Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

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The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135149]

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

New Developments

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Just one penthouse remains available at the fifth apartment development in Hamilton North’s Portside Wharf development.
The four buyers of the three bedroom Pinnacle penthouses are all Queenslanders. One already lives in an apartment at Portside Wharf and is upgrading to a new penthouse. Two purchasers are downsizers, set to move into the new development from larger homes. All the penthouse buyers are aged over 55.
Each penthouse also includes four bathrooms, two separate living areas, two balconies, with two side-by-side secure car parks.
Sizes range from 207 square metres to 241 square metres. The largest penthouse has not yet been purchased.
The four penthouse purchases have brought in more than $4 million for the building, which has made a total of about $60 million in off the plan sales.
<img src="/images/2014/05/01/pinnacle_0002_Pinnacle%20penthouse%20bedroom%201mb.jpg.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
With an absolute riverfront position,  Pinnacle at Portside Wharf development comprises 162 one, two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and river terraces over 16 storeys. The development is expected to reach completion in early 2015.
According to Brookfield Residential Properties regional dictor Lee Butterworth, the sales figures indicate a renewed interest in the luxury apartment market.
"The penthouse sales suggest the market has turned a corner and high end purchasers are out to secure luxury property in a prime location," said Butterworth.
"There has already been strong interest in the one remaining penthouse and with limited, absolute waterfront stock available in Brisbane, we don't expect it will last long.”
The mixed use Portside Wharf development is located six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD. Butterworth said that the provision of local retailers and restaurants within the development was a major factor in demand for the residences.
"Opportunities to live atop a lively precinct such as Portside Wharf are extremely rare and buyers see the enormous value in being able to purchase an apartment where the lifestyle and amenity come complimentary,” he said.
Portside Wharf is part of the Northshore Hamilton urban renewal project that is set to house more than 10,000 residents.
<img src="/images/2014/05/01/pinnacle_0003.jpg" alt="">
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Queensland’s luxury apartment buyers return to market with four penthouses sold at Pinnacle at Portside Wharf

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A 15 level apartment building planned for the Northern Territory’s Palmerston has been making news recently, with three levels of carparking, three levels of commercial/office use and eight levels of one and two bedroom units suggested.
The recent artist’s impressions and details, released through NT News, included a blank carpark wall for potential public artwork, a rooftop garden, some balconies and native plants for ‘green walls’ on the bottom section of the building.
They are expected to be between the library and Quest Apartments, on The Boulevard.
One bedroom apartments in Quest next door are renting for around $360 a night this time of year.
This development appears to fit very nicely with the requirements noted in the Palmerston City Centre 2030 Masterplan developed in 2012, that suggested an increase of residential density is part of the plan, as well as providing off-street parking and other uses such as retail, restaurants and community facilities.
Looking at The Boulevard specifically, the report noted that the City of Palmerston owns land within the City Centre, particularly along this street. This area was flagged as an ‘inactive/dysfunctional’ street.
Demand for office space, higher residential areas and retail use was noted to be strong, with the potential for some rezoning to allow for the masterplan, particularly looking to mixed-use developments, with each to provide a car parking solution on site.
It also noted that “Green roofs could become part of Palmerston’s City Centre new expression.”
In the first five years of the plan, the Council noted its focus would be to develop land on The Boulevard, to realign it to be a “civic way” and for the NT Government to commission development on its centrally located land.
“Incorporating a greater diversity of housing types, including mixed use developments in the City Centre, medium density residences along the urban fringes, housing developments above retail ground floor uses and affordable housing opportunities in new surrounding developments,” was noted as the theme of the plan.
Map courtesy of Google.
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Palmerston, Northern Territory set to see first CBD apartment development

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The $250 million Green Square apartment complex in Melbourne’s Abbotsford has been completed.
Offering 500 apartments, the Salta Properties project was unveiled yesterday after a tour by Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
Constructed by Icon Construction, the project engaged around 400 workers in peak construction periods. Green Square is a four tower apartment complex built around an outdoor entertainment area, set behind the Terminus Hotel on Victoria Street. The project includes a library, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, gym and rooftop barbecue.
Apartments in the complex are still available, starting from $415,000.
According to Salta Properties managing director Sam Tarascio, the completion of Green Square three months ahead of schedule was spurred by demand in the area.
“Green Square epitomises a new era of apartment living in Melbourne and it has been a popular choice for astute investors and owner occupiers. This has enabled Salta Properties’ to fast track the off the plan development,” said Tarscio.
“Salta Properties is now working to commence the next stage of development at Victoria Gardens Precinct, to accommodate Melbourne’s growing population and business community as well as provide industry jobs to hundreds of workers over the next few years.”
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Victoria Gardens Green Square apartment development completed

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Hemingway Residences in Melbourne’s Alphington have sold in four weeks, after launching 55 two- and three-bedroom townhouses to the market, totaling $47.5 million sales.
The project, developed by GURNER in conjunction with Chamerlain Javens Architects, was a transformation of a 9,160 square metre site on the corner of Heidelberg Road and Perry Street, or the former Jika International Hotel site. It is five kilometres from the CBD.
GURNER founder, Tim Gurner, said that the fast sale for <a href="https://hemingwayresidences.com.au/" target="_blank">Hemingway Residences</a> demonstrates confidence and is a good sign for the market.
“Sales momentum has been really strong since the project launched at the start of April,” said Gurner.
Properties had an average sale price of $880,000, and ranged from $795,000 to over $1 million. Those over $1 million included three-bedroom, three-bathroom homes that included car garages. Separate laundries and under-stair storage were also on offer. “When we first priced the project it was challenging, as the quality of Hemingway Residences is not often found in an inner-city project.  Now after selling out the project in only four weeks, our clients and buyers can feel confident that they secured great value for money in a prized location,” he said.
It was not marketed internationally, selling primarily to local downsizers and younger second home buyers moving out of apartments, plus a “handful of investors”.
Construction will commence in one week, due for completion mid next year.
Offered optional features included instant boiling water taps, gas log fires and marble benchtops.
Named after, yes, Ernest Hemingway there is an emphasis on gardens and outdoor space. However, according to council records, the townhouse style development wasn’t the only possibility for the site – noting that a high rise apartment development could also have been contemplated.
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Four week sell out for Alphington, Melbourne's Hemingway Residences

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It's been billed as the biggest Canberra commercial property asset to hit the market in years.
The ACT government is preparing to sell the Campbell section 5 development sites in the city’s north - the biggest auction in Australia's capital city since 2007. 
The sites have the potential to accommodate development projects with an end value of about $350 million.
<img src="/images/2014/04/30/campbell%20april%2027%20twoe.jpg" alt="">
The government’s Land Development Agency has appointed CBRE and Raine &amp; Horne Commercial to separately auction the five sites which have masterplan approval for residential, retail and commercial uses plus a boutique hotel, parkland and walking paths.
The sites will go under the hammer on June 11.  
"We have already fielded strong preliminary interest from local and interstate developers in what is one of the most significant Canberra development offerings to be listed for sale in decades”, CBRE’s Canberra managing director Andrew Stewart.
The five sites, some with frontages onto Constitution Avenue, have a total land area of 6.4 hectares. They range in size from 2,095 square metres to 7,020 square metres, and offer opportunities for mixed use, residential and commercial development, with two sites identified as suitable for a hotel.
<img src="/images/2014/04/30/campbell%20april%2027%20three.jpg" alt="">
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ACT government to sell Campbell section 5 development site

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The 23rd largest publicly-listed company in China, Fuxing Huiyu Real Estate Co Ltd, has established Starryland Australia, which will pour $550 million into a new apartment development in Parramatta across 11 towers.
The five hectare development, named <a href="https://%20www.promenadeliving.com.au" target="_blank">Promenade,</a> will have 774 apartments in the 11 towers that will be from three to 12 storeys on Parramatta River’s northern banks, as well as 1.2 hectares of open space and a pedestrian bridge across the river.
It is located at 2 Morton Street and was previously owned by Frasers Property who received the green light for the project last year from the NSW Joint Regional Planning Panel.
Frasers confirmed to Property Observer that the site was sold last year, with RP Data records showing that it transacted in September 2013 for $58,000,000. The site had been rezoned in 2011 for residential, mixed-use, public open-space and waterway under the Parramatta Local Environment Plan. They had initially planned for 10 towers from two to 12 storeys.
Prior to Frasers' ownership, the site was held by The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust before their June 2006 $21,500,000 sale.
The first stage will be two of the towers, to a total of 277 apartments, with work expected to start in late-June with a construction timeline of two years. Demand will determine the other two release stages.
This first stage includes one-bedroom apartments from 44 to 62 square metres from $399,000, two-bedroom apartments from 62 to 99 square metres from $520,000 and three-bedroom apartments from 99 to 112 square metres from $830,000.
Other than four of the one-bedroom apartments, they all have up to two secure car spaces, as well as 70 shared visitor parking spaces.
Savills has forecast weekly rents at Promenade for $450 to $540 for one-bedroom units, and $550 to $700 for two-bedrooms.
It will be the Chinese company’s first step into Sydney.
Hao Liu, director of Starryland, noted that they chose Parramatta specifically due to its current position as a cosmopolitan centre with potential for improvement.
Liu also noted that it is well serviced by public transport and motorways.
The vision for Parramatta’s northern entrance, where this development will be, is for a partnership with Smart Design Studio, landscape designers Aspect, and Starryland Australia.
“Promenade is in keeping with the style of residential communities we create in China, and we want it to set a benchmark to establish our credentials in Sydney as a quality developer,” said Liu.
“We truly believe Promenade will be the type of place where people will want to buy their first property, raise their children and grow old.”
Architect for the development, William Smart, says that there are two building designs called wharf and courtyard that use natural elements, such as water, to create the resort style.
“The ‘wharf’ buildings have horizontal slab edges in white with a pattern of vertical timber cladding and full height vertical fenestration woven between each floor level whilst ‘courtyard’ buildings appear solid and grounded with panels of dark masonry stepping along the façade,” Smart said.
Meanwhile, project director for Savills Residential Projects, Irene Lau, said that professional singles and couples would be interested due to the transport, dining, shopping and recreational options.
“Apartments in the upper floors will have spectacular multi-directional views,” Lau said.
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Chinese developer taking $550 million step into Sydney with 11 towers in Parramatta

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A development from Hot Property Group (HPG) on Churchill Road, recently given the green light by Prospect Council, South Australia, is set to be four storeys and will overshadow the heights of the rest of the properties on the road after a year of construction.
The 100 Churchill Road project is set to be the first tall building on this street since the October rezoning, reported Adelaide Now, who noted that parts of Churchill, Prospect and Main North roads were all changed to increase density. 100 Churchill Road, <a href="/news">Prospect </a>is, at present, HPG’s head office.
However, these changes actually allow developers to build five storeys on Churchill Road, so this may not remain the tallest building for long.
Six one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom and three two-bedroom plus study apartments will be up purchase from $331,000, Adelaide Now notes. However, online marketing suggests that just 21 apartments will be built. At present, the median unit price for Prospect is recorded at $341,500.
Currently, the site is their one-storey head office building with their bright orange branding, and carpark, located near to Sam Johnson Sportsground.
It is co-owned by Tony Pullino and Valentino Fuda, under Pullino Fuda Commercial Holdings, which appears to have been purchased in August 2010 for $484,000, according to RP Data records. In its previous transaction, April 1995, it sold for $140,000. RP Data records the site as being 884 square metres. In 2009, the council released a masterplan for Churchill Road, which suggested that an increase in residential density would be appropriate.
Hot Property Group, who market themselves to investors in Adelaide, are previous HIA South Australia winners, including for affordable housing and for a townhouse/villa development in 2011.
According to online listings for the apartments, they boast close access to the train station and bus routes. They include separate vehicle entry and exit, with undercover parking for one vehicle and overhead storage and balconies.
Contracts are ready for a May signing with a minimum 10% deposit, with those signing before June 30 eligible for the government’s stamp duty exemption benefit.
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SA’s Hot Property Group to redevelop their Prospect head office into apartments under new zoning

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In a suburb being called an ‘up and comer’, ORE in Waterloo, Sydney has sold out, with plans for construction to complete in September.
Located at <a href="/news">Waterloo</a>’s 18-22 Amelia Street, <a href="https://oreapartments.com.au/#/home" target="_blank">ORE</a> is a luxury development with 53 one, two and three bedroom apartments spanning eight levels with lift access.
Sold at a price said to be “considerably higher than the median asking price” for local apartments, Mainland Chinese buyers are behind a number of the purchases. Back when the development was advertised, prices were recorded for one bedroom from $495,000 and two bedrooms from $599,000. Median prices have steeply risen over the past years, currently sitting at $640,500 for apartments. At the beginning of 2012, after a dip from 2011, the median sat at $513,500.
Project marketers for the development, CPM Realty, said that the sell out is due to a massive shortage of stock, particularly new, within inner Sydney. CPM Realty managing director Sam Elbanna said that a lot of land is being traded, but it’s not all being developed.
“When property is traded and not developed the shortage increases demand,” he said, noting demand is at a high not seen for some time.
“We’ve only got a sprinkling of new apartments around the CBD and we’re putting this down to a strong market but more importantly, not enough new developments to cope with demand.”
Property Observer previously <a href="/expert-insights/buying/incentives-on-offer-as-waterloo-developers-battle-government-timelines-to-entice-buyers">reported that Ore gave a hefty push to bring in first home buyers</a> who may be attracted to the incentives.
The development was designed by MBMO architexts and developed by SG Sans Group.
There is a double storey lobby, and the apartments have balconies, stackable balcony doors, security car parking and green communal spaces.
Some of the apartments were advertised with park views over Moore Park golf course, including the last three-bedroom apartment, on level seven. It was marketed with wool carpets, timber floors, stainless steel smeg appliances, a 10 metre wide balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass, a media desk and storage closets.  This three bedroom, two bathroom apartment with 99 square metres of living area and a 19 square metre terrace was advertised at $959,000.
<img src="/images/2014/04/29/waterloo-april-29-two.jpg" alt="">
The development was also offering a number of retail opportunities in the “new hip bohemian precinct”, including cafes and potential restaurants across from a planned carpark, that also suggested the sites, with alfresco areas, could be used as convenience or medical stores, as well as office opportunities.
It is noted that in the residential development there is a 70/30 owner occupier to investor split.
<img src="/images/2014/04/29/waterloo-april-29-one.jpg" alt="">
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Waterloo, Sydney sees sell-out of ORE’s 53 apartments

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In a little over five years two aspects of real estate marketing have been transformed; the popularity of auctions in the private treaty market and the maturing of marketing new apartment projects off the plan.
For many private vendors auctions are now the number one way to sell a home and off the plan sales now dominate the apartment market, and there are many reasons why buyers have embraced these trends. While I want to concentrate on off the plan marketing, auctions share one key advantage and that is certainty.
When the gavel falls the buyer is certain that they now own that property. I think that much the same can be said for our off the plan buyers, and while the actual method of sale is clearly different today’s project marketing does I suggest deliver that same feeling of certainty and security and we can in part thank the GFC for this.
However, I do acknowledge that not that long ago buying off the plan was not always risk-free. But today buyers have made this a popular choice and I think in the main because of the quality of planning and marketing that goes into any new project and it is here that the impact of the GFC has had played a role. Post-GFC the requirement for a high percentage of pre-sales to 80% plus became the norm and in response developers realised the importance of quality marketing which buyers embraced.
Firstly a fundamental; buyers, whether they are owner occupiers or investors, can have the pick of apartments in a new development. They can in some cases personalise the interiors and there is an opportunity for capital gain if the market moves up between the contract date and settlement.
While it is true that there are some risks in purchases off the plan, including the fact that buyers are financially bound to projects that may in rare cases be delivered late in today’s market professional developers know and greatly value of their reputation. The delivery process is well managed and a majority of buyers are more than comfortable with the fact that time can be on their side. Time to organise the sale of an existing home, or organise finance or for a SMSF investor time to plan without immediately tying up all of their capital. In some but not all states there can also be stamp duty savings alongside the fact that stamp duty is usually a differed payment, and properties are secured with an interest earning deposit, which is usually 5% – 10%.
One final point in the buying process is the format and content of contracts; these are now very familiar areas of conveyance and are no longer seen as a hurdle for solicitors and conveyancers to negotiate on behalf of their clients, its all very transparent, a seamless and reliable legal procedure for buyers, including first time buyers.
The appeal of new
A key a feature of buying off the plan is the appeal of the new, a new building, but also in many cases a new community or a new development area where the wider prospects beyond the building itself are also very attractive. It’s also seen as an exciting process and buyers have readily taken to buying after the conduct of an ROI (registration of interest campaign) this process gives buyers ample time to look into every aspect of a project, an this is where much improved marketing support delivers results.
Off the plan no longer involves ‘second guessing’ – which in the past had been a criticism. The problem being that people did not know what they were buying, but this has not been the case for many years.
Marketing assets and the depth of information available to buyers is now very impressive. In fact for some major developers the sales path has morphed into a full brand experience that is totally focused on the buyer in a constructive and imaginative format. And when success is counted, or a project launches with stunning results it can all be traced back to quality.
Today’s off the plan market is constantly underpinned by quality and nothing is left to chance. Buyers have access to a wide range of assets from easy to navigate web sites and easily understood floor plans, to complete display apartments with detailed finishes options and this is an investment made at considerable expense and I think does act to re-assure buyers. I think it is also worth noting that even when there is strong demand for projects, short cuts are not being taken, marketing still remains a high priority.
This is important, because while buyers are now days very comfortable with off the plan marketing, standards still have to be always improved, an active market is not a reason to relax standards and the quality of marketing.
Wider horizons For buyers
Another tick for off the plan buyers is earned by the fact that thanks to the quality of marketing material and support many buyers now look well beyond their own home markets for opportunities. We now have projects sold to a cross section of buyers from almost any location and that includes offshore buyers.
While this part of the market was always there the quality of marketing has now made it very easy and we know that buyers from say Sydney are only to happy to buy off the plan in Brisbane or Melbourne, or an off-shore client will look at any location. This portability of location is also a great bonus for investors who now have the ability to access any market with confidence. We have come a long way from the days of a fabled ‘free flight’ to the Gold Coast or other location as a honey pot incentive to a potential client. Today the depth and quality of information is a foundation for great portability in the apartment market.
Off the plan marketing is now very attractive, it’s the norm for even the most inexperienced of buyers with standards, quality and innovation always increasing. The market is very comfortable with the ability to access varied projects and locations, with time to plan and with the certainty of a known price all supported by quality marketing.
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Why buyers rush off the plan marketing

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Next month will see the release of seventy new apartments in the Crimson Hill master planned community development, located 15 kilometres from the Sydney CBD in Lindfield.
The Canopy Release, launching 17 May, will offer one, two and three bedroom apartments in the development’s Dunstan Grove precinct.
So named for its canopy views over the Lane Cove National Park, prices of apartments in the Canopy release will start from $575,000.
The <a href="https://www.crimsonhill.com.au/" target="_blank">Dunstan Grove precinct of Crimson Hill</a>, to be sold over a number of stages, will comprise a total of 14 one bedroom apartments, 50 two bedroom apartments, and 65 three bedroom apartments. The Defence Housing Australia developed residences are being marketed towards owner occupiers, with no obligation for owners to lease the properties back to Defence Force members.
<img src="/images/2014/04/28/DHA_CH_DG_Interior_Living2_Small.jpg" alt="">
Each precinct in the development is named after a war hero, with Dunstan Grove taking its name from Victoria Cross recipient William Dunstan, who fought in World War I.
Surrounded by Lane Cove National Park on Sydney’s North Shore, Crimson Hill will comprise 345 residences upon completion, with a mix of apartments, terraces and free standing homes available.
The 700 expected residents will have access to a large community centre and a FIFA two-star accredited synthetic soccer field, both operated by the Ku-ring-gai council. The new Charles Bean Sportsfield was developed by DHA with the Ku-Ring-Gai council and the Northern Suburbs Football Association and opened in December last year. According to DHA managing director Peter Howman, the precinct’s existing fields presented an opportunity to enhance facilities for the community.
“The fields have long been a well-patronised part of this area. We’re excited that as part of the new development, we’ve been able to improve something that has such a clear community benefit,” he said.
Duncan Tweed, chief executive of the Northern Suburbs Football Association said that the field’s synthetic pitch allows play to continue despite wet weather.
“We’ve been waiting for a field like this for a long time. It is fantastic – the best surface we have in our association,” he said.
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