Boutique townhouse developer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sloane-property">Sloane Property</a>, is accepting deposits of just five per cent at its under-construction Brighton townhouse development, 111 Carpenter.

The lower deposit, plus significant stamp duty savings since the government <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">abolished stamp duty in October 2024 for 12 months</a>, aim to provide greater accessibility to purchasers seeking larger homes in one of Melbourne's most sought-after suburbs.

Located on Carpenter Street, the project comprises just seven townhomes designed by Chris Megowan, who has a deep understanding of the area and its lifestyle demands. He has designed serveral successful projects for Sloane across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=214118]

Each townhouse has been crafted to maximise the northern exposure of the site, with key living spaces oriented to optimise passive solar gain and cross-ventilation.&nbsp;

The townhouses range between two and three levels and offer three or four bedrooms, open-plan living areas, and private landscaped gardens by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a>.

Sloane Property Managing Director, Adam Sloane, highlighted the location as a major drawcard, citing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a>’s combination of beachside living, parks, cafes, retail, and highly regarded schools.&nbsp;

With the project situated near public transport and tree-lined streets, Sloane noted that the development provides an ideal base for families wanting a low-maintenance yet spacious home in the Bayside area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7517 project_image_fid=218198]

While apartments in the area cater largely to downsizers and Brighton's grand mansions suit families seeking large-scale homes, Brighton has had a lack of new townhouse development in recent years, a dwelling type designed to bridge the gap between apartment and house-sized living.

Sloane has reached framing stage of the seven townhouses. They are on track to complete in late 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7517]

Sloane has reached framing stage of the seven townhouses. They are on track to complete in late 2025

Joel Robinson

5% deposit, $0 stamp duty - Buy into Brighton's affluent property market with 111 Carpenter townhomes

Australia’s first four-tower vertical stair climb challenge is set to debut in 2025, with Towers 4 Change aiming to raise over $400,000 – or $100,000 per tower – at Far East Consortium's West Side Place precinct in the Melbourne CBD.

As Australia’s largest stair climb charity event, and with the highest tower exceeding 80 levels and 1400 stairs, Towers 4 Change not only offers a physical challenge but also provides a powerful way for individuals and groups to ‘Step Up For Charity’ and raise money to support a charity that they connect with.

Each of the four towers at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">West Side Place</a> will be dedicated to raising much-needed funds for a different and deserving cause, including building homes for women and children escaping family violence, supporting those living with life-altering conditions, and vital medical research.

<ul>
	<li>Tower 1: Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation</li>
	<li>Tower 2: Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (fara Australia)</li>
	<li>Tower 3: Good Friday Appeal</li>
	<li>Tower 4: The Victorian Homeless Fund</li>
</ul>

<img alt="West Side Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1443c90-8098-433a-9c7c-5e7251502425" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/West%20Side%20Place%20Towers.jpg?VersionId=hL563J70gxDdhXbtDWtu_ZG9cKDjTT2A" />

Lauren Sheldon, Director of Marketing and Sales at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, said the developer is excited to contribute to Melbourne’s vibrant event scene and raise awareness for these worthy causes.

"This four-tower climb exemplifies our commitment to fostering a vibrant community. By bringing people together for this unique event, we aim to benefit everyone involved, from residents to participants and beyond,” Sheldon said.

EVENT DETAILS 
What | Towers 4 Change 
Where | West Side Place, 250 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Date | Sunday 30th March 2025 
Time | 7am – 1pm

<h2>ABOUT THE CHARITY PARTNERS</h2>

<h2>Good Friday Appeal</h2>

Since 1931, the Good Friday Appeal has been dedicated to fundraising for The Royal Children’s Hospital so that it can continue to provide world-class care for children in Victoria and beyond. Funds from the Good Friday Appeal go towards ground-breaking research, state-of-the-art equipment and technology, education and family-centred care programs. GFA funds over 28 different projects each year - some are across multiple years, others one-off purchases.

“We are thrilled to be selected as a charity partner for the West Side Place Towers 4 Change, a unique and challenging event," Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, said.

"These funds will have a profound impact on funding state-of-the-art equipment, research, training, and patient- and family-centred care programs to continue the world-class care provided by The Royal Children's Hospital."

<h2>Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (fara Australia)</h2>

fara raises funds for research into treatments and a cure for Friedreich Ataxia (FA). FA is a rare genetic and progressive neuro-muscular disorder that is typically diagnosed in children or teens. It leads to loss of muscle coordination, fatigue, vision impairment, hearing loss, slurred speech, and then a serious heart condition which in many cases turns fatal by the mid-thirties. One in every 30,000 in Australia is affected. One in 90 people are carriers. There is currently no cure and no approved treatment in Australia.

Brad Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of fara Australia, says&nbsp;Friedreich Ataxia robs you of muscle strength, mobility and the ability to do even the everyday things we might take for granted.

"At fara, we are a small, rare disease charity with no government funding, raising funds for FA medical research. Being a partner of West Side Place Towers 4 Change will deliver the single greatest boost to awareness and fundraising beyond our own community. Every step climbers take will Lend Some Muscle to those living with FA and get us closer to finding that cure.”

<h2>Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation</h2>

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) supports vital research across the country that will help better detect, treat and prevent ovarian cancer. The OCRF is Australia’s largest independent funder of ovarian cancer medical research. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal women’s cancer with a five-year survival rate that has barely changed in decades, languishing at under 50 per cent. Addressing health disparity and funding inequity in cancer research is fundamental to achieving higher survival rates for ovarian cancer.

“West Side Place Towers 4 Change is a great new event that symbolises the heights we can achieve when we unite together for a cause, " Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO&nbsp;Robin Penty says.

"Every step up, and every dollar raised, will directly support our vision of a healthy future for those impacted by ovarian cancer. This challenge is a powerful statement of hope, resilience, and the belief that each of us can make a difference. We are deeply grateful to the climbers and supporters helping OCRF achieve a step-change for women’s cancers, both figuratively and literally!"

<h2>The Victorian Homeless Fund</h2>

The Victorian Homeless Fund (VHF) is a Melbourne-based charity committed to providing safe and stable long-term housing for women and children escaping family violence. By building homes on unused residential land, the VHF offers families a fresh start and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. At its core, the VHF believes that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

 
Colleen May, Victorian Homeless Fund Chair, says domestic violence is the single biggest cause of homelessness in Australia, and it's such a&nbsp;significant problem, it can't be solved by one group.

"If individually we all give a little, then collectively, we can change people’s lives. Every home we build is about extending a helping hand to those most in need, and providing a family with more than just a home—they gain hope and a future."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1270]

Far East Consortium's charity push in Australia’s biggest stair climb challenge

Busy developer Princeton has achieved a key milestone at its new South Sydney apartment development, Marque Rockdale.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/princeton">Marque</a> is the only new apartment development in Rockdale currently on the market, and it is also the only one in the local government area to offer the new 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy from Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Located just 200 metres from Rockdale Plaza and under one kilometre from Brighton-Le-Sands beach, Marque combines thoughtful design in an ideal location that takes advantage of the coastal lifestyle, as well as the convenience and connectivity <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/rockdale-nsw-2216">Rockdale</a> offers.

A recent sale of a one-bedroom apartment for $700,000 highlights buyer confidence in the project, a confidence which is further bolstered by the LDI policy.

Ray White WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says the team behind Marque Rockdale has seen it achieve a strong level of success, even in a market where continued high interest rates are pushing down demand.

"The development is going from strength to strength, hitting key milestones and strong sales as a result of Princeton's standing in the development industry, the reputation of iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/coplex">Coplex</a>, and the all-important Latent Defects Insurance," Bernberg says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=278616]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/princeton">Princeton</a>, which is funding the project itself through its capital arm, has been active in the new development space in recent years.

They have just completed a row of eight terraces in St Peters, which are achieving stellar results, and they are now putting the finishing touches on Eurangi, their ultra-luxury development on Bondi Beach’s prestigious Campbell Parade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=278367]

Marque comprises 58 apartments, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, as well as a handful of SOHO apartments that blend residential and workspace uses.

The development has been designed with owner-occupiers in mind, featuring contemporary interiors, expansive glass walls for natural light, and premium finishes such as Caesarstone benchtops and engineered timber floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=277074]

A communal rooftop space offers over 100 sqm of amenities, including a herb garden, barbecue area, children’s play zone, and pergola-shaded dining areas.

Coplex is set to complete Marque in late 2025, offering an attractive price point in an undersupplied local market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Ray White WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says the team behind Marque Rockdale has seen it achieve a strong level of success, even in a market where continued high interest rates are pushing down demand

Princeton tops out Marque Rockdale as development team and Latent Defect Insurance drives sales

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;village&nbsp;is set to undergo further transformation, with new plans revealing more shoptop housing on Knox Street.

Scali furniture boss Anthony Scali is behind the plans for a five-level development on the site currently occupied by the Savoy Hotel at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/35-45-knox-street">35-45 Knox Street</a>. Scali paid a reported price of around $35 million for the 616 sqm in 2021.

The lease to the Savoy Hotel has expired - paving the way for redevelopment to create nine apartments above three ground-level retail spaces - no doubt a potential new space for the Nick Scali furniture empire in the heart of one of Sydney's most affluent shopping suburbs.

<img alt="39-41 Knox Street DOUBLE BAY" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7125a8ff-e053-4e0f-a92e-f5ebc8f2d48b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan%20-%20Photomontage%20-%20DA2024%20546%201%20-%2039-41%20Knox%20Street%20DOUBLE%20BAY.JPG?VersionId=KxFL5jxNq.xqt61llbJlwcGIJGh4YWzP" />

The $31 million development has been designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/mhn-design-union">MHN Design Union</a>&nbsp;who has chose a light brick and metal clad&nbsp;façade to integrate with the area's established character, which includes a combination of inter-war and contemporary mixed-use buildings.

Plans are for six two-beds, two three-beds, and one four-bed apartment, each with balconies and living areas which have been oriented to achieve maximise natural light and ventilation.&nbsp;

The project has been designed to suit a diverse demographic, including families, retirees, and downsizers, reflecting market demand for flexible and functional living spaces, the documents submitted to the Woollahra Municipal Council say.

The development provides 20 parking spaces across two basement levels, accommodating cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.

<img alt="41-45 Knox Street, Double Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="186c47d7-a0fa-48a2-84fb-429a9774e0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Double%20bay.png?VersionId=HdatkgUJU8wHfXN.VBVGiu9fcf2h2u1r" />

&nbsp;

Double Bay is undergoing a huge redevelopment everywhere you look.

Late last year plans were submitted for the InterContinental Double Bay, also on Knox Street, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/intercontinental-hotel-double-bay-to-become-1-billion-lifestyle-precinct">to turn it into a $1 billion mixed-use precinct</a> with a new high-end retail and dining precinct, cinemas, landscaped open spaces, a new boutique luxury hotel, and a health and wellness centre, and 29 apartments across the top seven levels.

Shortly before that, more <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-double-bays-cross-street-transformation-to-continue">plans were filed with the local council on Cross Street</a>, where the well-known&nbsp;Florida dry cleaners, womens clothing store Alex &amp; Harry, and cafe Bar Lanziano, will make way for more shoptop housing, with six luxury apartments planned above two more fashion outlets and a cafe.

Construction is well underway at Top Spring Australia's Ode Double Bay, where suburb records have tumbled in recent years. The penthouse sold for $25 million in 2022.&nbsp;

Double Bay makeover to continue as Scali furniture boss plots new luxe apartments

Prime Edition has kicked off 2025 with one of the first major projects of the year in Melbourne.

They’ve unveiled <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/33-queens-parade-clifton-hill-33-queens-parade-clifton-hill">33 Queens Parade</a>, a new development offering just 40 exclusive residences in the heart of Clifton Hill. The project is ideally situated between Edinburgh Gardens to the west and Darling Gardens to the east.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134228 project_image_fid=322175]

The design, created by renowned local architecture firm <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, caters to a variety of buyers. The development includes 32 residences, comprising two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as six townhouses and two luxury penthouses.

Each residence features spacious, open-plan living and dining areas with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134228 project_image_fid=322189]

At the heart of each home is a kitchen equipped with premium Miele appliances, complemented by natural stone benchtops and splashbacks, timber laminate cabinetry, custom shelving, and a dry bar.

The master bedroom has been designed as a private retreat, with its own opulent ensuite and walk-in robe, while additional bedrooms are generously sized and have their own dedicated bathrooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134228 project_image_fid=322185]

The design has also focused on seamless indoor-outdoor living. Every apartment and townhouse includes outdoor spaces, whether in the form of a balcony or a landscaped courtyard.

Beyond the residences, the development incorporates thoughtfully curated amenities, including EV charging stations, bike storage, and dog wash facilities, catering to the needs of modern urban living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134228 project_image_fid=322176]

Once a working-class suburb within the City of Collingwood, Clifton Hill’s transformation was propelled by the expansion of Melbourne’s tram network and the industrial growth along the Yarra River.

Today, it stands as one of the city’s most sought-after locales, renowned for its lush parklands, prestigious schools, and thriving café culture. Residents of 33 Queens Parade will enjoy unparalleled access to these amenities, all within a short distance from home.

The development also addresses a significant gap in the local property market, with fewer than 25 percent of Clifton Hill’s dwellings being apartments. As the first new development in the area in years, 33 Queens Parade represents a rare opportunity to secure a home in this tightly held suburb.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/prime-edition">Prime Edition</a> has been developing across Melbourne's most affluent suburbs. Led by Eric Loi and Alistair Taylor, the firm has recently completed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/arbour-park-352-358-canterbury-road-surrey-hills">Arbour Park</a> in Surrey Hills and is currently developing two other projects: Avoca, featuring five luxury full-floor apartments in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/south-yarra-vic-3141">South Yarra</a>, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/como-toorak-2-bruce-street-toorak">Como</a>, comprising 16 exclusive residences in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/toorak-vic-3142">Toorak</a>.

With 33 Queens Parade, Prime Edition continues its legacy of creating homes that redefine modern living while honouring the unique character of their surroundings.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134228]

With 33 Queens Parade, Prime Edition continues its legacy of creating homes that redefine modern living while honouring the unique character of their surroundings

	Rent Index	Consumer Price plus Rent Index
Darwin	75.99	102.53
Sydney	83.08	100.73
Perth	70.31	99.43
Melbourne	59.37	87.84
Canberra	63.17	87.48
Brisbane	59.93	87.02
Newcastle	56.59	82.01
Hobart	49.67	80.19
Adelaide	45.26	79.43
Gold Coast	49.05	79.17
Wollongong	48.33	79.13
Cairns	41.08	74.25

Cost of living v rent: How do the states compare?

Jennifer Duke

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