The first Queensland budget under the Crisafulli Government places a strong emphasis on housing, with several major policies aimed at shifting from short-term fixes to long-term structural reform.

Treasurer David Janetzki described the housing package as part of a “fresh start,” focused on restoring affordability, boosting supply, and promoting economic security through increased home ownership.

Among the headline initiatives is the $165 million “Boost to Buy” scheme, a shared equity program that will provide up to 30 per cent equity for new homes (and 25 per cent for existing homes) valued up to $1 million. The scheme is open to households earning up to $225,000 and is designed to reduce the deposit burden for first home buyers. Registrations of interest open from 1 July 2025.

This initiative complements the extension of the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant until June 2026, applicable to new builds, and comes alongside the abolition of stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new home.

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REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said broadening the ‘Boost to Buy’ scheme was a smart, timely step to match market conditions and help more Queenslanders take their first step into home ownership.

“We called for expanded access to shared equity because we know high deposit hurdles are keeping aspiring buyers from getting onto the property ladder,” Mercorella said.

“With suitable income eligibility thresholds of $225,000 for couples and $150,000 for singles and a statewide property value cap of $1&nbsp;million, the scheme reflects modern property prices across Queensland and makes it the most attractive in the nation."

In Greater Brisbane, the annual median house price is $895,000, and in the Brisbane LGA it's $1.21 million. Even for units, annual median unit prices are $770,000 and $735,000 for the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast respectively.

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“The generous cap ensures the scheme is relevant in all corners of our state including high-demand areas like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, where the median house price now sits above $1 million. Without this adjustment, the scheme risked being out of touch with the reality faced by many first home buyers today.

“With limited placements and a strict focus on first home buyers, this is a measured and proportionate support mechanism. It represents a small share of overall market activity, is unlikely to distort demand, and may assist in rebalancing housing pressure by helping some renters transition into ownership."

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Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) Chair Nicola McDougall praised the package as a market-aware and practical approach.

“Helping Queenslanders achieve property ownership was front and centre in the 2025–26 State Budget,” McDougall said.

“The Boost to Buy scheme and enhanced grants are pragmatic and market-aligned initiatives. The property price and income thresholds are more in line with market and economic realities, clearly indicating that the Queensland Government is serious about addressing the housing crisis and helping more young people achieve property ownership.”

Beyond direct buyer support, the Budget commits $2 billion to the Residential Activation Fund, with $1 billion allocated in the first year. This fund is aimed at fast-tracking trunk infrastructure, like water, power, and transport connections, for shovel-ready housing developments in both infill and greenfield areas.

The government has also earmarked $5.6 billion for new social and community housing, with a target of 53,500 new homes by 2044, and is investing $31.3 million in 13 new Regional Plans to support projected population growth and urban planning coordination.

McDougall highlighted the importance of long-term investor participation in underpinning Queensland’s rental housing supply.

“PIPA welcomes the opportunity to discuss policies that will not only encourage more property investors into the market but also motivate them to stay for the long-term,” she said.

“Removing stamp duty disparities between owner-occupiers and investors, and updating land tax thresholds to match today’s values, would be simple but powerful next steps.”

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REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said broadening the ‘Boost to Buy’ scheme was a smart, timely step to match market conditions and help more Queenslanders take their first step into home ownership

Joel Robinson

Boost to Buy: Queensland Budget targets first home buyers in high-price market

Some of Melbourne’s most respected names in property are coming together to deliver something truly special—right in the heart of the city’s coolest suburb, and on arguably its coolest street.

Joint venture partners Chapter Group and Crema Group are behind <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/fitzroy-fitzroy-411-421-smith-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy Fitzroy</a>, a striking new apartment development on Smith Street. The project blends heritage charm with bold contemporary design by DKO, incorporating the restored façade of the former McRoberts garage and workshop.

Renowned construction firm Cobild is well underway with the build of the nine-level building that will house 63 apartments.

We recently toured the display suite with Taylor Dow of DOW Real Estate to get an inside look at what Fitzroy Fitzroy has to offer.

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“<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/fitzroy-fitzroy-411-421-smith-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy Fitzroy</a> will be a new architectural landmark when it’s completed in early 2026,” Dow says.

“It’s a sculptural response to its surroundings,” Dow adds, noting how the form has been deliberately crafted to capture natural light and maximise views across Melbourne.

The project blends contemporary design with deep respect for Fitzroy’s storied past, with angular rooftops and sharply defined edges.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183063]

Buyers can choose from a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with a collection of townhomes.&nbsp;

Each residence is available in a range of colour schemes, all drawing inspiration from Fitzroy’s rich cultural palette, inspired by the culture and character of Fitzroy.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=1011]

Location is everything, and Fitzroy Fitzroy is enviably positioned. With a walk score of 96, it’s the second most walkable neighbourhood in Melbourne.&nbsp;

“It’s at the heart of what makes the suburb one of the city’s most popular,” Dow says.&nbsp;

The Smith and Johnston Street interchange is steps away, along with a vibrant mix of cafes, wine bars, restaurants, and direct transport links to the CBD and Fitzroy Gardens.

&nbsp;

The development also integrates seamlessly at street level, with the ground floor of the heritage façade set to host a selection of hospitality and retail brands, reinforcing its role as a new local hub.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14394 project_image_fid=183064]

Fitzroy Fitzroy has been one of the most successful selling projects in the area, with over 70 per cent of apartments spoken for, including the sprawling penthouse that was snapped up for a suburb record $10 million. A further $3.5 million is being spent on its custom fit-out.

Cobild is expecting to complete construction in Q4 2025, with residents moving in shortly after

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=14394]

We recently toured the display suite with Taylor Dow of DOW Real Estate to get an inside look at what Fitzroy Fitzroy has to offer

Fitzroy Fitzroy: A heritage-inspired new landmark in Melbourne’s coolest suburb

For residential developers who continue to innovate and respond to shifting market needs, it's crucial to stay attuned not only to evolving design trends, but also to advances in technology and lifestyle expectations.

Most developers have already adapted to emerging trends within the built environment. The pandemic, for instance, prompted a shift in residential design, with a growing emphasis on flexible spaces such as study nooks, and significantly enhanced resident amenities as more people began spending extended time at home.

Builder-developer GWH has embraced this shift with its upcoming Newcastle landmark, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/one-apartments-newcastle-west-1-national-park-street-newcastle-west">ONE Apartments</a>, set for completion later this year.

Not only has GWH raised the bar in lifestyle amenities—offering rooftop lounges, a heated outdoor pool, gym with steam room, and private cinema facilities—they are also giving buyers the option to enhance their apartments with smart technology upgrades designed to improve comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency.

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While each apartment comes fully equipped with fibre-to-the-premises NBN, Pay TV wiring, and wireless access points, buyers can also opt for an upgrade to the Clipsal Wiser™ Smart Home system (or equivalent). This system allows residents to control lighting, climate, and appliances from a single mobile app.

Smart systems like Wiser help save energy by automating tasks such as turning off unused devices, adjusting lighting and climate control based on occupancy or time of day, and opening or closing blinds in response to natural light or weather.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325772]

Beyond energy savings, the system is also designed to elevate daily living. Residents can pre-set routines—for instance, activating air conditioning before arriving home, or setting the scene for movie nights or bedtime routines. The system is compatible with voice control and integrates seamlessly with existing Clipsal wiring, providing flexibility for future upgrades as technology evolves or resident needs change.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24247 project_image_fid=325771]

GWH, Newcastle’s only local builder-developer, is on track to welcome residents to ONE Apartments in early 2026. The development, located on National Park Street, will comprise 193 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Designed by Marchese Partners in collaboration with CKDS, the towers will become the tallest residential buildings in Newcastle West—delivering a new benchmark in apartment living for the region.

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GWH implements tech-focused lifestyle upgrades at ONE Apartments Newcastle

Plans have been unveiled for a 549-apartment vertical village within Westmead Heath and Innovation Precinct.

The State Significant Development Application and planning proposal for the rezoning of the strategic site at 93 Bridge Rd is&nbsp;one of the earliest projects under the Housing Delivery Acceleration program.

The development, designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a>, will deliver 549 homes, including 80 affordable apartments, across two towers rising 27 and 28 levels.

The mixed-use development responds to growing housing demand in Westmead’s Health and Innovation Precinct and aligns with the Westmead Place Strategy, which outlines a vision to transform the suburb into a globally significant hub for health, research and education.&nbsp;

Earmarked as one of Australia’s largest health and biomedical research districts, Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct encompasses four major hospitals, four world-leading medical research institutes and two university campuses. By 2036, the precinct is expected to support over 50,000 full-time workers and more than 10,000 students.

The 8663 sqm site is the largest amalgamated land holding identified for residential use in Westmead’s Health and Innovation Sub-Precinct.

“This is an incredibly well-connected site – close to Westmead and Wentworthville stations, the new light rail, the metro now under construction, and just minutes from Parramatta CBD,” said GroupGSA Director Lisa-Maree Carrigan.

“We’ve designed a vertical village that’s walkable, inclusive and future-ready — one that supports long-term liveability and is deeply connected to Country.”

The development, projected to cost $223.5 million, will deliver a diverse unit mix tailored to a variety of household types and needs, comprising 304 one-bedroom, 225 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom dwellings, as well as a four-level basement of 441 car parking spaces.&nbsp;

Fifteen per cent of apartments will be dedicated to affordable housing for essential workers and low-income residents under the NSW Government’s State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for affordable housing. The dwellings will be managed by a registered community housing provider.

The ground level will be opened up to the community through a network of new walkways, landscaped areas and more than 3000 sqm of communal open space. An additional 1000 sqm public park will feature nature and water play areas, Indigenous plantings, and storytelling elements celebrating local culture and biodiversity.

The formation of a green corridor following the creek line to the east of the two towers will link to the Toongabbie Creek corridor. To the south, a dedicated nature walk with native landscaping will restore and reconnect the site with broader ecological systems.

Podium rooftops and elevated communal terraces will provide views to Parramatta Park, the Parramatta River and Toongabbie Creek — connecting residents with “sky Country” and regional landscapes.

GroupGSA Associate Principal and project director Noura Thaha said Westmead is evolving into a world-class health and education precinct.

“This development supports that by providing high-quality, diverse housing for the people who power the precinct – from nurses and students to researchers and emergency services personnel.”

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Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to commence in 2026, delivering much-needed housing and public open space by 2029.

First look: Two-tower plans for hundreds of new homes in Westmead health hub

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-vic-3205">Park Modern</a> isn’t just a project for Tim Price - it’s a passion piece.&nbsp;

Located in South Melbourne’s prestigious Domain precinct, the development represents years of planning, site amalgamation, and deep connection to place.

I recently had the opportunity to sit&nbsp;down with Tim Price, Founder and Director of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, to explore the vision and design ethos behind Park Modern—an ambitious new $500 million mixed-use development overlooking Melbourne’s iconic Botanic Gardens.

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Price says the team is "very excited about this one."

“As a business, we have been investing in both the real estate design and the development of this for about five to six years," Price says.

Park Modern, which will home 243 apartments, sits on a prize 2,398 sqm block bordering&nbsp;Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane. Importantly, it integrates residential amenity with retail, wellness, and community connection.

<img alt="Park Modern" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="859906cc-bb07-404b-a891-70fb1afb7f3f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-06-24%20at%202.12.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=adAJ9uUY2ZST94I6TxRe1VU8fS46PLp6" />

“The Domain precinct of Melbourne is a special place from a residential point of view,” Price notes.

“I feel like I know this area really, really well… you’ve actually got to work through exactly what it is that people are really going to be interested in living in.”

A distinctive feature of Time &amp; Place’s design process is how Price envisions future residents by placing himself in different life stages. This mindset helps shape a product that is both aspirational and grounded in real-life usability.

<img alt="Time &amp; Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6196209c-1e5d-4a18-b4ef-79041cf4d510" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TIME11625_Park%20Modern_EL01_Superman%20View%20to%20CBD.jpg?VersionId=F3HaCqN_OmAr57RjxByvkWJy0hHUND8F" />

“There’s a large portion of the building which is designed for an owner-occupier. That’s not always about downsizing. Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations,” he says.

The building design reflects this philosophy with generous living areas, big dining spaces for entertainers, and open terraces—elements that cater to the “sticky” nature of long-term residents. He compared the design by Bates Smart to The Melburnian, a nearby St Kilda Road landmark designed by Bates Smart.

“If you look at the turnover in The Melburnian building… they’re very sticky. People love living there. It’s a combination of the quality of the building and also the location.”

<img alt="Time" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f536bdee-0a63-4bb9-8648-4be2a6f49d8e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TIME11625_Park%20Modern_EL03_3Bed%20Residences%20Balcony%20Level%204%20-%2017.jpg?VersionId=df9c0elD7xrZn0oEnWJT4z1TAYVCMBeG" />

&nbsp;

Park Modern will feature two sculptural towers joined by a central garden bridge, resting on a podium. This layout not only maximises view lines to the park and the bay, but also reinforces a “village-style” living concept—where connectivity, wellness, and walkability are prioritised.

In keeping with post-pandemic living priorities, the ground floor of Park Modern will dedicate space to wellness and flexibility. Instead of traditional large-format pools, the development will feature plunge pools, magnesium pools, Finnish saunas, and daybeds. There’s also a co-working space and a studio offering for pilates and cardio workouts.

“We’ve got an element which is really dedicated to wellness… really focusing on if we were living in this space and enjoying the benefits of adjacency to areas to run and exercise.”

The entrance experience, too, is designed to impress, pulling in elements of the gardens through beautiful landscaping, concierge service, and a thoughtfully integrated porte-cochère.

With sales set to commence later in 2025 and construction to follow, Park Modern is poised to become a defining project for Time &amp; Place and for Melbourne’s city fringe.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

Mandalay Coral Gardens sold

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