Developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia">DASCO</a> has pushed beyond the now-standard inclusions of rooftop pools and landscaped podiums at its recently launched new Epping project, Senso.

It has laid out over 4,000 sqm of resident-only amenity in a move designed to compete directly with low-density housing on livability, not just density. The result is a development that supports genuine daily use through purposeful spaces distributed across its five-building, 479-apartment precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4396]

Two rooftop pools form the anchor of Senso. One is a 27-metre lap pool adjoining a heated spa, designed for everyday fitness rather than just summer leisure. The second sits on a lower podium, allowing different buildings to share in vertical access and reducing crowding during peak times.

It is the secondary spaces that start to distinguish Senso from other large-scale suburban projects. A rooftop cinema is integrated into a landscaped terrace, offering open-air screenings with natural ventilation and passive cooling.&nbsp;

The inclusion of a “sensory walk”, an elevated boardwalk that threads through the site, suggests a rare investment in non-commercial, non-essential amenity: space for quiet movement that doesn’t double as access or traffic circulation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4402]

The gym and wellness centre, often relegated to a small ground-floor room in many builds, takes on more substance here. Residents have access to a fully equipped gym, as well as outdoor yoga areas and meditative zones that integrate greenery and natural light.&nbsp;

The Club Lounge is similarly designed to support multiple use cases, with a private dining terrace, kitchenette, workspace, and lockable wine storage. These aren’t superficial additions; their scale and spatial allocation indicate serious intent for frequent resident use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134954 project_image_fid=4391]

Importantly, Senso’s amenities are embedded within a site that spans more than 10,000 sqm, allowing for better separation between spaces and reduced noise spillover, a critical but often overlooked factor in high-density developments. This spatial generosity also enables multiple alfresco kitchens and communal terraces without compromising individual privacy or usable space.

While many developments make claims about lifestyle, few back it with this level of built infrastructure. Senso’s mix of dedicated fitness, wellness, social and passive green spaces suggests a conscious response to the post-pandemic shift in housing expectations, especially among owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

DASCO is one of several leading developers who have taken out Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing buyers with a 10-year structural and waterproofing warranty, and giving them the ultimate peace of mind.

Senso is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134954]

Staff Writer

The outdoor amenities elevating life at Senso, Epping

Following the proposal by the Minns Labor Government to rezone Parramatta Road to create up to 8,000 new homes, prominent developer Ceerose has gone to the NSW Gov to increase the density of its new mixed-use residential building in Leichhardt.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ceerose">Ceerose</a>, founded by Edward Doueihi nearly three decades ago, has filed plans for 154 apartments above ground-floor retail at 307-315 Parramatta Road, a key corner site near Norton Street, the main high street strip in Leichhardt.

It's an upsize from the previously approved scheme of 63 apartments across a seven-storey building.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba1ae75b-5f08-43fb-b8d5-3de6d9f6ef71" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yA3hBBLPH4ev7MsAE0_hieXeqiFqBUb7" />

The project is being advanced through the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, with concurrent rezoning sought to facilitate the proposal. The 10-storey development would rise over a four-level basement and deliver two retail tenancies, one a larger-format offering and the other a smaller “hole in the wall” space, addressing the Parramatta Road frontage. 21 of the apartments are dedicated as affordable housing.

According to the Urban Design Report by Architecture AND, the scheme includes a podium and tower configuration, with a fine-grain, two-storey parapet street wall that references the traditional shopfront rhythm along the corridor. “An elegant tower form is proposed, combined with a characterful two storey frontage... articulating it as two related buildings, providing consistency with the rhythm and grain of Parramatta Road,” the report notes.

The residential component is split across two slender towers set back from the street edge, a design move aimed at preserving solar access and reducing perceived bulk. This massing strategy also seeks to improve residential amenity by focusing scale toward the quieter northern interface, away from Parramatta Road’s noise and pollution.

<img alt="Ceerose" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="347f2f8f-5d36-4388-b40a-2e77380b9c19" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-04%20at%2010.31.02%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=xvyUE2ujT1lzivXTo.mHBJFF4SmfgLtz" />

Architecture AND has worked with Ceerose on previous Inner West projects, and cites a deep familiarity with the local character. Their design draws heavily on context, heritage, and sunlight access considerations, and engages with the Inner West Council’s “Our Fairer Future” strategic planning framework.

The site spans 2,712 sqm and is located near key intersections with Catherine Street, Hay Street, and Redmond Street. It adjoins a public carpark to the north and is within walking distance of Stanmore and Petersham stations. It is also flagged in state and local planning strategies, including the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy, as a suitable candidate for increased density.

Ceerose recently completed The Alex Collective on McEvoy Street in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay.

The Parramatta Road corridor is coming to life with the proposed rezoning which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes.

Deicorp is progressing with its $1.8 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> precinct on Parramatta Road in Five Dock, as is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-to-push-on-with-five-dock-mixed-use-masterplan">TOGA further down the street</a>. Those two projects alone will bring nearly 2,000 new homes to Parramatta Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Ceerose plots mixed-use Leichhardt development on Parramatta Road

North Sydney's landmark 'SBS Building' on Alfred Street is set to be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use residential tower in the booming North Sydney.

Commercial property group FiveX is behind the plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/275-alfred-street-north-north-sydney-nsw-2060">39-storey tower</a>, the latest project to advance under the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

They are proposing 184 apartments above retail spaces, which will replace the existing 20-storey commercial building. FiveX was set up more than five decades ago by Joshua and Marko Berger. It is currently led by Joshua's son Lesli.&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower at 275 Alfred Street, North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2efa0980-53fa-4cca-9f9e-9c3c845d4746" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29%20%281%29_0.png?VersionId=y_YyPMq3NQLfYRs84pP4os9UgWiMLp75" />

According to the Architectural Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">FJC Studio</a>, the slender tower form has been deliberately designed to respect the site's transitional setting at the southern gateway to the North Sydney CBD, where high-rise towers give way to lower-scale residential precincts.

"The slender tower form and articulated podium establish a respectful relationship with nearby heritage and low rise buildings, including the Whaling Road Heritage Conservation Area,” the architecture firm noted, adding that the tower “completes a missing link in the urban fabric” while enhancing the Alfred Street streetscape.

The proposed building will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, with 15 percent of the gross residential floor area allocated as affordable housing. There is an agreement already in place that those apartments will be managed by Evolve Housing.

The project aligns with broader state housing objectives, including the National Housing Accord target of delivering 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The Scoping Report filed with the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) suggests the site "presents no impediments to rapid delivery,” with construction able to commence within 12 months of receiving consent.

North Sydney has been one of the most popular suburbs in Sydney for new and off the plan apartment development, but hasn't had the supply to keep up with demand, until recently.

AURA by Aqualand was, for a long time, the only off the plan apartment building on the market. That completed last year, and has sold the majority of its 386 luxury apartments. Recently ALAND launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> on the same street, selling over $100 million within just a few hours of its launch, while developer CASA also launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>&nbsp;in the same precinct.

First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney

Kokoda Property Group has announced the Sydney-based Versatile Construction as the builder for its landmark $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> precinct.

Construction of the 17,612 sqm site is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is expected to be delivered in stages from 2028. Once complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> will comprise 212 residences across four architecturally distinct buildings, alongside Brisbane’s first Kimpton Hotel, extensive retail, hospitality, and wellness amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295098]

Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said appointing Versatile Construction marks a significant milestone for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“Partnering with Versatile Construction gives us confidence in delivering a precinct that sets a new benchmark for luxury living, curated experiences and vibrant riverfront activation," Stevens said.

"Together, we will bring the vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a> to life, creating a destination that residents and visitors will enjoy for generations."

Throughout the construction phase, more than 2,000 jobs will be created, supporting hundreds of local contractors and suppliers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=352274]

Marco Fahd, Chairman &amp; CEO at Versatile Group, said the company is looking forward to&nbsp;expanding their footprint in the state, taking on their inaugural project in Brisbane.

"We are proud of the unwavering commitment our team of experts have to quality and certainty in delivery and are excited to work with Kokoda to bring their vision for this unique project to life," Fahd says.

Sales reached $285 million on the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>, with sales momentum continuing to "exceed all expectations."

Stevens says the overwhelming response from buyers validated the group’s vision for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe Banks</a>.

“The demand for a luxury product in this enclave has been extraordinary, we’ve never seen anything like it before. It reinforces everything we’re doing around quality, design, and creating genuine lifestyle precincts. Buyers are recognising the enduring value of Brisbane’s riverfront and are responding to the opportunity to live within a world-class destination that celebrates both place and lifestyle.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139896]

Kokoda appoints builder for $1.5 billion Teneriffe Banks waterfront precinct

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

First look: Buildex plans 57 apartments near Castle Towers

Legal Liability

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Robert Gottliebsen has said that Australia is going through a credit squeeze without precedent following a period when bank credit standards have been too low.
"The banks have been told to raise those standards, which effectively cuts at least 20% from what they would loan on a property," he wrote in The Australian.
He then added there were also "the unconventional credit clamps... like a cancer growing below the surface, and no one’s talking about them".
Gottliebsen noted that bank managers were under attack at the same time as a credit squeeze - "so a strange new inner fear had developed among banking people at all levels as regulators are set to walk into banks to check what they are doing".
He forecast huge payments set to be made to customers who were wrongly charged.
"As property falls in the light of the credit squeeze, many of those who borrowed from the banks will sue because lending to them was 'irresponsible'.
"It’s true that sometimes high-pressure, commission-driven bank sales people did cajole customers into taking too much debt.
"But the customers accepted risks for big gains. Nevertheless, litigation lawyers are preparing for a picnic.
"Bankers who are confident enough to exercise sensible discretion are hard to find."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Litigation lawyers are preparing for a picnic against home loan bankers: Robert Gottliebsen

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NSW Fair Trading has recently prosecuted a former real estate agent for misappropriation of trust funds in relation to a property development in Narwee.
Alan Temelkov was convicted of 7 offences under the Property Stock and Business Agents Act and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, to be served in the community. He was also ordered to pay over $235,000 in reparation for his offences.
In September 2012, Mr Temelkov, director of Tyron Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as AMJ Properties, was contracted to manage the sale of a number of units in a Narwee development.
Tyron Holdings Pty Ltd received a number of house deposits which should have been deposited into a trust account and held on behalf of the sellers until completion of the sale.
During Fair Trading’s investigation, Mr Temelkov admitted to his failure to deposit the funds in the trust account, instead spending the money on business expenses and his personal gambling habit.
As a result, the sellers were left significantly out of pocket and were required to make application to the Property Services Compensation fund for restitution.
Fair Trading Commissioner, Rod Stowe, advises that trust account fraud is a serious offence and warns that Fair Trading will actively pursue any persons that fail to comply with their trust account obligations. 
“Property is a significant purchase. Real estate agents should be trusted to deposit payments received for sales into the correct account,” Mr Stowe said.
Mr Temelkov was sentenced on Thursday 8 September 2016 and has 28 days to appeal. 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Alan Temelkov convicted after Narwee trust fund misappropriation

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A recent High Court decision has interesting implications for strata property owners, particularly in reference to commercial buildings and defects discovered down the track.
Grace Lawyers represented an owners corporation in a case where the investors sued the builders for negligence in defective building work. The noted that the ruling found that the owners corporation was not ‘vulnerable’ when the commercial building was built. This means the rights that existed were between the developer and the builder, and later the developer and the first unit owners to purchase.
Grace Lawyers’ Colin Grace says this has implications for all commercial, retail and industrial complex owners corporations.
The finding noted that those who purchased first, usually off the plan, could bargain for anything they wanted, including warranties over defective works. If they did not do this, then complaining later through the owners corporation isn’t necessarily an option, explained Grace.
Grace said it affects the fundamental rights of the land owners to take action.
“What it means is that anyone who wants to buy into these strata schemes needs to contract with the original developer to obtain any rights over defects (which may manifest itself years into the future – as in this case). If they don’t, then too bad,” said Grace.
He said the owners are mum and dad investors without the sophistication level of the builders and developers. Having bought a purpose built building, they face costs to rectify defects years later.
According to Grace, “urgent retrospective legislative intervention to protect the rights of owners” is needed.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Building defects fall squarely on “investors who do not have the same sophistication”: Grace Lawyers

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While owner occupiers tend to have their insurance policies cut out for them (protect your home, yourself, and your stuff), landlords don’t have it quite so easy.

How much protection are you obliged to provide for your tenants? And how do you protect yourself?

Your exposure to risk as a landlord comes from two sources: potential damage to your property and assets, and damage to your tenants. Thankfully, standard building and contents insurance and landlord’s insurance will cover you should either of those situations eventuate.

Most landlord insurance policies will cover damage made by people external to your property. So if your rental property is vandalised by strangers, your landlord policy will most likely cover the repairs. But if your tenant or their guest takes a texta to the walls, the bond is your best bet. If you feel your bond doesn't provide enough cover, some insurers also provide extra tenant protection on top of your landlord insurance, which can cover malicious damage by your tenants or their guests, theft, or the loss of rental income if your tenants default on your rent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9190]

In general, your lease agreement will override your insurance policy. Most basic landlord insurance policies state that the insurer will not cover fixtures and fittings that the tenant is responsible for as part of your tenancy agreement. If you are considering landlord insurance, make sure you go through your prospective policy agreement with one eye on your lease.

Some landlord insurance policies will also reimburse you for lost rental income should your property become uninhabitable due to accidental damage.

The health and wellbeing of your tenants is your other main concern as a landlord. As the owner of a leased property, you may be legally liable for accidents that happen within that site. While your legal liability cover will differ depending on your policy and provider, in effect it works like public liability insurance.

If someone is injured in your property and successfully sues you, your standard landlord’s insurance will provide $10 million worth of cover to help you pay for this. While $10 million may seem like a staggering number, consider the potential costs for disability support your tenant may have to pay if they are permanently injured on your property. Bear in mind, landlord insurance will usually not cover the costs of any legal proceedings themselves. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

What protection your landlord insurance policy should offer:

<ul>
<li>Damage from animals to the interior of your property, not including your tenants' pets or vermin and pests</li>
	<li>The effects of natural disasters or fire</li>
	<li>Sudden and unexpected impacts, like falling trees or cars colliding with your property. Note, this normally won't cover any damage that happens as a result of contracted works.</li>
	<li>Vandalism and theft by someone who didn't have the consent of you or your tenants to enter the property</li>
	<li>Your legal liability for claims arising from accidents onsite which result in bodily harm or death of someone on the property, not including you or your family.</li>
	<li>Your legal liability for claims where your tenants' or their guests' property was damaged in the rental</li>
</ul>
Before you decide to become a landlord, make sure you are adequately covered. Australia has a competitive insurance market, with plenty providing landlord coverage, so take the time to shop around for comprehensive and cost-effective policy. If you aren't sure what level of coverage is best for you, your property manager can give you some guidance.

 
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