10 developers to watch in NSW in 2021
Knowing the developer and their projects is an important step in preparing to purchase an off-the-plan property.
But, navigating through pages of reviews on past projects – on top of the already exhausting task of searching for a home – might seem daunting to some first home buyers.
Urban takes a look at ten developers operating in the NSW that you should know about.
1. Meriton
One of Australia’s most successful residential property developers, Meriton is expected to make a significant impact on the property landscape in 2021. Since its formation in 1963, Meriton has grown to become the nation’s largest apartment developer.
Founded by billionaire property entrepreneur Harry Triguboff, the developer is known for its sophisticated designs and high-quality apartments.
Among their project includes Destination in Macquarie Park and Zetland’s Eminence
Destination is located within NSW’s second-largest business district and offers residents convenience, timeless design and views from every angle.
Designed by DKO Architecture, the development boasts serene garden terraces and house-like proportions at an entry price of $600,000.
In 2020, the group’s Dee Why development, Lighthouse, was named the best mixed-use development of the year by the Property Council of Australia.
Complete and ready to move in, Lighthouse is built over four buildings rising above the suburb’s tallest towers and features views of the ocean, beach and lagoon.
2. Deicorp
One of the younger developers on the list, Deicorp was founded in 1999 and today has over $2.5 billion of residential, retail and commercial real estate in the pipeline.
The privately-owned development group has delivered over 8,000 apartments and is comprised of development, construction, marketing and project managers as well as a range of other trade professionals.
Following their success in 2020, the Sydney-based group is expected to continue delivering successful developments across NSW, cementing their position as one to watch.
Among their recently completed developments is the Westmead project, Highline, situated at 7 Maple Tree Road. Surrounded by parklands and heritage buildings, the project offers 556 apartments and offers resort-style amenities, barbeque pavilions and 360 degree views of Parramatta Park and Blue Mountains bushland.
With over 95 years’ heritage in Australia, Singapore-based Frasers Property operates across residential, retail, commercial and industrial property markets.
Building upon a successful year, the property group is expected to reach new heights in 2021, with the development of their new $2.1 billion community, Midtown MacPark in Sydney’s Macquarie Park.
With upcoming projects including the renewable Ed.Square, a net-zero energy demand home project in Edmonson Park, Frasers Property continues to strive towards a green future without sacrificing high-quality developments, convenience and style.
Ed.Square homes went on sale in November last year and is expected to save residents up to 43 per cent of their energy costs.
Last November, Frasers Property was won two awards in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) rankings, named the ‘global development sector leader – residential’ and the ‘global non-listed sector leader – diversified office/industrial’.
CEO Anthony Boyd said the rankings were a reflection of the company’s consideration of environmental, social and financial sustainability in all its operations.
4. Crown Group
Taking out the Housing Institute of Australia's apartment complex award last year, the Crown Group has secured a position as a must-watch developer. Crown’s NSW operations are constantly winning awards, with major residential apartment projects including Infinity at Green Square, Arc and V by Crown.
Led by chairman Iwan Sunito, the group has a $5 billion development pipeline across its apartment, commercial and hotel projects spanning five cities and three continents.
In 2021, Mastery by Crown Group is expected to reach completion, delivering five buildings in Sydney’s Waterloo.
Comprising 368 luxury apartments designed by Kengo Kuma, Koichi Takada and Silvester Fuller, Mastery offers “an escape from today’s demanding urban lifestyle,” the project marketing reads. It will also be home to Sydney’s first Japanese-oriented eat street.
At Cbus Property, a stringent environmental policy hopes to benefit the environment as well as communities. Aiming to achieve a minimum five-star design and ‘as-built’ rating under the Green Star system, the development group assures sustainable business practices in all their new developments.
With a portfolio exceeding $5 billion across investments and developments in the commercial, residential and retail sectors, Urban believes that Cbus is one to watch over the coming year.
Known for their commitment to partners, commercial success and sustainable design, the group’s Newmarket project in Randwick is no exception. Expected to reach completion in mid-2021, Newmarket provides 17 residential apartment buildings to be developed in three stages.
Designed by Bates Smart, the project will include terraced lawn seating, a large open green space, a community barbeque and seating area, as well as a series of outdoor garden rooms.
The Langston’s second stage, Central, is also expected to reach completion this year in Sydney’s Epping, delivering 180 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and other mixed-use offerings over 24-storeys.
Specialising in the investment and management of international property development projects, Aoyuan International has proven its strength and capabilities worldwide.
As one to watch in 2021, Aoyuan is expected to complete various projects this year, including 412-resident development, The Lennox, in Parramatta.
Each residence within the complex presents as a luxurious and timeless home, highlighting exceptional views and modern functionality. Amenities within the Lennox include a residents’ lounge, 25-metre pool, terrace and gym.
Completing construction this year and one-to-watch is the group’s Adela project in the inner-western suburb of Burwood.
Overlooking Burwood Park, Adela offers shared walkways, green communal areas and courtyards. Designed by PDB Architects, the thoughtful design includes full-height glazing, sliding doors to balconies and quality finishes.
Since its acquisition of Sydney-based developer Capital Bluestone in 2018, Aoyuan has expanded its NSW presence, delivering Veridian Kogarah among other high-quality developments.
7. Poly Global
Poly Global is a diversified property developer with a portfolio of residential and commercial projects in multiple stages of construction across New South Wales. Poly Australia, which was established in Sydney in 2015, has expanded in the last five years, producing a number of significant residential developments across the Eastern seaboard.
Known for creating sustainable and liveable urban environments, Poly Global is one to watch over the next year, with a company philosophy that aims to enhance each community through clever design.
Now selling in Sydney, is Bankstown’s Spring Square, offering floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor oasis and views of the Syndey CBD and Olympic Park.
The development group’s Rouse Hill project, Aurora Terraces, is expected to launch soon, presenting investors and first home buyers with three, four and five-bedroom terrace homes in Sydney’s north-west growth corridor.
8. Thirdi Group
Well-known for delivering large-scale residential projects in Sydney and Newcastle, Thirdi Group has become one of Australia’s leading property development firms.
With a development pipeline exceeding $500 million, Thirdi has established its place on this list as a recognised industry leader.
The group’s experience in delivering beautiful homes and investment properties are key reasons for their ongoing success.
Among these projects is the harbourfront development, Kurraba Residences, which launched last November.
The $170 million development, designed by SJB Architects and Mathieson Architects paid homage to the classic 1920s apartment buildings on the Kurraba Point headland, with views of Sydney Opera House and the Botanical Gardens.
In another collaboration with SJB, Thirdi will complete construction on their Mount Street Residences development in Pyrmont next month. Following the success of their Paragon at Pyrmont project, Mount St will offer five timeless inner-city four-bedroom homes with floor-to-ceiling glazing, a two-car garage and a sophisticated design.
Founded in China in 1992, Greenland Group has become a global powerhouse, recognised as a Fortune 500 company for nine consecutive years. Its subsidiary, Greenland Australia, was established in Sydney in 2013, becoming one of NSW’s leading developers of residential communities.
Greenland Group is known for their ‘Park Sydney’ project in Erskineville, one of the most significant urban renewal projects in Sydney, in collaboration with GH Australia. Designed around a new public park, and offering cycle and pedestrian links, Park set to be one of Sydney’s leading planned communities.
Two-bedroom apartments in the community’s first buildings, Botany and Cascade, begin at $1.15 million, designed by WMK Architecture.
Further north-west is the firm’s nbh at Lachlan’s Line development, an urban village delivering superior design, green open spaces and an unparalleled lifestyle.
Positioned in Macquarie Park and designed by architects Bates Smart, nbh offers impressive interior design touches in every room, high-end dining venues and leafy, tree-lined parks.
10. Level 33
Founded in Sydney in 1999, Level 33 is a family-owned and operated business, praised for its innovative designs and meticulous standard of workmanship.
The premier property development group specialises in premium multi-residential and commercial projects, led by leaders in development and construction.
Among their projects is the Wolli Creek development, Vicinity, with an entry price under $500,000, making it an affordable Sydney home.
Located near the Cooks River, Vicinity is offering a one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence with a car space at $585,000 or without the car space at $465,000.
The modern apartments are “strikingly contemporary”, the marketing reads, offering stylish kitchens, oversized terraces and open-plan living.
