Mixed-use developments are becoming an increasingly popular choice for downsizers. They offer the ultimate in convenience, with retail and lifestyle amenities like cafes and shops right on the doorstep.

Newer mixed-use developments are also incorporating extensive facilities like gyms and pools, making them even more attractive to downsizers who are looking for absolute convenience. In contrast, apartment blocks built before 2000— which make up the majority of apartments in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs— lack both building amenities and nearby retail options.

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When Crown Group set out to design The Grand Residences Eastlakes, in the heart of Eastlakes, they knew they could create an offering tailored to downsizers. Part of the existing Eastlakes Shopping Centre was reinvented, while significant building facilities were added to offer a true lifestyle experience for those transitioning from larger family homes.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">The Grand Residences</a> sits above The Grand Shopping Centre, which features Aldi, Woolworths Metro, Australia Post, plus a mix of specialty stores, providing immediate access to retail and dining options.

Within the building, private resident amenities include a 25-metre lap pool, gym and manicured landscaped gardens. The rooftop terrace boasts panoramic views of Sydney, as well as tables and chairs, a 65-inch TV and an outdoor lounge area, perfect for entertaining family and guests, including watching the new years eve fireworks.

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Completed in 2022, The Grand Residences has become a desirable location for downsizers and empty-nesters. There was a conscious effort to create functional luxurious apartments, so downsizers don’t have to compromise on quality.

The two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments have proven popular with downsizers who are looking for security and a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle, wanting to travel during their retirement.

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McGrath Projects Director Adam Sparkes says the opportunity to buy an apartment of this calibre in Eastlakes, and at an affordable price point, isn’t likely to come around again.

"Any future apartment development in Eastlakes will have to command higher prices due to the drastic increase in construction costs in recent years," Sparkes says.

"The Grand Residences really does represent great buying in the Eastern Suburbs."

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McGrath Projects Director Adam Sparkes says the opportunity to buy an apartment of this calibre in Eastlakes, and at an affordable price point, isn’t likely to come around again

Joel Robinson

The ultimate downsizer opportunity in the Eastern Suburbs

Above Zero and joint venture partner Wilbow Group are set to launch Glyndon, 13 architecturally designed homes in Camberwell.

Designed by&nbsp;Cera Stribley with interiors by Lauren Tarrant, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/glyndon-64-66-glyndon-road-camberwell">Glyndon</a> has been over three years in the making.&nbsp;Rooted in the area’s rich architectural heritage,&nbsp;Glyndon reinterprets Federation-era elegance through a contemporary lens.

Classic European influences merge with modern principles to create timeless yet low-maintenance homes that prioritise both form and function.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Glyndon, Camberwell by Above Zero" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d54b95da-9e37-4e0c-baed-fe46b830d3ac" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/479182476_18302552782228011_4150542386063696785_n.jpg?VersionId=ZfJzUwIpLPZilu2JsxtJrzoM3ovM2kND" />

Nestled on a quiet and prestigious tree-lined street, Glyndon enjoys a sought-after position within walking proximity to Fordham Village, with boutique shopping, dining, and leafy parklands just a short walk away. Families and downsizers are likely to show the most interest given how close some of Melbourne’s leading private and public schools are.

&nbsp;

Glyndon marks Lauren Tarrant’s debut in multi-residential design. The interiors were inspired by classic Parisian residences and will feature intricate stonework, bespoke flooring patterns, and an elevated material palette.

AJ Batra, Managing Director of Above Zero, says Glyndon is designed for living, and a sequal to their&nbsp;Rondure House project.

"We’ve drawn on Camberwell’s architectural heritage to create homes that seamlessly blend modern elegance with timeless Federation-era influences, all elevated by interiors inspired by classic French design," Batra says.

"These residences redefine multi-residential living, delivering a level of detail and materiality that hasn’t been seen before in this space. Glyndon is a home for those who appreciate design, craftsmanship, and enduring quality.”&nbsp;

Each home offers a private, flexible retreat in the secure basement. The&nbsp;customisable area allows residents to create a private health and wellness sanctuary, complete with a sauna and plunge bath, or a multi-dimensional family retreat with a wine bar and cinema.

<img alt="Glyndon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f48c351-27f8-4918-9e53-993673ddea4d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-03-18%20at%202.53.02%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=T6KVqv8.2l.DxNVTXlXuQgd1FrhE9sVK" />

Designed with longevity and sustainability in mind, Glyndon maximises natural light and achieves a 7.5-star energy rating for an effortlessly efficient home.&nbsp;

“Designed for living, built for life—Glyndon encapsulates our commitment to crafting homes that are not only architecturally striking but also enduring and secure," Batra added.

"These are residences designed to evolve with our residents, offering a foundation for a beautifully considered lifestyle."

Priced from $2.4 million, Glyndon officially launches in May 2025. Construction is set to begin in Q3 2025.&nbsp;

Jellis Craig Projects Director Stephen Bowtell is selling Glyndon.

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Above Zero to launch Glyndon in Camberwell

Well into construction of the first two stages of its net-zero masterplan, property developer Sunkin has revealed the most premium apartments in their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a> community.

They've started selling the Luxury Collection, just 12 residences which are a step up in quality and design from what has been offered in the new precinct before. Think Gaggenau appliances, natural stone benchtops and significant outdoor spaces.

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Each residence in the Luxury Collection includes three bedrooms and a variety of layouts. The collection is designed to cater to different preferences, from penthouse-style apartments with wraparound terraces and Bayside views to townhouse-style homes with direct access to landscaped grounds and kids' playgrounds.

Sunkin is offering a range of incentives for those purchasing in the Luxury Collection, including an impressive $12,000 voucher for furniture from interior design experts Coco Republic, as well as a free styling consultation.

Coco Republic has infused the design with a Hamptons-inspired aesthetic, characterized by a neutral color palette, natural stone, and herringbone timber flooring throughout the living spaces.

The marble kitchens, featuring integrated Gaggenau appliances, are anchored by a waterfall island wrapped in natural stone, under feature pendant lighting.

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Each residence in the Luxury Collection is also equipped with an ABB Home Automation package integrated with the Highett Common Connect app for seamless control over lighting, climate, and music.

Prospective buyers can secure one of the best apartments in Highett Common with just a five per cent deposit. Apartments start from $1.25 million, meaning a deposit of $62,500 is required upon unconditional sale, with the apartments set for completion later this year.

The Luxury Collection is part of the first stage of Highett Common, set to be Victoria’s first medium-density, net-zero targeted community. Located on a 9.3-hectare site in the heart of Highett, the development is ideally positioned to benefit from the vibrant bar and restaurant scene on Highett Road. Future residents will also be close to Sandringham Beach, Highett Shopping Centre, and Highett Train Station. Three hectares of the large site will be kept as a conservation area, and another one hectare will be dedicated to parkland.

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SK Construction recently topped out the first two buildings late last year. They are now starting to work through the fitout of the apartments, meaning those interested in securing a Luxury Collection apartment can see the apartment as an empty shell.

Buyers in the first stage are expected to move into their apartments around November. The surrounding park and playground will also be finished as part of the first stage, as will the new Bayside Community Facility which will home a two-level public library, study areas, rooms for community classes and meetings, and an adjacent café.&nbsp;

Further amenity, like the indoor lap pool, wellness centre with a gym, and a bookable private dining room, will complete as part of the next stage next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108019]

&nbsp;

Sunkin takes luxury to new heights at Highett Common

Kensington and Kingsford, two of Sydney's most connected inner-east suburbs, are about to become even more accessible with Randwick City Council's K2K Plan.

The K2K Plan aims to revitalize the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/kensington-nsw-2033">Kensington</a> and Kingsford Town Centres, while also enhancing bus services, creating new cycleways, and improving pedestrian infrastructure along Anzac Parade.

The plan will also introduce new public parks and upgraded retail and hospitality venues, boosting local economic activity and making these two suburbs even more desirable places to live.

Several developments are currently underway in the corridor, with Scape and Unilodge bringing student accommodation to the area bordering UNSW.

Renowned builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> is one of the few developers offering new apartments for sale. Their under-construction building, The Kensington, located opposite the Kensington Light Rail stop, will feature 142 apartments above seven new retail and hospitality spaces, just two stops from Moore Park and four stops from Central Station.

TOGA has built a strong reputation for creating well-connected communities with doorstep amenities. They recently completed Wicks Place in Marrickville, which includes four specialty shops, while their Surry Hills Village development is integrated with the thriving hospitality precinct of Wunderlich Lane and Sydney's first Eve Hotel.

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TOGA chose to develop in Kensington for the same reasons they chose Surry Hills and Marrickville: excellent public transport connections, doorstep amenity, and a wealth of employment opportunities, particularly in the growing health precinct in neighboring Randwick. This combination of factors, as well as significant higher education institutions nearby,&nbsp;has made <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-kensington-147-151-anzac-parade-kensington">The Kensington</a> highly appealing to a diverse range of residents including students, professionals, and young families. Investors, who are rarely seen in today’s new apartment market, have also shown interest, expecting strong rental demand.

With the current low supply of new apartment developments across Sydney, particularly in Kensington, there is a unique opportunity to secure long-term growth in a suburb that is set to continue growing in demand.

Rate changes have already sparked renewed demand in the new apartment sector, with increased confidence that further rate cuts will occur in 2025 and 2026.

The Kensington, being built by 4.5 iCIRT-rated builder DASCO, is scheduled for completion in early 2026, when the official cash rate is expected to be closer to 3.5 per cent rather than above four per cent.

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The K2K Plan to transform Kensington and Anzac Parade corridor

Builder-developer giant Bathla, one of the largest construction and development companies in Western Sydney, has launched its under-construction townhouses development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/hillview-terrace-north-kellyville-3-23-hillview-road-north-kellyville-nsw-2155">Hillview Terrace</a>&nbsp;in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/north-kellyville-nsw-2155">North Kellyville</a>.

Bathla has already kicked off the build of the 110 two, three and four-bedroom townhouses which sit in a quiet pocket of the suburb between Smalls and Cattai Creek.

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Bathla has nearly 30 years experience delivering homes across Western Sydney, having completed over 22,000 apartments across 58 suburbs since being founded in 1997.&nbsp;

"Hillview Terrace is a prime example of our dedication to improved excellence in residential development," said Robert Loader, Bathla CEO.

"As both the developer and builder, we ensure every stage of the process meets our high standards, from design to construction and final delivery. Buyers can have complete confidence in the quality of this project."

Hillview Terrace residences have been designed to suit both owner-occupiers and investors, with a range of floorplans and configurations not often seen in the townhouse market.

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Colliers has been engaged to lead the sales and marketing campaign.

"Colliers is proud to bring Hillview Terrace to market, showcasing Bathla’s ongoing commitment to delivering homes that enhance both individual lifestyles and community growth," said Luke Hayes, Colliers Project Marketing Director.

Display homes are now available to inspect.

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Investor mortgage levels higher than owner occupier: CoreLogic RP Data

Michael Crawford

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