our heads can demand an energy-intensive lifestyle and a dependence on market growth.
Why? Having to buy or rent a home in capitalist societies like Australia has huge implications for most of us. It affects what we do for work, how much we work, our need for a car, etc. And, if you can barely afford land or your own home, putting solar panels on the roof, working part-time or growing your own organic food all become very unlikely.
In short, securing the basic need for housing is putting people in <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/more-home-owners-falling-behind-on-mortgage-as-debt-climbs-20190617-p51yhg" target="_blank">more and more debt</a>. This often means any attempt at “dropping out” of market consumerism first involves a whole lot of “dropping in”. The consequences of this reality are anything but <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.amazon.com/Affluenza-When-Much-Never-Enough/dp/1741146712" target="_blank">simple, local and sustainable</a>.
A different type of land and housing opportunity is needed for reasons of sustainability and equity. Central here is the recognition that access to land, just as with air and water, is not a market product. <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/LandAndHR/Pages/LandandHumanRightsIndex.aspx" target="_blank">It is a human right</a> and should be recognised as such.
Even discussing land reform in terms of “affordable housing” still frames land as a market commodity. These discussions often rely on notions of charity and welfare to increase access to land when it really should be available as a right.
But in a nation where simply <a href="https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2019/07/negative-gearing-reform-dead-buried-cremated/" target="_blank">abolishing negative gearing appears to be politically unpalatable</a>, it would be pragmatic, as a first step, to explore less controversial but still effective policy approaches.
Pointers to rethinking how we govern land
There are <a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1941069" target="_blank">many conceptions</a> of property, which means we do not simply have to choose between free market capitalism and state socialism. In Singapore, for example, <a href="https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/about-us/history" target="_blank">more than 80% of residents live in state-provided housing</a>.
Societies can govern access to land in an infinite variety of ways. Each way distributes or concentrates wealth and power in progressive or regressive ways.
One policy deserving of attention involves attempting to transcend the “welfare” framing of existing uses of public housing. Already, secure access to public land has empowered some residents to participate <a href="https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/living/rights-responsibilities/get-involved/chapters/community-greening-program" target="_blank">in programs such as community food gardens, resources repair/share programs, housing management, maintenance</a> and, in the UK, even <a href="http://www.forevergreen.org.uk/Forever_Green_Ecological_Architects/hedgehog-self-build-housing-co-op" target="_blank">housing construction</a>.
In New South Wales, <a href="https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/living/rights-responsibilities/get-involved/chapters/community-greening-program" target="_blank">50,000 public housing residents</a> have converted many hectares of land in social housing areas into gardens growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. In Victoria, <a href="http://www.cultivatingcommunity.org.au/community-gardens/our-services-2/" target="_blank">more than 20 public housing estates</a> have established community gardens.
If these self-selecting residents could be <a href="http://ntwonline.weebly.com/" target="_blank">better supported and validated</a>, their status in society (and how they might conceive of themselves) could move from being regarded as “social dependants” to “pioneers of a new economy”. By showing that access to public land can help with the emergence of local and sustainable <a href="https://thenextsystem.org/cultivating-community-economies" target="_blank">community economies</a>, such experiments could be the cultural driver of a broader policy rethink of how we govern land.
For example, more public land could be made available for <a href="http://www.forevergreen.org.uk/Forever_Green_Ecological_Architects/hedgehog-self-build-housing-co-op" target="_blank">housing construction collectives</a>, where people participate in building their own homes under the guidance of experts. Australia could seek inspiration from Senegal, where <a href="https://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/06/17/senegal-transforming-14000-villages-into-ecovillages/" target="_blank">14,000 ecovillages</a> are being developed.
In governing land we are limited only by our imaginations. Currently, a chronic lack of imagination is being shown. It is time to experiment with new frameworks that can increase access to land and thereby empower more people to explore lifestyles of <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-suburbs-are-the-spiritual-home-of-overconsumption-but-they-also-hold-the-key-to-a-better-future-108496" target="_blank">reduced consumption and increased self-sufficiency</a>. 
The first step is recognising the obstacle
We call on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1469540512444019" target="_blank">simple living</a>, <a href="https://retrosuburbia.com/" target="_blank">permaculture</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9789811321306" target="_blank">degrowth</a> movements – and the sustainability movement more generally – to better recognise the obstacle that access to land presents to achieving their goals. More energy and activism should be dedicated to envisioning, campaigning for and experimenting with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.routledge.com/Housing-for-Degrowth-Principles-Models-Challenges-and-Opportunities/Nelson-Schneider/p/book/9781138558052" target="_blank">alternative property and housing arrangements</a>.
Our purpose is not to dismiss the importance of the various <a href="https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/post-capitalism-life-within-environmental-limits" target="_blank">downshifting movements</a>. We need as many people as possible pushing against the tide of consumerism and showing that low-impact living can be <a href="http://www.paecon.net/PAEReview/issue61/Alexander1_61.pdf" target="_blank">good living</a>.
These social movements will help create the culture of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Sufficiency-Economy-Samuel-Alexander/9780994160614" target="_blank">sufficiency</a> that is needed to support a politics of sustainability. But any such politics must include more empowering and creative land policies.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121246/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Alex Baumann, Casual Academic, School of Social Sciences &amp; Psychology, Western Sydney University. 
Samuel Alexander, Research fellow, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/access-to-land-is-a-barrier-to-simpler-sustainable-living-public-housing-could-offer-a-way-forward-121246" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Access to land is a barrier to simpler, sustainable living

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Sovereign Estate at Ormeau, a hinterland town and suburb in the City of Gold Coast, has nearly sold out.
Local builder Choice Homes offer a <a href="https://www.choicehomes.com.au/estate/sovereign-estate" target="_blank">range of house and land packages</a> starting from $440,000.
They have a range of three to four bedroom houses with two living areas, two bathrooms and garaging for at least one car.
There are only 15 lots remaining of the 50 lots that were launched this time last year.
This estate is in walking distance to Ormeau Woods State School, a short drive to the new Westfield Coomera Town Centre and an easy commute to Brisbane in the North and the Gold Coast in the South.
Recent buyer Justin Fursey says Sovereign Estate is perfect for his work and lifestyle needs.
“I’m a sales rep so do a lot of travelling up and down the highway and out west and having easy access to the M1 is a real plus for me,” Fursey says.
“I’ve lived in Ormeau before and really like the area, so when it came to buying here I found Sovereign Estate ticked all the boxes as far as home types on offer, quality of build, and of course location.
“There are other options in the area, but I found them too far from the motorway and Choice Homes have really gone above and beyond through their purchasing process.”
For more information, <a href="https://www.choicehomes.com.au/estate/sovereign-estate" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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