Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Residential Development

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Developers of the Banyan Tree Residences in Brisbane have won awards for the Queensland development in the categories of Best Apartment/Condominium for Australia and Best Development Marketing at the 2017 International Property Awards.
Banyan Tree won three awards for their branded residences project in Brisbane, Australia and Phuket, Thailand.
Ho Kwon Ping, Banyan Tree executive chairman said it is wonderful to have the project recognised as Best Apartment/Condominium and for Best Project Marketing, especially as they progress towards the start of construction.
"The Banyan Tree concept for luxury branded residences is unique in the Australian market," he said.
"We have welcomed many new owners since our launch late last year, with a mixture of local buyers as well as those from overseas, including existing Banyan Tree owners.
"In addition, our new partnership with Vanke, one of China’s largest developers will enable the introduction of our Brisbane project to their extensive network of high end Chinese buyers.”
Banyan Tree’s Brisbane residential development sits on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and features 76 luxury two and three bedroom apartments including 3 magnificent penthouses.
The development features a 24-hour concierge service, spa, restaurant and resident gymnasium as well as rooftop garden, private function room, barbeque facilities, and an infinity pool.
A fully fitted out display suite is situated at 48 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point. 
For more information, <a href="https://www.banyantreeresidences.com/brisbane/homepage" target="_blank">click here</a>.
The Lake Macquarie Trinity Point residential development received two awards at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2017-2018.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Banyan Tree Residences Brisbane win at 2017 International Property Awards

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Harry Triguboff’s Meriton group has launched the first stage of its Sydney Olympic Park residential development The Retreat.
The development will feature more than 1200 apartments.
The Retreat is being built on a 5.17 hectare site at 5 Carter Street bought from the Goodman Group for $245 million two years ago.
The first stage will have two elliptical buildings. The North tower will be 22-storeys high and feature split-level loft-style designs, apartments with rooftop entertaining and barbecue areas and penthouses with four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Harry Triguboff said The Retreat, being developed opposite the ANZ Stadium, is all about green open space, recreation and leisure.
“The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is a very exciting area and we are offering you an opportunity to purchase in the first release before we develop all four stages," he said.
“We have made sure at The Retreat that we provide residents with apartments, resort facilities, shops, a 113-place child-care centre and serviced apartments that complement and add to those attributes.
“We expect to finish the site in the next five years and once completed, we believe prices will rise considerably.
“The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is an idyllic choice for anyone wanting to escape the fast pace of life and more congested living of the city’s heart.”
James Sialepis, Meriton’s director sales, said The Retreat would be ‘in tune’ with the green atmosphere of the Sydney Olympic Park area and a perfect choice for new home buyers.
“The Retreat will have an extensively turfed 2500 square metre central park, with walking and cycling pathways," he said.
“On the third floor of stage one there will be podium gardens where residents will be able to barbecue, dine under cover, or just soak up the views.
“We’ve almost been caught off guard by the demand we’re experiencing for our projects with landscaped gardens and parklands, especially from families and first home buyers, in areas like Lewisham and Sydney Olympic Park.
“The Retreat will be the same and first home buyers will be chasing the great launch prices, with many apartments under $750,000.”
Sialepis said the first stage of The Retreat architects, the SJB group, had designed buildings with glass-faced apartments that capitalised on views across Bicentennial Park and the Parramatta River to the Sydney CBD and the harbour bridge.
Stage one of The Retreat has 149 apartments, some of them the biggest in the area, and they range from one-bedroom through to four-bedroom penthouses with rooftop terraces.
The apartments will start at $585,000 and peak at $2,800,000 for one of the split-level penthouses.
Stage one is expected to be completed by March 2019.
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Meriton launches Olympic-standard lifestyle haven

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Development firm Match won two awards at the 2017 Western Australian Heritage Awards for work rebuilding Fremantle’s iconic Dalgety Wool Stores into residential industrial warehouse apartments.
The heritage restoration project, worth $130 million, won the  ‘Conservation or Adaptive Reuse of a State Registered Place’, and the prestigious Gerry Gauntlett Award.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.57.10%20AM.png" alt=""> 
The development, named Heirloom, kept over 85 percent of heritage fabric across 183 apartments and included the rebuild of the saw tooth roof.
The site had been unused for 20 years.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.57.06%20AM.png" alt="">
Managing Director of parent company M/Group, Mr Lloyd Clark, said to be honoured so significantly at the Western Australian Heritage Awards is a credit to the tireless work of the entire project team, who left no stone unturned to make this building as special as it now is. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.57.01%20AM.png" alt="">
“Match is in the business of developing signature properties," he said.
"It is our firm belief that people want more from their homes, and today new apartment owners are creating their own space amidst 100 year old Jarrah beams and original heritage features. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.56.25%20AM.png" alt="">
“Drawing on our experience with heritage renewals, we knew from the outset that this project would present challenges, however we also saw it as an extremely important opportunity.
“Heirloom is unquestionably Match’s most significant development project in the company’s 16 year history.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.56.37%20AM.png" alt="">
"Its location close to Fremantle’s café strip and between the river and the beach is ideal, and it has helped to activate the City of Fremantle’s plans to extend Fremantle’s activity centre into its eastern corridor gateway."
Mayor Brad Pettitt said the Fremantle Council said t’s hard to imagine a better result than what we now see at Heirloom. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.56.45%20AM.png" alt="">
"After being tired and run down for decades, the east end of Fremantle has become a very attractive place to live and work," he said.
"The Heirloom development has been a major driver in this ongoing transformation."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2010.56.55%20AM.png" alt="">
The project was developed in collaboration with capital joint venture partner, Sirona Capital. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-30%20at%2011.02.36%20AM.png" alt="">
Heirloom features apartments from $450,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $650,000, with a limited number of harbour facing Lofts available from $950,000. 
The Heirloom display apartments are open by appointment. For more information visit <a href="https://www.heirloombymatch.com.au/" target="_blank">www.heirloombymatch.com.au</a>.
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Heritage awards for massive restoration of Fremantle's iconic Dalgety Wool Stores

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Cranes in the sky provide insight into the constructor sector, especially when it comes to residential unit supply.
To illustrate the scale of construction in Sydney alone, which has more than 50 percent of all cranes in Australia, the residential crane count rose to 292 in March this year from just 62 in September 2014.
AMP Capital’s latest weekly economic and market update points to the crane numbers as an indicator that home price growth has peaked in Sydney and Melbourne and that price declines lie ahead, particularly for units. 
In explaining its outlook, AMP Capital says “the latest Australian bank rating downgrades tell us nothing new but the drip feed of negative news around the property market in Sydney and Melbourne is continuing to mount: surging unit supply, bank rate hikes, tightening lending standards, reduced property investor tax deductions, ever tighter restrictions around foreign buyers”.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/CraneAMP.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/26/CraneAMP.png" alt=""> 
Residential cranes soared to 292 around Sydney which accounts for 45% of all Australian cranes and 53% of all residential cranes in Australia, the RLB Crane Index indicates. 
An analysis of the last crane index, based on September's count, showed over a third of the cranes building Australia's next wave of apartments due for completion in the coming two years are in the ‘blacklisted’ postcodes of lenders, meaning banks view them as risky suburbs to lend, the Australian Financial Review reported. 
The settlement risks, compounded by China’s crackdown on outflows and Australian banks’ tightening of credit to Chinese investors, could point to a crisis.
According to the March count, residential cranes in Sydney jumped by 34 to 292 from 258 six months earlier. In Melbourne, the number of residential cranes rose by a net 13 to 122 from 109 in September, but remained below the total 124 counted a year ago. 
Ofcourse the biggest concerns of an oversupply of apartments are in Melbourne.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/26/CraneCount.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/26/CraneCount.png" alt="">
As to the broader crane index, the number of cranes on the skylines of seven of 10 cities counted fell to a total 654 in March from 666 in September, driven by a decline in the number of cranes on commercial, education and public projects. 
This was the first decline in the total number of cranes across Australia's skyline since Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Oceania Research &amp; Development and Communication teams created the RLB Crane Index in 2012.
But even as residential cranes dominated the count – and increased to 548, or 84 per cent of the total – the sector showed further signs of the slowdown that was first apparent six months ago. While apartment-heavy Melbourne increased its number of cranes after September's fall, it failed to make up all of that lost ground. Brisbane declined further.
The report also reflects the moves by developers to smaller-scale projects in inner-ring suburban away from large CBD projects. 
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Crane count indicates home price growth may have peaked in Sydney and Melbourne: AMP Capital

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A development site with permit for residential units in Camberwell has sold for $2.3 million through Savills as demand for apartments in Melbourne’s leafy inner east rises.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-camberwell-201773630" target="_blank">584 Camberwell Road</a> site was listed for auction on May auction, but the deal was struck in April.
The site was bought by an offshore buyer at a record rate per unit of $383,000, according to Savills.
This, along with another sale at Armadale, totalled a record $9.3 million for land and unit prices.
The corner site has a landholding of 577 sqm and comes with an approved permit for a luxury apartment project with oversized apartments.
The majority of apartments, once constructed, will enjoy views of the picturesque Fordham Gardens. 
The location is close to shops, schools and public transport. 
The selling agents were Nick Peden, Jesse Radisich and Benson Zhou of Savills.
“Demand for apartment development sites in Melbourne has been very strong over the last few years and it remains so and particularly for boutique developments in suburbs in the coveted inner east,” said Peden.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/25/Camberwell2.jpg" alt="">
The Urban Planning Committee had earlier reviewed the proposal for a three-story building comprising six apartments, car parking and some alterations at Camberwell.
The Boroondara City Council’s urban designer had concluded that the building would not impact the neighbourhood character or nearby residential properties.
This permit would expire if development does not start within two years of the issue date and if construction isn’t complete in four years from the date of issue.
Among the other recent land sales in Camberwell is one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-camberwell-201621962?cid=pdp:recent-sales" target="_blank">4 Garden Road</a>.
The 1040 sqm land parcel changed hands for $2,305,000 late in 2016. It was touted as ideal for development subject to approvals. The zoning was General Residential 1.
Another was a land parcel at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-vic-camberwell-201651042?cid=pdp:recent-sales" target="_blank">23 Derby Street</a>, which fetched $4.6 million. The 1,363 sqm site is close to Riversdale station, shops and restaurants.
Peden said apartment demand was being driven by population growth, the recent trend to downsizing and remaining in the same suburb, lifestyle and by location.
March figures from the ABS put Melbourne’s population growth at 2.4 percent in 2016 – the fastest in the nation - (Brisbane grew 1.8 percent and Greater Sydney 1.7 percent) while four of the five fastest growing suburbs in Australia were in Victoria.
Camberwell has a current townhouse offering, The Davis. Conceived by Ascui &amp; Co Architects, the four homes on Davis Avenue are priced through Marshall White <a href="https://thedavis.com.au" target="_blank">from $2.215 million</a>.
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Camberwell site with permit for luxury apartments sells for $2.3 million: Savills

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Cross-border buying of residential development sites in Asia-Pacific has been rising over the past decade.
When comparing 2016 to 2007, the number of such acquisitions from overseas investors more than doubled, with volumes hitting nearly more than US$42 billion last year, according to Knight Frank’s latest research. 
Australia figures in the top five residential land investment destinations in Asia-Pacific from 2012 to 2016.
In the past decade, investors from Hong Kong and mainland China contributed 80.2 percent of the total money spent on acquiring overseas residential lands within Asia-Pacific, says the Asia Pacific Residential Review - May 2017 by Knight Frank.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Chart1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Chart1.png" alt="">
On the surface, Hong Kong is the front-runner with 74.5 percent of the market share but in fact the most acquisitive companies have roots in the mainland. 
Other notable players include Singapore (7.3 percent), United States (3.2 percent), Japan (2.4 percent), Malaysia (1.7 percent) and United Arab Emirates (1.1 percent).
From 2012 to 2016, the top five overseas residential land investment destinations in Asia-Pacific were ranked in the following order: China, Singapore, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. 
Hong Kong and Australia saw investments into their countries increased by about nine times and 26 times respectively during this period, while Malaysia grew from practically zero foreign investment into residential development sites in 2012 to over US$1.4 billion in 2015. Meanwhile, the average investment into Singapore’s housing land from 2012 to 2015 was about US$1.6 billion but it declined to US$671 million in 2016.
“We also note that developers have been acquiring more expensive, less prime and smaller sites. On a CAGR basis, average quantum price and price per sq ft have grown gradually– increasing 4.7 percent per year from US$154 million to US$242 million and 15.9 percent per year from US$47 to US$208 per sq ft,” says the report.
For land size, the acquired sites now have much smaller land area – averaging 32 acres today compared to 65 acres 10 years ago. Likewise, the percentage of acquired sites that are in a CBD area has dropped tremendously – from about a fifth in 2007 to just 6.0 percent in 2016. 
The growth in outbound activity by mainland Chinese developers has been one of the key trends over the past decade, with volumes going from practically zero in 2009 to more than US$2.5 billion in 2016. 
From 2012 to 2016, their favourite destination was Australia (36.5 percent) along with other key markets include Hong Kong (23.7 percent), Malaysia (19.7 percent) and Singapore (15.4 percent). Among a flurry of cooling measures introduced in major Chinese cities along with the capital controls imposed earlier this year, we expect Chinese developers to put more money into Hong Kong and smaller Tier-3 Chinese cities this year. In the first quarter of 2017 alone, Chinese developers invested over US$5.1 billion in the region, with more than US$4.9 billion or 95 percent concentrated in Hong Kong.
In Q1 2017, we continue to see more cross-border investment activities in Asia-Pacific – with close to US$10 billion representing 15.2 percent of the total sales volume. In addition, this is also the highest Q1 figure ever recorded since at least 2007. Three of the top five deals transacted in Hong Kong and were all purchased by Chinese developers; the rest of the top ten deals were in mainland China. 
As many residential markets mature over time, the hunt for the next high-yielding property development opportunities may happen in selected developing countries such as Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia. Investors and developers will find these locations attractive given the consistently high economic growth, huge young population, rapid urbanisation rate combined with the rising need for different housing types. Similarly, developers may also choose to invest in selected hot spots in mature economies such as Kyoto in Japan, suburbs near major cities in Australia and the city fringe in Singapore.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Chart2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Chart2.png" alt="">
From 2012 to 2016, domestic developers and investors purchased 58.4 percent of residential development land in Australia, while the largest foreign developer group hailed from China (23.4 percent). Last year, Chinese developers and investors purchased $2.4 billion worth of residential development sites in Australia – a 9.4 percent increase from 2015. Boasting an economy record without recession for over 25 years, Australia has also seen a steady population growth partially fulfilled by a healthy immigration rate especially the high net worth individuals.
Read the full Asia-Pacific Residential Review Report May 2017 <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com/research/asia-pacific-residential-review-q1-2017-4658.aspx">here</a>.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Overseas buying of residential development sites in Asia Pacific doubled from 2007-16: Knight Frank

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One of Byron Bay’s largest residential subdivisions has achieved record prices.
Around two thirds have been sold as the final stage hits the market.
Developed by Unison Projects, Seacliffs Byron Bay is a rainforest fringed enclave.
Some 73 per cent of the estate is maintained as a nature reserve and a wildlife corridor for native animals.
The $20 million Seacliffs Byron Bay development features 34 elevated lots within a 16 hectare eco-friendly hinterland estate.
Some come with ocean views.
Unison Projects founder Jonathan Levy remarked that stage one of 11 completed lots on Hayters Drive, Suffolk Park, sold out quickly.
He added one had since achieved a record house price for the suburb.
Additionally, seven of the second stage of eight lots have been sold, with five of the 16 lots in the third and final stage also already traded.
“The response to Seacliffs has been fantastic particularly from the local market as most of our buyers were already living in the Byron Bay region,” Levy said.
“The project has proven that Byron buyers are back.”
McGrath agent Nick Dunn added that stage three home lot sites range from 616 sqm to 1156 sqm.
The prices are between $600,000 and $660,000, set just a few minutes to Tallow Beach and the Suffolk Park shops, and only eight minutes to the heart of Byron Bay.
“Seacliffs is where the hinterland meets the sea,” Levy said.
 
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Final stage of Byron Bay development Seacliffs hits market

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Palmview’s largest masterplanned community, Harmony, has fast-tracked the release of its latest land lots.
The $3 billion residential project is located on the Sunshine Coast, within close proximity to amenities including the University of the Sunshine Coast, the new Kawana healthcare precinct and shopping strips at Sippy Downs and Kawana.
Developer AVID Property Group has now released an additional 91 land lots at Harmony, following an increased appetite for affordable land options in the region and the median price of land rising by almost 5 per cent from 2015 to 2016.
“Residential property demand is surging in the region and as prices continue to rise, buyers are increasingly looking for affordable land options,” said Bruce Harper, AVID Property Group Queensland general manager.
“With new land lots starting from $218,400, the masterplanned community is catering to wide range of buyers and delivering affordable land lots in the heart of the Sunshine Coast,” he explained.
The population of the Sunshine Coast projected to grow to almost 453,000 by 2036, with Harmony anticipated to deliver more than 4,800 homes for 12,000 future residents.
“As one of Australia’s premier lifestyle destinations, there’s no wonder buyers are flocking to the area with its pristine beaches and beautiful hinterland right at your doorstep,” Harper added.
Since its official launch last year, Harmony has become the first ‘6 Leaf’ EnviroDevelopment masterplanned community to be certified in South East Queensland by the Urban Development Institute of Australia.
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Harmony land release to meet demand on Sunshine Coast 

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Some 24 three and four bedroom townhouses are slated for development alongside the grounds of the former Katoomba Golf Course.
The residential development, titled Escarpments Estate, is a partnership between Glenstone Group, Andrew Mencinsky and London 2012 Olympian turned property developer, Edward Fernon.
The former golf clubhouse and golf course will be redeveloped with the ex-clubhouse turned into a restaurant, health and fitness centre, and a golf shop servicing the Blue Mountains’ only driving range.
Fernon said it’s important that new developments in the area are unique and provide something valuable for the community as well as the new residents.
"Escarpments Estate will give townhouse buyers and the local community alike rejuvenated parklands and fantastic amenities that will really make the Blue Mountains area a notable option for those looking just outside of Sydney," he said.
"Where else can you match natural beauty with world-class amenities so close to one of the world’s major cities?
"In light of the Federal Budget 2017 plan announcing financial incentives to encourage older property owners to downsize, I expect interest in developments like Escarpments Estate to significantly increase."
Townhouses feature a range of fittings and fixtures from brands such as Smeg, Miele and Dulux. All the townhouses will look out over the former golf course,  which will be turned into acres of impressive parklands featuring walking paths, cycling trails and ponds. 
Dominic Hogan, director of Glenstone Group said interest in the Blue Mountains is sky rocketing,.
"Escarpments Estate townhouses will provide the best modern living has to offer on the Blue Mountains’ biggest backyard," he said.
"They are well appointed with a range of options to suit individual tastes, just 3.5 kilometres to Katoomba village with its shops and transport, and virtually next door to the Three Sisters and Scenic World.
Escarpments Estate has begun development with the townhouses already available to purchase off the plan. Local Blue Mountains agents Milton Player and Jonathan Crisp of Chapman Real Estate will oversee sales.
The development officially launches Friday 26th May 2017. To register your interest visit <a href="https://www.escarpmentsestate.com.au" target="_blank">www.escarpmentsestate.com.au</a>
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Olympian purchases former Katoomba Golf Course 

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<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/08/WATERFALL%20LOGO_MONO-2.jpg" alt="" width="229" height="211">
SPONSORED POST
Leading Sydney developer, Crown Group presents Waterfall, the company’s most ambitious project to date.
It draws its inspiration from the 7 storey waterfall that cascades spectacularly down one of the building’s four elemental buildings.
The vision for Waterfall by Crown Group is to bring a green revolution into Sydney’s architecture.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-09%20at%208.09.36%20AM.png" alt="" width="644" height="441">
‘Waterfall by Crown Group is a testament to our continual push to create contextually appropriate, innovative residential developments which are relevant to today’s society’’ Chairman and Group CEO, Iwan Sunito
Designed by award winning architects, SJB and featuring a specially commissioned public artwork by Mika Utzon Popov (grandson of Sydney Opera House architect Jorn Utzon).
Waterfall harnesses the power of one’s natural surroundings, providing an alternative environment to combat the stresses and strains of modern life.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/08/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-09%20at%208.08.32%20AM.png" alt="" width="604" height="391">
The $395 million project will be located at 18 O’Dea Avenue, Waterloo. It boasts 331 apartments, a rooftop infinity pool, a cantilevered gym that overlooks the city, a sky garden and terrace, a function room and six onsite retail outlets.
The luxury apartments will be released for sales at a grand launch on 17th June 2017.
Crown Group is now accepting registrations of interest at <a href="https://waterfallbycrowngroup.com.au" target="_blank">waterfallbycrowngroup.com.au</a>.
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