Sydney North Planning Panel has given the go-ahead to the renewal of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Lane Cove.

National property and construction group <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/traders-in-purple">Traders In Purple</a>, in partnership with Sydney Anglican Property and Sustainable Development Group, won the approval with the endorsement of Lane Cove Council for 48 apartments and a performance and meeting space for ministry and community use, including a 418-seat auditorium.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The prime 3,763 sqm site, opposite The Canopy retail centre and just a minute’s walk from the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lane-cove-nsw-2066">Lane Cove</a> Village high street, will deliver new homes for local families and downsizers and contribute to the cultural life of the community.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said redevelopment of the site had been enthusiastically supported by many members of the local community.&nbsp;

“The proposal we took to Lane Cove Council deliberately responded to the community’s need for more diverse housing and cultural space,” said Robinson.

“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.&nbsp;

“It was very clear to us that the local community is also in need of a larger performance space, and we look &nbsp;forward to providing the community with a fantastic new venue that will support the cultural richness of Lane Cove.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Lane Cove DA Church entry Traders In Purple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d499349-1697-4e17-bffb-9064fa3875c4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Lane%20Cove%20DA%20Church%20entry%20Traders%20In%20Purple.jpg?VersionId=rSZPhCpYPFJ7eO.Y3lgoq6ezip3rMiVO" />

Sydney Anglican Property (SAP) CEO Ross Jones said he was thrilled to receive the news of the approval.

"This is fantastic news for both Lane Cove and for the local church,” Jones said.&nbsp;

"While the provision of new housing and state-of-the-art community facilities are really important features, at &nbsp;SAP we also want to see gospel ministry continuing to flourish in the heart of the Lane Cove community. This project will allow that to happen."

The development is proposed to offer 48 two and three-bedroom apartments, many of which will enjoy dual aspect, enhancing outlooks and cross-flow ventilation.&nbsp;

The Lane Cove renewal is Traders In Purple’s second partnership with Sydney Anglican Property, and, &nbsp;consistent with the first, in a prime urban location with a need for more diverse age and family-friendly housing. They previously won the&nbsp;UDIA National Award for Excellence for The Abbey in Cronulla, an adaptive reuse of a Uniting Church and Sunday School Hall into luxury residences.&nbsp;

Traders In Purple CEO Brett Robinson said redevelopment of the site had been enthusiastically supported by many members of the local community

Joel Robinson

Traders in Purple and Sydney Anglican Property greenlit for Lane Cove project

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spyre-group">Spyre</a>’s debut Melbourne project, Hampton Ltd, has officially emerged from the ground, marking a major construction milestone for the Brisbane-based developer’s first Victorian foray.

Comprising just 20 apartments and three exclusive townhomes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hampton-ltd-36-deakin-street-n-hampton-vic-3188">Hampton Ltd</a> is now officially out of the ground, with vertical structures taking shape across all three buildings, with construction progressing rapidly under builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/abewolf">AbeWolf</a>.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hampton Ltd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dfc8df9-6790-4d72-9cca-fcb8c9bb443f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/IMG_3791_2.jpg?VersionId=zAZC9bPuEYWQ8Mq1CsmJVNn2OuUf3rTU" />

The trio of buildings has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mld-studio">MLD Studio</a> to create a more intimate scale and a stronger sense of individuality compared to conventional multi-residential offerings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/studio-brent-lee">Studio Brent Lee</a>’s interiors feature warm, natural finishes and generous spatial planning, supporting the project’s owner-occupier appeal.

A particular highlight is the collection of just three three-level townhomes, which offer a rare alternative to traditional apartments. The townhomes have attracted strong interest from local rightsizers seeking larger, low-maintenance residences in a prime bayside location.

<img alt="Hampton Ltd kitchen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79fadbd6-c346-441f-af21-c96134f14040" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kitchen_REVB.jpg?VersionId=0L33f1OI8IO9bovo1g0cD8HUBTyRXiVC" />

Among the most anticipated residences in Hampton Ltd is Townhome 02. Spanning three levels and offering over 260 sqm of internal space, Townhome 02 features three bedrooms, a versatile multipurpose room, and 2.5 bathrooms.

A highlight of the design is the chef-grade kitchen, which showcases a sculptural natural stone island bench and a full suite of premium Gaggenau appliances, including double ovens and an induction cooktop, alongside fully integrated refrigeration and dishwasher solutions.

On the ground floor, residents enjoy a private landscaped courtyard complete with a BBQ, creating an intimate space for entertaining or relaxation.&nbsp;

<img alt="Hampton Ltd cellar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="556f6000-4344-4e0b-a1fc-a5cc833e1a23" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Cellar.jpg?VersionId=8i5tEHSRwPycHnJrkarFS7qQkbmN6GWU" />

Upstairs, a spacious master suite features a private balcony, a large walk-in robe and ensuite with a freestanding bath, complemented by two additional bedrooms and a dedicated study space, ideal for those working from home.

A private lift, bespoke wine cellar, and double garage with ample storage enhance both comfort and functionality.

The Hampton Ltd site, located on the corner of Thomas Street and Deakin Street North, places residents within a short walk of Hampton Beach, Hampton Street’s retail and dining precinct, and key green spaces including Castlefield Reserve and Dendy Park. Hampton Station also offers direct rail access to Melbourne’s CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=220067]

Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia said <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s combination of bayside location and community feel made it a natural fit for Spyre’s design-led approach.

“In our pursuit to offer an unmatched living experience for those who desire the extraordinary, we discovered Hampton is the ideal canvas to bring this vision to life - a prime bayside location brimming with untapped potential," Laruccia said.

Spyre Group’s move into Melbourne follows a string of high-profile projects across Queensland, including Moray House in Brisbane and Glasshouse at Burleigh Heads, both of which set local penthouse sales records.

“With more than $850 million of luxury developments, Spyre has identified a genuine demand in the market for aspirational properties that inspire through their design and innovation,’’ Laruccia added.

Completion is targeted for late 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134801]

Spyre advances Hampton Ltd as construction surges ahead, with exclusive townhomes in focus

Local Wahroonga residents Peter and Corinne Collins knew they didn’t want to live anywhere else but the suburb they’ve called home for several decades.

However, limited apartment supply in the area had prevented them from downsizing from their large five-bedroom family home—with 38 stairs, no less—even though the kids had “flown the nest a long time ago.”

“We’ve always loved Wahroonga—the village feel, the bushland surrounds, and being close to everything we need,” Corinne recently told me.

“While we weren’t in a hurry to downsize, it was looking increasingly likely we’d have to leave the area to find something more suitable for our later years.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284381]

Now in their mid-70s, it was almost serendipitous that developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a> received council approval to proceed with the multi-stage masterplan, <a>The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a>, on a large disused 1.5-hectare site that is adjacent to the Sydney Adventist Hospital.

“We’d known something was going to be developed on that land when it started appearing in the press a few years ago,” Corinne said.

Even before purchasing in Stage One—<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a>—Corinne and Peter had already mentally committed. By the time they queued up at 8 am on launch day in March 2024, they were ready. They secured a three-bedroom, top-floor apartment—the largest non-ground-floor residence available.

“One of the things we couldn’t believe was the aspect from the top floor,” Corinne recalled. “We weren’t expecting to have such a beautiful view over the tree canopy in a low-rise building.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=284378]

The bushland setting and extensive network of walking tracks on their doorstep were also major drawcards for the active couple. The broader location was another plus—close to local shops and just a short walk to medical services, which was an important consideration as they planned for the future.

“Being able to walk everywhere—including to the hospital if we need to—really gave us peace of mind,” says Corinne.

The couple had downsized before, albeit to a three-level home, but this time they wanted to “truly downsize.”

“We didn’t want to be looking after a big block and mowing lawns anymore,” Corinne laughs.

“We wanted something new, low-maintenance, and easy to lock up and leave when we travel.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=262186]

She admitted buying off the plan was a bit of a “leap of faith,” but said they felt confident thanks to Capital Corporation’s reputation, and the fact their deposit was held safely in a trust account—a key reassurance for off-the-plan buyers, knowing the developer can’t access those funds.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate, designed by Group GSA with interiors by Coco Republic, will comprise 128 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments across three low-rise buildings.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors provide a strong connection to the outdoors, whether via balconies or private garden courtyards. One- and two-bedroom apartments come with one parking space, while three-bedroom apartments have two.

Residents will also enjoy a range of on-site amenities, including a private, pet-friendly “Green Spine” with exercise and relaxation zones, a BBQ pavilion, a dog wash bay, and a communal lounge with a boardroom-style table and kitchenette—ideal for remote work or social gatherings.

Capital Corporation is expected to announce a builder shortly, with construction to begin later this year. Completion is forecast for mid-2027.

Corinne took part in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/from-broadbeach-to-main-beach-why-local-downsizers-are-making-the-move-to-drew-group-s-lagoon-main-beach">Apartments.com.au's Buyer Q&amp;A series</a>, a series that focuses on the driving factors behind buying off the plan property in Australia.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135247]

Even before purchasing in Stage One—The Residences at Wahroonga Estate—Corinne and Peter had already mentally committed

From family home to bushland retreat: Why Peter and Corinne chose The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

Lendlease has secured a prime site at 175 Liverpool Street, overlooking Hyde Park, from Chinese developer&nbsp;Shimao Group Holdings.

Shimao had secured approval last year for 259 apartments across two 28 and 30-level towers, set above commercial and street-level&nbsp;retail.

Lendlease will develop up to 300 apartments&nbsp;and 2,000 sqm of retail and commercial space, subject to planning consents, on the circa 3,750 sqm site.

The project, which is expected to have a gross end value of more than $2.5 billion, will be developed alongside joint venture partners, with a sell-down of up to 50 per cent of the project expected in the coming weeks.

Centrally located in Sydney’s CBD at the southern end of Hyde Park, residences at 175 Liverpool Street will offer north-facing expansive views across 16 hectares of green space through to the Opera House and Sydney Harbour.

The acquisition of 175 Liverpool Street builds on Lendlease’s success in Sydney’s luxury residential market, including the completion of One Sydney Harbour, which set a new sales record for a penthouse, and sales at One Circular Quay surpassing $2 billion. One Darling Point also received development approval last month, progressing Lendlease’s portfolio of luxury projects in desired locations.

Construction of 175 Liverpool Street is targeted to commence in 2027.&nbsp;

Tom Mackellar, CEO Development, Lendlease, called the acquisition is one of the most&nbsp;significant in the local real estate market in recent times.

"[It] strongly aligns with our strategic growth plans in Australia, where we continue to identify opportunities to expand our development pipeline.

“Centrally located overlooking Hyde Park with views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, 175 Liverpool Street demonstrates how exceptional developments that redefine the city can be realised through our deep residential expertise.”

Tom Mackellar, CEO Development, Lendlease, called the acquisition is one of the most significant in the local real estate market in recent times

Lendlease buys approved Liverpool St, Hyde Park development site on Sydney CBD fringe

In the property market, many genuine financial shortcuts are scarce. Almost every region nationwide has experienced considerable growth over the last five, ten, or even fifteen years—driving affordability measures far above traditional standards.&nbsp;

One of the largest costs faced by buyers is stamp duty, especially when combined with mandatory deposits. A 10 per cent deposit typically triggers Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and to avoid that additional cost, buyers usually need to provide a 20 per cent deposit.&nbsp;

However, there is one area of potential savings that’s often overlooked: stamp duty concessions.&nbsp;

In the established market, stamp duty exemptions are limited to specific buyer segments or price points. But in Melbourne’s off-the-plan apartment market, the Victorian Government is offering a significant incentive—abolishing stamp duty entirely until October 2026, regardless of purchase price.&nbsp;

While other costs still apply, the difference in stamp duty between buying off the plan and purchasing an established property in Melbourne is now substantial.&nbsp;

This difference is especially pronounced in house-dominated suburbs like Ivanhoe, located in Melbourne’s leafy north-east. Developer Salter Brothers has identified an opportunity in the local apartment market, where the median house price sits at approximately $1.8 million—up 10 per cent over the past 12 months.&nbsp;

Their latest project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, presents a compelling case for savvy buyers looking to take advantage of stamp duty savings only afforded in the off the plan development.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=324523]&nbsp;

Buyers of the $2,366,000 homes would pay around $51,854 in stamp duty. In contrast, the same priced home in the established market would cost around $133,790 in stamp duty, a difference of around $81,000.&nbsp;

A two-bedroom apartment priced just under $1 million would attract $16,270 in stamp duty at Candela, compared to nearly $55,000 in the established market—around $38,455 difference.&nbsp;

One-bedroom apartments, starting from $649,000, would incur stamp duty of just $9,350. An established property at that price would cost around $34,010 in stamp duty.&nbsp;

These figures reflect the benefit of how stamp duty is calculated on off-the-plan purchases (for owner occupiers), based only on the land component at the time of contract and point of construction —compared to established homes, where it is calculated on the full purchase price. Once construction is complete, however, these off the plan incentives are no longer available.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336456]

It’s a technicality that has evolved into a smart strategy for those who know where to look. At Candela, these financial advantages come with the added bonus of thoughtfully designed, contemporary apartments in one of Melbourne’s most desirable postcodes.&nbsp;

<h2>Why Ivanhoe?&nbsp;</h2>

Ivanhoe remains one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after suburbs, offering a strong mix of lifestyle and convenience. It boasts access to top-tier schools, well-developed transport infrastructure, and vibrant village-style retail and dining. The area’s enduring appeal lies in its leafy streetscapes, proximity to the CBD, and nearby Yarra River parklands.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169551]&nbsp;

Candela is ideally located near Upper Heidelberg Road, offering residents seamless access to cafés, essential services, and public transport.&nbsp;

<h2>Design-led living at Candela&nbsp;</h2>

Salter Brothers partnered with architect John Demos to create four distinct apartment collections within Candela—Aurora, Brillante, Halo, and Lustre—with floorplans ranging from one to four bedrooms.&nbsp;

Apartments in the Brillante collection and beyond are well-suited to families. Curved walls in the master bedrooms create natural nooks, ideal for nursery corners or serene study spaces.&nbsp;

The one-bedroom Aurora apartments provide another thoughtful living solution: dual-key designs that allow for multi-generational living. These layouts enable grandparents or young adults to live close by while retaining privacy and independence. With just two of these apartments left, they represent a rare opportunity for proximity with autonomy.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169534]&nbsp;

Residents will benefit from access to commercial spaces designed to promote community connection, alongside private amenities including a resident lounge and rooftop terrace.&nbsp;

<h2>The long view on off the plan purchases&nbsp;</h2>

While buying off the plan involves some considerations—such as construction timelines and the need to thoroughly review plans and specifications—it also presents clear advantages. Chief among them is the ability to secure today’s prices while avoiding the higher upfront costs associated with established properties.&nbsp;

Construction at Candela, led by Ironside, is already underway, with completion expected by the end of September 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Savings can be around $81,000 to buy in Ivanhoe's newest off the plan apartment development, Candela Ivanhoe

No changes on SQM's top ten discounted properties nationwide list

Michael Crawford

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