<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, has achieved strong sales success with the launch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a>, the most elevated and luxurious release to date in the $5 billion Melrose Park masterplanned community in north-west Sydney.

Around $30 million worth of apartments, across 35 sales, was secured within four hours of the release, marking one of the strongest launch results at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a>. Priced between $645,000 and $1.5 million, Aeris set a new benchmark for the precinct, with two-bedroom apartments eclipsing the $1 million mark, significantly higher than comparable offerings in previous stages.

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Veronica Papaianni, Sales Manager, Apartment &amp; Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia, said the sales results confirmed both the strength of the market and the growing demand for premium apartments in master planned communities.

“Aeris captured the attention of buyers with its elevated location, luxury finishes and new product types including two-bedroom residences with dedicated multipurpose rooms, a first for Melrose Park,”&nbsp;Papaianni says.

“The response was immediate with over 200 people attending the launch and 35 apartments sold launch day. Owner occupiers made up over half of all purchasers, an exceptional outcome for a high-rise apartment building and a strong indicator of the desirability of Aeris as a place to live, not just invest."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=4946]

Apartments sold were evenly split between one and two-bedroom configurations, with strong demand from young couples, professionals, downsizers and first home buyers. The introduction of adaptable layouts, such as dual key and multi-generational residences, also expanded buyer interest.

“The record result builds on renewed buyer confidence following two interest rate cuts earlier this year, with another cut widely anticipated next week,"&nbsp;Papaianni added.

"The interest rate reductions have definitely contributed to the sales momentum and buyer optimism. We are seeing more people engage with the market, particularly owner occupiers who feel now is the right time to secure a high-quality home in a future focused location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=4948]

Positioned at the highest point of the 30-hectare Melrose Park site, Aeris offers panoramic views of the Parramatta River, Sydney Olympic Parklands and the surrounding neighbourhood. Every apartment includes Miele appliances, timber flooring and smart home integration with residents enjoying access to a rooftop pool, gym and outdoor cinema.

“The success of Aeris further elevates Melrose Park’s standing in Sydney’s competitive property landscape. Aeris reaffirms Melrose Park’s position as one of Sydney’s most ambitious urban renewal projects," Papaianni continued.

"Its green spaces, future Town Centre (set to open in 2026), Melrose Park High School and connectivity to the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 connection, make it a highly attractive proposition for both owner occupiers and investors.”

There will be 468 apartments across the 21- and 23-level towers. Only the first of Aeris’s two towers has been released to date, with the next release expected in early 2026.

Construction of Aeris is anticipated to commence in late 2025, with the first lower tower due for completion in Q4 2027 and the second tower expected in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Apartments sold were evenly split between one and two-bedroom configurations, with strong demand from young couples, professionals, downsizers and first home buyers

Joel Robinson

Strong buyer response to Aeris, Melrose Park’s latest stage

Melbourne is continuing its bounce-back from bottoming out of the property market earlier this year.

The gains are modest, but have been continuous now for the last three months. Dwelling values, which incorporate both houses and units, rose 0.4 per cent in July, according to Cotality's latest Home Value Index.

Unit values lifted 0.4 per cent over the month, following gains of 0.3 per cent in June and 0.4 per cent in May.

On an annual basis, Melbourne unit values are still 0.8 per cent below where they stood a year ago, highlighting the lag in the apartment sector’s post-pandemic recovery.

Median unit values now sit at $621,281, while Melbourne’s house median is $952,339, a gap of over $330,000.

Melbourne’s quarterly growth of 1.2 per cent across all dwellings placed it behind most capitals, though the broader mood is lifting with rate cuts and construction confidence slowly returning to the market. Cotality notes that the supply-demand imbalance remains a key driver of price resilience, with listings well below average and annual sales slightly above trend.

<h2>What happened in Melbourne’s off the plan apartment market in July?</h2>

There were key milestones across several major developments in Melbourne over July, from new releases to construction advancements, in both Bayside and Melbourne's inner ring.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gamuda-land">Gamuda Land</a> topped out <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/fareham-st-kilda-95-st-kilda-road-st-kilda-vic-3182">Fareham</a>, its sculptural residential tower on St Kilda Road.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/markscon">Markscon</a> has completed the 16-storey structure and remains on track to deliver the entire building by early 2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=137950 project_image_fid=281436]

“Topping out marks more than just structural progress - it represents our long-term vision to create sustainable, well-integrated neighbourhoods that add real value to the communities around them,” said Jess Teng, Chief Operating officer, Gamuda Land.

Fareham, one of the few new developments currently on the market in St Kilda, responds directly to its location along the iconic St Kilda Road. The project is targeting an average 8-star NatHERS rating, well above standard requirements for new apartment buildings.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/gamuda-land-tops-out-fareham-on-st-kilda-rd">Gamuda Land tops out Fareham on St Kilda Rd</a>

In the inner north, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/beulah">Beulah</a> revealed a new sustainable townhouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/brunswick-established-23-hodgson-st-brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick Established</a> precinct.

The collection, known as ‘The Courtyard House’, has been created in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/six-degrees-architects">Six Degrees Architects</a> to meet the evolving needs of modern families.

The release comprises 15 two and three-bedroom homes centred on a communal courtyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136451 project_image_fid=270371]

With a central courtyard at its heart, the design reimagines the possibilities of multi-generational living, blending flexibility, sustainability and personalisation within a heritage setting. Distinct from a traditional garden, the courtyard delivers natural light, fresh air and a generous sense of space, without the upkeep of a backyard.

“The modern home should flow from inside to outside - the courtyard provides a space which joins the different parts of the home together as the central outside space of the home,” explains Six Degrees Director, Peter Malatt.

Brunswick Established is now 70 per cent sold.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/beulah-release-sustainable-courtyard-townhouse-collection-at-brunswick-established">Beulah release sustainable courtyard townhouse collection at Brunswick Established</a>

In Melbourne's west, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spacious-property-development-group-pty-ltd">Spacious Property Development Group</a> confirmed that residents will begin moving into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/voyage-altona-102-106-pier-street-altona-vic-3018">Voyage Altona</a> this spring, as builder Ironside pushes through final works.

Positioned within the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/altona-vic-3018">Altona</a> waterfront precinct, Voyage offers coastal apartments set within landscaped surrounds. Voyage is the only new apartment offering currently on the market in Altona.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=2146]

The developer flagged the start of settlements as a key moment for the precinct, which forms part of a broader long-term vision for Altona’s transformation.

Prices start from just over $500,000 for one-bedroom apartments, with three-bedroom configurations topping out just over the $1 million mark.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/buyers-to-move-into-voyage-altona-this-spring">Buyers to move into Voyage Altona this Spring</a>

City Beat July 2025: Melbourne values continue to trend upwards

For the first time in four years, a new apartment development has launched in the growing North Sydney commercial and retail hub.

Several years in the making, national apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/casa">CASA</a> has unveiled <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a>—a boutique collection of just 71 apartments in a striking, stepped building ideally located on McLaren Street, on the edge of North Sydney’s vibrant lifestyle precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141323 project_image_fid=3191]

The McLaren is just a stone’s throw from the new Victoria Cross Metro Station, part of the expanded Sydney Metro network that’s attracting buyers from North Sydney through to Castle Hill.

CASA engaged renowned architects Bates Smart to design the project. Boutique by city centre standards, where developments often reach soaring heights and feature hundreds of apartments, The McLaren stands out for its intentional, considered design.

What’s immediately evident is the care taken to maximise apartment outlooks. The building rises to just 14 storeys - also relatively modest for the area - but cascades downwards to create expansive terraces and a sculpted rooftop garden offering panoramic views across Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The McLaren’s podium pays homage to the site’s fine-grain, leafy character. It sits adjacent to heritage-listed properties and near the Walker and Ridge Streets Heritage Conservation Area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141323 project_image_fid=3193]

The development offers a diverse mix of apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms. More than half are generously sized three-bedroom residences, catering to the local downsizer market. Selected apartments feature natural stone benchtops, Gaggenau appliances, and a refined interior palette inspired by the local landscape.

The McLaren also includes a rare collection of terrace homes that echo the scale, materiality, and character of North Sydney’s Victorian-era dwellings—particularly those along nearby Walker Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141323 project_image_fid=3194]

All McLaren residents, whether in a terrace home or apartment, will enjoy exclusive access to resident-only amenities, including a rooftop garden terrace, private dining and wine cellar facilities, and a lounge area designed for entertaining and relaxation. A ground-floor retail space and a new public through-site link connecting Walker and Harnett Streets will further enhance local vibrancy and walkability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141323 project_image_fid=3196]

Colliers is receiving strong interest from local downsizers and working professionals who are drawn to the connectivity of North Sydney, and the convenience of being just one metro stop from the Sydney CBD for both work and leisure.

CASA, established in 2010 as a private real estate fund backed by global institutional investor GFM, has recently expanded its residential development pipeline nationally, with two additional projects in Melbourne and another in Byron Bay.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141323]

CASA reveals The McLaren, North Sydney's newest apartment development

The Victorian Government has passed legislation creating a developer-paid Strata Building Bond establishing much needed first level consumer protections for purchasers of new apartments in the state.&nbsp;

Aligned to that legislation the government is progressing new regulation to allow developers to insure those new apartment projects with a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience LDI</a>, instead of the traditional Strata Building Bond.

The move is part of a broader strategy to stimulate both supply and demand in the new apartment market. Recent government initiatives include removing stamp duty on new apartments until October 2026 and encouraging increased housing density around 50 key train and tram corridors.

This latest insurance reform is expected to boost buyer confidence in a market that has seen sluggish demand in recent years.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

Resilience Insurance was the first provider to offer Latent Defects Insurance in Australia, with Sydney developers such as Deicorp, Urban Property Group, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/northland-group">Northland Group</a> already taking up the policy.

Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance, says the new legislation is a significant step toward rebuilding trust in Victoria’s off the plan property market.

“We work in an industry where buyers are cautious about purchasing off the plan,” Nugent says. “As a country, we need people to feel confident in that buying process. Having a Resilience LDI on a building gives those buyers absolute peace of mind when transacting.”

Nugent says as construction standards and buyer expectations continue to rise, Resilience LDI is becoming a crucial part of the insurance landscape.&nbsp;

“Builders, developers, and property owners need to recognise its unique role in safeguarding against long-term risks. It is not a replacement for other insurances, but a necessary addition that fills critical gaps in coverage.”

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/expert-insights/strata-insurance-vs-latent-defects-insurance-closing-the-coverage-gaps-for-property-stakeholders">Strata Insurance vs Latent Defects Insurance: Closing the coverage gaps for property stakeholders</a>

Resilience has been working closely with the Victorian Government over the past 12 months to help establish a workable framework for the policy’s adoption.

Victoria’s Strata Building Bond scheme, which operates similarly to the same program in NSW, introduced in 2017, requires developers of apartment buildings with four or more storeys to provide a bond equal to two per cent of the total contract price. This bond, held by the Building and Plumbing Commission, is intended to cover the cost of fixing defects found in common areas within a set timeframe after completion.

However, one of the key criticisms of the bond scheme is that it only covers common property—not private areas or structural defects. It also doesn’t address issues related to faulty materials, design, or workmanship.

Latent Defects Insurance, typically costing between 1 and 1.5 per cent of a development’s total build cost, offers far broader protection. As a “first right” policy, it serves as the primary source of financial coverage in the event of structural issues. LDI covers the cost of repairing or replacing components damaged due to defects in design, materials, or workmanship, with a 10-year coverage period beginning from the date of the Occupancy Certificate.

The New South Wales Government has also thrown its support behind Latent Defects Insurance and is expected to announce it will become mandatory in 2028.

Resilience has been working closely with the Victorian Government over the past 12 months to help establish a workable framework for the policy’s adoption.

VIC Government introduces Latent Defects Insurance as alternative to Strata Building Bond

Property developer Alta is planning to redevelop an office tower just off St Kilda Road, converting it into residential apartments.

Alta, which is being led by former Fridcorp co-owner Nigel Givoni, has paid around $27 million for the B-grade office asset on a 2,323 sqm site at 10 Queens Road, opposite Albert Park. They are planning a conversion to build to sell apartments.

During the campaign, there became a divergence between bids based on those looking to purchase for office use and those proposing residential redevelopment through adaptive reuse. That gap was over 30 per cent, Cushman &amp; Wakfield advised.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Jozef Dickinson of Colliers Residential said “10 Queens Road is a prime example of a well-located but underutilised asset that can be repositioned to meet the evolving needs of the city.

"The St Kilda Road precinct, with its proximity to the CBD, Albert Park, and the new Anzac Metro Station underpins its higher and better use. Couple this with premium park and bay views, the site is well placed to support high-quality residential development.”

The site was bought from receivers for Taiwan-backed Everland Global. They had spent $59 million on the 19-level building in 2019 when they bought it from billionaire NBL owner and property developer Larry Kestelman.&nbsp;

Queens Road is where Mirvac is currently building <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine,</a> just under 100 apartments that will complete in mid-2026.

The site was bought from receivers for Taiwan-backed Everland Global

Alta plots office to apartment conversion in St Kilda Road precinct

Rooftop pools are hard to come by in Melbourne.

While generally more of a trend in the Sunshine State due to the climate, Melbourne's gets plenty warm enough in Spring and Summer for the amenity that has been a little left behind in both the Victorian and New South Wales capital.

Projects by Crema decided to break the mould at its recently completed South Melbourne apartment development, The Eighth.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-eighth-south-melbourne-22-kings-place-south-melbourne-vic-3205">The Eighth</a> is one of the least dense projects to be delivered in South Melbourne in years, with just 36 large-scale apartments across the 12-level building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=269728]

It was about creating an inspiring space for residents to gather. Those who already call The Eighth home frequently head up to the roof, whether it's for a swim or for the bar and dining area, which offer sweeping views to both the Melbourne CBD skyline and Albert Park.

There's further amenity within the building, with an Italian eatery, serving from the early hours through to the mid afternoon, located conveniently on the ground level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=269730]

Peter Kennon, the architect behind the building, described The Eighth as “a container for life”.

Kennon and Projects by Crema Founder Nicolas Crema bonded over their mutual frustration with buildings and residential developments that claimed to offer a superior lifestyle, but did not at their heart have an understanding of and appreciation for the way people really want to live, and that did not give residents the power to curate their own lifestyles.

They decided to create a place to live where people’s lives organically spilled over the edges of their private residences and into other areas of the building. And where spaces inspire feelings of belonging.

This shared vision has resulted in a building that is intuitive, easy living in its DNA. The thinking behind The Eighth and its design epitomises Kennon’s and Crema’s philosophy of lifestyle without compromise.

The building elevates everyday experiences and activities – like reading the paper or working in the downstairs café, meditating or exercising at lunch time, arriving home via a private lift at the end of the day, and catching up with family and friends at night by the rooftop pool – by centring the way people actually want to live now.

“To me, it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin,” says Kennon.

“It’s the ability to craft a lifestyle and routine that enables you to spend time doing what you love and what makes you feel good. The Eighth works to the patterns of the people living in the building."

To cater for a variety of lifestyle far and above what spaces there are for residents, The Eighth also has a dedicated concierge service and on-site management to elevate the day-to-day experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=269726]

The apartments themselves have been crafted by interior design doyenne Miriam Fanning, whose focus tends to be more on luxury houses than apartment developments.&nbsp;

Her design studio, MIM Design, created the spaces with timeless materials, such as stone benchtops, cove lighting in bedrooms, stone baths in most apartments, and expansive glazing that draws in natural light while maintaining privacy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5345 project_image_fid=269730]

Located in South Melbourne, just one train stop from the CBD via the upcoming Anzac Station, The Eighth integrates private residences, co-working spaces, wellness facilities and hospitality offerings within a single, architecturally driven address.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are only four apartments left to sell in the building. The generously-sized 128 sqm three-bed apartments start from just under $1.6 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5345]

Projects by Crema takes lifestyle elements sky high at The Eighth in South Melbourne

Recruitment industry boss Sarina Russo, who heads up&nbsp;one of Australia's largest education, training, and employment providers, is turning to residential apartment development.

An entity tied to Russo has filed plans for a skinny 36-level tower, on a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/457-adelaide-street-brisbane-city-qld-4000">narrow 367 sqm site on Adelaide Street</a>.

There are just 20 apartments proposed, some full-floor, some multi-floors.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettletontribe</a>, the project would replace Jamison House, an existing five-storey office building.

<img alt="457 Adelaide Street, BRISBANE CITY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd429ae2-a7c3-449b-89f3-7fb67e8c54c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Adelaide%20st%20front.png?VersionId=2iXa_91lFlbJsVJb15hjXzoAbs8jN5JQ" />

The architectural vision promotes “biophilic design, passive design, and open flowing spaces,” with interiors promising high-end finishes and abundant natural light, the documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council noted.

Each apartment has direct lift access, and most occupy entire or half floors, reinforcing the project’s high-end positioning. Generous private balconies face either Adelaide and Howard Streets.&nbsp;

According to the assessment report by Urbicus, “the building is well designed and articulated with varying setbacks, deep balconies, and variations in façade treatments and materials,” allowing it to integrate with its taller surroundings while minimising amenity impacts.

The uppermost levels will host communal amenities, including a rooftop pool, covered BBQ area, and multiple outdoor lounging zones, with additional resident facilities provided on Level 1 and a mezzanine.

Access to the site is split across its two frontages, with pedestrians entering from Adelaide Street while vehicle access is provided from Howard Street via a single 6.5-metre crossover.&nbsp;

Car parking is facilitated through a car stacker system across three basement levels, accommodating 24 spaces, 20 for residents and 4 for visitors, as well as bicycle storage.&nbsp;

<img alt="457 Adelaide Street, BRISBANE CITY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fe617d7-7f72-4ee6-ab3c-90a11d123248" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Adelaide%20st.png?VersionId=s4cGqip_A3okoUh_7xfzRJ2Biwdc7gOd" />

The project is a rare one for the Brisbane CBD, which hasn't had a new tower launch in years.

Meriton has <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/meriton-approved-for-brisbane-skyscrapers">approval for its two-tower development on Alice Street</a>, but they are yet to start marketing the 753 apartments.

First Look: Sarina Russo plots skinny Brisbane CBD apartment tower

Legacy Property is taking its new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> development to the NSW Government.

They've submitted a State Significant Development proposal for a mixed-use building with 35 apartments, 10 of which will be affordable, above a two-storey commercial podium at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-church-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">1 Church Lane</a>.

The new development comprise 35 apartments, 10 of which are affordable, above a two-storey commercial podium. The plan includes the retention and adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed shopfront at 265 Pacific Highway, integrating it into the ground-level frontage.

According to the Scoping Report prepared by Planning Lab, the design “responds to the broader priority and urgent demand for affordable housing” while incorporating a “tower above consisting of 35 residential apartments and communal roof garden”.&nbsp;

Positioned within 300 metres of Victoria Cross Metro Station, the site qualifies for Housing SEPP incentives, including a 30 per cent bonus to height and floor space ratio, which the proposal seeks to utilise.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettletontribe</a>, the building would rise 10 to 13 storeys, with a stepped massing strategy to transition from the Pacific Highway frontage down to the finer-grain character of Church Lane. The two-level podium includes new commercial tenancies, communal open space, and landscaping.&nbsp;

Winter gardens have been integrated into apartments along the highway elevation to mitigate noise impacts, and Church Lane is set to be widened to six metres to improve access and separation from lower-scale dwellings to the east.

Nettletontribe said in the documents submitted as part of the application that the proposal delivers a well-resolved mixed-use development that responds to its urban and heritage context along Pacific Highway, North Sydney.

"Positioned along a key section of the Pacific Highway corridor, the site forms part of a transitional zone between the North Sydney CBD and the emerging Crows Nest and St Leonards centres. The design responds to this dual context—addressing the scale and intensity of the highway frontage while engaging sensitively with the finer grain and heritage character of Church Lane and West Street."

<img alt="Legacy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="629ff458-3b46-4f72-a01b-aade8baf8b2d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-08-07%20at%2012.03.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=kNYKtqbXY1Gjov794jKtaOJmhFm15gUS" />

As the Scoping Report notes, “the design of the proposal is still consistent with the objective of [ADG] controls to maintain the privacy of neighbouring properties,” with separations and setbacks applied particularly along Church Lane.

The proposed envelope is largely consistent with the uplift previously approved through Planning Proposal PP-2021-2926, which designated the site as part of a Southern Transition Area in the North Sydney Civic Precinct Planning Study. That designation supports mid-rise, mixed-use development to bridge the scale between the North Sydney CBD and nearby heritage areas.

The site spans 1,099 sqm and includes four properties. While 253-263 Pacific Highway will be demolished, the heritage item at 265 will be retained and adapted for commercial or community use.&nbsp;

The development includes four levels of basement car parking accessed from Church Lane, with a total of 55 car spaces planned, exceeding minimum Housing SEPP requirements.

Legacy Property, led by CEO Matthew Hyder, has two projects in Macquarie Park, totalling nearly 400 apartments.

Designed by Nettletontribe, the building would rise 10 to 13 storeys, with a stepped massing strategy to transition from the Pacific Highway frontage down to the finer-grain character of Church Lane

First look: Legacy Property proposes shoptop housing on North Sydney fringe

Sydney’s residential market continued its gentle climb in July, with dwelling values up 0.6 per cent over the month and 1.8 per cent across the rolling quarter.

The affordability gap between units and houses is continuing to wide. Units values grew by 0.2 per cent over July, whereas houses jumped by 0.8 per cent, Cotality's Home Value Index found.

Units in the harbour capital are now up 1.3 per cent over the quarter, compared to 1.9 per cent for houses.

Sydney median unit value is $868,000, some $662,000 less than the $1.53 million house median.

Sydney’s relative strength echoes broader capital city resilience, with combined capital values also up 0.6 per cent for the month and 1.8 per cent over the quarter. The gains are underpinned by interest rate cuts earlier in the year, tight listings, and steadily improving buyer confidence.

<h2>What happened in Sydney’s off the plan apartment market in July?</h2>

There were some major moves in the Sydney off the plan apartment market, from Sydney's biggest developers.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease</a>&nbsp;formalised a new joint venture with Mitsubishi Estate Asia and Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate to develop a $2.5 billion luxury project at 175 Liverpool Street.

<img alt="Lendlease announces partners for its $2.5 billion luxury development on Hyde Park" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Bates%20Smart_175%20Liverpool%20Street%2002-min.jpg?VersionId=2l2XiHSdIP5a_Ei_Y3yft5eLPJ6kLX3G" />

Located on the southern edge of Hyde Park, the dual-tower development will deliver up to 300 high-end residences with north-facing views toward the Opera House and Harbour, alongside 2,000 sqm of retail and commercial space.

Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, pending approvals.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/lendlease-announces-partners-for-its-2-5-billion-luxury-development-on-hyde-park">Lendlease announces partners for its $2.5 billion luxury development on Hyde Park</a>

On the Lower North Shore, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/traders-in-purple">Traders In Purple</a> and joint venture partner Sydney Anglican Property were granted planning approval for the renewal of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lane-cove-nsw-2066" target="">Lane Cove</a>.

The development will offer 48 two and three-bedroom apartments, many of which will enjoy dual aspect, enhancing outlooks and cross-flow ventilation.

The existing parish church, built in 1924, will be retained and sensitively adapted into a meeting place and portal to the new contemporary auditorium and ministry spaces, linking old and new.

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said redevelopment of the site had been enthusiastically supported by many members of the local community.

“There is a demand for high-quality, well-designed, premium apartments for locals wanting to downsize in their neighbourhood and those wanting to raise their family in a highly desirable suburb without the burden of a high-maintenance house and yard.

“It was very clear to us that the local community is also in need of a larger performance space, and we look forward to providing the community with a fantastic new venue that will support the cultural richness of Lane Cove.”

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/traders-in-purple-and-sydney-anglican-property-greenlit-for-lane-cove-project">Traders in Purple and Sydney Anglican Property greenlit for Lane Cove project</a>

Over in the eastern suburbs, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> reached a significant milestone at The Kensington, with the development officially topping out.

The Anzac Parade building is being delivered by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dasco-australia" target="">DASCO</a>, who can start to turn their attention toward the exterior of the building, and the fitout of the 142 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments strategically located opposite the Kensington Light Rail stop.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110959 project_image_fid=307645]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-kensington-147-151-anzac-parade-kensington-nsw-2033">The Kensington</a> forms part of a broader revitalisation effort along the light rail corridor in Sydney’s inner south.

Residents will move in midway through 2026.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/toga-tops-out-the-kensington-reshaping-anzac-parade-light-rail-corridor">TOGA tops out The Kensington, reshaping Anzac Parade light rail corridor</a>

Sekisui House Australia released the latest stage of their Melrose Park urban renewal precinct.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>, in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, has opened expressions of interest for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-86-wharf-road-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a>, the sixth and most elevated stage in the $5 billion Melrose Park master planned community in Sydney’s north-west.

<img alt="Sekisui House Australia reveals Aeris, Melrose Park’s latest stage" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Aeris_Stage%206_1_0.jpg?VersionId=xsMRsasGYnnQoaLLmwqtSFAsOQv8ZZJN" />

Aeris will comprise 468 apartments across two tall 20 and 24-storey slender towers. Prices start from $649,000 up to $1.55 million, with internal sizes ranging from 50 to 130 sqm.

As sustainability credentials become more central to buyer expectations, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> continues to model future-facing urban design.

Construction of Aeris is anticipated to commence in late 2025, with the first lower tower due for completion in Q4 2027 and the second and third towers expected in 2028.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/sekisui-house-australia-reveals-aeris-melrose-park-s-latest-stage">Sekisui House Australia reveals Aeris, Melrose Park’s latest stage</a>

In <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> broke ground on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-8-alexander-street-crows-nest">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a>, offering around 100 apartments near the new Metro station.

Conceived by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">TURNER</a>, Falcon &amp; Alexander will create a vibrant vertical village in the heart of one of Sydney’s most connected neighbourhoods. Thoughtfully arranged around a central atrium and lush communal gardens, residences will enjoy panoramic views over Sydney Harbour and the Lower North Shore, with interiors designed for modern, light-filled living.

<img alt="Deicorp breaks ground at Falcon &amp; Alexander, Crows Nest apartments" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-07-28%20at%203.55.17%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=3IIFc1X8W6tPGj.P6xmw_2limcEUkinJ" />

Residents will benefit from premium amenities, including a resident-only skygarden, and boutique retail and dining spaces on the ground floor, all integrated with the local urban fabric.

With proximity to transport and established retail precincts, the development is well-positioned to capture demand from downsizers and city professionals alike.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/deicorp-breaks-ground-at-falcon-alexander-crows-nest-apartments">Deicorp breaks ground at Falcon &amp; Alexander, Crows Nest apartments</a>

In the upper north, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> advanced <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a>&nbsp;masterplan by appointing DASCO to build the first stage. This is the first partnership between Capital Corporation and DASCO, bringing together two award-winning property powerhouses in what promises to be a defining project for the region.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=3629]

The move followed over $90 million in early sales, highlighting appetite for prestige residential offerings in leafy, well-connected locales.

Construction on the first 128 residences will commence in the coming months, with completion targeted for late 2027.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/capital-corporation-appoints-dasco-to-build-the-first-stage-at-the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-after-90m-in-sales">Capital Corporation appoints DASCO to build the first stage at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate after $90m in sales</a>

City Beat July 2025: Sydney’s apartment upswing gathers pace as Sydney's biggest developers make major moves

The surge in affordability-led developments in Palm Beach is continuing with the recent launch of Corallo, where prices start from just over $800,000.

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa</a>&nbsp;has tapped into a pocket of relative affordability to the west of the Gold Coast Highway, where apartments can be sold at considerably lower price points than on the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

Coralla, at 5 Palm Beach Avenue, just 130 metres to the beach, will rise 21 storeys and home 105 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as four exclusive penthouses. Several of the one and two-beds offer an additional study.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=808]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a>, Corallo brings together soft coastal materials and sculptural forms to deliver a distinctly contemporary interpretation of beachside living.&nbsp;

Interiors are anchored by a refined natural palette, with fluted stone island benches, engineered timber flooring, and brushed copper finishes.&nbsp;Buyers can select from two interior schemes, each designed to suit both owner-occupier preferences and long-term coastal durability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

The four penthouses each span two levels and offer nearly 330 sqm of indoor and outdoor living. They feature rooftop terraces with private plunge pools,&nbsp;outdoor kitchens, and fire pit areas.

&nbsp;

The resident amenity is being positioned on level two, looking across to the beach opposite. That will feature a&nbsp;wet-edge pool, cold plunge, gym, sauna, steam room, yoga deck, fire pit and day beds.&nbsp;

A residents lounge and work-from-home zones are located on Level 3, while five commercial tenancies at podium level introduce retail and dining options to the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]

Corallo enters the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> market at a time of renewed focus on owner-occupier-driven design and lifestyle amenity. The suburb has seen increasing demand from downsizers and local buyers seeking proximity to the beach, walkable dining, and low-maintenance living without compromising on space.

The development’s location places residents within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away, enhancing appeal for both owner-occupiers and short-stay users.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]

Corallo enters the Palm Beach market at a time of renewed focus on owner-occupier-driven design and lifestyle amenity

Joel Robinson

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