In Melbourne’s established inner east, the qualities that define a traditional house, width, height, and access to open ground, are increasingly difficult to replicate in new residential developments. Larger landholdings are scarce, and with them, the ability to create apartments that extend beyond compact, internalised layouts.&nbsp;

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/kew-vic-3101">Kew</a>, where the residential fabric is shaped by generous setbacks and mature tree canopies, that tension is especially visible.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ricdanic-investments-pty-ltd">Ricdanic</a>&nbsp;is bringing forward a boutique collection of just 13 residences across two buildings at 9–11 Wimba Avenue, Kew. Comprising six homes at No.9 and seven at No.11, the project sits on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Cotham Road.&nbsp;

Each apartment has been planned with a level of independence more commonly associated with standalone dwellings, balancing privacy with the efficiencies of apartment living.

Architect Chris Idle, who has been practising for over two decades, says projects like this don’t come along often.

“There are very few opportunities to do these kinds of developments in leafy, established suburbs,” he explains. “To get this level of amenity, natural light, and architectural freedom in such a setting is extremely rare.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366267]

The internal planning begins with width. Living areas extend beyond five metres, allowing furniture, circulation, and glazing to sit comfortably within the same zone without compression. Ceiling heights shift from three metres through to five metres in select areas, changing the sense of scale as you move through the apartment. These proportions are paired with double-glazed windows and fully electric systems, balancing volume with performance, supported by a 7.2 NatHERS energy rating.&nbsp;

From the main living space, the apartments open directly outward. Large sliding doors connect to private gardens averaging 125 square metres, with some residences also incorporating balconies of around 60 square metres. Rather than acting as secondary outdoor zones, these areas sit flush with the internal floor level, extending the usable footprint of the home and allowing for multiple modes of use, whether for quiet daily routines or larger gatherings.&nbsp;

The landscape, led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>, reinforces this relationship. Across the site, 23 different plant species have been introduced, including a mix of native and established varieties, arranged to maintain privacy while preserving sightlines and light access. Gardens are not treated as decorative buffers but as functional extensions of the apartments, shaped to accommodate movement, seating, and informal use over time.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140755 project_image_fid=366265]

Architecturally, the project draws from Kew’s historic residential language. Handmade bricks by Krause define the exterior, grounding the buildings within the material palette of the suburb, while interior finishes, stone, timber flooring, and restrained detailing, continue this approach internally. Architect Chris Idle describes the intent as long-term rather than stylistic: “We wanted it to feel timeless.”&nbsp;

This emphasis on durability extends to how the buildings are accessed and secured. Entry is managed through keyless systems, with a double-gated basement incorporating number plate recognition for vehicle access. Each residence is paired with a private lock-up garage accommodating two to three cars, alongside storage, while all entry points are monitored continuously. These measures sit alongside EV readiness and fully electric infrastructure, aligning the project’s operational systems with its long-term design outlook.&nbsp;

The setting remains central to how the development is experienced. Located within walking distance of Kew Junction and close to established schools including Carey Grammar and Xavier College, the address benefits from existing infrastructure while maintaining a residential quietness that is increasingly difficult to find at this scale.&nbsp;

Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/sinjen">Sinjen</a>, with a 10-year structural guarantee, with completion targeted for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140755]

Joel Robinson

Inside Wimba Ave, Kew’s garden-scale residences designed for space and permanence

High-end Sydney developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured approval for one of its latest Mosman projects, one of the first developments approved by Mosman Council under the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

The approval represents an important step in delivering well-considered housing next to established village locations on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, in line with the intent of the Low and Mid-Rise zoning framework. 
&nbsp; 
There are currently 13 other sites lodged within Mosman Council under the policy, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/27-29-heydon-street-mosman-nsw-2088">Heydon Street</a> among the first to receive development consent. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Founder and Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the project reflects a considered and appropriate response to its planning context. 
&nbsp; 
“This approval demonstrates how carefully considered, design-led development can align with the objectives of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy," Brown said.

"The scheme has been designed to respond sensitively to its village setting, with a built form, scale and level of amenity appropriate to its local context. The determination reflects a balanced and considered planning outcome, with Council recognising the capacity for this site to accommodate additional housing within a well-located and established precinct.”

<img alt="Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92811ce3-02e8-44fc-996e-c61ae039bd3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Heydon%20Street%20Aerial.jpg?VersionId=ZHJVuWQT64QcdrFJx963pFWFzTX7lI2I" />

The Heydon Street approval followed extensive consultation with Mosman Council, with Abadeen working closely with Council throughout the assessment process.

The approved scheme comprises 27 residences, with only four per floor, creating a low-density living environment. The building will include four half-floor penthouses designed to capture views across Middle Harbour, Sydney Harbour and the surrounding district.&nbsp;

The project is expected to appeal to downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking house-like proportions, privacy and local convenience. There will be north-facing Middle Harbour views from the second level upward. It is also just a flat 100-metre walk to Bridgepoint Shopping Centre, which will appeal to owner-occupiers and in particular downsizers.

Two-bedroom residences are expected to be priced from $1.99 million when sales launch later this year. 
&nbsp; 
Joe Tack, CEO at Abadeen, said the outcome reflects both the quality of the site and the broader need for well-located housing. 
&nbsp; 
“This is a highly considered site within a highly established local setting, offering elevated views and strong connectivity. The project has been designed to respond to that context, delivering a scale and quality of housing aligned with both the planning framework and evolving market demand.” 
&nbsp; 
“This approval is particularly significant in the context of Mosman, where new housing supply has historically been limited. While it represents the first approval of this scale in Mosman to be achieved in over 50 years, it is importantly located within a well-established residential location, in close proximity to the established commercial amenity of Spit Road and Mosman Village. It reflects strong confidence in Abadeen’s approach to design, delivery and community integration, while contributing to the delivery of much-needed housing in a highly constrained market.”

Abadeen has an established track record across Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with recent completions including KOYO in Crows Nest and ENSO in Neutral Bay.

In Mosman, Abadeen recently completed The Hampden, with Mosman Residences on the corner of Spit Road and Clifford Street scheduled for completion later this year. Construction has also commenced at Burran Residences, comprising three full-floor ultra-premium homes positioned just 50 metres from Balmoral Beach, with residences expected to achieve prices in excess of $20 million. Two further projects are also progressing through planning within the local government area.

Abadeen secures first approval under low and mid-rise housing policy for Heydon Street, Mosman apartment development

Apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> is one of the latest entrants to the Gold Coast development market, with its debut project set to be one of the most boutique offerings on Chevron Island in recent years.

Martello has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aere-chevron-island-18-20-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Aere Chevron Island</a>, a collection of 33 large-scale two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments across an 18-storey building on Mawarra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367517]

The developer has placed a strong emphasis on wellness, briefing architecture firm Raunik Design to embed this philosophy into the project. It is a direction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> plans to carry through its future developments along the coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a> has positioned Aere as a continuation of its human-centric development approach, with a focus extending beyond amenity to the fundamentals of layout, natural light, and spatial planning. Promax Construction has already been appointed to deliver the project, with construction expected to commence in the coming months as part of the group’s broader expansion into South East Queensland.

Rising above the low-rise fabric of Chevron Island, Aere’s design emphasises generous internal proportions and uninterrupted outlooks, with residences oriented to capture coastal, skyline, and waterway views. Interiors prioritise open-plan living, with large-format glazing and carefully considered transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367508]

The upper levels are dedicated to larger-format homes, including four-bedroom residences designed as half-floor offerings. These layouts prioritise separation between living and sleeping zones, along with increased privacy and storage, features more commonly associated with detached housing than traditional apartment product.

Aere’s private resident amenity spaces centre on wellness. A rooftop level will incorporate a heated swimming pool, sauna and spa, while the rest of the wellness spaces throughout the building include a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, dining areas and a gym.

The inclusion of both social and quieter retreat spaces reflects a broader shift in higher-end apartment design on the Gold Coast, where developers are increasingly responding to owner-occupier demand for buildings that support long-term living rather than short-stay use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143932 project_image_fid=367814]

Aere is positioned within walking distance of Chevron Island’s village centre along Thomas Drive, as well as the HOTA cultural precinct via the Green Bridge, connecting residents to parklands, galleries, and event spaces.

For <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/martello">Martello™</a>, Aere represents the first in a series of planned Gold Coast developments, with the group also exploring opportunities in other coastal precincts, including Kirra and Palm Beach.

The move north comes as sustained population growth and infrastructure investment continue to reshape South East Queensland, with developers increasingly targeting boutique, design-led projects in established lifestyle pockets. Aera’s relatively small scale and emphasis on spatial quality position it within this emerging segment of the market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143932]

Martello™ enters Gold Coast market with wellness-led Chevron Island development Aere

Development approval has been granted for Crescent, a boutique waterfront project on one of Palm Beach's most coveted and rarely developed streets.

Launched to market this month, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crescent-palm-beach-34-36-murlong-crescent-palm-beach-qld-4221">Crescent</a> will occupy four combined lots with frontage to both Murlong Crescent and Tallebudgera Drive. The project is among the first new developments to get a green light on the creekside strip, home to only 21 tightly-held properties.

“Murlong Crescent is one of those streets that people discover and never want to leave,” said Andrew Erwin of NPA Projects, who is leading sales and marketing.

“The lifestyle here is genuinely hard to find anywhere else on the Gold Coast.”

Designed by Queensland firm ᴮʸculprit and developed by DCS Property Group, Crescent offers two and three-bedroom residences across four levels, ranging from 119 to 283 sqm and priced from $2.5 million. Builder SNBX Constructions has been appointed, with completion expected in mid to late 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366218]

Residences face north to Tallebudgera Creek, with views that extend to Burleigh Headland. Upper levels also capture canal and hinterland views to the west.

“The creek is tidal, so it changes constantly. The colour, the light, the mood of it,” Erwin said.

“That view over the creek to Burleigh Headland is only possibly from this location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366213]

Crescent devotes two levels, spanning more than 1,100 sqm, to resident amenity.&nbsp; On Level 1, a gym, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, hot spa, cold plunge, and ice bath make up the private wellness retreat. Entertaining and recreation converge on the rooftop with a resort- style pool and sundeck, alfresco BBQ and dining areas, pizza oven, yoga lawn, fire pit, as well as a herb and zen garden. Residents can also jog or walk along a dedicated loop with views over Tallebudgera Creek.

“The amenity here is genuinely out of proportion to the size of the building,” Erwin said.

“Every resident, regardless of which apartment they choose, gets access to the kind of amenity normally associated with luxury resorts.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151399 project_image_fid=366257]

Residences feature natural stone and timber finishes throughout, brushed brass tapware, and New Zealand wool carpet to bedrooms. Two basement levels provide secure parking, with provision for electric vehicle charging.

Beyond calm water swimming, paddling and boating, residents follow the foreshore path to Tallebudgera Beach, local cafes, and Tallebudgera Surf Club, while across the bridge is Burleigh Heads National Park, Burleigh Beach and the vibrant James Street dining and retail hub.

Palm Beach has been among the Gold Coast’s strongest performing suburbs over the past five years, with median house prices having risen by more than 91 per cent and unit values more than doubling in the same period.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151399]

Crescent Palm Beach approved as sales launch

The Albanese and ACT Governments have struck a deal to unlock nearly 5,000 new homes across Canberra, with more than 1,700 earmarked exclusively for first home buyers.

The agreement marks the second formal partnership under the Federal Government’s election commitment to deliver up to 100,000 homes for first home buyers nationally, working alongside state and territory governments and industry.

At the centre of the deal is a $250 million funding injection from the Albanese Government, targeting enabling infrastructure to bring forward new housing supply across a number of key precincts in the ACT.

That includes funding to unlock 75 homes in the Kingston precinct, support new development in Weston Creek, and deliver estate works across the territory that will facilitate more than 500 homes by 2034. Additional investment will go towards relocating powerlines, water infrastructure in Molonglo Valley, and further expansion of the Ginninderry regeneration precinct.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the agreement was about making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in a housing environment that continues to challenge affordability.

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home,” O’Neil said.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

The announcement builds on more than $800 million already committed to housing in the ACT since 2022, according to Finance Minister and ACT Senator Katy Gallagher, who said the latest funding would help ensure national housing programs are translating into real supply on the ground.

“We’re working closely with the ACT Government to unlock land and invest in the infrastructure needed to get these homes built sooner,” she said.

For the ACT Government, the agreement aligns with its broader target of delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030, with Chief Minister Andrew Barr pointing to the role of coordinated planning and infrastructure investment in accelerating delivery.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level,” Barr said.

The deal sits within the Federal Government’s broader $45 billion housing agenda, which includes initiatives such as the Housing Australia Future Fund, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, and incentives aimed at increasing construction capacity and reducing barriers to development.

Canberra set for 4,900 new homes under Federal housing deal

Merewether

<html><body>
A half-built mortgagee home in Merewether, New South Wales has been sold for $1.21 million.
This price is slightly below the asking price of $1,250,000 to $1,350,000
David Tanchevski and Lily Chagorski of Stone Real Estate marketed the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-merewether-132081662" target="_blank">74 Merewether Street</a>, the home, on completion, will be a four bedroom two bathroom house.
Set on a 387 sqm block of land the partially built home has basic structure completed and ready for stage two, according to the listing.
The home has a build value of $490,000, according to the DA recorded on CoreLogic.
The holding last sold for $1.13 million in 2017.
It is located a 10-minutes' walk from beaches and restaurants as well as numerous amenities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
The median sale price for a home in <a href="/developments/merewether-nsw-2291">Merewether</a> is $1,250,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Half complete Merewether, NSW mortgagee home sold for no profit

<html><body>
Newcastle Knights recruit Aidan Guerra has secured a Merewether home for his family just near his new club.
Set to co-captain the Knights with Mitch Pearce out of action, Guerra settled into the coastal district home last month with his family, wife Belinda and their two year old daughter Olive.
They've since been regularly spotted at the local beach.
The family secured a modernised 1930s Federation brick charmer, just five kilometres from the McDonald Jones Stadium.
Guerra paid $1,005,000 for the home, snapping it up after the agents sought $975,000 plus.
Set on 390 square metres, the single level family residence has three bedrooms and one bathroom.
The outside entertaining area overlooks the salt-water heated pool.
There's plenty of grass for the family dog Buddy too.
Belinda is the CEO of Scrunchieo that she recently launched, an online shop for a hair accessory.
The Cairns-born Guerra, a Queensland State of Origin representative, married Belinda late last year at The Secret Garden in Byron Bay
Former Roosters team mates Jake Friend, Anthony Minichiello and Boyd Cordner attended.
Guerra began his career at the Roosters having played his junior rugby league with Townsville Brothers.
After moving to the Melbourne Storm but not playing a first grade game, Guerra headed to Sydney.
Guerra has become quite the seasoned property investor.
His first buy was an apartment in Queens Park in 2015, round the corner from Roosters base camp - his club at the time.
The two bedroom apartment in a lowrise garden complex cost him $965,000 and was last up for rent at $600 a week in 2016.
More recently Guerra acquired an investment property in Byron Bay.
The back-rower paid $830,000 for the 1985-built four bedroom, two bathroom retreat which secured an $850 a week tenant, reflecting a nice 5.5% yield
He's set to assume the role alongside Jamie Buhrer.
The Knights have surprised everyone having won four of their opening seven games.
In the last three seasons the Knights have finished with the wooden spoon, only racking up 14 wins in that time.
Guerra headed to the Knights with fellow Roosters outcast Mitchell Pearce, who went north due to the arrival of Melbourne Storm legend Cooper Cronk.
They joined back up with fellow former Rooster Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Knights recruit Aidan Guerra finds a Merewether home

<html><body>
Mortgagees have listed a three bedroom Merewether home on a 580 square metre block.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-merewether-126721050" target="_blank">The original styled Henry Street property</a> is to be sold by November 22 auction.
It is currently configured as two separate tenancies and the listing agents say it will be "a solid returning investment".
It is located only short drive to beach.
"It could easily be renovated or suit complete redevelopment," the marketing said.
It last traded at $167,500 in 1999.
</body></html>

Merewether mortgagee auction with potential investment return

<html><body>
Former Miss Universe Jen Hawkins has found a buyer pre-auction for her Merewether investment, the first property she ever bought.
Hawkins bought the home for $469,000 in 2006, the year before she signed a deal with Myer worth $4 million.
The home initially went up with $790,000 to $860,000 price guidance, but that was later amended in marketing to $750,000.
McGrath Merewether agent Simon Wall four the buyer for the district home.
Set on 320 sqm, the freestanding home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a top level master suite.
There's now just a three bedroom Minmi investment property left in the Hawkins portfolio, which has featured homes in Curl Curl and Coogee, as well as an apartment in Bondi.
She paid $345,000 for the home near Newcastle in 2008.
Hawkins is settled in her new Pittwater home she built with her builder husband Jake Wall.
The couple had paid $4 million for the adjoining land parcels in 2014, then lodged construction applications worth another $2 million a year later.
It outlined the four level, five bedroom home, designed by architect Koichi Takada.
A sunken lounge on a lower level is virtually on the foreshore. The swimming pool alone was pegged at $200,000.
There's a home theatre and office in the home thats planted in garden planted by the Secret Gardens company on the bushland 3,261 sqm block.
The couple have always been keen property builders.
They wed in Bali in 2013, but made sure they submitted approval for $900,000 of new works on their former Curl Curl project before they set off.
</body></html>

Jen Hawkins sells her first investment property at Merewether

<html><body>
The former Newcastle Knights halfback Jarrod Mullen and wife Rachael have sold their Merewether home.
Mullen, who was handed a four year ban for testing positive to steroids earlier this year, paid $825,000 for the home in 2011.
The double storey home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms was renovated and extended in 2016.
A price reduction, from $2.4 million to $2.6 million hopes to $2.2 million to $2.3 million, assisted the sale through Ben Robinson at Robinson Property.
It's the second property Mullen has sold in as many months.
He sold his Newcastle investment apartment for $640,000. He bought the unit in 2006, a year after signing his first professional contract with the Knights. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

Banned NRL star Jarrod Mullen sells second property in two months

<html><body>
Now happily settled into her Pittwater palace with builder husband Jake Wall, former Miss Universe Jen Hawkins is selling her long-held Newcastle investment home.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-merewether-126463994" target="_blank">Merewether home</a> (above and below) is the second last of her investment properties to hit the sales block.
It was bought by Hawkins for $469,000 in 2006, the year before she signed a deal with Myer worth $4million.
She's sold a number of her investments in the last few years.
She has let go of properties Bondi, another in Merewerther, as well as a homes in Curl Curl North and Coogee.
At its peak her investment outlay totalled $2.33 million.
<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/2017/09/28/Hawkins3.jpg" alt="">
They built the North Curl Curl home after paying $1.66 million in 2013 for the block. They had sold another project at Curl Curl north in 2013 for $4.1 million.
She commissioned her favourite architect Koichi Takada to design the five bedroom resort style home that fetched $5,235,000 late last year.
It was bought by cricket power couple Mitchell and Alyssa Healy who moved from their Mosman waterfront which went on to sell for $5.95 million.
The Merewether home (above and below) is up for sale with a price guide of between $790,000 and $860,000 for its short marketing campaign with an October 7 auction fast approaching.
Set on 320 sqm, the freestanding home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a top level master suite.
<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/2017/09/28/Hawkins2.jpg" alt="">
Hawkins recent posts to Instagram suggest the couple have moved in to their luxury Newport home that has been three years in the making.
In 2015 the couple submitted $2 million worth of construction to the local council which included a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BY-U8IinKVy/?hl=en&amp;taken-by=jenhawkins_" target="_blank">four level home</a> with a pool and sunken lounge on another lower level, virtually on the foreshore. (below)
<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/2017/09/28/Hawkins_Newport.jpg" alt="">
The five bedroom home with office, home theatre and gym, is set in gardens planted by the Secret Gardens company on the bushland 3,261 sqm block.
The couple paid a combined $4 million for two blocks.
The properties, known as Jacaranda and Blois Cottage, were once part of the longtime estate of the former politician Bill Wentworth.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Former Miss Universe Jen Hawkins lists Merewether investment

<html><body>
The banned Newcastle Knights halfback Jarrod Mullen has listed his four bedroom Merewether home.
It comes with $2.4 million to $2.6 million price guidance for its September 2 auction through Ben Robinson at Robinson Property.
The double storey home was renovated and extended in 2016 renovations. 
The listing comes just weeks after Mullen has sold his Newcastle investment apartment for $640,000.
Mullen has a four year ban for testing positive for steroids, with his NRL career all but over. 
Battling hamstring injuries for several months, Mullen insists he was naive, rather than a steroids cheat, for taking the needle that resulted in the Knights tearing up his contract after 211 NRL games for the club.
The Merewether home was bought in 2011 for $825,000.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph. 
</body></html>

Merewether

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Merewether

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News