Local downsizers and those seeking a low-maintenance weekender on the Mornington Peninsula are showing the greatest interest in the recently completed Safety Beach apartment development, Osprey.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/osprey-safety-beach-15-martha-cove-boulevard-safety-beach">Osprey Safety Beach</a>, which won the national award for&nbsp;Small Scale Development of the Year at the 2024 Urban Developer Awards, comprises just 18 two and three-bedroom apartments, and are as competitively priced as any new apartment in the burgeoning community.

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Osprey has been developed and built by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/figurehead">Figurehead</a>, a construction firm that was the builder behind several new buildings in the Martha's Cove masterplan which was approved eight years ago.

Since then several new developments have been completed, and so has significant amenity, the most notable being Martha's Table, one of the Mornington Peninsula's most popular venues and the heart of the local community.

The Mediterranean restaurant, led by head chef Adam Beckett, doubles up as Arthur's Bar, a grocer, and a wine bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290733]

&nbsp;

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who has just taken over the sales at Osprey, is already seeing demand from several buyer camps.

"Where <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/safety-beach-vic-3936">Osprey is located</a> and the configurations it has on offer, it can suit several uses, which is attracting several different buyer types," Thompson says.

"Local downsizers who either live in the immediate area, or those who have large landholdings in some more remote areas of the Mornington Peninsula who want to be closer to the water, have been the most active buyers so far.

"Then there's those from Melbourne who want a lock up and leave, low-maintenance weekender that they can use themselves or lease as a holiday let when not in use."

Thompson says the location lends itself to boat enthusiasts.

"It's just an hour from Melbourne, and the positioning of Osprey means you're only 150 metres from the marina where you can dock your boat."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290744]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/wolveridge-architects">Wolveridge Architects</a>, known for their Peninsula beach home designs, handled the architecture at Osprey. They focused on creating a striking facade with several curves that inform the living space, capturing views of the marina from the internal living area and the balcony.

The apartments are characterised by their generous natural light and air circulation, facilitated by a unique 'lightwell breezeway' entry for each home that promotes natural cross ventilation.

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&nbsp;

The interior design of Osprey apartments is inspired by coastal living, featuring a warm and restrained palette.&nbsp;Light cream tones replace stark white finishes, while materials like cover batten wall linings, hardwood timber accents, and pale green hues evoke the external elements of a beach home.&nbsp;

The modern kitchens in Osprey are equipped with Fisher and Paykel appliances, undermount sinks and porcelain benchtops.

Osprey apartments are ready to move in, and are priced from $795,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138447]

"Where Osprey is located and the configurations it has on offer, it can suit several uses, which is attracting several different buyer types," Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson says



Joel Robinson

Osprey Safety Beach: The award-winning apartments catching the eye of Mornington Peninsula buyers

Having taken over the Central Coast Quarter, Gosford apartment development from St Hilliers, builder-developer&nbsp;Urban Property Group&nbsp;has released the final apartment of the first stage of the project.

The first stage, The Waterfront, has 136 apartments across 25 levels and

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>&nbsp;has recommenced construction of The Waterfront, a 25-level tower with 136 apartments. They've poured the concrete up to level 14, and are on track for completion in Q4 2025.

The final release of apartments offer a mix of two and three-bedroom configurations, as well as a handful four-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="The Waterfront at Central Coast Quarter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="69a35482-c3b3-48b8-82f0-4e4aff844d5c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Waterfront_Living%20room_water%20views.jpg?VersionId=MuvFudeDBdrlIdbJQlA.YUerCI2XWdy9" />

One of the key measures to be implemented by UPG to safeguard buyer interests is the application of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">10-year Latent Defects Insurance</a> (LDI), supplied through Resilience Insurance, offering additional protection against unforeseen construction defects for 10 years from the date of purchase.

Urban Property Group has retrospectively applied this significant consumer protection for all future and existing buyers of The Waterfront, where originally there was none, and is employing stringent quality assurance measures to ensure timely completion of the construction phases. This proactive approach underscores Urban's reputation as a trustworthy partner for consumers.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.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>

Urban Property Group Sales Director, Tom McIvor, says it is pleasing to see such enormous interest in the project on the Central Coast.

"The Waterfront represents the pinnacle of design and lifestyle, and Urban Property Group is proud to be delivering homes that offer contemporary coastal living," McIvor says,.

"Central Coast Quarter’s retail offering will further enhance this experience, providing residents with convenient access to an array of dining options at their doorstep. We are excited to create a vibrant new community in Gosford and &nbsp;The Waterfront offers buyers the opportunity to be among the first to join this new precinct.”&nbsp;

<img alt="The Waterfront at Central Coast Quarter balcony" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81a870e0-9e76-4474-9f39-b2c7a099eabf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Waterfront_Balcony.jpg?VersionId=1TnlcyDh5jSwwUKOYvWMqm1TL3GGITIp" />

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO</a>, the majority of apartments at 26-30 Mann Street offer unobstructed views of Brisbane Waters, while there's also The Panorma Deck, an exclusive resident rooftop entertaining area.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/central-coast-quarter-32-mann-street-gosford">Central Coast Quarter</a> is a mixed-use precinct that will deliver around 334 apartments, 2,800 sqm of retail space, and a public domain, including a food and beverage precinct.

Urban Property Group <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-acquires-central-coast-quarter-from-st-hilliers">took over the site</a> from the collapsed developer St Hillers earlier this year.

Central Coast Quarter is a mixed-use precinct that will deliver around 334 apartments, 2,800 sqm of retail space, and a public domain, including a food and beverage precinct

Urban Property Group take out Latent Defects Insurance at Central Coast Quarter apartment precinct

When drawing up plans for its 12th residential apartment development on the Gold Coast, Sherpa Property Group set out with a goal.

“We created Perspective Nexus to deliver luxury, and comfort residences and revolutionise beach living for local downsizers," <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa</a> General Manager, Daniel Clarke, said.

“Our goal with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/perspective-nexus-949-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">Perspective Nexus</a> is to transform beachfront living with state-of-the-art amenities and innovative design."

The objective from the outset was to maximise liveability for the residents of the nine-level building on the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108324 project_image_fid=228359]

When designing Perspective Nexus, Sherpa enlisted <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL architects</a> to deliver a premium collection of 35 spacious apartments. There are two, three and four-bedroom apartments on offer, including&nbsp;two half-floor penthouses and three two-storey sky homes with private rooftops.

“We partnered with HAL Architects to ensure that Perspective Nexus is designed to seamlessly integrate lifestyle, location and liveability, offering the Gold Coast’s most liveable floorplans,” Clarke said.

“Crafting the most unique and functional house-sized floorplans on the eastern side of the highway has been a meticulous journey, emblematic of our commitment to excellence in design and functionality.&nbsp;

“Each detail has been thoughtfully tailored to enhance liveability and luxury, setting a new standard for coastal living. This dedication to innovation is a hallmark of all Sherpa developments, ensuring every resident experiences unparalleled comfort and sophistication”.

&nbsp;

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Perspective Nexus will feature 79 car parks for both residents and visitors, including electric car charging stations, individual apartment storage, a car wash bay, parcel delivery storage and cold storage.

Perspective Nexus enables and celebrates beach living, with outdoor showers and a dog-wash area to cater to locals seeking to downsize and enjoy the beach which is just a stone’s throw away.

The building will also have a resident-only wellness centre with&nbsp;a magnesium spa, sauna and steam room. Internal stairs will lead down to the resident’s exclusive recreational area that will feature a spa, pool, wellness garden, and private dining area with an outdoor kitchen.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

“The ultimate lifestyle starts with Perspective Nexus, where a world-class beachfront location is combined with luxury living to ensure all residents experience the best," Clarke added.

Sherpa has appointed LPS Group as the project builder. LPS has already commenced construction on Perspective Nexus and are expecting completion in Q3 2025.

Only a handful of apartments remain, with 80 per cent of homes already snapped up.

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Perspective Nexus enables and celebrates beach living, with outdoor showers and a dog-wash area to cater to locals seeking to downsize and enjoy the beach which is just a stone’s throw away

Sherpa to "revolutionise beach living for local downsizers" as Perspective Nexus reaches 80 per cent sold

Melbourne's housing supply could see a significant boost through strata reform, according to new research by Urbis.

The study identified over 1,000 strata sites within a 15km radius of Melbourne's CBD that could collectively deliver over 100,000 additional dwellings.&nbsp;

Urbis utilised spatial data to locate all strata developments within <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic">15km of Melbourne CBD</a> with more than one property/lot present and an existing address pre-2010. &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=227201]

The study identified all lots with zoning that allows for residential use and calculated the potential additional dwelling capacity based on current planning controls.&nbsp;

The research found that the underlying land value of these sites exceeds the value of the existing strata titled lots. &nbsp; 
This indicates a significant opportunity for redevelopment and uplift in the housing supply.&nbsp;

"Repositioning underdeveloped strata sites has the potential to deliver a much-needed uplift in well-located housing supply," said Mark Dawson, Director at Urbis.&nbsp;

"Notably, around half of this dwelling uplift is located within the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">City of Melbourne</a>. With over 140,000 &nbsp;key workers employed within the City of Melbourne, additional housing supply close to employment centres would provide critical relief to those who often need to live close to where they work."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3260 project_image_fid=218718]

The research also highlights the need for legislative reform to facilitate these changes. Urbis suggests amendments to the Owners Corporations Act 2006 to allow for a collective sale with a 75 per cent consensus and the introduction of legislation similar to the NSW Act - Strata Schemes Development Act 2015.&nbsp;

Urbis Director, Alex Nunn, said the&nbsp;State's ambition to deliver 70 per cent of new housing in infill areas is well-supported by this strata reform.

"Measures that align and amplify proposed policy to unlock housing supply within the inner and middle ring are highly welcomed," Nunn said.

"The liveability and demand for housing in these localities has been proven over the years and ageing strata developments occupy some of the most sought-after real estate in Victoria."

Urbis concludes that strata reform could unlock significant housing supply in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne's inner and middle rings</a>, aligning with the State's infill housing supply goals and providing much-needed housing for key workers.

"The State's ambition to deliver 70 per cent of new housing in infill areas is well-supported by this strata reform."

Strata reform could trigger 100,000 new dwellings in Melbourne: Urbis

State governments in Tasmania and Western Australia have introduced new stamp duty discounts aimed at encouraging the construction and purchase of new apartments and units.

These measures are part of broader efforts to increase housing density and provide more affordable housing options in regions where new construction has lagged behind demand.

In Tasmania, a 50 per cent stamp duty concession has been implemented for buyers of new apartments and units that are either off-the-plan or under construction.

The discount applies to properties valued at up to $750,000 and is available until June 30, 2026. This initiative is designed to support medium-density housing and make apartment living more accessible to Tasmanians.&nbsp;

The state government hopes that this will not only boost construction activity but also provide greater certainty for builders and developers by reducing financial risks associated with large-scale projects.

Western Australia has also introduced stamp duty exemptions and discounts to stimulate the new apartment market.&nbsp;

Buyers can benefit from a full stamp duty exemption on off-the-plan apartment purchases valued at up to $650,000 if the property is bought before construction begins.

For properties under construction, a 75 per cent stamp duty discount is available, also on purchases up to $650,000. Additional concessions are offered for homes worth up to $750,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142314 project_image_fid=263307]

The new policies reflect a growing recognition of the need to address housing affordability and supply issues, particularly in cities like Hobart and Launceston, where housing density remains low.&nbsp;

Although the Tasmanian housing market saw an 8.8 per cent increase in dwelling approvals in June, the state still trails significantly behind others.

The effectiveness of these discounts in driving new apartment construction will depend not only on buyer uptake, but also on the willingness of local governments to approve higher-density developments, a process that has historically faced challenges in Tasmania.

These stamp duty concessions are part of a broader debate on the role of such taxes in the property market.&nbsp;

Some economic analysts argue that removing or significantly reducing stamp duty could be a key factor in making housing more accessible to a wider range of buyers, particularly in regions where the tax represents a substantial portion of the cost of purchasing a home.&nbsp;

The latest measures in Tasmania and Western Australia are seen as steps towards addressing these concerns, although their long-term impact on housing supply and affordability remains to be seen.

The new policies reflect a growing recognition of the need to address housing affordability and supply issues, particularly in cities like Hobart and Launceston, where housing density remains low

APM's Sydney auction results for Saturday August 22

Michael Crawford

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