The final apartments in the most recently completed new development in Balwyn present some of the largest and most exclusive ever delivered in one of Melbourne’s most established and character-rich neighbourhoods.

Boutique developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wulff-projects">Wulff Projects</a>,&nbsp;alongside partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pga-group">PGA Group</a>, has just finished <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/threadneedle-balwyn-1-5-threadneedle-street-balwyn-vic-3103">Threadneedle</a>, 17 home-sized residences designed completely for the owner-occupier.

Named after its location on Threadneedle Street, the new project has been shaped by the heritage fabric of Balwyn. It offers two low-rise buildings of eight and nine apartments respectively, designed to emulate traditional standalone homes.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355582]

John Scaramuzzino, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, explains the design intention.

“Given the quiet residential character of the street with many homes dating back to the 1930s and 1940s, we approached Threadneedle wanting to appear less as a collection of apartments and more as a traditional residence. This led to creating not one but two buildings that could “breathe” with larger garden-based apartments functioning more like small homes.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355605]

The north-facing residences are nestled among extensive landscaped gardens by Ben Scott Garden Design, with over one-third of the site dedicated to greenery. The resulting setting is one of calm seclusion, where architecture and landscape work in tandem to offer immediate liveability.

With construction now complete, the final apartments include a top-floor, single-level penthouse residence priced from $2.8 million. This home offers three bedrooms, a dedicated study, two bathrooms plus powder room, and three car spaces with an oversized storage room.&nbsp;

Interiors prioritise spatial comfort and natural light, with three-metre-high ceilings, oversized internal doors and a full-width terrace oriented to the north, east and west.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355604]

Floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows ensure thermal performance across seasons, supported by automated external blinds, zoned heating and cooling, and a fireplace for added ambiance.

Each apartment has been individually designed to maximise privacy and garden outlooks. Kitchens combine refined finishes with practical considerations: stone benchtops, butler’s pantry, full-height joinery and concealed rangehoods.&nbsp;

The inclusion of dedicated home offices responds to contemporary living patterns, while bathrooms feature sculptural bathtubs and brushed nickel fixtures.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27816 project_image_fid=355590]

Threadneedle also integrates best-practice sustainability measures, achieving a 7 Star average NatHERS rating. Initiatives include solar PV systems, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and irrigation, and high-performing building insulation. These elements enhance daily comfort while reducing ongoing maintenance and energy demand.

"We believe Threadneedle sets a new standard of design excellence and building quality for Balwyn,"&nbsp;Scaramuzzino added.

"It’s an architectural response we’re particularly proud of, and one we’re sure residents will be equally proud to call home."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=27816]

Staff Writer

Final homes remaining as Threadneedle, Balwyn completes construction

Joel Robinson

Sydney's top 15 new apartments developments set to launch in 2026

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]

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.

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

Little Bay

Prominent Sydney developer Urban Property Group have lodged a new development application for their coastal Little Bay apartment project.

After securing court approval for a concept development application at their 11,612 sqm Jennifer Street block, they've now recently filed the detailed development application to Randwick City Council that comprises of 76 apartments designed by Hill Thalis Architecture at 11 Jennifer Street.

The proposal adopts the courtyard apartment type, which Hill Thalis founding principal Philip Thalis says is puzzlingly rare in Australian cities, despite its suitability to the climate and long architectural traditions of sociability.

"The courtyard garden type has antecedents in many urban cultures around the world," Hill Thalis noted in the design statement submitted to the council.

"As is the case in many examples of this type, the courtyards organise the primary access and address to the various cores, and they are planted with endemic species and dotted with seats.

"The entry (northern) courtyard has framed vistas open to the landscape on the east side, and back to Reservoir Street to the west. The southern courtyard opens to the ESBS."

<img alt="Jennifer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6680aba7-d7d7-4fe7-accb-1fc47a2fe74a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202022-12-06%20at%202.01.08%20pm.png?VersionId=hvTxc4Al4.oYYgJTqLf9TyzwaxQqp_Vj" />

The proposal is for 76 dwellings in three separate buildings that frame two substantial landscape courtyards. While the pair of northern buildings that front Crown Road are linear, the larger southern building has a U-shaped configuration.

The apartments are distributed over three and part four residential levels above a single level basement car park.

There will be 10 one-bedroom apartments, 38 two-bedders, and 28 three-bed units. 15 of the ground floor garden apartments have direct street or garden access and private gardens. The top floor apartments on both levels two and three have larger floorplans and have extensive terraces.

"The proposed development provides a mix of accommodation to support the needs of a future population, including families given the sizes and mix of apartments," Hill Thalis added.

Urban Property Group went through the Land and Environment Court to obtain approval for 38 apartments and 8 townhouses back in 2019, but have since been back and forth with design proposals for the site.

The Little Bay area on the eastern side of Anzac Parade has seen new urban precincts created over the last two decades, including the redevelopment of the former Prince Henry Hospital site and the early stages of Little Bay Cove to its immediate north.

The Little Bay project is part of UPG's continually growing development pipeline.

In the past month they've submitted applications in Penrith, and a townhouse and apartment project at Edmondson Park both close to train station infrastructure. Those two projects alone add a further 1,100 dwellings to UPG's pipeline.

<a href="/news/nsw/exclusive-first-look-urban-property-group-prepare-over-1100-dwellings-in-penrith-and-edmondson-park-developments">Read more:&nbsp;Exclusive first look: Urban Property Group prepare over 1100 dwellings in Penrith and Edmondson Park developments</a>

The proposal adopts the courtyard apartment type, which Hill Thalis founding principal Philip Thalis says is puzzlingly rare in Australian cities


Exclusive first look: Urban Property Group reveal Little Bay apartments project

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South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson and wife Kate are selling their Little Bay penthouse.
The couple are set to downsize again within the neighbourhood where they moved after selling their $1.68 million Coogee semi in 2014.
Their initial Little Bay abode was a three-bedroom house they sold in 2017 for $1.9 million.
The three-bedroom penthouse with rooftop garden, bought in 2017, has been listed by McGrath agent Marnie Seinor.
The fifth-floor apartment has ocean views from what is currently the highest spot within the precinct.
Inspectees spotted next year’s NRL fixture on the fridge door.
It was Nick Pappas who recruited Richardson from Penrith to South Sydney in 2004, where along with Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court, he helped turn the team into an NRL powerhouse.
He rejoined in 2016 after a brief stint at NRL’s headquarters.
Little Bay has seen 3.9% compound growth for houses and 5.1% for units, according to realestate.com.au over the past five years.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
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Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson lists Little Bay penthouse

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Tom Burgess, who will be the only Burgess brother to pull on green and red next year for the Rabbitohs, is now selling both his Little Bay apartments.
It comes after the first-time dad and his partner, model Tahlia Giumelli had their first daughter Sophie in August.
He initially put his investment pad on the market last month, with hopes of $975,000.
Now he’s decided to also sell the penthouse which they have called home since moving from Coogee.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse with two wrap-around entertaining areas cost $1,405,000.
NG Farah agent Beau Champion, who previously played alongside the brothers at the Rabbitohs, is seeking $1.5 million.
Tom’s twin brother George, who is moving back to the UK with wife Joanna and their three kids, offloaded his $1.35 million investment in the same block last December.
He got the same price he paid off the plan in 2015.
The twins had attended the VIP launch of the development as guests of the then McGrath Projects boss Dennis Vertzayias.
Big brother Sam still retains a foothold in the building, having failed to find a buyer for his $955,000 purchase.
Sam’s Maroubra matrimonial home is likely to hit market soon.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Rabbitoh Tom Burgess lists Little Bay penthouse

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George Burgess, one of the high-flying South Sydney Rabbitohs brothers, and wife Joanna have managed to onsell their recently settled Little Bay apartment, but seemingly only at purchase price.
George, and his twin brother Tom, plus older brother Sam all grabbed an apartment off the plan in 2015 midway through the apartment price boom.
On its settlement in August, George and his wife Joanna sought to flip their penthouse purchase.
Having paid $1.35 million, the top-floor, two-bedroom apartment with terracing was initially listed at $1.45 million to $1.5 million, which would have more than covered expenses.
Their former South Sydney Rabbitohs teammate Beau Champion, from NG Farah, who listed the apartment with colleague Peter Goulding, recently posted the sale details at $1.35 million.
George and Joanna recently welcomed into the world their second child Birdie Maquelle. They had a son, Boston, last year.
TA Global developed the Illume (pictured above), comprising 179 residential apartments within three blocks of five-storey-high buildings on Anzac Parade.
The units were a collaborative design of by architect Tony Caro, along with Simon Mather of Mako Architecture. Bordering Little Cove Beach and four golf courses, the estate covers 13 hectares and with lakes, wetlands, bushland and walking trails.
It was Tom who outlaid the most of the Burgess brothers, seemingly with plans to move into his $1,405,000, two-bedroom purchase with his partner, former Miss Universe finalist Tahlia Giumelli, and their cavalier pup Ted.
Older brother Sam, who spent $955,000 on his two-bedroom apartment was also seeking a buyer after settlement, but has withdrawn it from sale to now accommodate a family member.
The twins attended the VIP launch in 2015 of the second stage of the development in August with mum Julie as guests of then McGrath Projects agent Dennis Vertzayias.
Sydney's off the plan market has faced issues upon settlement.
CoreLogic recently calculated that 30% of off the plan apartments were being valued at less than their original sale price.
It is a reversal on boom time years when developers had been utilising the sunset clauses in contracts, dragging apartments back from intending buyers because some could have risen so much.
Many apartments sold off the plan, at a time when housing conditions were much stronger and credit conditions weren’t as tight, noted Tim Lawless, Head of Research at CoreLogic.
“With the unit construction cycle moving through an unprecedented peak, the settlement phase will be an important facet of the market to monitor,” Lawless said.
Lawless says the combination of record new apartment supply and falling prices means that settlement risk is now “heightened”.
<div id="taboola-mid-article-stream-thumbnails">He said off-the-plan buyers who find their valuation comes in lower than the contract price at the time of settlement could be "in for a rude shock”.</div>
“Lenders will generally be looking for a loan to valuation ratio often closer to 80%, meaning buyers will need to top up their deposit in order to meet the lenders loan to valuation criteria.
This article first appeared in The Saturday Telegraph.
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South Sydney's George Burgess onsells recently settled Little Bay apartment

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An award-winning 1888 architecturally renovated Little Bay house on a 735 square metre block has been sold for $2,795,000. 
It was offered by Peter Goulding and Nick Ujvary from NG Farah.
It has been believed to be the first doctor's residence constructed. 
The historic coastal home situated at<a href="http://www.ngfarah.com.au/19222669/22-jenner-street-little-bay" target="_blank"> 22 Jenner Street</a> features formal and casual entertaining areas, indoor and outdoor living, palatial master suite, other three bedrooms and Caesar Stone gas kitchen.
<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/2018/9/24/little%20bay%202.jpg" alt="">
Other highlights include landscaped gardens, tiled and carpeted floors, ducted air conditioning and rear lane beach access.
It is only two minutes stroll to Prince Henry's retail and cafe centre, 10 minutes to Pacific Square and airport and 20 minutes to the city. 
The suburb's median house price sits at $1.8 million according to CoreLogic. 
<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/2018/9/24/little%20bay%203.jpg" alt="">
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Award-winning Little Bay trophy home sold

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The Sydney premiership winning jockey Brenton Avdulla has settled his off the plan investment apartment acquisition in Little Bay's latest development.
Having paid $720,000 on the launch of the Illume complex in 2015, the Melbourne-born jockey has quickly found a tenant on its recent completion.
Avdulla's leased the two bedroom unit at $750 a week, reflecting a strong 5.5% yield.
The apartment spans 100 square metres with wrap around balcony has views across Little Bay to the water.
It is in the same complex where three of the Rabbitoh Burgess brothers, Luke Sam and Tom also bought off the plan apartments.
Returning from a successful stint in Japan, the 27 year old Avdulla has had his best year in the saddle to date, being one of the youngest jockey's to get to 1000 career wins.
Avdulla recently sold his four bedroom Zetland home for $2.01 million after paying $1.85 million two years ago.
The three storey home with split level design home was among a handful of terraces in the award-winning ARC development designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer in 2003.
Joe Recep and Martin Farah at NG Farah Coogee sold the property.
He retains a townhouse in Pagewood where he paid $1,788,000 for a three storey townhouse on the former Electrolux manufacturing plant estate.
Avdulla's first Sydney purchase, when he was in his late teens, was near the track. His one bedroom Kensington apartment, cost $445,000.
The star jockey will be a shoo-in for a ride in the Everest next month.
Last year he rode star sprinter Chataqua to fourth place.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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