<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Melbourne off the plan apartments

Melbourne has continued to see growth in its unit market, albeit slower than previous months.

CoreLogic's Monthly Hedonic Home Value Index found that&nbsp;value of&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne units</a>&nbsp;grew by 0.3 per cent across August, slightly softer than the 0.4 per cent gains in July and one per cent in June.

It was the first time in three months unit growth didn't outstrip house value growth. House values in Melbourne grew 0.6 per cent in August.

Unit values are now 1.6 per cent up over the rolling quarter, and 1.7 per cent year to date. The median value for units in&nbsp;<a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a>&nbsp;is now $603,000.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/city-beat-august-2023-melbourne-units-outperform-houses-again-as-supply-problems-persist">City Beat August 2023: Melbourne units outperform houses again as supply problems persist</a>

<h1>What's happening in the Melbourne off the plan market?</h1>

It's taken a bit of time, but agents are reporting that buyers are starting to come into the market.&nbsp;

That's what&nbsp;Stephen Bowtell, Director at Jellis Craig Projects, is seeing across a number of his projects.&nbsp;

"It's a good sign for the market that new buyers are beginning their search," Bowtell says.&nbsp;He adds however that most are new buyers only just starting their journey, and they're not ready to transact.

"That slows down the sales process because those buyers need time to assess all options and spend some time researching the market," Bowtell says.&nbsp;

But due to the supply crunch in Melbourne, because of the difficult construction environment, there's not a lot of other options on the market, or even coming to the market.

He says when there even a hint of a rate cut, there will be a flurry of both enquiry and transactions.

Bowtell has just launched Kindred, in Bayside Mentone, a collection of just 10 architecturally-designed villas on the park and near the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138768 project_image_fid=214857]

"This one ticks a lot of boxes," Bowtell says.

"Kindred Mentone stands out from anything that's been done in Mentone before from an architectural standpoint, but it's also one of few residential sites that faces the park, which makes it difficult to repeat."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/sloane-launch-one-of-a-kind-townhouse-development-in-melbournes-mentone-bayside">Sloane launch 'one of a kind' townhouse development in Melbourne's Mentone Bayside</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138768 project_image_fid=214862]

Colliers National Director Project Marketing Ben Gearing says it's this undersupply of apartments which has driven sales at their two projects in Melbourne currently, Park Quarter on St Kilda's Road by SIDG, and Lendlease's newest tower in their $1.5 billion Collins What redevelopment, Regatta.

Park Quarter has raced to 50 per cent sold having only launched in March, while Regatta hit the market last month and has had "overwhelming interest".

"We are entering a period where there are going to be fewer apartment development completions," Gearing says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134959 project_image_fid=210773]

"This lack of supply in and around the CBD and city fringe of Melbourne will add further pressure on rents in an already tight rental market, bringing astute investors out in large numbers."

Gearing has also seen demand however from first time apartment buyers, whether it be downsizers or first home buyers.

"There has been consistent strong interest from owner occupiers searching for quality, liveable residences which includes your first time apartment residents such as downsizers and first homeowners. As the Melbourne apartment market matures we can see increased interest from residents choosing to upgrade from their current apartments and seeking enhanced design, amenity, quality of build and location."

RT Edgar Projects Director Nihal Peter says there's a few factors at play in the off the plan market in Melbourne. Starting from the bottom up, he says first home buyers have no incentive to buy off the plan.

"They’re renting and don’t want to rent, but they don’t want to be buying something which is over 12 months or so away from completion, they want to move now. They need the 10 per cent deposit now because of rising inflation and rising rents. They’re not buying off the plan and they’re buying completed, well priced stock."

Peter says on the flip side, ageing downsizers are always buying off the plan.

"They don’t have mortgages, they’re buying and future proofing, settling at that price, then selling their home when the market is a bit better.

"There’s a big disparity between the bottom end and the higher end of the market. Supply is going down, demand is going up, the Chinese are coming back. We predict the apartments that sell now will be worth more at settlement.

Peter's newest projects in market are Mimosa Row in Carnegie and EIRA Apartments in Bentleigh East, both being developed by ITUM.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139888 project_image_fid=212587]

Mimosa Row comprises just 40 two and three-bedroom apartments, while EIRA Apartments offers 18 one, two and three-bedroom units.

Tomassi &amp; Co Founder and Director Alby Tomassi says there's&nbsp;plenty of positives to look at in Melbourne’s off the plan property market.

"Forecasts are for 160,000 people to migrate to VIC in the next 12 months, which is 30 per cent of the whole of the country and double pre-COVID levels. The recent interest rate pauses have seen confidence come back into the market.

Tomassi says when we approach the first cut, then it will be game on.

"The new RBA Governor will signal a change in direction at the Central Bank. Whenever there’s a change in leadership in government, it’s generally because the direction wants to change. So I suspect the change of direction will see us go from a rate hiking, inflation controlling RBA to one who will seek to cut rates at the first opportunity.

"As soon as the media start reporting on first rate cuts, demand will far surpass supply, which is worse in Melbourne than in any other capital city."

Tomassi is preparing to launch a boutique project on Fitzroy's Smith Street, and a townhouse project in Mordialloc.

Chad Arbid at Chad Arbid Projects says the RBA's second consecutive decision to hold rates steady in August has sparked increased activity within the market.

"We are now receiving more qualified enquiries as people are able to engage in more effective financial planning. Confidence is reemerging within the market, and individuals are realising that we are either at the pinnacle or very nearly so, within the interest rate cycle."

Arbid is marketing Casa Tranquila in Hampton East, which he says is attracting buyers who want everything that Bayside has to offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113441 project_image_fid=208731]

"It's a true Bayside suburb," Arbid says.

"It shares the Hampton postcode, it's in an area known for parks, the beach, the best schools, restaurants and cafes, all within three or four hundred metres of the front door."

Local downsizers have made up the bulk of enquiry and purchases. There were some first home buyer purchases earlier in the year, but they're not even enquiring now as interest rates have further restricted budgets.

It's taken a bit of time, but agents are reporting that buyers are starting to come into the market

City Beat August 2023: Buyers start to emerge in Melbourne's off the plan market

South Yarra House might be the most beautifully crafted apartment development South Yarra has ever seen.

Developer Wattletree has had SJB mix architecture with density to create something that hasn't been previously available before.

The 58-apartment project, inspired by simple, brutalist, art-deco New York architecture, has been a hit with downsizers in particular so far, who want to stay close to the action of South Yarra without the effort of maintaining a home.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/a-return-to-south-yarra-grandeur-and-refinement-how-sjb-designed-south-yarra-house">"A return to South Yarra grandeur and refinement": How SJB designed South Yarra House</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112970 project_image_fid=214711]

They're getting an equally high level of finish that they could ever get in a home at South Yarra House, with renowned Hecker Guthrie handling the interiors of the project.

We recently took a tour of the South Yarra House display suite which features the centrepiece of the home, the kitchen, lined with marble benchtops and Gaggenau appliances.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tE-YpmoY-u0?si=ftosIX9qIteuAIsO" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

South Yarra House comprises just three and four-bedroom apartments, a maximum of five apartments per floor. They will sit above a commercial and retail podium.

Each apartment features intuitive configurations, ensuring a seamless flow that resonates with the needs of modern living. Enveloped by an uninterrupted north-facing panorama overlooking the Yarra River, these homes effortlessly capture the essence of serene luxury.

Another key stand out of the apartments is the ceiling heights, which range between 2.8 metres and 3.3 metres high, far above the Australian standard of 2.4 metres. High ceilings create a sense of space, and allow for more natural light to flood the apartment through equally high floor to ceiling windows.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112970 project_image_fid=214705]

Every facet of South Yarra House showcases a commitment to quality. From the Gaggenau in the kitchen to&nbsp;custom veneer joinery, meticulously handcrafted bricks and brushed nickel tapware, every fixture and finish has been considered.

Communal spaces take shape in the form of a rooftop haven with a swimming pool, alfresco dining space with a barbecue kitchen, and an indoor dining area.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112970]

Developer Wattletree has had SJB mix architecture with density to create something that hasn't been previously available before

Staff Writer

Capturing what inner-city downsizers are after: Inside the South Yarra House display suite

Merchant Apartments is the final residential apartment development in AVJennings' Williamstown masterplan, Waterline Place.

Merchant will deliver 125 apartments across two seven-storey buildings when it's completed in mid-2024. It sits in the heart of the masterplan, which, when AVJennings started to develop over 10 years, wanted to become 'a village within a village'.

It's a vision which is quickly coming to fruition with Waterline Place already home to a number of apartment buildings and striking architecturally-designed townhouses.

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Renowned architecture firm Elenberg Fraser designed Merchant Apartments with the community in mind. The project comprises one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as an exclusive Sky Home collection occupying the upper floors of the two buildings.&nbsp;

Elenberg Fraser Interior Designer Kate Shaw said Merchant’s fluid undulant-shaped façade reflects light in a way that is reminiscent of the reflection of the sun off rippling water.

“Textural concrete walls intentionally bound the building to the east and west, angled to direct view lines towards the horizon,” Shaw says.

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The building also homes a ground floor retail space and is crowned by a communal rooftop with&nbsp;sweeping views of the city and Hobsons Bay.

The inclusion of a variety of Indigenous and exotic vegetation complements the architectural design and thrives within the climate.

Location is a key highlight of Waterline Place, situated 12 kilometres from the CBD and a short walk from Williamstown Train Station, making it an excellent choice for those who work in the city but prefer a more suburban lifestyle.

Investors have started to show an interest in the building as it approaches completion. CoreLogic data shows units have from 6.31 per cent in the 12 months to July.

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Merchant will deliver 125 apartments across two seven-storey buildings when it's completed in mid-2024

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Buyer Handbook: A buyer's guide to AVJenning's Williamstown apartment development, Merchant Apartments

The record-breaking Queensland developer Spyre Group is set to launch its first Melbourne apartment development, in the Bayside suburb of Hampton.

The boutique project, Hampton Ltd, will see just 20 apartments and three townhouses developed across three three-level buildings on the corner of Thomas Street and Deakin Street, near Hampton Beach and Bayside's entertainment capital Church Street in nearby Brighton.

Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia, who hails from Victoria, said the company's ambition has been to extend&nbsp;the same level of design and innovation down south.

He said the key factor was the location.

“In our pursuit to offer an unmatched living experience for those who desire the extraordinary, we discovered Hampton is the ideal canvas to bring this vision to life - a prime bayside location brimming with untapped potential," Laruccia said.

The two and three-bedroom apartments are expected to be popular among empty nester downsizers and young professionals.

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Architects MLD Studio designed the project, with the interiors crafted by Studio Brent Lee.

Jellis Craig Bayside&nbsp;agent Melina Scriva, who is marketing the project, said Hampton Ltd represented a unique proposition in the area.

“Spyre brings a genuine passion to their projects and an unwavering dedication to exceptional quality," Scriva says.

"Hampton Ltd introduces a bespoke offering that the Bayside community hasn’t seen before.”

Interior layouts are designed around focal points such as the open plan kitchens and master bedrooms, spaces where people spend most of their time. The living area flows around the entertainer’s kitchen where a sculptural island bench, crafted from Vanilish Pearl marble, stands as a statement piece.

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The master bedrooms offer generosity of space and abundant natural light. They feature lush wool carpets, and an expansive walk-in wardrobe with feature timber-look joinery.

Spyre has more than $750 million of luxury developments under their belt in South East Queensland, across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Laruccia said the company was regarded in Queensland for having the foresight, and ability to conceive projects that enhance the “lifestyle wealth’’ of their residents and Spyre wanted to bring that vision to Melbourne.

“Spyre has identified a genuine demand in the market for aspirational properties that inspire through their design and innovation,’’ Laruccia said.

Spyre’s Moray House development on the New Farm reach of the Brisbane River broke the record for Brisbane’s most expensive apartment sale, when its two-level 800 square metre penthouse <a href="/news/qld/spyre-secure-15-75-million-brisbane-apartment-record-at-moray-house-new-farm-riverfront-development">sold off the plan for $15.75 million in January</a>.

In March last year, the penthouse of Spyre’s Glasshouse development at <a href="/news/qld/spyre-group-smash-queensland-apartment-record-with-20-million-burleigh-heads-penthouse-sale">Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast sold for $20 million</a>, giving it the title of Queensland’s most expensive off-the-plan penthouse.

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Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia, who hails from Victoria, said the company's ambition has been to extend the same level of design and innovation down south.



Spyre Group unveil first Melbourne apartment development, Hampton Ltd

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the south-east suburb of Carnegie, Pitard Group has captured the essence of modern living with their completed apartment project, Carnegie Place.

Carnegie, celebrated for its diverse and connected atmosphere, has long been a favoured destination for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle. From its bustling main strip adorned with cafes and eateries, to the abundance of amenities and lush green spaces, the suburb has long brought in a diverse array of residents.

Comprising a collection of 47 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, Carnegie Place stretches across four levels, perched above ground-floor retail and dining spaces. Convenience takes centre stage at Carnegie Place, given its prime, connected location on Neerim Road.

&nbsp;

Carnegie Place is just 450 metres from Carnegie Train Station. Bus and tram links are even closer on Neerim Road and Carnegie Road.

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The neighbourhood community vibe of Carnegie is a magnet for residents of all demographics. Culinary enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice with a plethora of dining options on the doorstep, from Japanese to Malaysian, Thai to French, and Greek to classic Australian.

Carnegie's practicality shines through with its array of grocery stores, bakeries, beauty salons, and fitness facilities along the bustling Koornang Road, while for those who seek retail therapy, the renowned Chadstone Shopping Centre is a 10-minute drive from Carnegie Place.

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The interiors, thoughtfully designed by Ewert Leaf, feature open-plan layouts illuminated by an abundance of natural light.

The soft, neutral colour palette serves as a versatile canvas for residents to infuse their unique style, coupled with engineered timber flooring, high ceilings, and natural textures throughout.

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The kitchens feature white quartz stone benches offset by sleek white cabinetry adorned with woodgrain feature panels and mosaic tile splashbacks. State-of-the-art ILVE appliances have been incorporated throughout, along with ample storage solutions, and built-in dishwashers.

The bedrooms have been designed with functionality in mind. Plush wool carpets, dual block-out roller blinds, and considered soundproofing combine with walk-in or built-in robes which feature innovative storage solutions like shoe racks, jewellry drawers, and hydraulic hangers.

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Carnegie Place is just 450 metres from Carnegie Train Station. Bus and tram links are even closer on Neerim Road and Carnegie Road

The heart of Carnegie: Inside Pitard's completed Carnegie Place apartment development

Platinum Constructions took to the leafy Caulfield North for their apartment and townhouse development, The Prince.

Completed in 2020, The Prince comprises just 14 dwellings, designed by Taylor + Reynolds to blend into the established surroundings.

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Attention to detail is evident throughout the three-level development, starting from the secure basement carpark entry that ensures a seamless arrival for residents. Inside, the living spaces are adorned with curated timber flooring, providing a warm and inviting ambiance.

The kitchens within The Prince residences exude elegance and functionality, featuring thick, grey stone island feature benches complemented by stone benchtops and Miele appliances. In contrast, the bathrooms and bedrooms are adorned in a white decor that complements the light-filled interiors, with tiling and rustic grey carpeting add a touch of sophistication.

Beyond The Prince, residents can immerse themselves in the vibrant lifestyle opportunities offered by Melbourne's inner south-east.

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Luxury shopping awaits just a short distance away at Chadstone Shopping Centre, boasting a plethora of upmarket retail stores for indulgent retail therapy, while open green spaces and parks are also aplenty, with Caulfield Park less than four-minutes away.&nbsp;The sprawling park provides an array of recreational activities, including sporting clubs, barbecue facilities, children's play areas, off-leash dog areas, and walking tracks.

The famed Albert Park Lake and some of Melbourne's best beaches are also nearby, both accessible within a 10-minute drive.&nbsp;

Caulfield North's reputation as a family-friendly haven has also contributed to its enduring appeal, with 38 schools situated nearby. As a result, property values in the desirable suburb continue to soar.

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Platinum delivers a limited collection of luxury to Melbourne's inner south-east

Investors are scrambling to get a piece of the recently completed $1 billion, four-tower Melbourne development, West Side Place.

The majority of investors are seeing double-digit rental yields in the Spencer Street project on short-stay accomodation platforms, given the prime location&nbsp;opposite Southern Cross Station, Spencer Outlet Centre, and Marvel Stadium.

Investors likely won't have any trouble leasing long-term either in the sought-after development, and will be securing yields they haven't seen in a number of years. Melbourne rents have jumped 12.9 per cent over the year to July 2023, the second best performing capital only behind Perth (13.9 per cent). The REIV have Metro Melbourne's vacancy rates at just 2.2 per cent.

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Nest Projects Director Nick Marinakis, who is marketing West Side Place on behalf of developer Far East Consortium, says the rental yields being achieved at West Side Place are being driven both by what the building offers just as much as the current rental crisis.

"There are two reasons why investors are securing such a good return at West Side Place. First is the current rental crisis which is driving prices, and the second is the location of West Side Place, which is second to none in the city."

The amenity, both in and out of the building, has been a major driver at West Side Place. Within the development there's a swimming pool with steam room and sauna, a gymnasium with an open terrace, function and meeting rooms, open terraces with seating and BBQ facilities, a private cinema, and even karaoke and virtual golf facilities.

"The amenity on offer at West Side Place means investors can reasonably have considerably higher returns than they would in other CBD buildings," Marinakis says.

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Prices start at $550,600 for the one-bedroom, 60 sqm plus apartments, which have a study space and secure parking for one car.

Two-bedroom apartments, which start from over 70 sqm, are priced from $708,000.

It was a decade ago that Far East Consortium signalled their intentions for the $2 billion plus West Side Place development, securing a prime Spencer Street site in 2013. They spent the next three years in the development an design phase with Cottee Parker before launching in 2016. It still stands as one of the largest developments in Melbourne's history.

Completed apartments in the Melbourne CBD have proven popular on Apartments.com.au over July and August, with investors keen on taking advantage straight away of the high rental demand and forecasted population boom in the Victorian capital.

First home buyers have also looked to completed, inner-city apartments to try and get out of the rental market. They offer great value, and despite interest rates being higher than we've seen in the last few years, first home buyers are still able to pay down a mortgage for less than what they're paying renting a similar apartment.

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Nest Projects Director Nick Marinakis says the rental yields being achieved at West Side Place are being driven both by what the building offers just as much as the current rental crisis

Why Melbourne apartment development West Side Place is attracting investors

When Brady Group set about designing their Melbourne CBD apartment towers 380 Melbourne, they made sure they featured a handful of luxury apartments toward the top of one of the buildings.

The Diamond Collection, the largest on offer in the Elenberg Fraser-designed development, is spread across the upper levels of the south tower on Timothy Lane. The development is named 380 Melbourne after its prime site position fronting 380 Londsale Street.

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"As with all Elenberg Fraser projects, the architecture and interior design of 380 Melbourne are sensory—an expression of unique identity that residents will feel, as well as see," Brady Group advise.

"It will be evident in the synthesis of colour and texture throughout the exclusive Diamond Collection lobby, and the grand sense of arrival it creates.

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"You’ll experience it in the considered modernism of your generously proportioned, light-filled residence: its intelligent layout, clean lines, flowing spaces, sophisticated palette of materials, and distinctive touches."

The three-bedroom apartments at 380 Melbourne span a generous 125 sqm, with three bathrooms and one car space.

<img alt="380 Melbourne" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95e134b0-77c8-4f23-96b4-9d9a79bedc91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202023-08-30%20at%208.45.10%20am.png?VersionId=Yy463UH.Aj_V3lJastfMHgDdYsB4pT82" />

The dual towers of 380 Melbourne grace the mid-town cityscape with their striking presence. The towers, resembling a cascade of shimmering silver ripples, establish a distinctive vertical rhythm.

This effect is achieved through the incorporation of elegantly moulded bay windows on the building's facades. Not only do these bay windows add character to the towers, but they also enhance the views and floor spaces of the Diamond Collection residences they house.

One of the standout features of the building is the rooftop garden that graces the crown of the southern tower. A green oasis in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle, the rooftop garden offers a serene escape for the residents of the Diamond Collection, while private dining rooms provide the perfect setting for hosting friends in indulgent luxury.&nbsp;

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"As with all Elenberg Fraser projects, the architecture and interior design of 380 Melbourne are sensory—an expression of unique identity that residents will feel, as well as see."


Luxury living above Melbourne CBD: Inside the Diamond Residences at Brady Group's 380 Melbourne

In the heart of Glen Iris, a new residential development is taking shape, offering residents a living experience that is woven into the tapestry of the changing seasons.

Developer Pasino's aptly named Highpark Seasons was designed by Rothelowman to harmonise with nature's ever-shifting moods. The apartments are oriented to&nbsp;blend with the lush parklands that overlook Gardiners Creek, with each a testament to how living spaces can be integrated with the world outside.

From the inception of Highpark, the focus has been on how each passing season would influence the lives of its residents and how they could seamlessly immerse themselves in the evolving environment that surrounds them.

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The development is ideally situated to cater to a variety of activities that define the season of Spring. Whether it's a leisurely brunch at the nearby Mr. Tucci café, a flower-filled shopping excursion, or a ride along the Gardiners Creek Trail, Highpark Seasons offers a myriad of experiences to suit individual preferences.

With the arrival of summer, Highpark Seasons transforms into a hub of energy and enjoyment. Residents can recharge with runs through nearby parks or take a swim at the Harold Holt Swim Centre. The vibrant High Street in Armadale becomes the perfect backdrop for convivial lunches with friends, while leisurely walks in the parklands create memorable balmy nights.

As the leaves turn and nature's palette changes, Highpark Seasons mirrors the very essence of autumn. The fluid design of the development mirrors the shifting seasons, with the glass façade reflecting the warm hues of the surrounding landscape. The integration of design and nature lends each apartment a unique atmosphere that mirrors the serene flow of the adjacent creek.

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As winter's chill sets in, Highpark Seasons envelops its residents in warmth and comfort. The central courtyard becomes an oasis of tranquility, adorned with blooms that add a touch of colour to the cozy setting. For those seeking solace indoors, the residents' lounge with its fireplace offers a space to unwind and relish the charm of winter.

Prices begin from $480,000 in Highpark, with the project currently under construction.&nbsp;

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Developer Pasino's aptly named Highpark Seasons was designed by Rothelowman to harmonise with nature's ever-shifting moods

Embracing nature's rhythms in Glen Iris: How Highpark has been inspired by the seasons

AVJennings is writing a new script for sustainable living in Brunswick West.

At the core of their newest apartment and townhouse precinct, Harvest Square, is a conscious effort to protect the environment.

Harvest Square presents a unique blend of quality homes, lush green spaces, and a well-connected neighbourhood brimming with amenities. The community's commitment to sustainable design is evident from the moment residents set foot in the Kitchener Street development, with a seamless integration of green pathways, gardens, and landscaped thoroughfares binding the neighbourhood together.

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The sustainability shines through its achievement of a 5-Star Green Star rating, a recognition that exemplifies Australia's excellence in sustainability practices. Each building within the development adheres to this standard, ensuring that the ecological impact remains minimal, while simultaneously enriching the health and overall quality of life for its residents.

All the homes in Harvest Square also achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating. This achievement translates into a comfortable abode that not only provides an ideal living environment but also contributes to reduced energy bills.

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Beyond individual homes, Harvest Square demonstrates a commitment to responsible waste management and environmental care. Effective waste and recycling systems are in place to minimise landfill, further underlining the development's dedication to sustainability.

Urban ecology takes centre stage throughout Harvest Square, with increased landscaping and the incorporation of native vegetation. The positioning of buildings amidst a thoughtfully landscaped precinct not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to a reduction in heating and cooling costs.&nbsp;

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Community engagement and shared experiences are at the heart of the project. Communal corridors, play areas, bicycle parking, and productive gardens foster a sense of togetherness among residents. This community-driven approach not only promotes social cohesion but also ensures that sustainable practices extend beyond individual households.

The sustainable precinct design of Harvest Square isn't just about buildings, it's about creating purposeful spaces that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. The architecture stands as a testament to the commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while offering residents a contemporary, forward-looking lifestyle.

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The sustainability shines through its achievement of a 5-Star Green Star rating, a recognition that exemplifies Australia's excellence in sustainability practices

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