Construction has commenced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-palm-house-bellevue-hill-88-birriga-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">Kew Palm House</a>, marking a significant milestone for the boutique Bellevue Hill apartment project on one of the suburb's best streets.

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/kew">KEW</a> recently hosted the traditional ground-breaking ceremony, joined by key project partners, officially turning the soil on what will become one of Bellevue Hill's most impressive new developments in one of&nbsp;Sydney’s most tightly held residential markets.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133966 project_image_fid=352214]

Set across two low-rise buildings on the dress circle Birriga Road, Kew Palm House will deliver a mix of 16 two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, including whole-floor homes and penthouses, responding to sustained demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking high-quality apartment living without leaving the suburb.

The project occupies an amalgamated 3,000 sqm site bordering the Royal Sydney Golf Club, a rarity for new apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">Bellevue Hill</a>.

Architecture by Woods Bagot takes a townhome-inspired approach, with finely detailed façades and layered massing designed to sit comfortably within the established streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133966 project_image_fid=352216]

The buildings are surrounded by landscaped gardens by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/dangar-barin-smith">Dangar Barin Smith</a>, with communal pathways leading to a pool house and shared alfresco spaces intended to support a quieter, more residential form of apartment living.

Interiors will feature natural materials including travertine, stone and engineered timber, alongside V-ZUG kitchen appliances, with layouts prioritising generous proportions, privacy and indoor-outdoor connection.

Each residence has been designed to maximise natural light while maintaining separation from neighbouring homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=133966 project_image_fid=352222]

Kew Palm House forms part of KEW’s growing Eastern Suburbs portfolio under the Positive Investment Enterprise group. It follows the completion of Kew Bondi on Bondi Road, with Kew Hillcrest in Rose Bay also currently under construction. Palm House reflects the developer’s longer-term commitment to Bellevue Hill, where opportunities for new, design-led apartment projects remain limited.

Kew Palm House is targeting completion in late 2027, with construction to be delivered by Harvestland Construction. KEW also has Kew Hillcrest in Rose Bay under construction, just five luxury apartments near the beach.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=133966]

Staff Writer

Construction commences at Kew Palm House in Bellevue Hill

Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spyre-group">Spyre Group</a> is continuing to bolster its impress SEQ development pipeline with one of its most ambitious projects to date.

The developer, led by Daniel Laruccia and Andrew Malouf, is planning just over 300 apartments across three towers on the prized beachfront side of Main Beach Parade in Main Beach.

The prized 3,344 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/3640-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">3640-3642 Main Beach Parade</a> also fronts Stafford and Montgomery Avenue and will offer street-level hospitality.

<img alt="3640 Main Beach Parade, MAIN BEACH QLD 4217" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18bfcdb3-b958-4b20-a85b-c61e3dbf81b9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Spyre%20DA%20pers.png?VersionId=QvGNOHg6KDoScJZw2nAkvbun0DT2gUn1" />

The project has been designed by New Zealand-based architecture firm Monk Mackenzie, whose scheme references the fluidity of coastal forces. The smallest tower will be 37 storeys, with the other two topping out at 41 storeys. The sculptural form intends to "resonate with the site's unique peninsular position between the Coral Sea and the Broadwater."

The southernmost tower will have just 59 four-bedroom apartments, above two food and drinks venues. Towers two and three, the tallest, will have 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments in each.

“The towers stand not in opposition to the dynamic coastal landscape, but in dialogue with it,” the architects wrote in their Design Report.

“Like tide posts embedded in sand, they register change. The movements of water, light, air, and human circulation gather and disperse around them”.

<img alt="3640 Main Beach Parade, MAIN BEACH QLD 4217" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb2f3eb7-c517-47e5-afc8-01685c658a82" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/spyre%20podium.png?VersionId=hYe0w7UBEVNY7LPcoK9PnO9myEGn_xES" />

The podiums of each tower will feature landscaped communal open spaces, pools, and active wellness zones with spas, saunas and gyms with outdoor areas, as well a cinema and dining spaces.

Spyre's application describes the site as “uniquely positioned” to accommodate such scale, noting its separation from other towers, underutilised status, and alignment with the Gold Coast’s Light Rail Urban Renewal overlay. The staging strategy allows the towers to be delivered independently. Before it's amalgamation to make it a larger site, Spyre had approved plans for MARI, a 19-storey building with 15 apartments

<img alt="3640 Main Beach Parade, MAIN BEACH QLD 4217" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ef40ca57-1c77-4568-a8aa-91c742334bef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/spyre%20amenities.png?VersionId=BcaHvU4UeLkabtNlqydmvkuTEyuYmpft" />

Spyre’s wide-ranging portfolio includes Watts &amp; Wright in Bulimba, Moray House in New Farm, and ARC Residences in Toowong, all of which are approaching completion. It also includes Hampden Ltd in Melbourne’s Bayside, marking the company’s first project in Victoria’s capital.

Spyre has previously achieved significant success on the Gold Coast, setting region-breaking records at Glass House by Spyre in Burleigh Heads, where apartments sold for $24 million and $24.54 million. Cala Dei in Coolangatta also sold out in record time.

Spyre will soon launch Echo by Spyre, a boutique development of just nine villas in Tugun.

Joel Robinson

Spyre's three-tower beachfront plans for Main Beach

IPM Property is progressing plans for its third development in Mona Vale in Sydney's Northern Beaches, and its latest will be the biggest yet.

IPM, led by Steven Sroba and Chris Webster, has filed a State Significant Development Application to the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority for 82 apartments on a prime 6,122 sqm site stretching across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and just under 800m from Mona Vale town centre.

They've had <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> draw up the plans for the three-building development which will offer a mix of 26 two-bedroom units and 56 three-beds with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a>.

According to the Design Report by PBD, the built form "responds to the site’s natural fall, solar orientation, and established vegetation, creating a layered architectural expression that balances scale, materiality, and landscape”.

<img alt="159-167 Darley Street West, Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44040ed2-13c6-4f18-8326-a51467cb8532" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Mona%20vale%20pers.png?VersionId=4H1gEiyyCX2yT_fYV6kAdWaaVlCttC6P" />

The proposal aims to maximise passive design outcomes, with the site’s northern orientation supporting solar access and cross-ventilation. Building footprints have been shaped to preserve high-retention trees and accommodate an overland flow path, which runs diagonally through the rear of the site.

The development includes several sustainability initiatives, such as full electrification, EV charging provisions, and generous communal open spaces integrated across the ground and rooftop levels. As outlined in the planning documents, the buildings have been stepped in both plan and elevation to reduce bulk and provide separation to adjacent dwellings, in line with the Apartment Design Guide and local controls.

The project site falls just within the 800-metre radius covered by the NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Reforms, which entered their second stage in February 2025. These reforms introduce specific planning controls that significantly increase the potential for medium-density housing growth within 800 metres of the Mona Vale town centre.

<img alt="159-167 Darley Street West, Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5df61e6d-0696-4c1e-81c2-8d3535228878" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_9.png?VersionId=vWjI2oCZhAkCPKv4xMEVLdVNkn.keD6_" />

IPM has been active in the local market for several years. Its recent projects include Maya on Bungan Street near the town centre, a 33-apartment development completed in late 2024, and Iluka on beachfront Golf Avenue, a boutique project of just 14 apartments. Iluka set a local record in 2021 when a full-floor, three-bedroom apartment sold off the plan for $4.775 million.

Nearby in Palm Beach, IPM is also delivering Snappermans, a collection of just five luxury apartments designed by Koichi Takada Architects, located steps from Pittwater. The developer has also recently completed Como Coogee, a 20-apartment development on Carrington Road.

First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project

With demand for high-quality family homes in the inner west continuing to rise, young families are increasingly turning to new forms of multi-generational living.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/ashbury-terraces-ashbury-165-171-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury Terraces</a>, Nikki Pham and Danny Lai are among the growing number of residents choosing the precinct for its space, design integrity and strong sense of community.

For Nikki and Danny, purchasing a three-storey terrace was about securing a long-term home for their young family. Having spent most of their lives in the inner west, they first discovered the project while it was under construction.

“We walked past and had a look during the build and instantly felt the vibe. It had everything we were looking for,” said Nikki.

A return to green, open spaces was a major drawcard after living closer to the CBD.

“We like going for walks, and here it feels like a mini oasis while still being central to everything we need,” she said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=354944]

Inside, the couple were immediately drawn to the craftsmanship.&nbsp;

“I love the Calacatta marble and timber detailing. If I’d designed it myself, these are exactly the fittings and fixtures I would have picked,” Nikki said. “There’s actually very little I’d change.

“We’ve found the craftsmanship has been great and I believe the beautiful arches and curves, including on our stunning staircase, are all made by hand.”

Since moving in with their seven-month-old baby in mid-August, the family has been making the most of the amenities, especially the pool.&nbsp;

“We love using the shallow area with the baby. It’s great for kids, and the sunbeds are perfect when it’s not too hot,” Danny said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=354939]

The home features kitchen, living and dining areas on the ground floor with courtyard access to the pool, two bedrooms and a study on the middle level, and a master suite on the top floor. The proximity to local parks, childcare, and schools also made it an easy choice.

Nikki has noticed the project is sparking interest from the extended families of new residents.&nbsp;

“Several of our neighbour’s parents have now bought here too. It’s ideal for multi-generational living because everyone has their own space but you’re still close by.”

<h2>A growing trend in the inner west</h2>

Aras Labutis, Head of Urban Transformations at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>, said families like Nikki and Danny’s reflect a broader shift.

“Ashbury Terraces was designed for families at different life stages who want to stay connected to the inner west, including multi-generational households," Labutis said.

"Some terraces even include lifts, which make them ideal for older residents who want to remain independent while living close to children or grandchildren."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=354936]

Recent ABS data shows around one in five Australian households is now multigenerational, following a 22 per cent rise in the five years to 2021.

“The demand we’re seeing aligns with broader national data showing ongoing growth in multi-generational living as families look for practical, long-term solutions in well-connected suburbs.”

<h2>Milton Estate launches as the precinct’s next chapter</h2>

Following this strong response, Coronation is now registering expressions of interest for Milton Estate, the next evolution of the precinct. Strong sales and sustained interest in family-focused inner west homes have underpinned the decision to bring this next stage to market sooner than anticipated.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=358839]

The new collection continues the same design principles, quality materials, heritage sensitivity and family-focused layouts, and its launch reflects demand from both local buyers and extended families who want to remain part of the growing community at Ashbury Terraces.

<h2>A new neighbourhood taking shape</h2>

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, and brought to life with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/360-degrees-landscape">360 Degrees</a>, Ashbury Terraces comprises 136 residences across five low-rise buildings, supported by amenities including a pool, gym and landscaped communal spaces.

For Nikki and Danny, it already feels like a place to grow for years to come.

“We’ve found great childcare nearby, and Ashbury Primary and Trinity Grammar are within easy reach. There are other excellent public and private school options too,” Nikki said.

“It’s hard to find something like this in the Inner West,” she added. “It’s certainly unique in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury</a>. We’ve got everything we need here and it already feels like home.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112253]

Ashbury Terraces proves a perfect fit for growing families and multi-generational living

An exclusive collection of luxury Sky Homes featuring sweeping water views, each with their own private rooftop terrace and marina berth, are part of the latest release at Lewis Land’s visionary <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplanned community.&nbsp;

The Sky Homes, which sit within the Signature Collection, have been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;feature contemporary light-filled coastal interiors, accented by natural textures of timber and stone. The homes range from 282 sqm to 367sqm and offer three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, three car parks, large private balconies, and their own rooftop terraces. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=359204]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the three double-storey Sky Homes occupying the &nbsp;upper levels of The Waterline apartment building formed part of the masterplan’s Signature Collection of &nbsp;luxury residences. &nbsp;

“The exclusive Sky Homes are more than penthouses, they are double-storey homes featuring expansive living spaces and outdoor terraces,” Mr Long said.&nbsp;

“Located on levels five and six of The Waterline, each Sky Home includes its own private marina berth with direct Broadwater access and carefully curated high-end finishes throughout.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=359206]

The launch of The Signature Collection coincides with the milestone topping out of The Waterline, the first of three residential collections being delivered in the first stage of Harbour Shores.&nbsp;

Residents will also have access to a private pool and other resident-only amenities including a large &nbsp;lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga and sauna facilities. &nbsp;

Prices for the Sky Homes start from $3.65 million. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290031]

The Signature Collection also features The Residences, an exclusive release of six premium waterfront villas, positioned directly on the 1.2km waterfront boardwalk.&nbsp;

The Residences offer more than 350 sqm of contemporary living with premium finishes throughout and &nbsp;dining spaces that flow seamlessly to the outdoor entertaining area on the ground floor. Each have their own private plunge pool overlooking the water, and a private marina berth.

All villas include two secure car parks and residents have access to the extensive amenities within the broader precinct. Prices start from $3.05 million. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=290030]

Harbour Shores is a resort-style community focused on lifestyle and wellness where neighbourhoods &nbsp;are connected by extensive landscaping, green spaces and pedestrian networks, including a 1.2- kilometre waterfront boardwalk.&nbsp;

Boasting a 6 Star Green Star Communities V1.1 rating, the highest level of sustainability of any project &nbsp;on the Gold Coast, Harbour Shores will deliver more than 2,000 homes over the next decade.&nbsp;

Colliers is marketing Harbour Shores, and has seen significant demand from local owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land unveils Harbour Shores’ double-storey sky homes with private marina berths

My Say

<html><body>
When the developer Dyldam launched its South Quarter project at Parramatta – on the former Auto Alley – last  month they noted there was especially strong interest from first time buyers amid high local interest.
The average off the plan sale price was $750,000 in what will become a $876 million residential mixed-use project on the former Holden car yard.
It is a sign that after a lengthy absence, first time buyers are emerging across NSW, perhaps lured by the expansion in the available government grants. 
The latest ABS data calculated 2,426 first home buyer commitments in August which represented the biggest monthly number for five years.
Though still below the longterm average, NSW first home buyers accounted for 12.9% of owner occupier commitments over the month, the highest proportion since 2012.
It was up from a recent NSW low of 7.5% in February 2017 when it looked easy to conclude that our higher housing prices had significantly reduced the probability of many ever becoming an FHB.
There's been research recently done by the Reserve Bank of Australia which confirmed that ‘generation rent’ is a reflection of higher housing prices rather than any shift in preferences.
It seems young households still have a desire to become home owners, however, fewer potential FHBs are actually able to enter the housing market.
It particularly noted the underlying desire to become an FHB has not changed since the global financial crisis.
"However, people’s ability to, or comfort with doing so, has been affected," it noted.
The research suggests the decline in home ownership was not as much influenced as previously thought from social and demographic and factors, including key life-cycle events such as exiting the family home, marriage and having children. 
The research paper, comparing FHB loan characteristics in this pre- and post-financial crisis periods, shows the major consequence of the current higher prices is that FHBs have to save a much larger deposit.
That is despite maintaining a similar median loan-to-valuation ratio of around 83%.
The median deposit size increased by around $28,000 to almost $70,000 in the 2008–14 period.
The median purchase price of FHB homes across Australia in the 2008–14 period was $387,000, which was almost $100,000 higher than the price paid by FHBs in the 2001–07 period
The transition from being a renter to a first home buyer is the riskiest of steps in one's fiscal life. And I'd suggest those doing so currently are doing it with heightened risk.
But interestingly despite higher debt levels, households who became FHBs post-2007 appear to be paying down their mortgages and reducing their debt-to-income ratios at the same rate, or slightly faster, than households who took on a mortgage before 2007.
The research noted in the year after taking out a loan, the reduction in the debt-to-income ratio for FHBs in the post-2007 period was around 8%, compared to 5% for the pre-2007 borrowers. No doubt low interest rates being a key factor.
It also noted recent FHBs have been less likely to have ever been behind schedule on their loan.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

FHBs at heightened risk, despite great repayment track record 

<html><body>
Are you getting ready to sell your house?
Setting the right asking price is going to be challenging for vendors as spring volumes peak and the summer break looms.
It can be a tricky task, especially when the property market is displaying signs of movement.
Sometimes a home can be listed into a seemingly strong market, which then weakens during the marketing campaign.
Most asking prices tend to a little above what the vendor will actually take, as this allows some negotiating space between the buyer and seller.
Often vendors get a very realistic offer early on from buyers who've been in the market for some time. They might also get a cheeky lowball offer.
It is one of those ponderables as to whether it is best to accept a speedy sale, or wait for that desired higher price.
Higher discounting certainly occur longer into marketing campaigns when the asking price simply doesn't match buyer interest so a vendor eventually accepts a figure well below the initial advertised price.
At the moment Sydney vendors are typically accepting 5.1% discounts on their asking prices to secure their house sales. It was 4.8% at the start of the spring selling season according to CoreLogic.
Canberra is a hot market so its vendors need only to discount by 2.5%, while Darwin is ailing and it requires a 9.9% discount before most sales are done.
The national average sits at just above 5%, with peaks over the past decade seeing 8% required discounting across Australia.
Ofcourse you will have your own idea on the worth of your property, but it is important to canvas and listen to the professions.
Before you signup to one agent, for auction or private treaty, be sure you get two or three other local agents to come through your property.
They will happily provide a report on how they see the local market, its likely direction, and just where your property sits within it.
It is important to get these varied insights for the best way forward.
And don't necessary simply select the agent who promised the highest price outcome.
You have to be comfortable working with your agent all the way through the listing.
Ofcourse the lucky vendors will find a buyer as soon as the for sale sign goes up from someone who's always fancied your home from just along the same street.
The less fortunate will be nervously hoping they finally get that pre-Christmas buyer, forever grateful they had secured extended settlement terms on their next home purchase.
The key is ascertaining where the localised market is placed pricewise, and often that relates to the level of stock.
Overall there's some 25,000 offerings across Sydney - around 20% more stock than the same time last year, which means buyers have more choice. There were 22,000 listings at the start of spring.
Ask your prospective estate agents what, say, four bedroom house stock levels have been in your suburb over recent times, and also find out what sales they have actually secured. 
Asking prices can of course change throughout a campaign but if a vendor’s expectation was unrealistically way too high even this is unlikely to trigger any sale.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
</body></html>

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