Apartment developer Third.i has seen "overwhelming interest" in its recently unveiled new harbourside apartment project, The Rushcutters.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rushcutters-51-57-bayswater-road-rushcutters-bay-nsw-2011">The Rushcutters</a>, which is being delivered in partnership with James Packer's NPACT, will comprise just 13 luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;

Demand is predominantly coming from local downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351903]

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the level of interest in The Rushcutters,” said Luke Berry, Director and Co-founder Third.i Group.

“It’s clear that buyers are seeking more than just a place to live, they’re looking for a lifestyle upgrade. The ability to amalgamate apartments into expansive, whole-floor homes is a game-changer for downsizers who want space without the maintenance of a traditional house.”

The Rubinstein Group is marketing the project alongside Hume Residential and JLL.

“It’s no surprise that if you’re downsizing from a five-bedroom house in Bellevue Hill, for example, you want to maintain that sense of space and luxury when looking for your next home, "&nbsp;Gavin Rubinstein, Founder of The Rubinstein Group, said.

“The Rushcutters is a great fit. Amalgamating apartments to create a bespoke, whole-floor home is a natural progression for buyers who aren’t willing to compromise on size and/or quality.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351901]

Amalgamating apartments has become a common theme among high-end buyers across Third.i's portfolio including Muse in Potts Point, and Elevate Hume Place in Crows Nest, which set a Lower North Shore apartment record with the $15.1 million sale of an amalgamation of a penthouse and sub-penthouse.

“We’re witnessing a clear shift towards more amalgamations in a number of our projects across Sydney,” said Jason Fraser, Principal at Woods Bagot.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144646 project_image_fid=351899]

“The ability to combine apartments is enabling buyers to create truly unique, house-sized residences with high-end finishes, and proximity to vibrant urban precincts. The desire to amalgamate apartments to bespoke, house-sized residences is becoming a defining feature of Sydney’s evolving luxury apartment market."

Due to the City of Sydney’s no net dwelling loss policy, Thirdi is only able to offer one level for amalgamation at The Rushcutters, combining two apartments into a single, expansive residence.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144646]

Joel Robinson

The Rushcutters a "great fit" for downsizers

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured development approval for its ultra-luxury residential project on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/34-burran-avenue-mosman-nsw-2088">dress circle Burran Avenue</a>.

The project, just&nbsp;50 metres from Balmoral Beach within Mosman’s prestigious Golden Triangle, will commence construction in early 2026,&nbsp;following the successful completion of its nearby Hampden Mosman project.

Lodged in April 2025 and approved in September 2025, the development will comprise three whole-floor residences, each designed to capture panoramic harbour views through Sydney Heads.

<img alt="34 Burran Avenue, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f4c7816-0ac8-4ef7-be0a-8ef23b693b68" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BURRAN%20EV01%20R04%20option%201%20%281%29.jpg?VersionId=gVzI8pT6_K59Nhzaz0FLEvY6Kj9Kc8Fg" />

Set on an elevated 550 sqm corner site at the junction of Burran Avenue and Stanton Road, the building has been designed to sit within Balmoral’s natural slope. The façade mixes stone and metal cladding with angular forms, while oversized terraces and full-height sliding doors create a connection between interior living spaces and outdoor entertaining areas.

The delivery team from Abadeen’s Hampden Mosman project, which includes construction company Reform Projects and interiors company Mathieson, has been retained to bring the same level of execution and craftsmanship to Burran Avenue.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/platform-architects">Platform Architects</a> has been appointed project architect, bringing extensive experience from recent luxury residential projects in Manly, Fairlight and Freshwater.

&nbsp;

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said sites of this calibre, this close to Balmoral, are incredibly rare.

“Burran Avenue is an extraordinary site; its location, its scale and its outlook make it truly one of a kind. Receiving DA approval marks an exciting milestone for Abadeen."

"We’re proud to be moving forward with an exceptional team to deliver a project that will set a new standard for ultra-luxury living on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Construction is planned to commence in early 2026, and interest is already strong from discerning local buyers who recognise the uniqueness of this address."

Brown anticipates prices will set new Mosman benchmarks above $20 million. Sales are expected to launch in March 2026.

Abadeen approved for Mosman's priciest apartments

Lifestyle developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gurner">GURNER™ Group</a>, in partnership with Costa Property Group, has announced plans to reimagine Cunningham Pier in Geelong, one of Victoria's most recognisable heritage landmarks.

The announcement follows the City of Greater Geelong’s release of its Draft Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, which seeks to revitalise the waterfront with new energy, tourism, and investment. GURNER and Costa Property Group’s vision aligns with the Council’s ambitions to create a vibrant, connected, and economically powerful precinct for the community.&nbsp;

The future of Cunningham Pier will draw inspiration from Sydney Harbour’s luxury waterfront residences through to Dubai’s sculptural pier-edge towers, blending architectural excellence with &nbsp;resort-style living, hospitality, and public amenity.&nbsp;

The concept, described as “Saint Moritz on the Sea”, is envisioned to include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Six-star hotel accommodation and services&nbsp;</li>
	<li>World-class restaurants, bars, and public spaces&nbsp;</li>
	<li>High-end residential offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Entertainment and cultural venues&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Potential cruise ship port facilities, integrating Geelong into the global travel network&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The transformative project aims to become a magnet for tourism, investment, and innovation, while &nbsp;ensuring continued public access and connection to Corio Bay’s pristine waterfront.&nbsp;

Cunningham Pier has been operated by Costa Property Group for more than 15 years, with the City of Greater Geelong expressing strong support for strategic commercial partnerships that unlock &nbsp;tourism-led economic development for the region’s fast-growing population.&nbsp;

Tim Gurner, Founder &amp; Executive Chairman, GURNER™ Group, said the project is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Geelong on the global map," adding that their version will be of what icons like the Opera House, Story Bridge or Empire State Building have done for other great cities.

“We’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Mayor, Council, the local community, and State Government to deliver something truly iconic that positions Geelong on the world stage. This project brings together everything we’ve built our brand on – world-class design, hospitality, &nbsp;lifestyle, and experience – all in one place. From six-star hotels and restaurants to the possibility of a &nbsp;new cruise ship terminal and luxury residences, the vision is extraordinary.”&nbsp;

City of Greater Geelong&nbsp;Mayor Stretch Kontelj said he welcomes the "bold and inspiring vision reimagining our beloved Cunnigham Pier as a global destination."

"This ambitious plan and the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre next year have the potential to take our already world-class waterfront to even greater heights.”

Sydney Harbour, Dubai pier towers, to influence Gurner's Cunningham Pier, Geelong development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2138]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2137]

The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=351806]

Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

Rental Bond

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
 
Younger people face discrimination based on their age - that is, they're worried their rental applications won't be accepted, and that their landlords won't trust them because of their limited rental history.
Landlords can be reluctant to leave their property with younger people, because these young tenants cannot prove they have successfully rented before.
A new start-up called <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>, is changing this dynamic by allowing tenants to share their online reputations to prove their trustworthiness. Trustbond measures trustworthiness using online data including networks, ratings and reviews from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Airbnb, eBay and Uber to determine a tenant’s TrustScore.      
“Online reputation is the loyal handshake of today. A new kind of trust, based on the principles of old. Every time we connect online with someone to shop, sell, ride share, house share and interact within an online community we are earning trust and building reputation. We are showing our character and the type of people we are. This reputation can be used to prove trust in new contexts like renting,” Trustbond Country Manager, Will Soutar, said.
Based on focus groups conducted by George Patterson Y&amp;R, in May 2017:
-       70% of participants said  "I would trust somebody based on their digital reputation."
-       90% of participants said "I believe my digital reputation is an accurate reflection of who I actually am." 
Trustbond enables tenants to harness their digital reputation to help rent a home. Tenants can easily build a free online reputation profile that can be easily shared with agents and landlords to build trust. Trustworthy tenants can replace the cash bond with a Trustbond for a small premium.TRUSTBOND
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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spost-fCfKtoCdFu

How to trust the young first time renters? 

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">                           
A world-first technology will make renting more accessible to trustworthy Australians and save them thousands of dollars in the process.
Fintech company Traity has partnered with Australia’s leading landlord insurance specialist Terri Scheer Insurance to this month launch <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>. Trustbond lets tenants avoid paying a traditional bond and instead pay a premium, which is a proportion of the rent paid for the term of the lease.
Instead of paying what can often be thousands of dollars up front renters instead would pay as little as hundreds. A renter paying a $2000 bond would instead pay a one off fee of $250. It covers the same breaches of a tenancy agreement including unpaid rent, damage, broken leases and associated costs.
Trustbond uses blockchain to measure the potential trustworthiness of a renter using data from social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Airbnb, eBay and Uber to determine a tenant's TrustScore. 
“In addition to the financial incentives, Trustbond is a better way for tenants to show who they really are. Tenants can use their online accounts to show they are trustworthy. It’s a way to build stronger relationships between tenants, landlords and property managers based on trust,” Traity Country Manager, Will Soutar, said. 
There are also key incentives for landlords to choose tenants who are eligible for Trustbond.      
“Trustbond is based on the premise that only tenants with a high TrustScore are eligible,” said Terri Scheer Insurance Executive Manager, Ms Carolyn Parrella.
“Landlords who use Trustbond can save time with automatic verification and screening, fill their properties faster by appealing to a broader pool of tenants and make better decisions for tenant selection.”                                                        
“Trustbond also gives landlords and property managers the ability to rate and review tenants. This encourages tenants to be responsible and motivates them to take care of their landlord’s property, in order to keep their TrustScore high.”
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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World-first digital technology to end cash rental bonds                         

<html><body>
SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
One of the main challenges in the landlord-tenant relationship comes from the asymmetry of information.
Rental history can be unreliable and limited. There is also minimal risk to a tenant’s reputation if they misbehave in a tenancy.
At the same time, Airbnb hosts accept guests with ease, and those guests most often leave the property in mint condition? Why is that, and how can it be replicated in the traditional long- term rental industry? 
Review systems like Airbnb serve two purposes. One focuses on the past, and one on the future. 
1. The past: Reviews help landlords select trustworthy guests, and filter out the bad guests. The references or reviews cannot be easily manipulated because they are transparent and have been explicitly written by other hosts in the past.
2. The future: The guests have a lot to lose if they don't behave well with the property. A bad review from the landlord could limit their ability to rent new homes in the future. 
<a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is helping Australian landlords use reputation reviews from Airbnb, eBay, Uber, LinkedIn and many others to the complement tenancy applications. This gives landlords much more accurate information about the trustworthiness of the tenant and their previous behaviors.
A TrustScore is generated for the tenant to use now and in the future. This creates a fundamentally different incentive for tenants to behave well in the property, since bad behavior will affect their Trustbond TrustScore in the future.
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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Aussie landlords using ratings, reviews like Airbnb to verify tenants

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
 
According to figures from the NSW Rental Bond Board for 2015 to 2016, it held nearly 80,000 residential rental bonds, totalling $1.31 billion.
A new startup has launched in Australia and is positioned to change the way we have always managed house rental bonds.
“Cash rental bonds are a medieval form of protection. They are one of the most inefficient forms of insurance, because tenants are forced to pay for everything that could go wrong up-front. Tenants freeze up to 6 weeks of rent in a cash bond and this causes great financial stress and also limits access to homes and opportunity,” said Traity Country Manager, Will Soutar.
“<a href="https://trustbond.com.au" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is a surety bond that protects the landlord for the same amount as the traditional bond, but only costs a fraction to tenants as a relatively small fee. No loans, no interest. Just an efficient form of protection.” 
In the same way that Uber enables people who don't own a car to get the service of “Access to private transportation, any time, anywhere”, Trustbond enables landlords to get the full protection of a bond without blocking the cash-flow of tenants. It is a win-win.
The Company started operations in Australia in August and the surety bond is underwritten by AAI Limited, the insurer behind Terri Scheer, the renowned landlord protection insurance Company. They have launched in South Australia, and will be moving to other Australian states soon.
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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Is this the Uber of apartment and house rental bonds?

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SPONSORED POST
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
 
While some cities in the country have a buoyant rental market, like Sydney, other cities like Brisbane and Adelaide are suffering, due to the high availability of rental properties and limited demand. 
Your conditions:
Typically, your only lever when you negotiate the conditions of your property is the price. Your tenant wants low, you want high, and it’s a win-lose situation for both. However, there are other things you can offer to make the property more appealing to tenants without touching the price and losing money. 
A new startup called <a href="https://trustbond.com.au" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is enabling tenants to replace the rental bond with a surety bond that gives landlords protection without needing to freeze cash. This allows landlords to significantly reduce the outlay for tenants.
It is attractive to tenants because it gives them more cash-flow on day-one and landlords still get the same exact protection.
Between 2 properties of similar characteristics, one offering Trustbond and other one not offering it, which property do you think the tenant will take?
Your reputation:
The tenancy process has always been asymmetric in nature. The landlord requests reputational information from the tenant until they are satisfied. However, in a slow market, tenants have choices available to them. How can you differentiate?
There are as many tenant horror stories, as there are landlord horror stories, so what about showing your own reputation to the tenant? Proving that you are a good landlord and will take care of your tenant can go a long way. You can use platforms like Trustbond where you can share landlord reviews to show you are a trustworthy landlord on your own ad. Advertise yourself!
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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