A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

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The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

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The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

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Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

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The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

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Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

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Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

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For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

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The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

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Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

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Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Townhouse Market

A local developer has purchased an Ivanhoe site for $3,557,000.

The property which is located on a corner land parcel of 1,350 sq m is set to be turned into a luxury residential project.

Located at 20 Lower Heidelberg Road, the campaign generated 5 offers to Julian Heatherich and Benson Zhou of Savills Australia.

&quot;It was a residential developer who was willing to pay top dollar,&quot; Heatherich said.

&ldquo;With the tightly held nature of Ivanhoe and the strength of the residential market, developers moved aggressively to add this site to their pipelines, with limited sites being offered in the inner northeast,&rdquo; Heatherich noted.

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The vendor was prepared to offer up to 18 months delayed settlement terms.

There had been interest from owner occupiers for the house, along with interest from child care groups from the site with frontage of 72 metres to Lower Heidelberg and Waterdale Roads.

It came with a flexible General Residential Zone 1 zoning.

Residential construction activity in the suburb has included work on Valia, at 59 Upper Heidelberg Road, with prices starting from $1,220,000

The 14 residences have a late 2022 completion date.

Located at 20 Lower Heidelberg Road, the campaign generated five offers

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Residential developer snares Ivanhoe project site

Townhome approvals across Melbourne softened over April, but are still higher than they were this time last year, according to&nbsp;according to Archistar&rsquo;s&nbsp;May National Townhouse and Unit Building Report.

There were 687 townhouses across the Victorian capital approved over April, down from the 895 approved in March.

Sydney went the other way however, with a spike from 699 to 923 approvals.

Since the impact of COVID in early 2020, there&#39;s been a strong shift in buyer preference toward townhouses.

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Over the last 12 months, only Adelaide and Perth saw less approvals for townhouses.&nbsp;

Brisbane reported the highest increase in townhouse building approvals over the year ending April 2021, up by 42.9 per cent,&nbsp;followed by Sydney up 14.6 per cent&nbsp;and Melbourne up by one per cent.

Townhouse building approvals however were down by 24.9 per cent&nbsp;for Adelaide and 10.6 per cent&nbsp;for Perth on the same year on year comparisons.

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Melbourne reported the highest average per townhouse building cost of $349,032 over April 2021, followed by Perth at $341,500, Brisbane at&nbsp;$282,123, Sydney at $277,494 and Adelaide at $238,286.

Nationally, 6669 higher-density dwellings were approved for building over April, which was the highest April total since 2018.

Since the impact of COVID in early 2020, there's been a strong shift in buyer preference toward townhouses

Melbourne townhouse approvals soften in April as Sydney spikes

The Brisbane-based Shayher Group are seeing high demand from locals at their recently launched Indooroopilly townhouse development Long Pocket.

The Jacaranda Place development bordering the Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane will home 45 townhouses when completed in 2023.

Shayher are expecting a mix of buyers, from downsizers wanting a lower maintenance lifestyle while retaining the space, to young professionals with young kids and families looking to be near the private St Peters Lutheran College school zone.

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There&#39;s two collections, the Rainforest Collection or the Riverview collection, the latter proving most popular so far.

Each townhouse will feature a number of living areas, a galley kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, an integrated fridge and freezer, as well as a&nbsp;butler&#39;s pantry.

They will have expansive entertaining balcony as well as an outdoor courtyard.&nbsp;There are internal lifts available in selected townhomes which is a feature aimed at the downsizer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The grounds will feature a 22 metre resort style pool as well as a sauna and a steam room.

There are five display homes on site ready for inspection.

<h2>About the developer</h2>

Shayher Group is privately owned Australian company that began operating in 1999 and has since grown into a diversified property group.

With their HQ in Brisbane, Shayher have developments across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. One of their most recognised developments&nbsp;is the $1 billion redevelopment of the heritage-listed Pentridge Prison in Melbourne.

Locally, Shayher have developed The One, the 82 level, 467 apartment development in the Brisbane CBD, and are set to transform the Bulimba Barracks in the next few years.

The Jacaranda Place development bordering the Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane will home 45 townhouses when completed in 2023.

Shayher Group see local interest at Indooroopilly townhouse collection Long Pocket

The longstanding Melbourne developer DeGroup&nbsp;are set to launch&nbsp;Sprout Richmond, a boutique collection of townhomes in the heart of Richmond.

The Glass Street&nbsp;development, just off the bustling Swan Street, comprises 15 townhouses in total. The 13 two-bedroom residences start from $999,000, and the two three-bedroom homes are priced at $1,499,000.

Bricks &amp; Mortar founder and selling agent Sahil Bhasin sold out&nbsp;DeGroup&rsquo;s most recent project Fitzrovia, a development of&nbsp;17 townhouses on Fitzroy&#39;s Kerr Street in just eight&nbsp;weeks.

He expects Sprout Richmond to follow suit, with the&nbsp;three level townhouses&nbsp;appealing to&nbsp;young professionals in their 30&#39;s due to their proximity to Swan Street.

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&ldquo;The homes are a walker&rsquo;s paradise, with restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and amenities in abundance,&rdquo; Bhasin&nbsp;said.

&ldquo;Everything that draws people to this spritely neighbourhood is but a stone&rsquo;s throw away from Sprout Richmond.&rdquo;

DeGroup worked with award-winning&nbsp;builder Mancini Made to ensure the townhouses are sustainable throughout, from the&nbsp;durable Colorbond cladding and&nbsp;rainwater plumbed toilets, to the energy efficient appliances and double glazed windows and glass sliding doors.

Some of the residences, with architectural influences from Haskell Architects, have achieved a 6.7 Star NatHERS rating, translating to reduced carbon footprints for residents and significant cost savings on energy bills.

It&#39;s an important focus&nbsp;for DeGroup, whose executive director Ben DeLutis&nbsp;ranks sustainable living&nbsp;as one of the company&#39;s highest priorities.

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&quot;Sustainable living is no longer an option, it is absolutely integral to our process and planning,&quot; DeLutis says.

The townhouses, set for completion in early 2022, are set in landscaping by the landscape architect Phillip Withers.

&ldquo;The focus was on creating a calm and welcoming space where people would want to stop&nbsp;and take in their surroundings,&quot; Withers says.

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&quot;I wanted the Sprout community to enter, look up and be greeted by a mass of vertical greenery, perfectly complemented by the architect&rsquo;s contemporary design.&rdquo;

About the developer

DeGroup has been operating since 1973 when it was founded by its executive chairman Colin DeLutis.

The family-ran company, whose executive director is Ben DeLutis, Colin&#39;s son, is made up of three divisions; the property development division, which manages and develops residential, retail, hospitality and commercial properties; investment division which owns and actively manages over 40 investments; and group of companies division which comprises several operational businesses.

They have previously developed the residential projects Lygon Place in East Brunswick and&nbsp;211 Dorcas Street in South Melbourne.

Sahil Bhasin expects local young professionals in their 30's to be keen on the three level townhouses due to their proximity to Swan Street

DeGroup set to launch Sprout Richmond townhouses

The Melbourne developer Beulah have unveiled The Wilds, a boutique collection of houses on Northcote&#39;s Merri Creek.

The 15 detached houses have been designed by architecture studio Edition Office, the same team who were behind the multi-award winning Hawthorn House.

The positioning of the townhomes to front Merri Creek was a conscious effort, backed by research fro the Beulah team.

They looked at a study by the Swedish lecturer and professor Terry Hartig. Hartig&nbsp;looked&nbsp;at nature&#39;s influence on the mental restorative benefits for individuals, namely the benefits of water landscapes in restorative mental benefits.

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Those who were exposed to views and murals of waterscapes, as opposed to other nature scenes, had significantly improved attention spans, the survey found.

That saw Beulah align the frontages of the three and four bedroom houses towards Merri Creek, with the kitchens oriented to allow residents to take in the scenic views while cooking.

Beulah&#39;s co-founder and executive director Adelene Teh&nbsp;said as the paradigm shifts towards an increase in home buyers seeking a tree change, The Wilds caters to this growing demand by offering large-scale residences immersed in nature, with the conveniences of inner-city life.

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&ldquo;In the current Melbourne market, there are no developments of a similar nature to The Wilds, both due to its extremely unique location on the creek&#39;s edge, its rare urban house and land offering, and its design elements of connecting occupants with nature at every turn.

&ldquo;Residents will feel as though they are immersed in nature, yet the hustle and bustle of city life is only 3-kilometres away, easily accessible by train or via the Capital City Trail bike path.

Teh said they felt it was important to create a product that caters to this shift in lifestyle demands, for those who seek&nbsp;a tree change but want to be close to the city.

The houses are priced from $1.9 million.

The positioning of the townhomes to front Merri Creek was a conscious effort, backed by research fro the Beulah team

Beulah unveil off the plan Northcote housing development The Wilds

First home buyers have been attracted to&nbsp;Sixth Ave, the Aultun Group townhouse development in the heart of Bayside Chelsea Heights south of Melbourne.

Sixth Ave was Urban&#39;s most popular project for first home buyers across Q1 2021, with Aultun Group managing director Bruce Yang previously telling Urban that&nbsp;affordability of the townhouses was just as important as quality.&nbsp;

Designed by Point Architects, prices start from just $599,000 for a two bedroom townhouse.

Urban recently spoke to Brigit King, a first home buyer at Sixth Ave, about why she chose to buy in the development.

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JR: What first drew you to Sixth Ave?

BK: The Bayside living was the biggest drawcard.

JR: How long had you been searching for a property?

BK: I had&nbsp;been looking for over a year now but only seriously for the past couple of months

JR: Were you always looking for a townhouse?

BK: Location is always my first priority

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JR: Which townhouse configuration did you opt for and why?

BK: I went for the two&nbsp;bedroom, two bathroom townhouse. It is what best suits my lifestyle at the moment

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JR: What advice would you have for other first home buyers?

BK: Get in the market as soon as you can.

JR: Did you take advantage of any government incentives?

BK: I have the first home buyers grant to help me

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JR: Did you have a set of criteria that your first home had to meet?

BK: Location, minimum 2 bedroom and having an ensuite was high on my wants list

JR: What made you decide to buy off-the-plan rather than an existing dwelling?

BK: The offer was too good to not take. The real-estate market at the moment is booming and the price and location is what sold me.

Sixth Ave was Urban's most popular project for first home buyers across Q1 2021

Why first home buyers are choosing the Chelsea Heights development Sixth Ave

A $21.5 million sales rush at the Cedar Woods masterplanned community Greville has seen the national developer bring forward the release of its third stage of townhomes.

The townhouses will be part of the $180 million masterplanned Greville community, five kilometres north of Brisbane.

The first two stages were particularly popular with local buyers. The latest release will see 10 terraces available&nbsp;from $809,000.

There was a flurry of sales when Cedar Woods announced they&#39;d appointed the regarded builder Condev Construction, who will commence construction of the first release of townhomes in the next few months.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21630 project_image_fid=89904]

Cedar Woods development director Peter Starr said&nbsp;buyers are lining up to secure a brand new terrace home within close proximity to the CBD which prompted the decision to bring the third release forward.

&ldquo;With just ten terrace homes in the third release, there is limited opportunity in this new release at Greville, and within the broader Wooloowin area, and any new supply is being snapped up quickly due to increasing buyer demand,&quot; Starr said.

&ldquo;Wooloowin is an increasingly sought-after suburb for its location, with a median house price of $935,000 according to Core Logic, and solid growth record, which has seen prices jump 15 per cent in the past year alone.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21630 project_image_fid=89903]

&ldquo;Releases one and two have been popular with mostly local purchasers who love living in Wooloowin and want to reinvest in the neighbourhood, or who are downsizing from surrounding suburbs.&rdquo;

Condev will be creating the wider masterplanned community which will home 84 terraces, 189 apartments across the towers and the adaptive re-use of the 1889-built heritage laundry into seven residential dwellings, as well as a 4,000 sqm parkland.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21630 project_image_fid=89907]

Release three is set to offer one of Greville&#39;s most popular floorplans known as the Miller.

&ldquo;The Miller has all living and entertaining areas on the ground floor, opening on to an expansive private courtyard, with three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room upstairs, which can function as a fourth bedroom or study,&rdquo; he said.

The terraces are part of the $180 million masterplanned community

Sales flurry sees Cedar Woods bring forward third release of Greville terraces in Brisbane's Wooloowin

Inspired by its onsite heritage, Lendlease has launched a boutique Richmond townhouse project, Gramercy Terraces at the site of the former Nine Network studio in Bendigo Street, Richmond.&nbsp;

This Saturday 1 May from 10am, visitors and potential purchasers are invited to the Gramercy Terraces grand opening event. The day will include an onsite market with produce from the local area, as well as an opportunity to tour the new display and learn about the local history of the area from Richmond and Burnley Historical Society.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee from Friends of Mine Cafe and pastries from Swan Street Bakery and Patisserie. The Ugly Duckling wine bar will host a wine and cheese tasting later in the day. Richmond Candle Co will also be showcasing its locally inspired scented creations.

While being treated to a G&amp;T, visitors will have the opportunity to chat with a sales representative and learn more about the stylish appliance inclusions from luxury retailer Miele. There will also be a musical performance by the Stiletto Sisters from the Melbourne Recital Centre&rsquo;s Local Heroes Series in the Richmond Community Learning Centre at 2.30pm as well as face painting and sweet treats for the little ones.

The Richmond &amp; Burley Historical Society will be taking attendees through the history of Bendigo Street, including its time as home to the Wertheim Piano Factory. Wertheim was the brand of choice for a number of famous performers including Dame Nellie Melba. Around 18,000 pianos were manufactured at the site before the onset of the great depression in 1935. More recently the building had been home to the Nine Network studio, who vacated in 2010.

<img alt="" height="1067" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gramercy_2.jpg" width="1600" />

The three and four bedroom freehold townhomes, designed by award-winning architects Bates Smart are priced from $1.85 million.

Every aspect of Gramercy Terraces is an ode to elegance and for intuitive living. Each townhome has been designed for natural light to flood in, whether through the extensive sky-lights or the full voids which allow the light to cascade through the central staircase creating a spacious transition throughout the levels of these homes. The outdoor areas also offer a tranquil respite in the hum of the city, where you can relax in your lush private garden or gathering on your rooftop terrace to take in the views.&nbsp;

<img alt="" height="681" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/grace_4.jpg" width="1600" />

The event kicks off at 10am until 4pm. For more information on Gramercy Terraces, visit gramercyterraces.com.au or call Andrew on 0407 270 083.&nbsp;

Gramercy Terraces Grand Opening&nbsp;

Saturday 1 May. 10am - 4pm.&nbsp;

Gramercy Terraces Display

2B/32 Bendigo Street, Richmond VIC 3121

&nbsp;

The day will include an onsite market with produce from the local area, as well as an opportunity to tour the new display

Lendlease to launch Gramercy Terraces Richmond this weekend

The property developer Jinding have launched the next stage of Octave, their Junction Village masterplanned community in Melbourne&#39;s south-east.

Having secured a sellout of the first and second release of Treble townhomes, Jinding&nbsp;has launched Opera Townhomes.

The musical naming&nbsp;of the townhome series so far has been intentional by the Melbourne-based property developer, to create a musical theme&nbsp;at&nbsp;Octave, a harmony of connecting with nature.&nbsp;This motif extends to Octave&rsquo;s unique urban design, where over 21% of the masterplan is dedicated to parks, open space, and conservation reserves.

The three bedroom, two bathroom, two park&nbsp;Opera Townhomes are priced at&nbsp;$495,000. The bigger four bedroom townhomes are priced at $535,000 and $545,000.

Opera will have similar features as the Treble Townhomes, but will be fronting the soon-to-be built Harmony Park which will also be home to a playground that connects to existing conservation areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24752 project_image_fid=161821]

Buyer interest came from all over for Treble Townhomes, a collection of just nine, with local downsizers, investors, and several&nbsp;first home buyers securing a&nbsp;townhouse&nbsp;at&nbsp;the development south-east of Melbourne.

Each townhome has been created in partnership with Sienna Homes and has been designed&nbsp;using energy efficient building materials. The homes have achieved a seven-star NatHERS&nbsp;rating.

Liz Ronson, Jinding&#39;s managing director of developments, says the land values in Junction Village are well perceived in the market, and the amenity-rich lifestyle is driving people to Octave.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24752 project_image_fid=161820]

&ldquo;The Opera&nbsp;townhomes offer exceptional value. For less than $500,000 buyers can secure a turnkey 3-bedroom home, that is located right next to the entrance of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, and adjacent to the 2.98-hectare Harmony Park,&rdquo; Ronson says, adding that Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre is just a five-minute drive away.

Octave has been masterplanned to include 44 townhomes, and 326 land lots, including some of the last remaining larger lots up to 1237sqm.

Having secured a sellout of the first and second release of Treble townhomes, Jinding has launched Opera Townhomes.



Jinding releases next stage of townhouses at masterplanned Octave in Junction Village

Soaring demand in all coastal Queensland markets is seeing developers fast-track their projects in an attempt to meet the continued demand from inter and outer state buyers.

The latest project to be fast tracked is in the $650 million townhouse development Serenity 4212, one of the largest waterfront projects currently underway on the Gold Coast.

The joint Helensvale venture between Keylin and Kinstone Group, adjacent to Hope Island,&nbsp;will see the third stage&nbsp;of Serenity Reserve brought forward after the sell outs of stage one and two, Serenity Waters and Serenity Green.

Serenity Reserve will comprise 83 townhomes each with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Designed by architectural firm DBI in conjunction with Modulus Architecture, prices for the townhomes&nbsp;will start from $548,000.

Serenity Reserve residences will sit next to&nbsp;a dedicated natural reserve community park, part of 27 hectares being gifted by Keylin to the city council.

<a href="/buildings/serenity-green-8-ben-dalley-drive-helensvale-road"><img alt="" height="720" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/serenity_reserve_1.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The wider Serenity 4212 development&nbsp;is being created&nbsp;around Lake Serenity along the shores of Saltwater Creek.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The latest release is aimed at buyers looking to capitalise on existing government grants, including the state government first-home owner&rsquo;s grant,&rdquo; said Keylin&nbsp;director Louis Cheung.

<a href="/buildings/serenity-green-8-ben-dalley-drive-helensvale-road"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/serenity_3.jpg" width="1600" /></a>

&ldquo;Most of our buyers have been owner-occupiers, with many of them locals who are looking for the lifestyle and convenience of one of the best waterfront precincts on the Gold Coast.&rdquo;

Keylin fielded more than 3400 inquiries for the Serenity Waters release alone.

Developments are being fast-tracked all across the Gold Coast with developers inundated with enquiries.

Miles Residences, the luxury redevelopment of the Kirra Beach Hotel by KTQ Group, has been <a href="/news/qld/miles-residences-at-kirra-beach-now-80-sold-as-fast-tracked-construction-begins">fast-tracked after selling over 80 per cent of its stock</a>.

Ditto Cabana at Palm Beach, which saw&nbsp;23 of its 34 apartments <a href="/news/qld/which-gold-coast-apartment-developments-are-being-fast-tracked-due-to-strong-sales">sell within two weeks of its launch</a>.

&nbsp;

Serenity Reserve residences will sit next to a dedicated natural reserve community park, part of 27 hectares being gifted by Keylin to the city council.

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