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

Property Report

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
They look professional and seemingly offer crucial information on the property market … they are also free, but does that mean they are actually worth the paper they are printed on?
Before throwing all your money at an investment on the advice of one of these reports, it’s important to examine where the report came from and who is behind putting it together.
Some questions to ask are: What is the data source used? Is the data complete? What about the facts and information that goes hand-in-hand with the data? Who is the research team? Is the report skewed in favour of a particular development or someone who has a vested interest? Do the reports meet your specific needs?
These are all essential questions to ask before making any investment decisions based on a report.
And while it is easy to take a rear-view look and base future judgements on what has happened in the property market in the past, which is what a lot of these reports do, it is more important to combine this rear view with a forward-looking one, taking into account a wide range of factors which will come into play.
These include economic growth, employment, population growth, location and even that houses, with three bedrooms, a yard and carparking, have more appeal than units.
This was evidenced in Melbourne where a backward-looking view shows that at the end of 2017 the market delivered 8.9 per cent dwelling price growth and was enjoying outstanding population growth with projections looking favourable – at least if other factors weren’t considered.  
The picture is clearly very different now with the market delivering -7 per cent dwelling price growth in 2018. Our analysis forecasts the prospects for the Melbourne housing market are negative with price reductions in the order of 4-7 per cent for each of the years 2019 and 2020.
We can demonstrate this by taking a forward-looking view where the risks are aggregated and must be identified well in advance. These include the effects of credit restrictions, the findings of the Banking Royal Commission, the increased likelihood that the ALP will be elected and introduce changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax and the risks of buying off-the-plan properties, especially where oversupply is an issue.
Buyer sentiment has taken a massive hit as residential property is now seen as a depreciating asset.
These are all factors that you need to take into consideration when buying an investment property and these free property reports simply do not provide all the information to make a smart decision.
Many investors over-estimated the level of knowledge and information contained in free reports and were therefore unable to minimise their risk.
Many investors were unaware of the costs associated with high-quality data sources and a skilled research team.
It is important to understand that the data from the Big 4 banks is completely different from the data that is included in the free property reports, and that the amount of data analysis and research invested by companies like RiskWise is very high.
Also, often these free reports are lacking crucial information. A few of the very basic things an investor should look for, from a data perspective, are what is the risk associated with poor / negative capital growth for a property, how many properties are in the pipeline and what is the additional percentage to the current stock, and what is the estimated future projection of capital growth.
Without this data, the investment approach is often very naïve relying only on historical data and assuming that the future capital growth will be very similar to the historical growth – and this could be a major mistake, as is demonstrated in Melbourne.
It was also important to note that often free reports were undertaken by research teams which were part of a real estate agency and, if this were the case, it was essential to know what their qualifications and research backgrounds were, and if the reports were skewed to benefit that agency.
Some of these reports may be biased, presenting only the good attributes of properties and ignoring the major risk factors.
A prime example is units in <a id="LPlnk247958" class="OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.riskwiseproperty.com.au/News/brisbane-cbd-poor-risk-management" target="_blank">inner-city Brisbane</a> which are high on RiskWise’s <a id="LPlnk317406" class="OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.riskwiseproperty.com.au/News/high_risk_alert" target="_blank">100 Danger Zones</a> report. Research reports that are provided by real estate agents who sell properties in the area do not contain information regarding the high level of risk that property investors are facing.
As each investor had a specific investment strategy, risk appetite and financial position, reports which were not tailored to their specific needs and circumstances had limited added value.
To minimise risk when it comes to investing, he suggested acquiring reports from a company that specialised in research, contained information which included the risk rating associated with the planned investment, the number of properties in the pipeline and a risk of oversupply, as well as the macro-economic factors in the area.
We recommend checking the credentials of the research team including their education, qualification and experience, and ensuring the report meets your specific strategy.
Investors need independent research so they can make informed decisions about what to do, but even more importantly, what not to do.
Doron Peleg is the CEO of <a id="LPlnk349672" class="OWAAutoLink" href="http://www.riskwiseproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">RiskWise Property Research</a>. 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Free property reports and why to avoid them: RiskWise

<html><body>
New laws relating to pre-purchase property reports (primarily building and pest inspection and strata reports) in take effect from Monday 15 August in NSW, following on from industry consultations held by Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello earlier this year. 
Amendments to the Property Stock and Business Agents Regulation 2014 will enable greater access to pre-purchase property reports, with real estate agents now required to disclose information on all inspection reports conducted on a property up for sale.
Prior to drafting the amendments, Minister Dominello met with several figures from the NSW property industry in order to discuss the need for improved transparency, reduced duplication of inspection reports, and support for peer-to-peer services that offer discounts to consumers.
Rhys Rogers, CEO of beforeyoubid.com.au, a provider of building &amp; pest inspections and strata reports through a shared-cost model, was invited by Minister Dominello to make recommendations.
Rhys Rogers, CEO of beforeyoubid.com.au says the new laws will create greater transparency within the property industry.
It mean that there is less chance for selling agents to exercise improper influence on the quality of reports. 
"We’ve seen instances where consumers have purchased homes with thousands of dollars’ worth of issues which have not been properly identified by inspectors engaged by the selling agent.
"By making it obligatory for agents to disclose the availability of multiple reports, and who commissioned the report, there are now measures in place to improve consumer protection.
"Through our shared-cost model, consumers can now get a report written for them and share the cost of the report with other buyers saving everyone money for what is important – making a bid at the right price.”
Rhys Rogers purchasing property reports for around five properties was the average.
"Through our cash-back model, this means people save close to $1,500 on building &amp; pest inspections alone, which many find to be a rewarding silver lining when they’ve been unsuccessful at auction and need to continue their search.”
The amendments to the Property Stock and Business Agents Regulation 2014 can be found in clause 33A <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/biz_res/ftweb/pdfs/About_us/Have_your_say/Property_stock_and_business_agents_amendment_property_reports_and_exemption_regulation_2016.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
</body></html>

Property Report

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Property Report

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.