Unit values in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> have remained resilient, while the house segment of the market continues to show signs of weakness.

CoreLogic's Monthly Index revealed that unit values rose by 0.2 per cent in November and 0.4 per cent over the past three months, while house values contracted by -0.4 per cent in November and are down -0.8 per cent over the past quarter.

Sydney’s median unit value is now $865,000, reflecting a 2.5 per cent increase since the start of the year.

Houses are facing greater challenges, driven by tighter lending conditions resulting from the Reserve Bank's decision to maintain interest rates, alongside ongoing affordability issues in a market that has shown considerable strength in recent years.

The volume of available listings has contributed to the market's rebalancing, with Sydney’s listings now 10.4 per cent above the five-year average—the highest for this time of year since 2018.

<h2>What happened in Sydney’s off the plan apartment market in November?</h2>

Enquiry levels in November were the highest they’ve been since April, with demand increasing across all regions from Castle Hill to Newcastle and everywhere in between.

The upswing in enquiry was largely driven by the downsizer/rightsizer market, which has been less affected by high interest rates compared to other market segments.

The Eastern Suburbs, in particular, saw a significant rise in demand from both downsizers/rightsizers and investors, spurred by two prominent projects from one of Sydney’s leading builder-developers.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> recently completed Surry Hills Village, a redevelopment of the former "murder mall" on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9302 project_image_fid=306319]

It only took a few weeks for them to sell the final penthouse, which achieved a near-suburb record price after expressions of interest were sought at around $7.5 million.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> Director Adam Haddow drew inspiration from his award-winning Redfern residence when designing the three-bedroom penthouses at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/surry-hills-village-redfern-6-14-baptist-street-redfern-nsw-2016">Surry Hills Village</a>.

A limited number of apartments remain for sale in the landmark mixed-use development, which also includes hospitality venues and retail spaces in Wunderlich Lane.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9302 project_image_fid=313542]

TOGA’s <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-kensington-137-151-anzac-parade-kensington">The Kensington</a>, a different yet equally appealing development on Anzac Parade, has been attracting interest from all buyer types in recent months.

Located directly outside a light rail stop and within walking distance of the Prince of Wales Hospital, the University of New South Wales, and Centennial Park, The Kensington has proven especially attractive to both first home buyers and investors.

The development features 142 one, two and three-bedroom apartments currently under construction by 4.5-Star iCIRT rated builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, and will sit above seven retail spaces—an element TOGA consistently incorporates into its projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110959 project_image_fid=307645]

TOGA has also just broken ground on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park">Macquarie Rise</a>, its fourth development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a>. This project will feature three residential towers with a total of 268 apartments. Over 100 units have already been sold.

The $400 million development, designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/turner-studio">Turner Studio</a>, will offer flexible living spaces and lifestyle amenities, including a 20-metre lap pool, a Pilates studio, and a cinema room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242700]

November also saw the unveiling of the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050, which aims to transform the precinct into a vibrant urban community.

The plan proposes the construction of up to 13,000 new homes, including affordable housing, as well as cultural, recreational, and green spaces.

<img alt="Inside the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050" 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/1730068339168.jpg?VersionId=k1DAC2irCX3vAbZgVt7ibYYHDtma7Brw" />

Key precincts, such as the Urban Centre, are set to integrate residential, commercial, and cultural facilities, while environmental conservation efforts also aim to enhance urban greening and sustainability.&nbsp;

As far as looking ahead goes, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/charter-hall">Charter Hall</a> unveiled plans for a near-$1 billion mixed-use tower at&nbsp;201-217 Elizabeth Street in the CBD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Sydney skyline transformation to continue as Charter Hall pitch near-$1 billion skyscraper" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/201%20-%20217%20Elizabeth%20Street%2C%20Sydney%20podium.png?VersionId=lUg5UW5EJFhvvc7kGotbds2rJZPmUQeW" />

The 55-level skyscraper will feature a combination of hotel accommodations and 264 apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, alongside retail and hospitality spaces.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjc studio</a>, the tower aims for exemplary sustainability benchmarks and offers sweeping views of Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour.

Staying in the CBD,&nbsp;Signapore-listed First Sponsor Group and joint venture partner <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/icd-property">ICD Property</a> revealed the first look of their redevelopment of the 130-year-old, state heritage-listed City Tattersall Club building on Pitt Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312146]

The 241 premium apartments will hit the market in 2025 with CBRE.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bvn-architecture">BVN Architecture</a> won the design competition to create the new development, dubbed Sydney House, handling both the tower and the interiors. FJC Studio led the design of the heritage podium.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=12428 project_image_fid=312147]

Given the short supply of new apartments in Sydney, projects in the city tend to outperform the majority of other markets.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> smashed records for its first release of its luxury <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/harbourside-by-mirvac-2-10-darling-drive-darling-harbour">Harbourside Residences</a> in Darling Harbour. Their $600 million worth of pre-sales was the highest they've achieved in their 50+ year history.

Over 140 apartments have been conditionally sold to local buyers with sold prices ranging from just over $1.7 million to $25 million.

The sales launch for the 48-level luxury residential tower, a redevelopment of the former Harbourside shopping centre, saw a strong response from a diverse range of buyers including downsizers, families and couples from the local market, including the inner west, northwest, eastern suburbs, and north shore of Sydney. There were also some interstate buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141327 project_image_fid=314728]

New projects on the Sydney Metro line continue to do well.

<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 apartments above the Crows Nest Station being developed by Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors saw a successful launch.

Designed by Woods Bagot,&nbsp;<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>&nbsp;comprises&nbsp;130 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309369]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i</a> Co-Founder Luke Berry said the unprecedented demand and strong interest not only reflects the quality of the apartments, but also the increasing demand for convenient, transit-oriented living in Sydney's dynamic real estate market.

“We are thrilled with the strong sales results at launch for Elevate Hume Place, this achievement highlights the growing appetite for contemporary living that prioritises accessibility and connectivity,” Berry said.

“The design, amenities, demographic, and prime location of Elevate Hume Place have attracted a diverse range of local and international buyers, from young professionals and first home buyers to investors and downsizers, all seeking the perfect blend of urban convenience and community charm.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=309370]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> has also ramped up another notch since the metro opened.

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a> has the largest development in the area, just across the road from the newly opened Hills Showground Precinct station.

Ellipse recently put shovel to ground on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/atrium-at-carrington-place-40-42-ashford-avenue-castle-hill">Atrium</a>, the first stage of Carrington Place which is over 50 per cent sold.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a>, another iCIRT rated builder, is constructing Atrium, part of the wider $750 million masterplan that borders the Cattai Creek. Carrington Place will comprise five stages that, when complete in 2032, will have over 800 homes. Atrium is set to complete in late 2025.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89496 project_image_fid=216765]

Outside of the Sydney Metro area, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a>, Newcastle's only builder-developer, launched its latest development.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA by Newcastle</a>, two towers designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/fender-katsalidis-architects">FK Australia</a>, will comprise 281 apartments and over 2,000 sqm of resident amenities, aiming to cater to a wide range of buyers, including downsizers and first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=309968]

ERA is expected to cater to different buyer groups, from first home buyers and investors from Sydney to local downsizers who want a low maintenance, city-centric lifestyle while also being ideally located just a few kilometres from Newcastle’s famous beaches.

Joel Robinson

City Beat November 2024: Sydney unit values rise while house values decline as market softens

Gold Coast developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is doing things a little differently at its newest apartment development in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>.

After focusing primarily on the high-end market with its popular Perspective series, which has garnered attention from Palm Beach to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, Sherpa is now targeting a broader buyer demographic with its latest project.

Introducing Flourish, a fresh brand aimed at making homeownership more accessible for first home buyers and rightsizers, particularly those with smaller budgets in areas where they would typically be priced out.

The first project under the Flourish brand, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-on-sixth-ave-palm-beach-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish on Sixth</a> in Palm Beach, has already been a success, with more than half of the apartments in the building already snapped up.

One-bedroom apartments were priced under $600,000, while two-bedroom apartments are still around the $1 million mark—prices that are uncommon in the Palm Beach and Burleigh Heads areas

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=311566]

"We believe there's no better location for the Flourish brand of beachside living," Sherpa General Manager, Daniel Clarke, says on Sherpa's fifth development in the suburb.

"Research tells us the average difference in price between beachfront and one block from the beach is about 30 per cent especially in places like Sydney. However, the difference in Palm Beach is more like 100 per cent, meaning greater buyer value just once block from the ocean.

"That's more value we've secured to pass onto the buyer, creating a deal of a lifetime."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=311562]

True to Sherpa's commitment to delivering high-quality resident amenity in every project they produce, Flourish on Sixth will feature an 800 sqm, north-east facing rooftop with a heated 15-metre lap pool, private cabanas, and communal barbecue area complete with a pizza oven.

Also on the roof will be a&nbsp;wellness centre with a gym, sauna, steam room, and both hot and cold plunge pools. A private kitchen and dining area will also be located on the roof, as will work-from-home facilities and a bookable boardroom.

Flourish will feature a shared electric vehicle service, a car wash station, and electric car charging points.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=311565]

Sherpa is bringing its trusted development partners to Flourish, including <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a>, the builder behind some of their high-end projects. LPS is currently constructing Perspective Nexus in Palm Beach, where two-bedroom apartments start from $1.745 million, and Perspective Helm on Chevron Island, with prices starting at $3.7 million.

LPS will begin construction on Flourish on Sixth early next year, with completion expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146527]

"We believe there's no better location for the Flourish brand of beachside living," Sherpa General Manager, Daniel Clarke, says on Sherpa's fifth development in the suburb.

"Creating a deal of a lifetime": Sherpa offers most affordable apartments in Palm Beach with Flourish on Sixth launch

The likes of Morris Property Group, Mosaic, and Abedian & Co, are among those looking to launch new apartment developments in 2025

The top 13 Gold Coast new apartment developments launching in 2025

The Melbourne property market has continued to soften in 2024, with conditions proving challenging for sellers across the city. All dwelling types in Melbourne have experienced negative price growth, signaling a broader downturn that is also impacting Sydney.

Melbourne’s unit market, which includes both apartments and townhouses and is primarily measured in the established sector, has been the weakest in the country over the past quarter. According to CoreLogic data, unit prices have contracted by -0.7 per cent. While this marks the worst performance nationally, the house market has fared only slightly better, with a -1.2 per cent decline in the same period.

In November, the downturn in Melbourne's unit market was marginal, with prices slipping by just -0.1 per cent. However, the house market saw a steeper decline of -0.5 per cent. Typically, when market conditions weaken, houses tend to experience more significant drops compared to units, largely due to their higher affordability. This pattern often follows a period of prolonged price growth, with buyers shifting to more affordable options like units when the market softens.

Despite the ongoing weakness in Melbourne’s property market, factors such as high population growth and a significant supply shortage are prompting many analysts and property experts to question whether the city now presents attractive opportunities for buyers.

The median value for units in Melbourne is now $610,000, according to CoreLogic, placing it behind Brisbane, where the median value has risen to $677,000.

<h2>What happened in Melbourne’s off the plan apartment market in November?</h2>

Despite challening conditions in the established space, there was plenty of activity in Melbourne's off the plan market as developers look to cash in on the VIC Government's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/vic-government-slashes-stamp-duty-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers-savings-available-immediately-oct-2024">abolition of stamp duty</a> on off the plan apartments for 12 months.

November also saw the Vic Gov unveil its&nbsp;Great Design Fast Track, promising expedited approvals for well-designed, affordable, and sustainable apartment and townhouse developments.&nbsp;

Shortly after the announcement, and no doubt will be hoping to be fasttracked, is developer Beulah, who submitted plans for a new sustainable <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy apartment development</a>.

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/breathe-architecture">Breathe Architecture</a>, the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/beulah-unveils-new-sustainable-fitzroy-development">new development</a> will feature 44 apartments,&nbsp;retail spaces, and eco-friendly elements like rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, and fossil-fuel-free infrastructure.&nbsp;

<img alt="Beulah unveils new sustainable Fitzroy development" 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%202024-11-13%20at%203.05.31%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=u36MiMLVt5FeJp2BAcDTOonoBxVbjesj" />

&nbsp;

There was continued good news to come from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett">Highett Common</a>,&nbsp;Victoria’s inaugural Net Zero Community being developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sunkin-property-group">Sunkin Property Group</a>.

Sunkin topped out the first stage, Park House, which is over 85 per cent sold and will complete in mid-2025.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300041]

Park House is the first stage in the&nbsp;transformative 9.3-hectare project that will feature over 1,000 residences, landscaped parks, and exclusive amenities.&nbsp;

Sunkin also launched the next stage of Highett Common,&nbsp;The Mews Collection, introducing 185 new apartments, including luxury residences designed for downsizers and owner-occupiers.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300052]

The second stage will also bring the first neighbourhood facilities that will be accessible to the wider&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/highett-vic" target="">Highett</a>&nbsp;community.

There will be a new two-level public library, part of the Bayside Community Facility, which will have study areas, rooms for community classes and meetings, and an adjacent café.&nbsp;

The Northern Residents’ Amenity is part of the Mews Collection stage and will comprise&nbsp;a lap&nbsp;indoor pool, a gym with a wellness area, and a bookable private dining room. The Southern Residents’ Amenity will bring another gym with green views, an outdoor swimming pool, wellness hubs and a cinema.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300073]

There was also plenty of activity outside of Melbourne's inner-ring in November.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/samuel-property" target="">Samuel Property</a> unveiled <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/hali-dromana-105-111-point-nepean-road-dromana">Hali Dromana</a>, a rare townhouse community on the Mornington Peninsula.&nbsp;

The $120 million development, with 69 three and four-bedroom townhouses designed by Cera Stribley, is soon to launch to the market through Blair Property Group.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147112 project_image_fid=316883]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/samuel-property">Samuel</a>&nbsp;Managing Director, Illan Samuel, says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/hali-dromana-105-111-point-nepean-road-dromana">Hali Dromana</a>&nbsp;is a homage to the beloved 1960s holiday home where Australian summers were defined.

"Hali will give&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/dromana-vic-3936">Dromana</a>&nbsp;a fresh identity that will stand the test of time," Samuel says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147112 project_image_fid=316885]

Down in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/geelong-vic" target="">Geelong</a>, Motif, one of the few new apartment developments in the area, released its penthouses to the market, a collection which has already been <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/downsizers-set-to-swoop-on-new-penthouses-at-motif-geelong">popular with downsizers</a>.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136615 project_image_fid=311692]

Just four apartments sit on the penthouse level, and offer the ideal lockup and leave lifestyle which has proven scarce in the&nbsp;Geelong&nbsp;region for many years.

The penthouses, three three-bedroom apartments and sole two-bedroom apartment, offer the best views from the sixth and highest level of the boutique York Street building designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136615 project_image_fid=311694]

The joint venture between DM Property and Icon Kajima has proven a succesful one, over 60 per cent of the 129 apartments sold since its launch just over 12 months ago.

Hamilton Marino is expected a late-2025 completion for Motif.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/city-beat-november-2024-melbourne-off-the-plan-market-gets-shot-in-the-arm-but-overall-market-downturn">City Beat November 2024: Melbourne off the plan market gets shot in the arm, but overall market downturn</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/city-beat-october-2024-units-fare-better-than-houses-in-soft-melbourne-property-market">City Beat October 2024: Units fare better than houses in soft Melbourne property market</a> 
&nbsp;

The median value for units in Melbourne is now $610,000, according to CoreLogic, placing it behind Brisbane, where the median value has risen to $677,000.

City Beat November 2024: Melbourne property market continues to soften, but units hold up better than houses

Local developer Sherpa Property Group looks set to break the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a> apartment record at its newly released luxury development, Perspective Helm.

The 10 apartments, including four river residences and two two-level penthouses, ranging in price from $3.7 million to $10 million. A sale close to $10 million would surpass the island record, set in Chevon One where a penthouse sold for $9 million. That too set a record $25,000 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143018 project_image_fid=289075]

It is the Eastern Penthouse which is listed for just shy of $10 million. Spanning 917 sqm across two levels, the penthouse features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a cinema, and an additional multipurpose room. There will also be a wine display cellar and a private rooftop with an outdoor kitchen, pool, pizza oven and firepit, as well as panoramic views of Surfers Paradise.

Eight of the 10 apartments in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/perspective-helm">Perspective Helm</a> have already been snapped up by local and oversees buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143018 project_image_fid=289077]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa</a> General Manager Daniel Clarke says the swift uptake of Perspective Helm underscores the project’s exceptional design and prime location.

“Our commitment to delivering high-calibre projects in prime locations is clearly resonating with buyers," Clarke says.

"Perspective Helm sets a new benchmark for luxury living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143018 project_image_fid=313575]

Perspective Helm, on a prime 1,711 sqm north-facing, riverfront site at 107 Stanhill Drive, has been designed in collaboration with HAL Architects and MAS Architectural Studio.

There are a handful of private marina berths with vessels up to 18 metres.

Local builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is in charge of the build. Excavation is underway and the project is expected to complete by late 2025.

Elsewhere on the Gold Coast, Sherpa is currently delivering <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/perspective-nexus-949-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">Perspective Nexus</a>, another boutique apartment development in Palm Beach, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-on-sixth-ave-palm-beach-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish on Sixth</a>, part of their new brand to offer more affordable apartments to the local market. That too is in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143018]

Eight of the 10 apartments in Perspective Helm have already been snapped up by local and oversees buyers

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Larry Schlesinger

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