Add CategoryAn exciting new era of off-the-plan developments is set to change our cities and the way we live in them, as builders work towards the government’s goal of addressing the nation’s housing shortage.
Premium off-the-plan projects from seasoned developers in desirable inner and mid-Sydney areas are creating excitement and opportunities for buyers, despite the ABS noting tough construction conditions as apartment approvals slow.
“Encouraging more apartment development is absolutely critical in reaching the government’s [1.2 million well-located homes] housing target. The population density in our capital city areas is going to increase and with that, we require more apartments to fit everyone in," explained PropTrack economist, Anne Flaherty.
Keen to create a product that buyers are reluctant to pass up, developers in Sydney have been submitting plans for high-quality, customised dwellings that challenge preconceived notions of ‘off-the-plan’ living.
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Renders of landmark One Sydney Park, which relaunched plans this year.
These new builds include architectural panache, luxury lifestyle amenities, integrated commercial and public offerings to create village-style communities, lush landscaping and biophilic tower design, sustainability features, parks and even creative art hubs.
“From a buyer’s perspective, there’s a lot of reason to be optimistic about the future performance of apartments. We know that the population is growing rapidly, we know that apartments have seen a sharp slowdown in development activity, so that would suggest that we might see the apartment market outperform over the next decade,” added Ms Flaherty.
Here are 10 of Sydney’s best new off-the-plan apartment developments, from Rhodes to Darling Point.
1. Rhodes Bay, Rhodes
Family-owned Billbergia has unveiled plans for Rhodes Bay, a mixed-use development right on the Parramatta River. The proposed waterfront precinct will offer up to 340 apartments across six towers, spanning six to 17 storeys, plus seven multi-storey terrace homes on the 11,692sqm site in Sydney's inner northwest.
The community is the first ever property to offer unrestricted access to the waterfront in Rhodes.
Family-owned Billbergia has unveiled plans for a residential resort-style riverfront development in Rhodes East, the first of its kind. Picture: supplied
Rhodes Bay will provide modern homes with lush natural garden landscapes and contemporary interiors which are customisable to your taste – Billbergia will enable buyers to choose joinery, appliances, and materials to make bespoke tweaks to their spaces.
The precinct offers residents resort-style amenities including a rooftop garden, pool and bar area with cabanas, a sauna and gym, as well as an outdoor putting range and an indoor golf simulator. The ground floor will house a Mediterranean-style promenade with fine dining and other food, beverage and retail options.
2. Aire, Kurraba Point
Melbourne luxury developer PB&Co is making its mark on Sydney with Aire, an exclusive collection of four Koichi Takada-designed sculptural, low-rise buildings housing 10 residences. Situated on a block that slopes down to the harbour affording beautiful views, there will be four waterfront residences and six luxury full-floor apartments.
Aire secured a rare waterfront site in tightly held Kurraba Point, to offer luxury residences at high price points to discerning buyers. Picture: PB&Co
Aire promises 'regenerative luxury', with sustainability at its core – it is designed to be built and operated as carbon neutral. Some examples include rooftop solar farms and an underground geothermal energy system power the precinct, while rainwater harvesting irrigates the grounds. Homes in the gated community will enjoy extensive terraces for indoor-outdoor living, jetty access and 24-hour security.
3. Elizabeth Bay, Elizabeth Bay and MONA, Darling Point
Elizabeth Bay by luxury developer Fortis, which broke records with its recent boutique Woollahra development, plays on the blue-chip area's inter-war Art Deco architecture. In partnership with renowned architects Smart Design Studio and interiors by Arent & Pyke, Elizabeth Bay offers 22 two-, three- and four-bedroom residences with generous living and balcony spaces strategically oriented to capture northern sun and harbour views. Penthouses include private rooftop terraces with barbecue, lounge areas and private pools, and the garage will have ample parking for residents, inclusive of EV charging.
Luxury developer Fortis brings together a top design team to revitalise an offering in a premium Elizabeth Bay location while remaining sensitive to the area's architectural charm. Picture: Fortis
Also of note is Fortis' MONA development in Darling Point. Shaped by award-winning architects MHN Design Union, MONA features six beautifully-appointed residential floors with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. They enjoy terraces and balconies capturing views across the city, harbour, nearby Paddington and surrounds. On the ground floor you'll find retail offerings, which could help bring new life and buzz to this sleepy premium eastside pocket.
4. One Sydney Park, Alexandria
Game-changing development One Sydney Park has relaunched after initial challenges (originally launching as the pandemic took hold). HPG Australia's transformational $700 million masterplanned community is set to repurpose the historically significant yet underutilised 2.1-hectare former warehousing site within Sydney Park, providing 400 mixed residential dwellings just 5kms from the CBD.
One Sydney Park will bring life and stylish living to an underutilised location within the grounds of beautiful Sydney Park, with a big focus on the masterplanned community's lush natural surrounds. Picture: One Sydney Park
The project is designed by a string of award-winning architects including MHN Design Union and Silvester Fuller, in collaboration with renowned international interior firm Make Architecture and landscape designers from Sue Barnsley Design. The eight low-rise buildings will house premium one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, luxurious penthouses, and terraces. Most units offer park views and come with private courtyards, while some terraces open directly onto Sydney Park. On the communal front, there is a series of rooftop terraces offering community gardens.
The site aims to become a landmark property, one which cohesively aligns itself with Sydney Park and its award-winning landscaping and ecological preservation strategies. The designs also aim to maximise the opportunities for community, with a new public plaza connected to the park.
5. The Collective, St Leonards
TWT Property Group's highly anticipated $1 billion mixed-use St Leonards development, The Collective, aims to bring together modern design, premium amenities and a focus on community engagement through art.
Collaborating with DBI interiors, Team2 have been appointed for the design and delivery of the 90 luxury apartments located within the 16 storeys of this elegant curved tower, with stage one of the build set to commence in the third quarter of 2024.
The Collective's rooftop will capture iconic Sydney views from its verdant perch. Picture: Team2
The developer is committed to fostering cultural vibrancy in St Leonards through its Creative Precinct initiative, originally launched in 2014 and later implemented at NewLife Darling Harbour and NewLife Bondi Junction. The Creative Precinct involves the conversion of several commercial buildings into creative spaces, including artist studios, galleries, rehearsal spaces, recording studios, arts business offices, and creative retail. The initiative has already supported over 800 artists and creative businesses.
6. Delano, Crows Nest
Developer Lindsay Bennelong's low-rise project, Delano, is underway in the heart of charming Crows Nest. Three boutique AJC Architects-designed buildings, nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens with sitting and barbecue areas, will house a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as an exclusive collection of seven townhomes.
The low-rise boutique development is in a fantastic Crows Nest location a 5-minute stroll to the new metro station. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Under construction and set for completion mid 2025, the properties feature premium interior flourishes such as herringbone engineered timber floors and plush broadloom carpet. But the project also has sustainability in mind, with site-wide water harvesting systems and a comprehensive reuse system, along with an EV for resident use and passive interior planning that prioritises features like cross ventilation.
7. Surry Hills Village, Surry Hills
New South Wales developer TOGA Group assembled an all-star design team to tackle this iconic Surry Hills site: SJB design – development partners Iain Halliday and BKH, Aspect Studios director Sacha Coles and Studio Prineas architect and principal Eva-Marie Prineas. The result is Surry Hills Village – an impressive project combining luxury apartments, a boutique hotel and a bustling retail and dining precinct.
The much-anticipated Surry Hills Village precinct is now complete and selling. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The completed 122 residence comprises of a mix of premium apartments, luxurious penthouses and impressive townhomes (which face Marriott Street). As for amenities, there's a Harris Farm, Coles, dining and specialty retail.
Of particular note are the offerings from the team behind Hinchcliff House, Martinez, and Promenade, who will be opening a restaurant, an all-day cafe and wine bar, and a cocktail bar within the heritage-listed space.
8. 45 McLaren Street, North Sydney
Prominent Sydney developer Podia, along with CASA, are seeking to develop 71 residences at 45 McLaren Street, North Sydney – a mix of high-end apartments and townhouses opposite the recently topped out AURA by Aqualand.
The site is to the north west of the North Sydney CBD and within the northern end of the Ward Street Precinct, an area undergoing urban renewal. Picture: Podia
The 14-level sustainably focused, mixed-use tower has been strategically designed by Bates Smart to incorporate a striking stepped form, allowing the building to stagger up to its 14th level. This allows for a number of large, landscaped terraces on the upper floors and thoughtful consideration of shadow casting/solar access to the surrounding areas.
9. 44-52 Anderson Street, Chatswood
Sydney developer Bridgestone Projects' new $90 million apartment development houses two towers, as well as a retail and commercial podium. MAKE Architects are designing the buildings to bring the surrounding neighbourhood greenery in, up and through the building via a central green spine that has communal gardens located on every third floor up to the rooftop terrace. Their vision for these gardens is to create micro-communities within the low-carbon development.
The low-carbon development utilises a central green 'spine' with communal gardens every three floors throughout the building. Picture: Bridgestone Projects
More than 110 apartments will range from one to four bedrooms, with many suitable for families (three bedroom options are duplex-style). Above level 22, the development will feature large sub-penthouses and penthouses, with the latter having private rooftop gardens.
The lower levels of the development will host 13 retail and commercial spaces along Anderson, O'Brien, and Day Streets, as well as a co-working space. In addition to abundant green spaces, MAKE also included amenities with a focus on wellbeing, including an infinity pool, gym, sauna, cinema and barbecue area, plus a rooftop garden and dining terrace.
10. Melrose Park, Melrose Park
From award-winning Sekisui House Australia, Melrose Park is set to transform inner northwest Sydney with a 30-hectare community on the Parramatta River. Its own mini suburb or 'urban park', the masterplanned community will include about 5,000 homes, a town centre with retail and commercial tenancies, and expansive parklands. More than 1000 residences are already sold.
Japanese-inspired thoughtful design and plenty of space for social interaction are at the heart of Melrose Park. Picture: Supplied
Apartments and townhouse-style residences range from one to three bedrooms, and the new Melrose Central Town Centre will have supermarkets, fashion retailers, food, medical facilities and restaurants. Within the Melrose Park community, there are also state-of-the-art recreational facilities designed for all ages and interests, like skateboard tracks, walking trails, cycling paths, and outdoor gyms.
Melrose Park will be a “smart” community, so residents can always tap into Wi-Fi hotspots, smart wayfinding, and electric vehicle charging when they need. It will also be a sustainable community, with the goal of having a low environmental impact well into the future. For example, rooftop solar panels will supply power across the community, contributing to a 7-star natHERS energy rating.
Related: Northwest Sydney's newest hotspot, Melrose Park