Those who live in the well-connected North Sydney neighbourhood don't really need a car.

Now with the added convenience of the Victoria Metro Station, as well as a rejuvenation of the local hospitality scene, driving around the suburb isn't part of anyone's daily routine.

Developer Aqualand has however curated a car-driven perk for its residents at the recently completed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney">AURA by Aqualand</a>.

They've teamed up with shared EV provider Outbound, in conjunction with converged infrastructure services provider SUPA, to provide ‘on demand’ Teslas for residents in the 28-level, Woods Bagot-designed building.

The Tesla vehicle pool means residents don’t need to own a car.

The service is facilitated through the Outbound App, with residents able to book and even open the Teslas from their phones for just $20 per hour, or a flat rate of $120 per day.

Initially, three Model 3’s will be available, but that number could be ramped up depending on demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

Outbound CEO Luke Rust said it's the residents who win from this sort of inclusion.

“North Sydney is very much steeped in history, so it’s a real coming together of the old and new worlds with this futuristic service," Rust says.

“Imagine that, watching a game of cricket or rugby being played on North Sydney Oval from your apartment, and then jumping in an ‘on demand’ Tesla to head over the bridge for dinner.

He says convenience is a big selling point, but so is cost.

"The average car in Sydney now costs something like $25,000 per year to own and operate, compared to renting an Outbound Tesla, which might only set you back a few thousand dollars. Plus, they’re luxury EVs, so what’s not to love?”

a[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292888]

SUPA’s Chief Strategy Officer, James Dunstan, says it was an easy decision to offer the shared Teslas in AURA as SUPA has a clear sustainable electric mobility strategy and is delivering on it.

“Lifestyle doesn’t stop and start at the front door,” he says.

“AURA is one of the most state-of-the-art buildings in Sydney, so it seems obvious to extend that to how residents move around. If they do take one of the Teslas for a spin, all they have to do is plug it back into our onsite charging stations.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292900]

Residents of AURA are welcomed to the precinct by a&nbsp;four-metre cast iron sculpture, titled ‘Landscape’ by London-based artist, Richard Sweeney. Downstairs, the new retail and dining precinct includes three world-class restaurants and a bar.

Aqualand, the first completed development in North Sydney in years, comprises&nbsp;386 luxury apartments a stone's throw from the newly opened Victoria Cross Metro Station.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Outbound CEO Luke Rust said it's the residents who win from this sort of inclusion

Joel Robinson

AURA by Aqualand residents to have communal Tesla access

Lifestyle developer GURNER™ has received planning approval for the first stage of its Docklands mega-project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elysium-fields-208-226-harbour-esplanade-docklands">Elysium Fields</a>.

The first three towers of the $1.7 billion precinct, approved by the Minister for Planning, has been designed as a futuristic wellness and anti-ageing utopia.

The 27,000 sqm site at 208-226 Harbour Esplanade will house around 1,100 dwellings upon completion and will include around 3,700 sqm of immersive public landscapes and gardens. The first three towers will house around 700 dwellings. &nbsp;

In a significant coup for the project that will provide certainty in an unstable construction market, Hamilton Marino has been appointed to build the first tower. Early construction works are expected to commence in the next four weeks, prior to the public launch of sales, which is earmarked for early next year. &nbsp;

The precinct, described as a “utopian urban forest within a city” by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gurner">GURNER™</a> Founder Tim Gurner, has been inspired by a futuristic approach to holistic health and anti-ageing, with the gardens, private amenities and residences incorporating the latest technologies in health and wellness. &nbsp;

Residents at Elysium Fields can expect to enjoy on-site anti-ageing facilities and equipment such as cryotherapy, IV infusions, dry and infrared sauna, red light therapy, grounding and PEMF beds, &nbsp;alongside exclusive access to the Elysian Reverse Ageing Medical Clinic that will provide medical grade treatments including MRIs, DEXA scans, brain scans, blood testing and personalised health plans.&nbsp;

<img alt="Elysium Fields" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="717a6cc9-7fa2-4da8-a0ce-e17139b63918" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E03%20-%20Wurundjeri%20Way_DJI_0490_Opt003.jpg?VersionId=WkbG5hJ3EAbN8B3LqG1lKDumORN_rYEL" />

Residents will also gain access to the planned on-site Saint Haven Private Club which will be the largest in the Group’s portfolio at circa 3,000sqm, and an indulgent Haven Ancient Baths concept, also by &nbsp;Gurner Group, that will offer 15 different types of enriched water for optimum health. &nbsp;

The ancient bathhouse, to be known as Haven Ancient Baths, will be one of the world’s largest bathhouses, bringing together the latest technology while celebrating the history and science behind bathing from centuries-old traditions. &nbsp;

Designed by Fraser &amp; Partners, the precinct will include a walkable ‘path of life’ that runs the entirety of the north-south ground floor/podium plane that will be designed for running, Yoga, meditation, &nbsp;training, exercise and recovery, alongside a rooftop sports court, a private wellness club, a pool club and 5,000sqm of retail, dining and public realm amenity.&nbsp;

The precinct will also feature its very own botanical gardens, be geared for a 24/7, interactive retail, &nbsp;dining and entertainment experience, and include a stunning, futuristic glass dome, modelled on the concept of Elysium being the utopian afterlife. &nbsp;

The journey to optimal health will continue inside each residence, with the homes designed to include filtered air purifiers, filtered water, access to northern sunlight, circadian lighting and optional recovery upgrades. &nbsp;

A Joint Venture between GURNER™ and City Harbour – a consortium that includes the Liberman family, which holds the development rights to the project – the precinct’s approval means the first tower, a luxury build-to-sell offering with circa 250 residences, can launch to the public early next year, with early construction works to commence next month. &nbsp;

The development will include over 1,100 BTR and BTS apartments, a retail and hospitality precinct, a 4-star short-stay hotel of circa 100 keys and another premier 5-star hotel in the main tower of over &nbsp;250 keys, with state-of-the-art conference facilities, a business club and hospitality offerings.

Tim Gurner said Elysium Fields is a "once-in-a-lifetime transformation precinct."

"We are excited to have the opportunity to reshape the future of the Docklands and create a world-class, 24-hour destination this city deserves.

“Appointing Hamilton Marino to construct the first tower gives our clients certainty in delivery. We are committed to the precinct and will be commencing early construction works before the first launch of sales."

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Sales to launch at GURNER's $1.7 billion Elysium Fields precinct in Docklands

Prospective buyers at Elevate, the recently launched stage of Hume Place above Crows Nest Metro Station, will be able to secure an apartment in the exciting development with just a $10,000 deposit.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i</a> has partnered with NestDeposit to provide the low deposit option, making it accessible for everyone including first home buyers, investors, and downsizers.

The 130 one, two and three-bedroom apartments offer a unique proposition to any buyer given the rarity of such a development directly above Australia's largest ever public transport project.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297877]

Luke Berry, Co-Founder of Third.i, said the team is&nbsp;always looking for innovative ways to help Australians achieve their property dreams.

"NestDeposit addresses the challenges of rising living costs, house prices, and the long savings periods needed for traditional deposits, making homeownership more accessible for buyers across the country," Berry says.

“We’re excited to offer NestDeposit at Elevate Hume Place, giving more people the chance to secure a home in a prime location above the new Crows Nest Metro. At Elevate, residents will enjoy seamless connectivity, stunning homes, upscale communal amenities, and an area that beautifully combines urban convenience and community charm."

Situated directly above the recently opened <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> Metro Station, <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;has been designed by Woods Bagot. and are split into categories; The Urban Residences, Panoramic Residences, and Skyhomes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297878]

The Urban Residences are made up of 76 one and two-bedroom apartments. They start on level seven and each feature a balcony or winter garden providing an extended alfresco living space.&nbsp;

The Panoramic Residences offer one, two and three-bedroom apartments, higher up the building to offer extensive views stretching from the heads, across the Harbour, and to the city skyline.&nbsp;

There are only 11 apartments in the Skyhomes collection, including a number of three-level penthouses that have their own rooftop terrace with a pool and outdoor kitchen. Each of the Skyhomes has three bedrooms, except for one oversized two-bed.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i</a>&nbsp;and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors are working towards a Q3 2027 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142550]

Luke Berry, Co-Founder of Third.i, said the team is always looking for innovative ways to help Australians achieve their property dreams

Third.I offer $10k deposits at Elevate Hume Place apartments above Crows Nest Metro

Unit values are having their time in the sun in Sydney, as affordability and higher interest rates put a dampener on the house market.

The monthly update from property data analytics firm CoreLogic shows unit values increased by 0.6 per cent across September, whereas the counterpart house market saw a modest 0.1 per cent gain.

The Sydney median unit value is now $860,000, compared to the median value of houses which is now $1,473,000.

The growth in the Sydney market has slowed, with dwelling values, which incorporates houses and units, showing 0.5 per cent gains over the September quarter, the lowest growth since early 2023 when values briefly declined.

<h2>What happened in Sydney’s off the plan apartment market in September</h2>

There has been strong response to several new off the plan apartment developments in Sydney in September, particularly in the booming Lower North Shore region.

Over 60 per cent of apartments in the first release at TWT Property Group's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-collective-crows-nest-23-35-atchison-st-crows-nest">The Collective</a>, on the fringe of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/st-leonards-nsw-2065">St Leonards</a>, were snapped up on the opening weekend.

Local downsizers and young couples made up the majority of purchasers who were attracted to the proximity to both&nbsp;Crows Nest Metro and Crows Nest village.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94318 project_image_fid=293323]

The first building will have 93 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.&nbsp;The curved, 16-level building features interiors by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>&nbsp;who has created an interior scheme that is focused on creating functional living spaces, like the inclusion of study nooks and protected balconies.

The first stage of the masterplan will feature 3,000 sqm of commercial space, part of the 10,000 sqm of commercial space that will be on offer across the total 1.3-hectare development.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94318 project_image_fid=293324]

&nbsp;

It's been the same strong response to Elevate at Hume Place, the new release of apartments literally above Crows Nest Metro from Third.i.

The 130 one, two, three bedroom apartments offer unparalleled access to Sydney, as well as all of the amenity in the booming Lower North Shore metro corridor.

The apartments are split into three categories; The Urban Residences, Panoramic Residences, and Skyhomes, offering a wide choice for buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297877]

Hume Place will comprise three mixed-use buildings designed by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Woods Bagot.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Third.i and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors (PPI) acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>&nbsp;Overstation Development at the end of 2022 after being shortlisted by the NSW Government and Sydney Metro in a rigorous and highly competitive tender process. Third.i and PPI were selected over some of Australia’s most successful developers, to deliver both sites above the station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297878]

Records continued to set in the east with the circa $22 million sales of the AYA Penthouse representing the highest price paid for a non-beachfacing apartment.

The four-bedroom penthouse, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects" target="">Koichi Takada</a>&nbsp;at the top of the nearly complete Aqualine building, is the largest single-level penthouse in Bondi Beach.

<img alt="AYA Penthouse, Bondi Beach's largest single-level apartment sells for around $22 million" 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%202024-09-12%20at%207.40.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=1pjK1aEVzQQ7f8WmAoiD.aQuvoXAxx7W" />

There was another record set in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-centennial-collection-2-nelson-street-bondi-junction">The Centennial Collection</a> in the nearby&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/bondi-junction-nsw-2022">Bondi Junction</a>. An $8.85 million sale is the highest achieved for a three-bed apartment in the suburb.

Ray White Projects Director, Marcello Bo, said local rightsizers continue to show strong interest in the project with "generous layouts and amazing interiors."

“Uninterrupted views of the harbour and city skyline is a big drawcard for buyers, along with the proximity to Woollahra,&nbsp;Bondi Junction&nbsp;and Centennial Park across the road," Bo said.

“The Centennial Collection&nbsp;finishes are extremely luxurious. There’s a winter pool and a year-round rooftop pool, a concierge and wellness hub; it really is a luxury experience.”

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Activity from both buyers and developers continued in Castle Hill.

Developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/cpdm">CPDM</a> has secured significant interest following the launch of its low-rise development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/larool-crescent-castle-hill-2-22-larool-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Larool Crescent</a>.

Its proximity to Castle Towers, and its variety of configurations, has seen it become a hit with first home buyers, rightsizers and downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135330 project_image_fid=289164]

The most notable new development plans filed in September across Sydney was also in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/kassis-homes" target="">Kassis Homes</a> unveiled plans for Grand Reve II, named after its recently completed debut Castle Hill apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/grand-reve-castle-hill-8-18-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill">Grand Reve</a>.

The new plans are for four towers, three residential and one hotel, next door to Grand Reve across a large 9,074 sqm on&nbsp;Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road.<img alt="Reve Group file for new four-tower development in Castle Hill" 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%202024-09-10%20at%204.33.37%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=JGCTtL5_W6OlfHZHUTLqDx8oVZZU8xyo" />

The new development will again offer a range of configurations. Across the 19, 22 and 23-level residential buildings will be 50 one-beds, 147 two-bed apartments, 56 three-beds and 11 four-bed apartments.

"We've been building in the area for three decades, and we're passionate about delivering high-quality residential living to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw" target="">Castle Hill</a>," Sam Kassis told Urban.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/reve-group-file-for-new-four-tower-development-in-castle-hill">Reve Group file for new four-tower development in Castle Hill</a>

There has been strong response to several new off the plan apartment developments in Sydney in September, particularly in the booming Lower North Shore region

City Beat October 2024: Units continue to dominate houses in Sydney

Gold Coast apartment developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/marquee-development-partners">Marquee</a> has announced the release of the penthouses atop its high-end Palm Beach apartment development, La Belle Palm Beach.

The release of the penthouses comes following the recent commencement of construction of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/la-belle-palm-beach-332-the-esplanade-palm-beach">14-level building</a> of 75 apartments that is over 70 per cent sold.

&nbsp;

The Penthouse Collection includes 10 sub penthouses and the sprawling five-bedroom Grand Penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=305418]

“We’re excited to unveil what we believe will be the pinnacle of penthouse living on the Southern Gold Coast,” said Jacques Winterburn, Director of Marquee.&nbsp;

“The team have been working tirelessly to craft a collection of residences worthy of this prime absolute beachfront location in Palm Beach. Our commitment to creating exceptional spaces where every detail elevates the living experience is what makes this collection truly unparalleled.&nbsp;

“This collection of Penthouses is even more enticing for buyers with Marquee’s trademark premium residential amenity in La Belle delivering over 1,500m2 of wellness and relaxation facilities dedicated to elevating residents’ lifestyle and wellbeing. This is above and beyond what they could expect in a residential building on the Gold Coast beachfront now or in the future

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=305419]

The Grand Penthouse offers 520 sqm of internal living space and a further 162 sqm of external area. It has five&nbsp;bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, a multi-purpose room, and four car parks, along with an indoor cinema, wine display, a large home office, and a feature fireplace,&nbsp;

The subpenthouses are a mix of three and four-bedroom apartments. The three-bedroom sub penthouses start from $4,125,000 and the four-beds from $7.5 million.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Key design features in each subpenthouse include desirable northeast-facing orientation, floor to ceiling glass capturing protected ocean and beach views, Gaggenau cooking appliances, premium oak timber flooring throughout, and 100% New Zealand wool carpets in the bedrooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=274768]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/la-belle-palm-beach-332-the-esplanade-palm-beach">La Belle</a> residents will have access to two levels of amenity including a&nbsp;heated outdoor pool and spa, teppanyaki dining bars and entertaining areas, and a residents' lounge with a billiards table, bar, and large screen TV for social gatherings.

&nbsp;

The building will also feature a wellness centre with a fully equipped gym, dedicated yoga and Pilates studio, Nordic and infrared saunas, an indoor hydrotherapy hot pool, and two cold plunge immersion baths. There's also set to be a hotel-style lobby with a Porte Cochère and fully equipped private offices designed to accommodate remote working.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=273596]

“We have had a tremendous response since launching La Belle, with the desire for low maintenance beachfront property in a secure building proving popular with downsizers and second homeowners,"&nbsp;Winterburn said.

"Our dedication to delivering state-of-the-art amenities, including a world-class wellness centre and opulent communal spaces, has clearly struck a chord with discerning buyers looking for a place to relax and spend time with family and friends at the beach."

Construction of La Belle Palm Beach is underway, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102340]

Building leased to council in Queensland's Logan City fetches $3.85 million

Prateek Chatterjee

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