Sunshine Coast builder developer,&nbsp;Habitat Development Group, is bringing more than apartment supply to the small suburb of Birtinya.

At their newest development,&nbsp;St Clair, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/habitat-development-group">Habitat</a>&nbsp;is offering a first-class collection of resort-style amenities at the $150 million <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/birtinya-qld-4575">Birtinya</a> apartment development.

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Crowning the pet-friendly St Clair is a communal rooftop terrace enveloped by lush subtropical landscaping with an outdoor kitchen and BBQ facilities. The rooftop deck faces Bokarina Beach towards the east, while the lounge overlooks the hinterland to the west.

A 25-metre resort-style lap pool is on the ground level, featuring a five-metre shallow wading entry adjacent to a BBQ pavilion. A residents' 16-seat dining room with a private outdoor terrace complements the pool for social gatherings.&nbsp;

There's also a 1,000 sqm of exclusive resident parklands with barbecue facilities and a firepit area, as well as direct access to Lake Kawana esplanade, parcel lockers and professional on-site management.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/k-architecture">KArchitecture</a>, St Clair, on two side-by-side blocks on Waterfront Retreat, will comprise two eight-level residential towers with 200 two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

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There will be a maximum of 13 apartments on each level.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/st-clair-birtinya-930-931-waterside-retreat-birtinya">St Clair</a>is centrally located within the Sunshine Coast's Health Precinct and is less than a five-minute drive from both Stockland Birtinya Shopping Centre and Bokarina Beach.&nbsp;

St Clair is under construction by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/habitat-construction-group">Habitat Construction Group</a>&nbsp;and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

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St Clair is under construction by Habitat Construction Group and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026

Joel Robinson

First-class resort-style amenities at Habitat's lakeside St Clair apartments in Birtinya

Dwelling approvals in Western Australia have shown signs of improvement, but this growth in housing supply is unlikely to have a great effect on property prices.

That's the view of Resolve Property Solutions buyers agent, Peter Gavalas.

“There’s been a marked increase in dwelling approvals over the past few months, but this was coming off a low base,”= Gavalas says.

“We still have a significant supply deficit in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/perth-wa">Perth</a> compared to population growth.”

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows a 19.6 per cent improvement in total dwelling units approved between April and May 2024.

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Gavalas says population growth remains a key driver.

"Perth has seen significant population increases over the past few years, largely due to its relatively affordable cost of living and economic opportunities compared to other major Australian cities."

Western Australia’s population growth is fueled by interstate migration and a flourishing economy. The state recorded the largest population growth in 2023, up 3.3 per cent, according to the ABS.&nbsp;

“This influx of people continues to outpace the number of new homes being built, maintaining high demand for housing and will continue to do so,” Gavalas added.

Perth has a projected annual growth rate of 1.4 per cent over the next decade, according to the Centre for Population.&nbsp;

Another barrier for new homes is the cost of construction.

"Construction costs have soared, driven by a combination of material price hikes, interest rates and labour shortages," he said.

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CoreLogic’s latest residential construction costs analysis shows that, despite a slight improvement in costs, it is still around 30 per cent more expensive to build or renovate now than pre-Covid.

“This is translating into new builds being priced out of reach for a large segment of the market."

Adding to the situation is the fact that the pool of established homes being listed for sale is also smaller. In June 2024, total listings were down 32.2% across Perth, according to SQM Research.&nbsp;

"Homeowners are holding onto their properties, partly due to the uncertainty in the market and the difficulty in finding a new home once they sell. This reduces the overall availability of housing and further intensifies competition among buyers,” he said.

“With fewer homes available for purchase, and little in the way of new builds, it’s no wonder there has been such upward pressure on property prices over the last year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142314 project_image_fid=263312]

Prices in Perth grew 23.6 per cent in the 12 months to June, according to CoreLogic.

But, despite its housing struggles, Gavalas said Perth is still a desirable location for buyers, thanks largely to its affordability. "Compared to the eastern capitals, Perth remains relatively affordable. This continues to attract buyers who are after better value for their money."

This sustained demand from buyers plays off against the slow pace of new supply and the high costs associated with construction.&nbsp;

"Even with more approvals, it would still take time before these properties were built, which means Perth’s supply shortage is unlikely to be solved anytime soon. For this reason, price growth in Perth is unlikely to flatten out in the near future,” he said.

Perth’s housing supply might be improving, but it's still lagging population growth

Jeff Xu's Golden Age Group is tapping into the heightened demand for family size living in Glen Waverley, a trend that is only expected to grow given the increase in population forecasts in the booming Melbourne suburb.

By the end of 2041, the population of the suburb of Glen Waverley is expected to reach almost 56,891, up over 10,000 from its current population of 46,653.

Since the 1990s, with the sale of surplus government and utility land, and the ongoing conversion of unused school sites to residential zoning, many new development opportunities have arisen. These opportunities, as they are seized upon, are delivering significant opportunities for developers, local government, local businesses, investors – and the householders themselves who can finally settle in the suburb of their choice because of more affordable choices in family-size, low-maintenance housing options.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/glen-waverley-vic-3150">Glen Waverley</a> is part of the City of Monash – an area characterised by its diversity in ethnicity and nationalities. A significant percentage of its homes are owned outright, mostly by long-term residents, many of whom continue to reside in those properties.

With the area’s current and ongoing economic success, and its desirability among highly educated professionals, Golden Age Group expects to see continued demand for housing stock at every level.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/golden-age-group">Golden Age Group</a>&nbsp;saw a continuing shortage of new-build family-size accommodation that was low-maintenance but offered private gardens in a smaller, communal setting. &nbsp;It is this shortage that Golden Age Group is addressing with Floret – 77 three and four-bedroom townhomes, at 583 Ferntree Gully Road, Glen Waverley.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/floret-glen-waverley-583-ferntree-gully-road-glen-waverley">Floret</a> will appeal to growing families who need more room, but don't want more maintenance.

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Golden Age Chief Investment Officer, Bing Chen, says the reasons for choosing Glen Waverley are not so different from the reasons that drew migrant families to this part of Melbourne in the 1970s.

“Glen Waverley is very commuter-friendly – you can be in the CBD in just over half an hour by train. Floret is also handy to a major Melbourne arterial, the Monash Freeway,” Chen says.

While easy access to work locations is a major driver to wanting a home in Glen Waverley, access to quality education comes a close second.

“There are some 24 childcare and education institutions nearby, from daycare and kindergarten to fantastic local primary and secondary schools, and right through to one of this country’s top universities, Monash University."

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Floret is just a short drive from two of Melbourne’s most prestigious private schools – Caulfield Grammar (Wheelers Hill campus), and Wesley College (Glen Waverley campus). Brentwood Secondary College, which is also very well-regarded, is just up the road.

Chen says the&nbsp;third great aspect of living in Glen Waverley is having all the benefits of a suburban lifestyle – tranquillity, lots of space, lots of green spaces – but there are also great cafes and restaurants offering "every cuisine you could wish for.”

The Glen shopping centre,&nbsp;with David Jones, Myer and more than 200 shops and food outlets, is only a few minutes down the road.

“Glen Waverley really has it all," Chen suggests.

Golden Age Group continues to monitor population, economic and social trends right across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, where property development must continue apace if Councils are to meet the ambitious housing targets in draft plans[4] announced recently by the Victorian Government.

These targets acknowledge the important role that Councils play in new residential construction by developing local planning policies and granting permit approvals.

“There are about 78,300 homes currently within the Monash City Council borders,” Chen adds.

“Because there is an expectation of continuing high growth in this part of Melbourne – fuelled by the advantages I’ve just talked about – Monash City Council has been given a target of adding 72,000 new homes to that housing stock by 2051.

“Our own business direction aligns with these local and state government planning strategies – as evidenced by other Golden Age Group projects such as Wembley Hill, which is in Box Hill South.”

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Under the current state policy 'Plan Melbourne', Box Hill is a designated Metropolitan Activity Centre and will be the focus of substantial development, growth and investment. Following a recent land purchase, Golden Age Group is now the biggest landholder in this state growth hotspot.&nbsp;

“The Government’s draft strategic plan sets a state-wide goal of delivering an additional 2.5 million homes by 2051 - two million of which are to be located in metropolitan Melbourne.

“We will be watching closely the progress of this plan as it is finalised and presented to the community,”

It is important to note that Golden Age Group’s development strategy doesn’t just align with the State’s in terms of adding to the number of residential dwellings in booming areas.

“With our consideration of green spaces, and the energy-saving and environmental benefits applied to our projects, we also share a commitment to providing housing that is liveable, sustainable, and enriching for residents and their broader communities.

“In these and other ways, Golden Age Group is helping to build a Victoria is which everyone can thrive.”

Golden Age Chief Investment Officer, Bing Chen, says the reasons for choosing Glen Waverley are not so different from the reasons that drew migrant families to this part of Melbourne in the 1970s

Golden Age Group cater for current and future demand for family-size living choices in Glen Waverley

Developer Bastion Group is keeping up with the trend of extensive amenity on Chevron Island with its new apartment development, Nera Residences.

The $160 million development on Parneno Street features a raft of facilities just for residents. The focus is on the rooftop where there will be a wellness centre with a yoga platform, infinity pool, a spa and ice bath, and a fitness centre.

There's also a&nbsp;private dining room and bar, designed in consultation with Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin

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<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/nera-residences-chevron-island-8-10-parneno-street-chevron-island">Nera Residences</a> comprises 81 apartments, six skyhomes, and a full-floor penthouse. Residents will be serviced by the Bastion Experience concierge which can book private or group cooking classes or source and deliver exclusive wine an spirits.

Over $35 million worth of apartments have sold. Construction on Nera is expected to begin soon.

Siera Group kicked off the trend of rooftop amenity on Chevron Island at Tapestry, a 22-level tower that is currently under construction through Siera Group's internal building capability.

On their rooftop they have&nbsp;more than 700 sqm of separate recreation zones for residents to relax, connect and engage in the elevated landscape. It includes a private dining space and kitchen, lounge and fire pit, yoga lawn, pool, spa and sundeck, barbecue and alfresco area, gym, sauna, steam room, and lounge area separated by extensive landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=192971]

Siera Group Founder and Managing Director, Brent Thompson, says when they&nbsp;were designing the rooftop, they really wanted to make sure that they created multiple breakout zones so that residents were able to be in their own private little areas when enjoying the facilities.

"Reminiscent&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;famous&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;rooftops&nbsp;of&nbsp; the&nbsp;world,&nbsp; The&nbsp;Roof&nbsp;Terrace&nbsp;at&nbsp;Tapestry&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;multi-faceted&nbsp;retreat&nbsp;for residents&nbsp;to enjoy their space," Thompson says.

"Whether&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;swim&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;resort&nbsp;pool, relaxing on the day bed deck or sunken lounge area, some quiet time on the lawn terrace or tending to the vegetable garden, there’s a space for&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;to&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;in&nbsp;total privacy."

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Aniko then followed with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/orama-chevron-island-12-16-weemala-street-chevron-island">Orama on Chevron Island</a> that has its facilities located on its 21st level rooftop.

Their pool and spa is accompanied by a&nbsp;gym with a sauna and a yoga space, and a business lounge with private offices, booths, and a boardroom.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=111898 project_image_fid=209594]

George Mastrocostas, Aniko Group’s Founder and Managing Director, believes that the inclusion of amenity in the modern day enhances the desirability of a property and contributes to the pleasure and enjoyment of residents.

infrastructure.

“Aniko derives from the Greek word ‘to belong’,” Mastrocostas said.

“We aim to create a sense of community and belonging in all our projects and this is achieved primarily through engaging people in some form and that’s where amenities play a vital role.

“They give residents an opportunity to meet other people that live there and use the amenities, hence helping form a sense of community and belonging.”

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Nera continues trend for rooftop amenity on Chevron Island

Brisbane-based developer ARDO Property Group has submitted a proposal for a new luxury apartment development in Balmoral, a suburb traditionally dominated by single-house dwellings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/balmoral-qld-4171">Balmoral</a>, known for its tree-lined streets and park-centric lifestyle, has seen limited apartment development in years gone by, with fewer than 500 units currently in the affluent suburb.

ARDO's project aims to integrate with the existing neighbourhood, contributing positively to the local real estate market while catering to the growing demand for upscale residential options.

<img alt="59 Collings Street Balmoral" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ee67db5-d8b3-4e8f-acf5-888b3da2b5de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Collings%20St%20Balmoral%20perspective.png?VersionId=papbykVM.N9T.VgMgt1RzG.FiF3U7lKY" />

ARDO Founder and Managing Director, Ben Davis, says the proposal for six luxury apartments at 59 Collings Street reflects a broader trend of residential development in Brisbane’s affluent suburbs, where high-quality, well-designed apartments are becoming increasingly popular among those looking to downsize or invest in premium real estate.&nbsp;

The development is designed by Flourish Architecture and features expansive floor plans with top-tier finishes and state-of-the-art amenities.&nbsp;

<img alt="59 Collings Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d661a91e-ecf1-482c-ba3c-06f2906b8d97" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Collings%20St%20Balmoral.png?VersionId=rqT0dmthQh_ec1uol2TvL44DJAgNVXI1" />

Five of the six apartments will offer nearly 200 sqm of living space, while the penthouse will span around 214 sqm and include a private pool with views of the Brisbane skyline.

Residents will be near ferries, restaurants, shopping options, and the well-known Hawthorne and Balmoral Cinemas.

The proposed development will also benefit from its proximity to the popular Oxford Street in nearby Bulimba, which is undergoing significant gentrification with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-shayher-group-file-for-first-stage-of-bulimba-barracks">Shayher recently announcing the start</a> of their 20-hectare vision for Bulimba Barracks.

South Australia’s Gaetjens Real Estate among the oldest agencies in Australia

Alistair Walsh

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