Summary:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">ANGLE’s Fernhurst in Kew progresses with COBEN appointed as builder and ANZ funding secured 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1">The project offers eighteen apartments and three free-standing houses in tightly held Studley Park 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Designed by Edition Office, the residences feature natural materials and generous outdoor spaces by Eckersley Garden Architecture 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Located 300m from Kew Junction, with access to top schools and green spaces</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Design-driven developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/angle">ANGLE</a> has reached two significant milestones with its recently unveiled Kew residential development, Fernhurst.

First, they have secured funding from ANZ, making it one of the few new residential developments in Melbourne backed by a Big Four bank. With financing in place and a significant percentage of homes already sold, ANGLE has appointed high-end builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/coben">COBEN</a> to deliver a mix of apartments and freestanding houses in one of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/kew-vic-3101">Kew's most coveted locations</a>.

COBEN has already begun site works on the rare 4,000 sqm Fernhurst Grove site, nestled in the heart of the leafy Studley Park, where new development is exceptionally scarce.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/fernhurst-kew-11-15-fernhurst-grove-kew-vic-3101">Fernhurst</a> will feature just 18 apartments and three freestanding houses, all privately set one street back from the vibrancy and convenience of Kew Junction.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138904 project_image_fid=326922]

Fernhurst marks another collaboration between ANGLE, COBEN, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/edition-office">Edition Office</a>, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/eckersley-garden-architecture">Eckersley Garden Architecture</a>. The same team previously partnered on ANGLE’s Fenwick development in Studley Park, a multi-award-winning project just 700 meters from Fernhurst.

ANGLE prioritizes privacy in its designs. The large size of the site has allowed for generous setbacks, and extensive landscaping has been used to almost conceal the buildings from the streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138904 project_image_fid=326892]

Edition Office and Eckersley Garden Architecture worked closely together to ensure that the design and articulation of the buildings complement, rather than compete with, the landscaping. The design highlights a strong connection to nature, with the brick façade seamlessly blending into the abundant greenery. The architecture conveys a sense of permanence, making the buildings appear as if they have been part of the streetscape for decades.

The apartments in Fernhurst feature spacious, open-plan living areas with a minimum ceiling height of three meters, designed to maximize natural light and create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Each of the two and three-bedroom apartments includes lush terraces or courtyards.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138904 project_image_fid=326884]

True to ANGLE's ethos, the development prioritizes space and quality over density. Despite occupying a full acre site, the apartments are generously sized, with two-bedroom units starting at over 140 sqm—some of the largest two-bedroom apartments available in Melbourne. The three-bedroom apartments offer more than 200 sqm of true indoor-outdoor living space.

The interiors are crafted with a refined and tactile material palette, featuring European oak flooring, travertine tiles, and bespoke timber joinery. Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances and Brodware tapware, while bedrooms include Molteni&amp;C wardrobes and luxurious wool carpets.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138904 project_image_fid=326839]

Fernhurst will also feature three unique freestanding houses. Two will be newly built, each with three bedrooms, a home office, four bathrooms, and garages. The third home is a grand heritage property that will be carefully restored and brought into the 21st century with a reconfigured floor plan, all while retaining its original façade.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/jellis-craig-projects">Jellis Craig Projects</a> Director Stephen Bowtell is selling Fernhurst, having sold out Fenwick before it completed in 2023.

"Fernhurst offers a rare opportunity for downsizers looking to live in Kew's historic Studley Park Estate," Bowtell says.

"It's not often a development in inner Melbourne combines such natural beauty and privacy, while also being so well connected to everything one of Melbourne's best suburbs has to offer. ANGLE, Edition Office and Eckersley Garden Architecture have come together again to bring what will be another landmark development in Kew for generations to come."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138904]

Joel Robinson

Builder appointed, ANZ funded: Inside Fernhurst, Kew's newest residences

The standard for amenities in new developments has drastically risen over the past decade, shifting from a focus solely on practical functionality to a holistic approach that considers how the entire building can enhance a resident’s lifestyle.

While a prime location provides inherent lifestyle advantages like proximity to dining and retail offerings, developers and architects are increasingly shaping buyer decisions by optimising in-building amenities, offering residents a more comprehensive and convenient lifestyle. This focus has grown exponentially nationwide, driven by evolving resident needs and expectations of prospective buyers.

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/lendlease-development">Lendlease</a> prioritised amenity design in its latest <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a> residential offering, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/ancora-at-collins-wharf-docklands-971-collins-street-docklands-vic-3008">Ancora at Collins Wharf</a>. Ancora will be the third building in the Collins Wharf precinct, a previously underutilised wharf at the end of Collins Street which is being developed into a thriving new community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314802]

The attention to detail starts at the front door, where residents are greeted by a grand hotel-style lobby with triple-height ceilings, providing a distinguished sense of arrival. Each resident at Ancora will have access to concierge services, ranging from accepting deliveries to leisure and entertainment-based services and everything in between.

Collins Wharf aims to enhance the lifestyle of its residents by offering an impressive range of amenities that make living easier through social connection, health, and wellness. To achieve this, they’ve designed not one, but two open-air terraces at Ancora.

Each terrace features spacious alfresco dining areas with barbecue facilities, comfortable seating, beautifully landscaped gardens, and stunning north-facing views of the city and Harbour. These thoughtfully designed spaces are perfect for residents to connect with one another, creating an ideal setting for both casual gatherings and welcoming guests to Ancora.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314808]

It’s the same concerted effort to promote social interaction that inspired The Collins Room, a residents' lounge and private dining area that enhances the offering of an inclusive, connected community.

There are many components to a healthy lifestyle. Collins Wharf has also laid an importance to the physical aspect of health and wellbeing. In addition to the social spaces, Ancora also offers a fully-equipped, private gym with water views, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, and a steam room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314809]

Beyond what has been included in the building, Ancora benefits from its connected location. Collins Wharf sits at the end of Collins Street, one of Melbourne’s best streets and the cultural heart of the capital. Collins Street is lined with world-class dining, cafes, luxury retail, premium hotels, and major business headquarters. All of the above are just a short walk, or a free tram ride away from Collins Wharf.

Collins Wharf has not just leaned on the convenience of Collins Street to satisfy its future residents. The next stage of Collins Wharf will see over 5,000 sqm of new parkland established to enhance the resident experience by creating a connection to nature, something that is often overlooked in inner-city developments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=318937]

Designed by landscape architect <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/openwork">Openwork</a>, these green spaces incorporate indigenous plantings and will feature fitness stations, play zones, covered seating areas, and open lawns, fostering a sense of community and creating yet another space for Collins Wharf residents to gather without going far from their front door.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/warren-and-mahoney">Warren &amp; Mahoney</a>, Ancora offers 302 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments across two different collections; the Waterfront Collection and the Premier Collection, the latter of which offers a range of house-sized living options including skyhomes and townhomes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9779 project_image_fid=314797]

Nick Deans, Principal at Warren and Mahoney, describes Collins Wharf as a remarkable example of placemaking, with a design inspired by its unique waterfront location and urban interface.&nbsp;

“In partnership with Lendlease, we’re creating a distinctive precinct that seamlessly blends the vibrancy and amenities of Melbourne’s CBD with the tranquillity of a waterfront retreat. Ancora redefines apartment living, offering world-class amenities and exceptional outdoor spaces, all set right on the water’s edge.'

Construction on Ancora is set to commence later this year, with completion expected in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=9779]

Nick Deans, Principal at Warren and Mahoney, describes Collins Wharf as a remarkable example of placemaking, with a design inspired by its unique waterfront location and urban interface

Lendlease creating world-class resident experiences at Collins Wharf

Prolific Melbourne developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen is set to boost its investment on the Gold Coast to more than $700 million after announcing plans for a fourth beachside project in as many years.

Hirsch &amp; Faigen, led by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum, has lodged a development application for the $240 million residential apartment project earmarked for a 1,100sqm site at 7-9 Surf Parade in the heart of Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/marbella-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach">Marbella</a> will deliver 100 apartments across 31 levels, making it the company's largest Gold Coast project to date and leveraging off the success of its three earlier projects which all sold out prior to construction starting.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> lodged the development application for Marbella Broadbeach this week as the company edges closer to completion of its latest project Yves Mermaid.

The announcement of Marbella Broadbeach affirms the company’s sustained confidence in the Gold Coast market which continues to remain undersupplied.

It also increases the value of Hirsch &amp; Faigen’s Gold Coast development portfolio to more than $700 million since the company first entered the market in 2021 with the launch of Hemingway at Palm Beach.

The company has enlisted its trusted team of Rothelowman Architects and Hutchinson Builders to design and deliver Marbella Broadbeach respectively, continuing a successful partnership forged across the group’s previous Gold Coast developments.

<img alt="Marbella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ab9ff4e-16ee-44b5-aa52-5cbfc4aaf1cc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-03%20at%2010.48.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=UyI0DI4CD1v0cZPlRsdZnn81S8xIOZyL" />

Marbella&nbsp;will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle, including a substantial wellness precinct, communal recreation areas, children’s play spaces, work-from-home facilities, and shared lounge and dining areas.

Designed for the prime market demographic of downsizers and interstate lifestyle investors in mind, Marbella&nbsp;has been crafted to offer an increasingly rare blend of affordable luxury in a tightly held market.

Uniquely positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after lifestyle suburb of Broadbeach, the project will also boast uninterrupted beach and hinterland views.

The Surf Parade site is just a short walk to the bustling Broadbeach dining and retail precinct, Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and convention centre, and an easy stroll to Kurrawa Beach and the recreational amenity of Pratten Park on the Broadbeach foreshore.

“We’re excited to be proceeding with our fourth project on the Gold Coast in what is certain to become the new luxury precinct in Broadbeach,” says Anthony Bueti, the CFO of Hirsch &amp; Faigen and a shareholder of the group.

“With the likes of Mosaic and Abedian &amp; Co also launching quality projects in the area, the transformation will cement Broadbeach as the premier lifestyle and amenity suburb on the Gold Coast.

&nbsp;

“After four years in the Gold Coast market, and with three successful projects completed, Marbella is the product of everything we have learned to love about the Gold Coast and it will be an incredible addition to our growing portfolio in one of the most vibrant property markets in the country.

“We continue to remain very confident in the high-end Gold Coast property market.”

The plans for Marbella herald Hirsch &amp; Faigen’s Broadbeach market debut after the group has now made its mark at Kirra Beach with Emerson, Hemingway at Palm Beach and Yves at Mermaid Beach.

Pending approvals for the code-assessable project, the company expects construction to start in September this year.

Hirsch & Faigen plots fourth Gold Coast apartment development, Marbella Broadbeach

Immerse Projects is preparing its third new apartment development in the ever-popular Coolangatta/Kirra area.

Led by building veteran John Kearney, who also runs local construction giant Greyburn, Immerse has filed plans for a new development on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/5-haig-street-coolangatta">Haig Street</a>, just off Musgrave Street and just metres from the beach.

They've called on BDA Architecture to design the 14-level building, which will feature 105 apartments: 64 three-bedroom and 41 two-bedroom units.

Kearney told Urban the diversity of product mix will suit a wider section of the house market needs, not just the downsizer.

"The two, two-bed plus MPR, and three-bed configurations could suit part-time owner-occupiers who might choose to short-term let, lock-and-leave owners, and downsizers who don't want, or can't afford, a full-floor apartment which Kirra is flooded with."<img alt="Kearney Haig Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ecdf609-dc29-4bbc-9030-16580980754c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-02%20at%202.49.43%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=GFWghfxn6ifF9N9Y4uduzMD9j7LV3GzH" />

Kearney says he has strong belief in the Kirra market and its future growth prospects.

"Kirra has much more amenity on its doorstep than other parts of Coolangatta. There's a real sense of identity with Kirra, it's a really special place."

BDA wrote in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council the architectural vision for 5-7 Haig Street "embraces its coastal setting by responding to the built form, climate, and surrounding landscape."

"The development is designed to integrate seamlessly with its neighbourhood, enhancing the identity of the Kirra precinct while respecting existing urban character and natural elements."

Apartment sizes start from 70 sqm internal for the two-bedroom apartments, and 130 sqm for the two-beds with MPR. The three's start from 130 sqm with 17 sqm of balcony. There are three two-level beach houses that start on the ground level.

The majority of the resident amenity is pitched for the level two podium. A lap pool will run along the northern edge of the building and will sit next to a pool deck, a spa and ice bath area, a gym, a kids play area, and a work from home space with a meeting room.&nbsp;There will also ba a private dining space with outdoor terrace on the ground level.

Immerse secured the amalgamated 2,026 sqm double-block earlier this year. The site is occupied by two two-level qwalk ups, Giraween and Caribbean, dating back to the mid 1970s. They comprise 14 apartments in total. 
<img alt="Kirra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e83139f-7614-4dab-b027-bd87f953d0f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-02%20at%202.49.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nQXnpNrdQmXuaMAj7hZ_ou7dXaWxsa_r" />

Immerse is currently developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/rhythm-kirra-hill-30-garrick-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Rhythm Kirra Hill</a>, just 850m away from the new development on Garrick Street. Rhythm has sold the majority of its 40 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, which will be completed later this year.

Immerse and Greyburn have become quite the formidable development partners in recent years.

As well as Rhythm, Immerse&nbsp;is currently developing&nbsp;Ombre Robina, which will finish construction this summer. They also have another site in Kirra, on McLean Street, which is approved for 58 apartments across a 17-level building.

Greyburn is building both of Immerse's projects, as well as <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-villas-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">Capri Villas</a> on Isle of Capri, which is nearly complete, and the first stage of Lewis Land's 16-hectare Biggera Waters masterplan, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters">Harbour Shores</a>.

Kirra was one of the success stories for new apartment developments even before COVID hit Australia. The launch of Miles Residences by KTQ at the end of 2019 started a wave of demand, from both local and interstate developers and both local and interstate buyers at both ends of the market.

First look: Immerse Projects plan new apartments at Kirra Beach

Is Brisbane's property market growth sustainable?

We're still seven years away from the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics, and in the last two years alone, Brisbane dwelling values (houses and units combined) have risen by 24.5 percent.

Last year saw the biggest increase in units since the late 1980s, with values growing by 16.6 percent in 2024, bringing the median unit value to $680,000.

Three months into 2025, and not much has changed.

CoreLogic's latest Home Value Index shows another 0.7 percent gain in unit values in March, following gains of 0.7 percent in February and 0.6 percent in January. Now, the median unit value is approaching $700,000.

With billions of dollars set to be poured into major infrastructure projects across Brisbane, a forecasted strong increase in population, and an ongoing shortage of new properties coming to market, there's no reason why Brisbane can't continue to outperform the rest of Australia.

<h2>What happened in Brisbane’s off the plan apartment market in March?</h2>

Brisbane was spurred again with another huge government announcement. It was revealed Victoria Park, on the edge of Spring Hill, will be hub of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympic Games.

A new 63,000-seat stadium will be delivered and will become the new home of the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls.&nbsp;There will also be a new National Aquatic Centre at Centenary Pool in Spring Hill and a major upgrade of the Queensland Tennis Centre.

<img alt="Let the Games begin: QLD Government reveals 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympic Games plans" 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%202025-03-26%20at%208.29.00%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=tf4963Fh57hVGfR0RQFRtwEM_Grb4oQ5" />

While a dedicated Brisbane Arena is no longer required for the Games, the government is facilitating its delivery by the private sector at the GoPrint site in Woolloongabba.

Premier David Crisafulli emphasised that the new venues and upgraded facilities would attract world-class events beyond 2032, ensuring a lasting impact on Brisbane.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/let-the-games-begin-qld-government-reveals-2032-brisbane-summer-olympic-games-plans">Let the Games begin: QLD Government reveals 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympic Games plans</a>

Limited new apartment supply is still the story of Brisbane, although prospective new apartment buyers were treated to a rare new project launch.

Local developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/demartini-fletcher-property">DeMartini Fletcher</a>&nbsp;launched their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/stones-corner-qld-4120" target="">Stones Corner</a> development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/corner-house-stones-corner-18-stoneham-street-stones-corner">Corner House</a>, 88 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments starting from $765,000.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330588]

DeMartini Fletcher has collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/ellivo-architects">Ellivo Architects</a>&nbsp;on the design which aims to honour the heritage of the localicty while bringing in a contemporary twist.

Residents will have access to a rooftop retreat designed as a lifestyle-focused extension of their homes. The roof will feature a&nbsp;resort-style pool, spa, sauna, ice bath, gym, yoga lawn, residents’ herb garden, and barbecue facilities, all with sweeping views of Brisbane’s skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149098 project_image_fid=330608]

Corner House will integrate sustainability principles, with a focus on climate-responsive design and urban greenery.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/demartini-fletcher-launches-corner-house-apartments-in-stones-corner">DeMartini Fletcher launches Corner House apartments in Stones Corner</a>

While a lot of new apartment developments are going through the development application process or locking in build contracts before becoming available for buyers, developers are continually padding out their pipelines.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/silverstone-group" target="">Silverstone Developments</a> sees more value in apartments than offices, so they've changed their plans for their prime riverfront Coronation Drive site in Milton. They now want to develop a 30-level building with 192 apartments.

<img alt="First look: Silverstone Developments to turn office to apartments on Milton riverfront site" 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%202025-03-03%20at%202.29.53%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=8nPCP662AeBDd37vsZH_na4avFEqCn4T" />

Targeting owner-occupiers, the development will offer two and three-bedroom residences with rooftop amenities, including a lap pool and gym.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-silverstone-developments-to-turn-office-to-apartments-on-milton-riverfront-site">First look: Silverstone Developments to turn office to apartments on Milton riverfront site</a>

&nbsp;

	Rent Index	Consumer Price plus Rent Index
Darwin	75.99	102.53
Sydney	83.08	100.73
Perth	70.31	99.43
Melbourne	59.37	87.84
Canberra	63.17	87.48
Brisbane	59.93	87.02
Newcastle	56.59	82.01
Hobart	49.67	80.19
Adelaide	45.26	79.43
Gold Coast	49.05	79.17
Wollongong	48.33	79.13
Cairns	41.08	74.25

Cost of living v rent: How do the states compare?

Jennifer Duke

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