<p>Australian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/homecorp">Homecorp</a> has officially launched its $210 million Florence Residences to the market, as demand for coastal and wellness-inspired living across the Gold Coast continues to surge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soaring 26-storeys above Cascade Gardens, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Florence Residences</a> will deliver 120 homes paired with a private residents’ only wellness club.</p>

<p>Recent findings from the Global Wellness Institute reveal Australia now ranks fourth globally for wellness real estate, with a third of the country’s wellness market growth coming directly from residential development, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Discerning buyers are increasingly seeking homes that prioritise wellness amenities, connection and lifestyle, a trend born post-pandemic that reflects a renewed focus on living well, not just living comfortably.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357949]</p>

<p>“The Gold Coast’s next era of luxury living has arrived and it is putting wellness and community at the centre of design,” said Ron Bakir, CEO and Founder of Homecorp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Buyers are looking for a sanctuary - a home that feels like an escape from the everyday, a place to unwind, recharge and connect. At Florence Residences, we have created exactly that: a community where architecture, lifestyle and wellness converge. It is a design philosophy that embraces natural materials, biophilic design and a sense of revitalisation, setting a new benchmark for coastal living on the Gold Coast.”</p>

<p>Florence, inspired by its namesake Italian city,&nbsp;introduces a holistic lifestyle destination within one of the city’s most exclusive coastal and park-side enclaves. Beyond each residence lies a world dedicated to wellbeing and connection, featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, spa retreat, state-of-the-art gymnasium, and a yoga and Pilates studio.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357946]</p>

<p>The project will also boast social and community-focused spaces, including a resident-only lounge with private dining and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a striking hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly perks including a heated dog wash.</p>

<p>“Florence Residences has been designed as a home for the future, one that will truly stand the test of time. A place that can be passed down through generations, in a city where lifestyle never compromises. Here - health, longevity and luxury exist in perfect balance,” Bakir added.</p>

<p>Early site works are set to commence in the coming weeks, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026 and completion anticipated by late 2027.</p>

<p>Prices will begin from $1,249,000.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]</p>


Joel Robinson

Homecorp launches $210 million Florence Residences as demand soars for wellness-inspired living on the Gold Coast

<p>Life in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a> moves at a distinctly local rhythm - a neighbourhood where cafés open early, parks fill steadily, and everything from art to groceries is found within walking distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the centre of this tightly knit urban fabric, just 150 metres from Brunswick Street’s café's and retail spine, this new address offers direct access to the suburb’s defining amenities while maintaining a sense of residential calm.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/napier-235-fitzroy-235-napier-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Napier 235</a>, a boutique development from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/romano-property-group">Romano Property Group</a>, introduces 14 north-facing residences into one of Melbourne’s most walkable and richly layered enclaves. Surrounded by iconic eateries, leafy gardens, and essential daily services, it situates residents within the full spectrum of Fitzroy’s cultural, culinary, and lifestyle offerings - all just two kilometres from the CBD.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144904 project_image_fid=3219]</p>

<p>The immediate surroundings read like a curated guide to Melbourne’s culinary highlights: Bentwood café and the Napier Hotel, both local institutions, are just metres from the doorstep. Some of the city’s most acclaimed eateries are within a five to ten minute radius - Marion, Cutler &amp; Co, Lune Croissanterie, Alimentari, and Bar Rosella, to name a few. These venues sit alongside celebrated casual options like Hector’s Deli and Archie’s All Day, offering residents a diverse and constantly evolving dining experience.</p>

<p>For food shopping and specialty retail, the area continues to deliver. Morning Market and Gertrude Grocer offer curated produce and pantry goods, while Meatsmith, The Source Bulk Foods, and Gram Sustainable cater to conscious consumers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>National retailers including Coles and Woolworths ensure grocery needs are met with ease, and boutique outlets like Aesop, Le Labo, and Glou Wine Bar &amp; Shop add texture to the local retail mix.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144904 project_image_fid=3216]</p>

<p>Public green space is one of Fitzroy’s defining attributes, and Napier 235 is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this. Carlton Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens provide expansive, historic parklands within walking distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Edinburgh Gardens, popular with locals for its open lawns and sporting facilities, is also easily accessible. Fitzroy Swimming Pool and the leafy surrounds of the Melbourne Museum further enrich the recreational landscape, while the Melbourne Cricket Ground offers a pedestrian-accessible connection to the city’s sporting calendar.</p>

<p>Transport connectivity is embedded into the daily rhythm of the suburb. Tram access on nearby Brunswick, Smith, and Nicholson Streets provides direct links to the CBD and broader inner-north. Meanwhile, major arterials such as Victoria Parade and Alexandra Parade support quick access by car or bicycle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=144904 project_image_fid=3217]</p>

<p>Despite this rich offering, Napier Street itself remains a quiet, tree-lined corridor within Fitzroy’s residential grain, providing a sense of retreat from the surrounding activity. This balance of vibrancy and seclusion underpins the appeal of Napier 235, designed by Ewert Leaf with landscape by Florian Wild.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each residence offers large private terraces and generous internal layouts that connect with the outdoors, while sustainability credentials place the project in the top five per cent of Victorian developments under current planning policy benchmarks.</p>

<p>Napier 235 is now under construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/ag-constructions">AG Construct</a>. Two-bedroom residences are priced from $1,225,000.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144904]</p>


Staff Writer

Napier 235 taps into Fitzroy’s lifestyle fabric

<p>Access to high-performing public schools remains one of the strongest, and most measurable, drivers of residential demand in Melbourne’s established suburbs.</p>

<p>As affordability pressures continue to reshape buying decisions, school zoning has increasingly shifted from a secondary preference to a strategic consideration for family buyers.</p>

<p>New 2025 research from Cotality quantifies just how much weight households place on this factor. Across Sydney and Melbourne, families are paying premiums of up to $1.3 million to secure houses within sought-after public school catchments compared with similar homes just outside the boundary. In Melbourne, price gaps in leading school zones have reached as much as $357,000, reinforcing the extent to which access to public education is being capitalised into property values.</p>

<p>This data is reflected in buyer behaviour on the ground. Recent analysis shows some Melbourne families are paying up to 35 per cent more for homes within well-performing public school zones, particularly in tightly held inner and middle-ring suburbs where supply is limited and boundaries are sharply defined.</p>

<p>While the strongest premiums have traditionally been associated with detached housing, the underlying demand drivers, certainty of school access, long-term lifestyle planning, and the rising cost of private education, are increasingly influencing apartment buyers as well.</p>

<p>In suburbs where new residential supply is scarce, apartments located within established school catchments are emerging as one of the few accessible entry points for families prioritising location over land.</p>

<p>Long regarded for its education network, Balwyn remains one of Melbourne’s most tightly-held residential areas, with limited opportunities for new housing, particularly projects that sit squarely within the Balwyn High School catchment, one of the best performing public schools in the area.</p>

<p>The new apartment development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/white-weston-balwyn-village-259-281-whitehorse-road-balwyn-vic-3103">White &amp; Weston</a> sits within the sought-after catchment zone, as well as being close to the suburb’s village retail strip and Balwyn Park.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343580]</p>

<p>Supermarket giant Coles has teamed up with developer Dimas Property Group to create White &amp; Weston, just 45 large-scale apartments designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, are proving popular with a wide variety of buyers, from young families to professional couples, as well as empty nesters.</p>

<p>While the median house price in Balwyn is touching $3 million, two-bedroom apartments at White &amp; Weston start from $1,325,000, and three-bedroom apartments start from $1,837,000.</p>

<p>On top its affordability relative to houses, buyers, depending on the configuration they choose, can save up to $360,000 by buying off the plan, an added cost which is applicable in the established housing market.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343582]</p>

<p>White &amp; Weston apartments have been designed with sustainability at the forefront. They will achieve a&nbsp;minimum seven-star energy rating, through features like double-glazed windows, EV readiness, and whole-of-home energy optimisation aimed at reducing ongoing costs. There is also a 52-week defect liability period in place, and a six-year building guarantee for peace of mind.</p>

<p>Builder Aspekt has already commenced construction of the building, and will complete in early 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=136850 project_image_fid=343583]</p>

<p>Developments like White &amp; Weston highlight how school zoning is reshaping not just prices, but housing typologies within established suburbs. As demand to live inside high-performing public school catchments intensifies, apartments and townhome-style projects are increasingly filling the gap between aspiration and affordability.</p>

<p>The question for buyers is less about whether the school-zone premium exists, the data clearly shows it does, and more about how they choose to absorb it. Paying extra for education access can make sense when weighed against private schooling costs and long-term lifestyle goals.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136850]</p>


While the median house price in Balwyn is touching $3 million, the two-bedroom apartments at White & Weston range from $1,275,000 to $1.5 million, and the three-bedroom apartments start from $1.7 million.

White & Weston in Balwyn reflects Melbourne's education-driven housing demand

<p data-end="242" data-start="119">All eyes are on the Brisbane apartment market in 2026, as the Queensland capital continues its bull run in the unit sector.</p>

<p data-end="406" data-start="244">Buyer confidence remains at an all-time high, with Cotality data showing unit values surged more than 15 per cent in 2025, following 16.6 per cent growth in 2024.</p>

<p data-end="674" data-start="408">It is becoming increasingly difficult to build in Brisbane, keeping supply constrained and placing further upward pressure on prices. Developers are keen to bring projects to market as quickly as possible, with the Olympics, albeit still six years away, looming large.</p>

<p>Next year promises to be another exciting one for the Brisbane apartment market. It will be another characterized by limited supply, heightened demand, and&nbsp;continued price growth as construction constraints and strong population growth keep competition for new stock intense.</p>

<p data-end="238" data-start="127">We’ve wrapped up the 10 best apartment developments set to hit the market in 2026 that buyers should look out for.</p>

<h3>Where: South Brisbane<br />
Who: Mosaic Property Group</h3>

<p>Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a> is preparing to launch its Montague Road, South Brisbane development in early 2026.</p>

<p>The owner-occupier focussed building will have 204 two- and three-bedroom apartments across its 37 storeys overlooking the Brisbane River, as well as over&nbsp;2,000 sqm of wellness and lifestyle amenity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Montague" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33256aa1-247f-43a1-8135-e8ae16c2d838" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-16%20at%201.54.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=LzP3Ytk4UTNDB8x_CE.x.gPbC.3yOtsL" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">bureau^proberts</a> and positioned on one of the last remaining large riverfront sites in South Brisbane, the development aligns with the area’s next phase of renewal as Montague Road transitions from light industrial uses to a high-quality mixed-use river precinct.</p>

<h3>Where: Toowong<br />
Who: Immerse Projects</h3>

<p>Gold Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a> is making its Brisbane debut in Toowong. Pending approvals, they will launch their 15-storey mixed-use building on Sylvan Road in 2026.</p>

<p>There will be <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/22-24-sylvan-road-toowong-qld-4066">88 apartments</a> above activated ground-floor retail and hospitality.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Immerse Projects reveals debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_3.png?VersionId=obHZvtKcoN9sil.chyU_YQrZ5iuAtjqQ" /></p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the project responds to a mid-rise urban context that has seen little new apartment supply in recent years, despite strong underlying demand driven by proximity to the University of Queensland, transport, and riverfront amenity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scheme is positioned as a contemporary addition to the Sylvan Road corridor, with landscaped communal spaces and a focus on connectivity rather than scale.</p>

<p><em><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-immerse-projects-reveals-debut-brisbane-apartment-development-in-toowong">First look: Immerse Projects reveals debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong</a></strong></em></p>

<h3>The Stanley<br />
Where: Woolloongabba<br />
Who: Sarazin</h3>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sarazin">Sarazin</a>&nbsp;is expected to launch its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-woolloongabba-825-stanley-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley</a>&nbsp;development in 2026, one of the most ambitious proposals set to contribute significantly to Woolloongabba’s transformation ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151722 project_image_fid=356087]</p>

<p>Planned as a two-tower, mixed-use development of 53 and 36 storeys, the project will deliver 447 apartments alongside retail, commercial space, and a major public plaza connecting Stanley and Trafalgar Streets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located within the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area and adjacent to The Gabba and Cross River Rail, The Stanley is framed as a catalyst project, blending high-density living with cultural and civic infrastructure, including a proposed STEAMM gallery and garden.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>The Tannery<br />
Where: West End<br />
Who: McNab</h3>

<p>Another builder-developer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a>, will launch its unique West End project in 2026.&nbsp;The Tannery Residences will transform the former Dixon’s Tannery site on Montague Road into a 10-storey, wellness-led residential project that places heritage at its core.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development will deliver 81 two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, centred around the preserved 19th-century tannery building, which will be repurposed as a communal retreat with extensive health and wellbeing facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="McNab secures approval to transform West End's Dixon’s Tannery into The Tannery Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/McNab%20The%20Tannery_Render_09.jpg?VersionId=Ucpd19J0ABOpzetZ.BsyYmS_x2N2QV_g" /></p>

<p>Designed with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/aspect-studios">Aspect Studios</a>, and Tom Mark Henry, the project reflects a broader buyer shift toward character-rich buildings that combine history, amenity, and long-term liveability in tightly held inner-Brisbane locations.</p>

<h3>The Gallery by Graya<br />
Where: Hamilton<br />
Who: Graya</h3>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a>, yet another builder-developer,&nbsp;is expanding its presence along Hamilton’s Racecourse Road with The Gallery.</p>

<p>Pending approvals to go a little higher than what has been approved, Graya will bring 52 high-end apartments to the undersupplied Hamilton market, above&nbsp;a curated retail precinct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Designed by bureau^proberts, the project draws on Queensland vernacular architecture, incorporating deep verandahs, landscaped courtyards, and an 800-square-metre rooftop retreat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=150283 project_image_fid=1821]</p>

<p>Positioned on a full-block site, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-gallery-by-graya-63-71-racecourse-road-hamilton-qld-4007">The Gallery</a> is intended to act as a local civic anchor, contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of Racecourse Road while catering to owner-occupiers seeking lower-density living close to the river and CBD.</p>

<p><em><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-graya-expands-hamilton-presence-with-the-gallery-apartments">First look exclusive: GRAYA expands Hamilton presence with The Gallery apartments</a></strong></em></p>

<h3>Yeerongpilly Green<br />
Where: Yeerongpilly<br />
Who: Consolidated Properties Group</h3>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) will launch its 25-storey residential tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yeerongpilly-green-21-queens-way-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Yeerongpilly Green</a>&nbsp;in the new year,&nbsp;marking the first high-rise within the evolving riverside precinct.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project will deliver 181 apartments, evenly balanced between two- and three-bedroom configurations, each with generous outdoor spaces ranging up to 87 sqm.</p>

<p>A key feature of the proposal is the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed former Animal Research Institute building, which will be restored and reimagined as a future community or retail venue.</p>

<p><img alt="CPG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14342886-3be6-409b-bdae-506381832b24" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-16%20at%201.44.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=gVAO1co1J4NKYnbp0aIWQtwioATKTFdl" /></p>

<p>Over 2,000 sqm of landscaped communal gardens, along with resident amenities such as a pool, library, and private dining rooms, reflect the precinct’s broader focus on livability and green design.</p>

<p>The tower’s position within walking distance of the upgraded Yeerongpilly station and the 2032 Olympic tennis venue reinforces its appeal to both residents and investors.</p>

<h3>Where: Newstead<br />
Who Consolidated Properties Group</h3>

<p>CPG is also expected to launch its Newstead project, on one of the last direct riverfront sites in the suburb, next year. They are proposing 235 apartments across a 25-storey tower and an adjoining four-storey riverfront building of just 12 ultra-luxury residences.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, the project draws on classical Brisbane architecture with enduring materials such as brick and stone.</p>

<p><img alt="Don O'Rorke's Cons Prop unveils Newstead riverfront apartment plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/47Skyring_C1_v3.jpg?VersionId=27j60QR_NOCX1GSEXs5XneHQVZp4ty2k" /></p>

<p>CPG Chairman Don O’Rorke described the vision as a “modern classic” that will stand the test of time.</p>

<p>With panoramic north-facing views across the river to Hamilton Hill and more than 75 apartments capturing river vistas, the development cements Newstead’s reputation as one of Brisbane’s most coveted urban waterfront locations.</p>

<p><em><strong>Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/don-ororkes-cons-prop-unveils-newstead-riverfront-apartment-plans">Don O'Rorke's Cons Prop unveils Newstead riverfront apartment plans</a></strong></em></p>

<h3>Where: Newstead<br />
Who: BPG Developments</h3>

<p>Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bpg-developments">BPG Developments</a>&nbsp;will launch&nbsp;its 18-level Newstead apartment tower on Maud Street early in the new year following its recent approval.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, the project will comprise 131 two- and three-bedroom apartments with a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a gym, sauna, plunge pools, and shaded lounging terraces.</p>

<p>A ground-level plaza and retail tenancy will contribute to the precinct’s growing lifestyle offering and activate the street edge.</p>

<p><img alt="BPG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34ff5c87-b4fc-4005-a613-0008f8629170" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-16%20at%201.48.11%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=UQ4i3BRwPdbhJZDqewZKNWjms8j5UTLU" /></p>

<p>The tower’s material palette and form draw inspiration from the neighbouring heritage-listed Goldsworthy and Perkins Boot Factory, incorporating arched motifs and tactile brickwork that nod to Newstead’s industrial past.</p>

<p>BPG Co-Founder Glen Williams said the decision to focus on the area was driven by the ongoing shortage of new apartments and construction challenges limiting supply.</p>

<h3>Where: New Farm<br />
Who: Fortis</h3>

<p data-end="318" data-start="55"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> is expected to launch its second Brisbane project, one of its largest to date not only in Brisbane but nationally. The New Farm development will deliver <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/424-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">74 apartments and four standalone houses</a> across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>.</p>

<p>The seven-level apartment building will front Moreton Street, while the four houses will address Bowen Terrace, taking advantage of elevated views and the suburb’s established leafy streetscape.</p>

<p><img alt="Fortis files Bowen Terrace, New Farm apartment plans" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-07-02%20at%2012.45.43%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=kPUTnNlrz4NpkGVcUPyOs14G1nskILyi" /></p>

<p>The project’s architecture embraces subtropical design principles, drawing on the character of traditional Queensland homes through verandahs, bay windows, and deep balconies. A U-shaped configuration surrounds a north-facing courtyard with a pool and wellness zones.</p>

<p>Following three rounds of community consultation, the design was refined to include greater setbacks and deep planting, with heritage assessments confirming minimal impact on the neighbouring Fingal House.</p>

<h3>Where: Newstead<br />
Who: Frasers Property Australia</h3>

<p>Development giant Frasers will launch its updated Newstead development to the market in 2026, after tweaking the plans for it to be more upmarket.</p>

<p>They will now bring around 70 apartments to the market across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">two 16-storey buildings</a> on a prime&nbsp;3,016 sqm site on the&nbsp;corner of Chester and Morse Street. There will also be three street-level terraces, a rarity so close to the popular James St retail precinct.</p>

<p><img alt="Frasers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="565ad08a-218d-4a82-849a-0c55d8cea473" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-16%20at%203.04.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=RwY2wOfqsXItXztL145VVKsWt9r8yPNQ" /></p>

<p>Frasers Property Development Director Jamisen Rivera said the upscale project felt like a natural progression following the delivery of luxury townhomes and apartments at Hamilton Reach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This rare site presented a unique opportunity to blend the blue-chip aspects of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/new-farm-qld-4005" target="">New Farm</a>&nbsp;with the urban excitement of Newstead’s thriving scene and is primely positioned to link two of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld" target="">Brisbane</a>’s most iconic precincts, walkable to both James Street and The Gasworks,"&nbsp;Rivera said.</p>

<p>“Carefully curated by our experienced consultant team, the residences are as luxurious as they are diverse, with a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments designed to maximise the 360-degree views to the CBD,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/new-farm-qld-4005" target="">New Farm</a>, North&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld" target="">Brisbane</a>&nbsp;and Hamilton Northshore, enhancing the living experience from the inside out.”&nbsp;</p>


Brisbane’s top 10 new apartment developments coming to market in 2026

<p>With just a few units left in its luxury Palm Beach apartment development La Belle,&nbsp;Marquee Development Partners is planning its next.</p>

<p>They are moving down The Esplanade, filing plans for 31 apartments on an amalgamated 1,236 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/velare-444-448-the-esplanade-palm-beach-qld-4221">444–448 The Esplanade</a>, directly opposite the Palm Beach foreshore.</p>

<p>The family-owned developer, ran by Jacques Winterburn, has had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ellivo-architects">Ellivo Architects</a>&nbsp;design the nine-storey building that will comprise 15 two-bedroom apartments, 15 three-beds, and a four-bedroom penthouse.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Marquee Development Partners plans 31-unit beachfront apartment tower in Palm Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c0ffe7-28f1-4ab2-93d2-99ca28f45f15" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/palm%20beach%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=x9pY7kEFJFlZfYa4G4RKtrKQZZ7gPFmZ" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>A residents' lounge with work from home pods will sit on the first level, as will a gym, an alfresco deck with outdoor kitchen, and a lap pool with adjoining spa.</p>

<p data-end="257" data-start="108">The building will sit next door to Solmare by Chanine Developments, which is set to launch soon, as well as the Casablanca Palms on the Beach resort.</p>

<p data-end="698" data-start="259">Marquee is on track to deliver its 11th Gold Coast project, with La Belle slated for completion in late 2026. Only four-bedroom apartments remain in the 75-unit development. Marquee has delivered several central Gold Coast projects around Surfers Paradise and Chevron Island, but in recent years has shifted its focus to the southern end of the coast, completing Palm Beach Residences, Northshore Palm Beach, and SOL and Monterey at Kirra.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


First look: Marquee plots latest Palm Beach apartment development

Market Trends

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Plenty of people bemoaned the record low nominal growth in Australia's wage price index in calendar year 2019, myself included.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Through a prolonged period of high levels of immigration the workforce has clearly become more casualised, and there's been widespread underutilisation as well as wage theft. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the other hand, the latest average weekly earnings figures show that there are still plenty of dollars sloshing around some parts of the economy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the year to November 2019 there was +3.3 per cent growth in average weekly earnings, driven by solid +3.4 per cent growth for full-time employees in the private sector.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That's well ahead of the rate of inflation of about +1.8 per cent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Full-time ordinary time earnings for males increased by +3.2 per cent, which is plenty better than some of the numbers we've seen for men in recent years (while the equivalent figure for females was robust at +3.5 per cent):</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyB2L8bRUVA/Xk-vRpxsMqI/AAAAAAAA0XE/Lrn-C_wEfMMYQdySez7wuAk_1sGGaTOBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1404"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>For average<em> total </em>male earnings there was very solid growth in Victoria (+5.5 per cent) in particular, as well as in New South Wales (+3.8 per cent). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In the mining boom glory years male workers drew in extremely strong rates of pay in the Top End - I even lived in Darwin myself for a short time - but those days have long gone, and many workers are leaving the Northern Territory as gravity and mean reversion take hold. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>You can click on the below chart to see how male full-time total earnings have progressed over time by state and territory, with the impact of the end of the mining construction boom in evidence for the resources state figures:</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpcNpSshjJY/Xk-vRkHSG3I/AAAAAAAA0XI/zeb15JHAWVYEvQdg4c7c9SS3fPKL6JzKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/A2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LpcNpSshjJY/Xk-vRkHSG3I/AAAAAAAA0XI/zeb15JHAWVYEvQdg4c7c9SS3fPKL6JzKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="384" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1371"></a></div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sector trends</span></strong></p>
<div>Overall, average weekly earnings increased by +3.2 per cent over the year to November 2019 to a new high of $1,659, which was a stronger result than the +2.5 per cent seen a year earlier.  </div>
<p><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spjyzBpAnJg/Xk-vRtX1rBI/AAAAAAAA0XM/ri4qmweXsLQdjer9sPAvNXGfMAHXfkgXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/AWE.jpg" width="640" height="636" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="814"></p>
<div>Thus while growth in the wage price index has been benign, it's clear that some earners and sectors have been faring reasonably well. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Higher income earners may include healthcare specialists, construction workers and project managers, engineers, and some of those in tech roles...especially employees based in Melbourne and Sydney. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed, construction topped the industry sectors for adult ordinary time earnings in 2019, with major infrastructure projects seeing some big pay packets being offered, including in inner-city Brisbane. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Important market trends investors should keep an eye on: Pete Wargent

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<p>Recent research conducted by Knight Frank's partner and head of research, Michelle Ciesielski observes a shift in the narrative from downsizing to rightsizing due to changes in the lifestyle trend towards apartment living.</p>
<h2>Trends to Monitor</h2>
<p>The 'Australian Prime Residential Insight 2020' outlines some of the trends that are expected to influence the rightsizer prime luxury market in the coming years. </p>
<h2>1. 'Active Retired' Transforming the Retiree Lifestyle</h2>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_Active%20Retired%20Group.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Unlike past generations, the 'Active Retired' group hold a passport with many stamps, they are educated, willing to engage in smart technology and encouraged the change in definition for their next home purchase to 'rightsize' rather than 'downsize'. </p>
<h2>2. Baby Boomer Voice Growing </h2>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_Baby%20Boomers.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The baby boomer group comprised 23.5 per cent of the Australian population in 2016, growing from 21.7 per cent five years earlier. </p>
<p>In 2020, the youngest baby boomer turns 56 years old and the oldest turns 74 years old. </p>
<h2>3. Under-Supplied Prime Suburbs</h2>
<p>The portion of three-bedroom and above dwellings due for completion by 2022 is increasing to 71 per cent in medium density, and to 18 per cent for high-density dwellings. </p>
<p>The next trend to watch is the total number of dwellings being completed with 47 per cent less medium-density dwellings due between 2020 and 22, compared to 2017 and 2019, and 30 per cent less being built as high-density dwellings. </p>
<h2>4. Collaborate, Community, Belonging </h2>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_Collaborate.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>More emphasis on creating agile collaborative zones within the amenities to ensure they carry significance to the residents and can be adapted for alternate uses at other times of the day. </p>
<h2>5. Clever Spaces</h2>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_Crown%20Residences%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: <span>Crown Residences at </span><span><a href="https://onebarangaroo.com.au" target="_blank"><span>One Barangaroo</span></a></span></p>
<p>Drawing inspiration from the most exclusive hotels and residences from around the world will continue to nurture the redesign of luxury apartments and allow residents to be more agile and minimise ineffective space. </p>
<h2>6. Rise in Lateral Living </h2>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_Lateral%20Spaces.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: Liverpool/ <a href="https://www.lateralestate.com/libertytower" target="_blank">Lateral Estate</a>.</p>
<p>Buyers are prepared to pay a premium for a lateral apartment, designed to span the entire floorplate offering the closest replica of a freestanding house in the sky, although with absolute privacy. </p>
<p>It can enable the most resilient security, with direct lift access, from the secured basement carpark, to the single-leveled residence. </p>
<h2>7. More Branded Residences</h2>
<p>With rapid expansion of over 400<a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/1617/documents/en/global-branded-residences-2019-5874.pdf" target="_blank"> branded residences</a> globally, a growing number of developers and hotel groups are looking to capitalise on this opportunity in Australia.</p>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_branded%20residence.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: Branded Residence Report 2019/ <a href="https://content.knightfrank.com/research/1617/documents/en/global-branded-residences-2019-5874.pdf" target="_blank">Knight Frank.</a></p>
<p>A branded residence is traditionally a hotel-led development with integrated or linked residences. For instance, <a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/four-seasons" target="_blank">Four Seasons</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/aman" target="_blank">Aman</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/ritz-carlton" target="_blank">Ritz-Carlton</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/mandarin-oriental" target="_blank">Mandarin Oriental</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/oneonly" target="_blank">One&amp;Only Resorts</a><span>, </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/rosewood" target="_blank">Rosewood</a><span> and </span><a href="https://iconprivateresidences.com/category/luxury-developments/six-senses" target="_blank">Six Senses</a><span> are among the most active in the segment, others have aligned with luxury brands as diverse as Versace, Porsche and Armani.</span></p>
<p>They naturally benefit from the quality hotel brand, smooth management and luxury services. </p>
<h2>8. A Small World</h2>
<p><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/2020/2/3/14_Small%20World%20Qantas.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Source: 'Qantas flew non-stop from London to Sydney in less than 20 hours'/ <a href="https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/trending/london-sydney-non-stop-long-haul-qantas-flight-project-sunrise" target="_blank">Qantas</a>.</p>
<p>Qantas tested its new 19-hour nonstop flight from London to Sydney in late 2019. This may be operational by 2022. </p>
<p>Improved connectivity has potential to reshape the second home market. This could result in an increased competition with offshore buyers, and encourage rebalancing property portfolios with Australians likely to buy more second homes abroad. </p>
<h2>9. Reducing space and footprint</h2>
<p><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/3_StockBreakouts/house-in-hands-july-31-brekaout.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>More buyers and developers are becoming increasingly aware of the carbon footprint they leave behind for future generations. </p>
<p>This was revealed in the recent research conducted by Stockland Research. It was predicted that Australians have <span>a strong desire for more social connectivity and sustainable home features becoming standard.</span></p>
<p>Read more: <a href="/news/how-will-australians-live-over-the-next-decade-stockland-research">'How will Australians live over the next decade, Stockland Research'</a></p>
<p>They are committing to better sustainability practices and design for apartment living. </p>
<p> </p>
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