Tech billionaire Robin Khuda’s <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/ondas">Ondas</a> has received final approval for its long-awaited development in Sydney's millionaire's playground.

It's taken over three years for the six luxury apartments by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rob-mills-architecture-interiors">Rob Mills Architecture</a> to be approved, on the Barrenjoey Road site of the former Palm Beach Fish &amp; Chips Shop.

The apartments will sit above three ground-floor retail spaces, next door to Barrenjoey House.

The approval follows years of revisions and challenges, including community opposition over concerns about height, bulk, and potential impacts on the area’s character.&nbsp;

Initial plans submitted in 2021 faced multiple setbacks, including rejection by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel and requests for significant design modifications to address community and planning concerns.&nbsp;

Despite these obstacles, the amended proposal has now been deemed a valuable addition to the Palm Beach locality.

Acting Commissioner Thorpe praised the project’s design, stating that it would “provide much-needed amenity, commercial business, and housing” while being “respectful of the adjacent heritage item.”&nbsp;

The site neighbours the historic Barrenjoey House, and its redevelopment is anticipated to enhance the area’s seaside atmosphere while maintaining its distinctive charm.

This project aligns with Khuda’s broader real estate ambitions under the Ondas banner, which focuses on high-end residential developments targeting affluent downsizers.&nbsp;

Ondas has recently completed six apartments in Manly, and they have a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/robin-khudas-ondas-gets-greenlight-for-22-million-st-kilda-apartment-development">project in St Kilda in Melbourne</a> which is expected to launch in 2025.

Joel Robinson

Billionaire Robin Khuda's Ondas secures Palm Beach apartments development approved

Multi-billion-dollar developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gurner">GURNER™ Group</a> has officially commenced demolition works at its $2.75 billion redevelopment of South Yarra's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Jam Factory on Chapel Street</a>.

GURNER™ Group and joint venture partner Qualitas purchased the remaining 65 per cent interest in the site from Newmark Capital in June after owning 35 per cent since 2021. &nbsp;

Heavy machinery arrived on-site this week with initial demolition works to remove all non-heritage components across the 20,000 sqm site, including the existing Village Cinema complex following their last day of operation last week, while protecting the building’s iconic façade.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5351 project_image_fid=195659]

The construction milestone follows a decade of failed attempts by other developers to bring the project to fruition, with GURNER™ Group the first developer to overcome these challenges — a testament to its unparalleled expertise and reliability in delivering world-class major projects. &nbsp;

GURNER™ Group has this week unveiled renders of the new precinct that will be home to: &nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>600 residences over five&nbsp;towers&nbsp;</li>
	<li>10,000sqm commercial private office&nbsp;</li>
	<li>20,000sqm of&nbsp;retail and hospitality &nbsp;</li>
	<li>World Class Village Cinema + Gold Class complex &nbsp;</li>
	<li>5-star hotel (operator in final negotiations) &nbsp;</li>
	<li>A boutique lifestyle hotel &nbsp;</li>
</ul>

First constructed in 1858, the Jam Factory has enjoyed over 160 years of history, first as a brewery, &nbsp;then as a preserving and jam manufacturer, and later, as an iconic retail and cinema precinct that anchored Chapel Street through the heydays of the 1990s and 2000s. &nbsp;

GURNER™ Group has appointed international, award-winning architects SOM alongside local architects, Buchan to design the precinct, in conjunction with its in-house architect and interior design business GURNER DESIGN HOUSE. &nbsp;

<img alt="$2.75b, 20,000 sqm Jam Factory redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1425ab18-a82c-48ef-b59e-78cde055f7fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View%20006.jpg?VersionId=ZLWiiYSImtmPgGE9t5j18hB3PxPvfZ2H" />

Iconic London landscape designer Townshend has been appointed to craft the impeccable gardens and landscaping that will emulate the grounds of Toorak Mansions. &nbsp;

The regeneration of the precinct, retail, hospitality and hotels will capture the essence of the world’s best retail and mixed-use precincts.&nbsp;

The design of the residential precinct will emulate some of New York’s most iconic residential and hotel addresses such as 220 Central Park South, alongside the grandeur of Toorak’s most expensive homes, complete with soaring high ceilings, large entry lobbies, libraries, games facilities and conservatory-like entertaining areas. &nbsp;

GURNER™ Group’s signature amenity offerings will once again be taken to another level with a &nbsp;private residents’ amenity of over 7,000 sqm across the stages and two world-class hotels.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5351 project_image_fid=195659]

In a significant coup for the project, GURNER™ Group and Qualitas have re-signed Village Cinemas to anchor the new entertainment precinct once complete. The cinema giant has enjoyed a 40+ year tenure at the Jam Factory and will return with a new flagship offering as part of the precinct’s rebirth. &nbsp;

The Jam Factory redevelopment will deliver around 600 new dwellings over five towers in Melbourne’s sought-after inner fringe while anchoring the transformation of Chapel Street to reinvigorate it with a 2,500 sqm north-facing public piazza called Village Square with hotels, retail, hospitality, commercial office and residential.&nbsp;

Surrounded by extensive hospitality offerings with a mix of fine dining options, casual eateries, and bars that celebrate Melbourne’s culinary talent, the Village Square will sit alongside high-end retail and vibrant entertainment options to create a new centrepiece for Chapel Street. &nbsp;

Elevating the shopping experience, the project will feature a meticulously curated selection of luxury retailers, rivalling international luxury shopping destinations, creating a missing high-fashion midpoint between Melbourne’s Collins Street and Chadstone.&nbsp;

GURNER™ Group Founder and Chairman Tim Gurner said commencing works gives confidence to their high-end purchases of completion date and quality.&nbsp;

“ A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our brand and team and also for the luxury clients who are able to purchase in this incredible precinct," Gurner said.

“Commencing construction on the site is not just a significant milestone for GURNER™ Group, it’s a huge step forward for the reinvigoration of the entire Chapel Street precinct."

"Our aspirations are to spearhead a new coming of age for the precinct so we have made sure to design a destination that can bring together world-class events, activations and brands to the site and celebrate this special part of Melbourne."

The Jam Factory redevelopment will deliver around 600 new dwellings over five towers in Melbourne’s sought-after inner fringe while anchoring the transformation of Chapel Street to reinvigorate it with a 2,500 sqm north-facing public piazza called Village Square

GURNER commences demolition on $2.75 billion Jam Factory redevelopment in South Yarra

Mosaic Property Group has sold $210 million worth of apartments within the first two weeks of its new Kangaroo Point apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a> by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a>.

The pre-sale result&nbsp;is&nbsp;Mosaic's strongest early Brisbane response ever, coming ahead of its scheduled public launch in January 2025.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford</a>, earmarked for a 3,195 sqm site at 25 Ferry Street that has been vacant for three decades, attracted more than 600 expressions of interest in a few weeks.&nbsp;

Mosaic Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan noted the high anticipation surrounding the undertaking, set to become the first major development in the area in over a decade, with the bulk of sales coming from the Company’s database.&nbsp;

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db451ca6-af42-4f6c-b693-ef9bc317650f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Building%20NW%20Corner_Dusk.jpg?VersionId=nb083lLOUBqx3kHfXbm9liAyqKY_jpb." /> 
&nbsp; 
"The intense interest generated with minimal advertising speaks to the iconic nature of this development and its exceptional location," Monahan said.

"It also underscores the deep trust and confidence buyers place in the Mosaic brand and ability to deliver with consistency and quality."

Monahan says the Bedford introduces the peninsula’s first full-service supermarket alongside expansive luxury residences.

"With its timeless architectural design, it sets a new benchmark for inner-city living, seamlessly blending convenience and sophistication in one of Brisbane’s most cherished locations.”

Located in the Dockside precinct, The Bedford comprises 128 two and three-bedroom apartments across 17 levels.

Residents will enjoy sweeping city and river views, world-class amenities tailored to contemporary urban living, and easy access to Brisbane's riverside walks, parklands, and the CBD.

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic - living and dining area" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc3f1017-3a07-4342-bd3c-2e8704240b8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SPH%20Living_Dining_Balcony.jpg?VersionId=MTIhfls3U1TZQk83mTKmxy37bBfB2heV" />

Following acquiring the site from Woolworths, Mosaic collaborated with Gold Coast-based architecture firm <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a> to enhance the original Cottee Parker scheme.

The development will feature a 2,236 sqm Woolworths supermarket, accompanied by a café, liquor store, and ample basement parking—addressing a long-standing demand for essential amenities and convenience in the area.

&nbsp;

Solidifying its reputation as one of the region's most prolific developers, Mosaic has successfully delivered over 65 projects since 2012, with a combined value exceeding $2 billion, and has an additional $2 billion in projects either under construction or in the immediate pipeline. Currently, Mosaic is progressing three other sold-out addresses in Brisbane, all on track for completion in 2025.

<img alt="The Bedford by Mosaic - kitchen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a5d085e3-f413-465f-865a-427a7d042efa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/SPH%20Kitchen.jpg?VersionId=vKtm2TMBPDu_e7sOHwY1lX2J.wBbTVsH" />

Mosaic’s in-house construction arm, now ranked among the top-tier builders in Australia, will undertake The Bedford’s build.

Mosaic Construction recently earned a triple ISO certification in Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety Management, cementing its reputation as a builder that meets the industry’s highest standards of quality, sustainability and safety.

Mosaic is gearing up for the official sales release of The Bedford, with prices starting from $1.3 million. Early construction is set to commence in 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134792]

Mosaic is gearing up for the official sales release of The Bedford, with prices starting from $1.3 million

Mosaic secure $210m in pre-sales at The Bedford by Mosaic in Kangaroo Point

Builder-developer GRAYA is continuing its development push in Brisbane's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/new-farm-qld-4005">New Farm</a>.

Having recently completed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/chalk-by-graya-228-230-moray-street-new-farm">Chalk</a> and currently delivering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/york-new-farm-299-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">York</a>&nbsp;in the popular riverside suburb, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> has submitted plans for Ivory New Farm, just four luxury apartments on the Brisbane River.

The 17 Julius Street site spans 688 sqm and has 32-metre frontage to the river. It was bought by the Gray family for $8.5 million in late 2022&nbsp;from developer Tom Dooley, who had approved plans for a luxury four-level home.

It was reported that a home at that scale, on that rare of a site, would be worth around $20 million. A mid-1990s home sits on the block currently.

Ivory New Farm will have three full-floor apartments and an impressive two-level penthouse.

<img alt="Ivory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4f986697-7948-4fcf-bfef-c45765dc0493" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-11%20at%201.47.46%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XYxPX5iKxTAF2SZTUFVtnOcDgTSPleKU" />Each of the full floor apartments will have three bedrooms, kitchens with butler's pantries, and either a rumpus room or a bar with adjoining wine cellar.

The two-level penthouse has the same floor plan as the apartments on levels two and three, but has its own private rooftop terrace with rumpus room and second kitchen and steam room, a swimming pool, fire pit and lounge area, and stairs leading to a spa.

<img alt="Graya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91192fe9-fde1-41e2-99cc-0af4aa29b651" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-12-11%20at%201.47.39%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=nkJ.Mpz6jnO.SRxzj4Ld9J.TVGopkXvh" />

GRAYA is operating across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in both the luxury house and apartment market.

They're seeking offers over $5 million for the final penthouse at Chalk.

They have Arc in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Kangaroo Point</a> on the river, as well as <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/kloud-palm-beach-154-jefferson-lane-palm-beach">Kloud</a> and Ripple, both in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> on the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>.

GRAYA is operating across both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, in both the luxury house and apartment market

First look: GRAYA files plans for Ivory New Farm apartments

Despite an interest rate cut not materializing in 2024 as many had anticipated at the start of the year, first home buyers appear content to enter the Sydney off the plan apartment market, somewhat reassured that rates are unlikely to rise in the short to medium term.

Data collected by MatterFact showed that first home buyers made up over 60 percent of enquiries in 2024 across New South Wales on Urban.com.au, driven by more affordable stock coming to market outside the city, particularly in and around suburbs along the recently opened Metro line.

Speaking with first home buyers across Sydney in 2024, the main driver of their purchase is the ability to afford the deposit, having saved up while living at home. However, many feel they are not yet ready to take on a mortgage. They are looking to enter the property market but aren't prepared to begin repayments just yet, so they're opting to buy into new developments at the earliest possible stage, knowing that the construction period will likely be at least two years, by which time they will be better positioned to begin repayments.

In this article, we explore the most popular suburbs in Sydney for first home buyers in 2024, highlighting some of the most sought-after developments in these areas.

<h2>Castle Hill</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>&nbsp;has been one of the most popular suburbs for several years in the off the plan space.

Previously starved of new supply, the $1 billion Hills Showground precinct opening up to development sparked a frenzy of developers wanting to add to the new apartment pipeline.

The large developments that have come in recent years have catered for all markets, offering one-bedroom apartments, tailor-made for first home buyers and investors, through to larger apartments for downsizers.

Adding to the appeal for first home buyers is the newly opened Metro which connects to the centre of Sydney in around 30 minutes. That's now making Castle Hill a viable living option for those who need to work in the city, where prices for new apartments are considerably more expensive.

Tapping into first home buyer demand is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/larool-crescent-castle-hill-2-22-larool-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Larool Crescent</a>, one of the only developments to launch in Castle Hill in 2024 while others complete.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289121]

First home buyers have jumped at the opportunity to buy a one-bedroom apartment at $650,000, several of which have been snapped up. The two-beds currently come in at just over $900,000, which is generally a price of a one-bedroom apartment in the Sydney inner-ring.

The low-rise project is made up of five architecturally designed buildings around a central courtyard near Castle Towers, one of Sydney's largest shopping centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289164]

Larool Crescent is one of few developments in Castle Hill which is covered by Resilience Insurance's Latent Defects Insurance, a policy which protects buyers from any structural defects of the building for 10 years post-completion.

Larool Crescent is slated for completion in mid-2026.&nbsp;

<h2>Crows Nest&nbsp;</h2>

Another suburb to benefit from the metro boom is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>.

Previously relying on heading to the neighbouring St Leonards for a train, Crows Nest is now just minutes from the centre of Sydney on the metro, which is drawing first home buyers.

One of the most popular projects for the year, and it only launched a few months ago, is <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate Hume Place</a>, the apartment development being delivered literally above the Crows Nest Metro Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309367]

Third.i, and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, have seen a great response to the 130 one, two and three-bedroom apartments that have been designed by Woods Bagot.

One-bedroom apartments, which are under $1 million, are being seen as a great investment given the rarity of a TOD (Transit Oriented Development) so close to the city, one which isn't easily repeatable.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309368]

Not just first home buyers, but any buyer at Elevate can buy an apartment with just a $10,000 deposit, rather than the standard 10 per cent.

<h2>St Leonards</h2>

St Leonards is another benefitting from the spill over from Crows Nest.&nbsp;

Those projects that are in St Leonards, but bordering Crows Nest, are particularly attractive, like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/twt-property-group">TWT Property Group</a>'s recently released first stage of The Collective.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94318 project_image_fid=293323]

One-bedrooms at $935,000 are the most attractive proposition for first home buyers. Belle Property, the agency in charge of the sales, has said most of the apartments sold so far have been grabbed by locals.

<h2>Merrylands</h2>

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a> targeted <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>&nbsp;in Sydney's west,&nbsp;as an area where they could lift the supply of affordable housing

Rapidly gentrifying, Merrylands offers connectivity to Sydney and lifestyle at the doorstep, two factors high on a first home buyers wishlist.

Coronation's project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/mason-main-merrylands-249-259-merrylands-road-merrylands">Mason &amp; Main</a>, is a rare new development with studios, an apartment configuration barely ever seen in the new market. They start at $520,000, meaning first home buyers are exempt from paying stamp duty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=257777]

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments also aren't subject to stamp duty given they start from $760,000, under the $800,000 threshold.

Part of Mason &amp; Main is an integrated&nbsp;'Eat Street', which has proven an attractive addition for first home buyers who don't have to travel far to dine out.

<h2>Rockdale</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/rockdale-nsw-2216">Rockdale</a>, in southern Sydney has emerged as a popular spot for first home buyers, one of the closest to the beach.

Near Brighton-Le-Sands but with the transport links and amenity of being in an inner-city suburb, Rockdale has garnered interest from those looking to live near the sand without the pricetag.

The newest development in the suburb is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale">Marque Rockdale</a>, a seven-level building with one-bedroom apartments designed for modern living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277072]

Marque also offers the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance policy, which buyers are willing to pay a premium for when deciding to purchase a new apartment

Already topped out and advancing to a December 2025 completion date, one-bedroom apartments in Marque start at $650,000.

Gold Coast gets tightened auction restrictions amid COVID-19 concerns

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