A new apartment tower has been pitched for a "key part of the Fortitude Valley which has not to date received as much attention and opportunity as other parts of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Fortitude Valley</a> area."

The plans now with the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld">Brisbane</a> City Council are for a 28-level tower on a 2,270 sqm site across&nbsp;286-300 St Pauls Terrace, bordering <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/spring-hill-qld-4000">Spring Hill</a>.

Mewing Planning Consultants noted in their Town Planning Assessment that the Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill locality is currently undergoing a substantial transformation and revitalisation as a result of new residential and commercial developments.

"The site is ideally positioned to contribute to the creation of a vibrant, mixed-use precinct in Fortitude Valley that offers a diversity of residential living opportunities and local retail services, and positively contributes to the visual amenity and character of the area."

<img alt="Fortitude" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6570aca-c3e6-4dbd-853f-9280bfe8015a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-09-18%20at%2012.58.30%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=VJ1tX7_VReHLWBilnrVrQdRO6PN2dggo" />

Designed by&nbsp;McFarland Architects, the tower is set to comprise 164 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The 1,152 sqm of communal space incorporates a gym on the podium level and a rooftop with a swimming pool, spa, rec rec room, barbecue facilities, and various seating areas.

Just 14 one-bed apartments have been pitched. They'll feature alongside 48 two-beds, 62 three-beds, and 40 four-bedroom apartments.

Mewing said the residential breakdown delivers a diversity of housing product to cater for different life stages, needs, and living&nbsp;arrangements.

"It provides housing in a needed location, which is well located to provide housing supply."

All units have been afforded with substantially sized and functional private open space areas that are directly accessible from the main living area of the units and primarily overlook Warry Street, St Pauls Terrace, or Kennigo Street.

<img alt="Fortitude" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4d01ff43-cd66-4b06-91bc-93c6dc30ff33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-09-18%20at%2012.57.42%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=HrpL6rEPl92Q9Ti0Km_Tf8_95fxMQExI" />

The building, 300m from the Fortitude Valley Train Station, will be anchored by three retail tenancies and will provide a total of 157 car parking spaces in the three basement levels. 205 bicycle spaces in a secure storage room will share the podium level with the gym.

The plans were submitted by Luxe Property Investments, an entity directed by Tony Jo.

Mewing added that the proposed scale of the tower is coherent with, and a lesser number of levels than, the existing and emerging building height context of St Pauls Terrace that establishes higher density mixed-use development (up to 30 levels), consistent with the overall outcomes of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan Code, which seeks development to provide a height transition to the Principal Centre Zoned land on the opposite side of St Pauls Terrace.

Joel Robinson

First look: Rare new apartment tower pitched for Fortitude Valley

After a rigorous three-year planning journey, developer Above Zero and joint venture partner Wilbow Group, have been granted approval by VCAT to press on with their Camberwell townhouse development.

The townhouses, designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> on Glyndon Road, sit in the coveted Middle <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/camberwell-vic-3124">Camberwell</a>, where there are notoriously strict planning controls. Historically, no development approval has been granted for more than five dwellings in the neighbourhood.

&nbsp;

The approved design comprises 13 family homes across a 3,000 sqm site, with generous setbacks that allow for extensive landscaping. The development’s discreet single-leve&nbsp;street presence, coupled with recessed second floors, ensures seamless integration with the existing streetscape.

On offer will be three, four and five-bedroom homes with dual aspects and expansive private ground-floor courtyards. The design draws inspiration from Camberwell’s rich architectural heritage, blending contemporary design with elements of Federation-era charm.

Nearly half the site has been preserved for greenery, creating a harmonious balance between modern living and natural surroundings.

AJ Batra, Managing Director of Above Zero, called the development a "first of its kind" in one of Melbourne's most sought-after and tightly held areas.

"We are excited to bring this vision of 13 family homes to life and deliver an exceptional development.”

Cera Stribley Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the development has been carefully designed to complement Camberwell’s architectural character while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary residential design.

The approval comes just three months after the City of Boroondara <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/camberwell-set-for-cera-stribley-designed-mixed-use-development-after-green-light">greenlit another Cera Stribley-designed project</a> for <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/above-zero">Above Zero</a>, a 12-level mixed-use development at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/699-burke-road-camberwell">697-699 Burke Road</a>, Camberwell Junction.

The approved design comprises 13 family homes across a 3,000 sqm site, with generous setbacks that allow for extensive landscaping

Above Zero get VCAT sign off for Camberwell townhouses by Cera Stribley

The Centennial Collection by Stargate Property has continued to break records for Bondi Junction.

The luxury development is resetting the record books again, with a three-bedroom apartment being picked up for $8.55 million, the highest price achieved for a three-bedroom apartment in the suburb.

Ray White Projects Director, Marcello Bo, said local rightsizers continue to show strong interest in the project with generous layouts and amazing interiors.

“Uninterrupted views of the harbour and city skyline is a big drawcard for buyers, along with the proximity to Woollahra, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bondi-junction-nsw-2022">Bondi Junction</a> and Centennial Park across the road.”

“The Centennial Collection finishes are extremely luxurious. There’s a winter pool and a year-round rooftop pool, a concierge and wellness hub; it really is a luxury experience.”

Bo said the apartments had been consistently achieving record prices for the area since the project was launched.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136076 project_image_fid=212615]

On the fringe of Centennial Park,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-centennial-collection-2-nelson-street-bondi-junction" target="">The Centennial Collection</a>&nbsp;comprises just 73 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two 10-level buildings designed by SJB.

The first release of the apartments last year were snapped up in a matter of weeks, part due to the architectural designs by SJB, part due to the rarity of a new project so close to the convenience of Bondi Junction, the beauty of Centennial Park, and the vibrancy of Woollahra's Queen Street.

Communal facilities in the building will include a rooftop pool with outdoor dining and entertaining spaces as well as an indoor ‘winter’ pool. There's also a concierge, cold and dry goods delivery rooms and a wellness hub including a cardio and personal training area. The building will also have EV charging stations and storage for all residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136076 project_image_fid=212622]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>&nbsp;Managing Partner, Eddie Mansour, said with construction well underway, buyers are becoming increasingly interested in the building.

“Stargate Property Group are one of the leading developers and builders in Sydney’s East and has created a genuine legacy, having built over 20 projects in the local area.

“Locals are transitioning out of big traditional family homes, to a spacious residence that they can lock up and leave.

“Buyers are wanting a lifestyle change and are becoming more fluid in where they want to live. With construction well underway, buyers can plan out their relocation and lifestyle change in advance. It gives them time to prepare their family home for sale and to align it with the completion of The Centennial Collection.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136076]

Stargate's internal construction arm has commenced construction on site. They're&nbsp;targeting a late 2025 completion date.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/stargate-property">Stargate</a>&nbsp;has eyes on its next development, further down Oxford St. In June they submitted plans for their seventh development in Bondi Junction, two towers with 111 apartments.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-exclusive-stargate-seek-new-oxford-st-bondi-junction-apartment-development">First look exclusive: Stargate seek new Oxford St, Bondi Junction apartment development</a>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136076]

&nbsp;

Ray White Projects Managing Partner, Eddie Mansour, said with construction well underway, buyers are becoming increasingly interested in the building

Centennial Collection apartments continue to break records

Gold Cost developer, Immerse Projects, has released the final apartments at&nbsp;Ombré Robina.

The 19 premium apartments are a mix of rooftop apartments with&nbsp;skylights and fireplaces and garden-level apartments with large outdoor terraces and access to private dog walk areas.

The Garden Homes have either two or three bedrooms and are priced from $1.35 million, while the Horizon Homes are priced from $850,000. They're a mix of&nbsp;one-bedroom two-living area apartments, two-bedroom apartments with two living areas, and three-bed options.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=299377]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a> Managing Director, John Kearney, said the project’s central urban location required a fresh architectural approach that has surpassed expectations.&nbsp;

“We have designed something truly special at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ombre-robina-46-scottsdale-drive-robina">Ombré Robina</a>, celebrating the natural and urban environment, and taking advantage of unique spaces to deliver upgraded living options in the heart of Robina,” Kearney said.&nbsp;

“The limited collection of Garden and Horizon Homes have been designed to take full advantage of their position and feel spacious, with three-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, 2.4-metre doors that express the spacious three-metre ceiling heights, and fireplaces in select apartments.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

“The four Garden Homes on the ground floor each have large terraces and outdoor areas with built-in BBQs, perfect for entertaining across these generous floorplans. They also flow seamlessly to the extensive resident amenities including a pool, dog walk area, private lounge and function rooms.&nbsp;

“On the top level, the 13 Horizon Homes feature skylights, a rare find in apartment living, providing abundant natural light, and are positioned to capture stunning panoramic views from Burleigh to Surfers, and to the majestic hinterland and Mt Tambourine.&nbsp;

“The two levels also have special foyer treatments, upgraded finishes, and access to two or three car parks per residence.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=251416]

The eight-level development on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/robina-qld-4226">Scottsdale Drive</a>&nbsp;will deliver a mix of 95 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three ground-level retail and commercial spaces. Over 50 per cent of the apartments are already spoken for.

Seasoned local builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/greyburn">Greyburn</a>&nbsp;commenced construction in June. They expect completion in late 2025.&nbsp;

Kearney said Greyburn, of which he is also managing director, had a 35-year history of delivering award-winning projects.&nbsp;

“It’s incredibly advantageous to be able to align the development and construction outcomes from the early conception of a project, shaving at least six to 12 months off the typical delivery process,” he said.&nbsp;

“This time saving equates to significantly less risk of cost fluctuations and added peace of mind for purchasers.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143341]

Immerse Projects Managing Director, John Kearney, said the project’s central urban location required a fresh architectural approach that has surpassed expectations

Immerse release garden apartments and skyhomes at Ombre Robina

The COVID-enduced boom changed the face of the off the plan apartment market in the Gold Coast.

Since the start of 2020 when various lockdowns were in place on both a state and federal level blocking those coming and going form Australia, the Gold Coast market has been one of the strongest property markets in the country.

As the country got back to normal and borders reopened, demand didn't wane. However, one of the biggest changes in the new development market is the type of apartments being developed in the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>.

All but gone are the large skyscrapers, barring a few from Harry Triguboff's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/meriton">Meriton</a>. Now in vogue is half and full-floor apartments, catering to the local downsizer and affluent southern state dweller either looking for a tree change or a future retirement apartment on or near the beach.

The change in dwelling make-up has pushed first home buyers out of the market. The median price of a unit in the Gold Coast has also soared over the past few years. Now over $800,000, the median unit price is only just behind that of Sydney ($859,000).

The increase in prices, dwelling change, and quickfire increase in the interest rates, pushed first home buyers out of the market. Or so it seemed.

Data from MatterFact, the new data product from Urban.com.au, shows a huge willing from first home buyers in 2024. A third of enquiry&nbsp;on Urban across the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a> in 2024 has been from first home buyers. They've even out-enquired investors.

Across 2023 first home buyers made up 30 per cent of enquiry, and 2022 and 2021 it was less than 15 per cent.

While there's been a significant shift in apartment configurations on offer, there are still some opportunities for first home buyers, however&nbsp;they need to act fast in most circumstances.

With the cost of construction, and the low returns for one-bedroom apartments compared to three and four-bedroom apartments, developers just aren't creating a meaningful number of one bedrooms within their developments.

We've had a look at what Gold Coast apartment developments have options for first home buyers.

<h2>What: Flourish Palm Beach</h2>

<h3>Where:&nbsp;6-12 Sixth Avenue, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h3>

<h3>Who:&nbsp;Sherpa Property Group</h3>

Prominent Gold Coast developer, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a>, is one of few developers championing affordability with their new collection of apartments.

They've created a new brand, Flourish, which will cater to a wide range of buyers, including first home buyers.

Their first installment of apartments under Flourish is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-palm-beach-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach">Flourish Palm Beach</a>, 94 apartments across a 13-level building with some of the entry-level unit prices in the $600,000's.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=296026]

Located at 6-12 Sixth Avenue, Flourish Palm Beach will still have all the bells and whistles of a modern development, with a resident pool, barbecue areas, and garden retreats as part of the building.

With just 10 one-bedroom apartments on offer, first home buyers will have to act fast to secure one.

<h2>What: Ombre Robina</h2>

<h3>Where:&nbsp;46 Scottsdale Drive, Robina QLD 4226</h3>

<h3>Who:&nbsp;Immerse Projects</h3>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a> is also catering to a wide demographic at its <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ombre-robina-46-scottsdale-drive-robina">Ombré Robina</a> development, with a mix of 95 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The one-bed units, which have two living areas, are priced from $749,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=251418]

Ombre's amenities include a pool, residents' lounge, and landscaped outdoor areas.

Construction at Ombre Robina started in June. Builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/greyburn">Greyburn</a> is forecasting a late 2025 completion.

Over 50 per cent of the apartments have been snapped up. More than 70 per cent of purchasers so far have been local.

<h2>What: LAANI Mermaid Beach</h2>

<h3>Where:&nbsp;26-28 Alexandra Avenue, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218</h3>

<h3>Who:&nbsp;Dankav Developments</h3>

A handful of the one-bedroom apartments at Dankav's under-construction <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/laani-26-28-alexandra-avenue-mermaid-beach">LAANI</a> at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a> are priced at $780,000.

Rarely is there an opportunity to buy a new one-bedroom apartment in Mermaid Beach, with the suburb dominated by luxury beachfront homes and high-end, boutique new developments that are more likely to be priced from upwards of $2 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6997 project_image_fid=185191]

LAANI, on Alexandra Avenue bordering <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>, comprises just 46 apartments across an 18-level building designed by BDA.

LAANI features a string of hotel-style amenities including a&nbsp;heated pool, gym, sauna, cinema room, and communal workspaces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>What: 180 one &amp; two-bedroom apartments</h2>

<h2>Where:&nbsp;20 Queen Street, Southport</h2>

<h3>Who:&nbsp;MRCB</h3>

While not yet in market, Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB</a> is set to bring an injection of affordable stock to the Gold Coast.

They recently settled on a well-connected site at 20 Queen Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a>, currently home of the Sundale Motel, and quickly submitted plans for a 20-level building with 180 apartments.

The 92 one-bedroom and 88 two-bedroom apartments will all likely come in under $1 million.

<img alt="MRCB targets untapped affordable Gold Coast apartment sector with new Southport tower" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-08-27%20at%208.56.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=kn.iESyw36jJvXjT5T7_KCX65c_aiD14" />

The development falls in line&nbsp;with the Queensland Government’s Homes for Queenslanders and the Australian Government’s National Housing Accord, aiming to contribute to addressing the national housing crisis by adding much-needed housing stock in a rapidly growing region.&nbsp;

The building will feature amenities such as a pool, gym, and barbecue areas.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mrcb" target="">MRCB</a>&nbsp;International Sales and Marketing Director, Kevin Zhang, said the&nbsp;Southport development is aimed at capitalising on the prime location.

“The north-facing apartments will have unobstructed views of Broadwater, while residents will also enjoy easy access to all the popular dining, entertainment and shopping precincts of the central Gold Coast right at their doorstep, with access to the light rail.”

The increase in prices, dwelling change, and quickfire increase in the interest rates, pushed first home buyers out of the market. Or so it seemed.

Brisbane market banking on buyers: Commonwealth Bank-CoreLogic Home Buyers Index

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