Brisbane off the plan apartments

In the penthouse market, buyers expect the highest level of detail in every aspect of the apartment, from the design and orientation to the finishes.

Respected Brisbane developer, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties</a>, left no stone unturned when crafting the penthouses atop <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/monarch-residences-toowong-600-coronation-drive-toowong">Monarch Residences</a>, one of the best riverfront apartment developments produced on the Brisbane River in decades.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=302326]

They knew exactly the clientele they were creating their apartments for, the affluent downsizer.

The Consolidated team recently revealed the final six residences&nbsp;atop the two-tower development, now over 95 per cent sold and under construction by building giant Hutchinson's Builders.

We recently visited the Monarch Residences display suite, on site at&nbsp;at 600 Coronation Drive, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a>, to chat with Don and the team at Consolidated about what made the penthouse collection special.

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Don says the team worked closely with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">John Wardle Architects</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>&nbsp;to create a collection of uncompromised focus on quality, timelessness, and attention to detail.

The final penthouses, created to evoke the same grandeur as a home just without the additional maintenance, range in size from 295 sqm to 347 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113455 project_image_fid=302322]

They each have different floorplans, but the level of luxury is the same throughout, from soaring 3.4-metre-high ceilings to sweeping views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline from the riverfront terraces.

Everything in the penthouses is top-of-the-line. Herringbone European oak flooring features throughout the living areas, while the kitchen, fitted with a suite of&nbsp;premium V-ZUG Swiss appliances, is anchored by an oversized island bench with&nbsp;Dolce Vita quartzite.

Prospective penthouse buyers, as well as those who have been lucky enough to secure a piece of Monarch Residences, will be moving into the riverfront development in late 2025.

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The final penthouses, created to evoke the same grandeur as a home just without the additional maintenance, range in size from 295 sqm to 347 sqm.

Joel Robinson

"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity": Don O'Rorke discusses the Monarch Residences Penthouse Collection

The redevelopment of the landmark Shafston Estate, on over one-hectare of Brisbane River land in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Kangaroo Point</a>, looks to be edging closer.

The plans are back with the Brisbane City Council to increase the density of the project, which was given the green light in early 2023.

Developer Burgundy Group had sought to develop a 15-level tower with 37 apartments designed by Rothelowman in 2022, with approval received in March last year.

The latest submission has come from&nbsp;Verso Development Group, an entity directed by Chinese-born Siwen Pan, who is believed to have taken over the 10,070 sqm site at 23 Castlebar Street.

Verso has brought in&nbsp;Kerry Hills Architects (KHA) to revise the plans for the unrepeatable site that is home to the&nbsp;1851, heritage-listed Shafston House, built by the Reverend Robert Creyke&nbsp;as a single-storey cottage called Ravenscott.

The proposal is for the tower to increase in levels to 25 and the apartments to go from 37 to 51.

<img alt="Shafston" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55a90156-a5eb-420f-922c-e0bed0a6726e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-20%20at%202.02.43%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=COey.vBpwZE_JIMeVG8cQpsXjIJHMFeq" />

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane’s finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," KHA noted in its Urban Context Report.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

The submission noted the departure point for the project is to celebrate the heritage elements that exist on the site.

"These elements manifest the layers of post-settlement history in Brisbane, and as part of the project they will be carefully and faithfully restored. They will be reinvigorated with uses that are closely associated with their original purposes as domestic and restorative spaces."

<img alt="Shafston" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="00cd19a0-27fa-47ea-8066-a781aabc893f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-20%20at%202.02.23%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=SOFJU_WZr3RZjbe6zmGFNUOWzkZoOuJD" />

Verso was recommendaed by Urbis to provide an independent design review of the proposed changes to the existing code assessed development approval of the Shafston Estate.

Malcolm Middleton Architects produced the review on the former plans, suggesting they

"The proponent of the site has a vision of this unique property that exceeds the code assessed approval and associated design compliance approach," the review read.

"The amended design seeks to deliver a project that will make a significant contribution to the quality of the city residential standards as well as focal point of architectural expression that will create an urban uplift for the site specifically and the city overall."

As well as the new tower, there would be two riverfront homes, and a guest house in the retain Postal Depot Building.

Further changes to the 2023 approval include a new section of riverwalk along the river frontage of the site as public infrastructure, and a six-berth private marina will be constructed on the river out from the riverwalk, in place of the existing pontoon.

Verso has brought in Kerry Hills Architects (KHA) to revise the plans for the unrepeatable site that is home to the 1851, heritage-listed Shafston House, built by the Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage called Ravenscott

Kangaroo Point's iconic Shafston House gets closer to apartment redevelopment

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/traders-in-purple">Traders in Purple</a> has revealed what it is planning to do with their recently acquired riverfront site in Brisbane's West End.

Traders picked up the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/117-victoria-street-west-end">117 Victoria Street site</a> from Crown Group earlier this year, spending $63.5 million on the 1.25-hectare block which had approved plans for over 440 apartments.

They have called on Rothelowman to completely change the design and density. The project will now offer just 132 apartments and 32 river and terrace homes.

<img alt="Traders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f65cc4f-3096-435b-9342-9aefb67e6ee6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-08%20at%209.16.30%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wk.r1rfoJwMr91mnvXPNItTi5Cw10Cki" />

Rothelowman noted in the design report said&nbsp;117 Victoria Street is a project about neighbourhood.

"[It's] the&nbsp;creation of a new neighbourhood within the context of an emerging place, a neighbourhood that links the existing vibrancy of West End (one of Brisbane’s oldest villages) back to the Brisbane River. A neighbourhood that balances a series of scales, housing diversity, streets, verges, parks and landscape. A neighbourhood that is aspirational in its desire to offer new ways of living in the subtropics that are focused on a humanist agenda."

<img alt="Traders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6c2011-ba0a-46e5-ad84-3a0bdcd6e1c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-08%20at%209.16.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7wwmi.rkrR71o2M8N9roOAQekM7.NkIA" />

They said the site is afforded&nbsp;an amazingly beautiful context and proximity to quintessential Brisbane landmarks, with the&nbsp;surroundings offering a mix of green streets and the timber and tin of Brisbane’s past.

"The design leans into the power of these assets and focuses site arrangements, dwelling orientation, and placement to gain deliberate and framed outlooks to the surrounds.

"The project focuses on the notion of quality over quantity. Built form is arranged to collaborate with the existing and future emerging developments of neighbouring sites providing generous building separation and relief within the broader neighbourhood."

<img alt="Traders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c73d7cc-6c3f-4e30-b982-bde29c2ceff1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-08%20at%209.17.30%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6GAgaJwdN_nEzER7d6OCCepUZcH6YMAB" />

Of the 132 apartments, there will be just two one-bedroom units, 32 two-bedders, and 98 three-bedrooms. 365 parking spaces will be provided, as well as 205 bicycle spaces.

The 32 riverfront and terrace homes offer either three or four bedrooms.

On the site purchase,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/traders-in-purple">Traders in Purple</a>&nbsp;Director George Geagea said the size and location of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/west-end-qld-4101">West End</a>&nbsp;site presented a rare opportunity to create a remarkable lifestyle-focused destination just 4km from the Brisbane CBD.&nbsp;

“This is a spectacular site, one of the largest on the Brisbane riverfront to come to market in recent years,” Geagea said.&nbsp;

<img alt="Traders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de27c048-2ca3-4ea4-a1cf-879710a74fb1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-08%20at%209.34.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=MWEROsww.NbY_N_xnorp9QOreyiZSHPi" />

“We have long wanted to make our mark in Brisbane’s inner-city but we were prepared to wait until the right &nbsp;site came along.

“Expansion into the inner-city of Brisbane is a natural growth for Traders In Purple. We have had incredible success on the Moreton Bay Peninsula where we have delivered 12 luxury waterfront projects over the past 15 years.”&nbsp;

Traders' inhouse construction arm will build the new project.

Rothelowman noted in the design report said 117 Victoria Street is a project about neighbourhood.

First look exclusive: Traders in Purple plan large apartments on West End megasite

The Brisbane City Council has granted approval for Meriton's two-tower development in the heart of the city.

The $1.3 billion development at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/204-alice-street-brisbane">204 Alice Street</a>,&nbsp;across from the City Botanic Gardens, will be one of Harry Triguboff's largest projects in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/brisbane-qld">Brisbane</a>&nbsp;having previously delivered several Meriton Suites buildings.

The two towers, one of which will reach 79 levels, will home 753 apartments, predominantly two-bedders (438).

There will be 168 one-bedroom units, each with a study, 119 three-beds, and 28 four-bedroom apartments. Just under 900 parking spaces will occupy five basement levels and four of the podium levels.

<img alt="First look: Meriton's full plans for first Brisbane apartment development revealed" 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%202024-01-10%20at%208.44.57%20am.png?VersionId=7Vg2Y5kpSLuqC9s7YnnHzJ5lciB87Bzn" />

DBI, the preferred architecture firm for Meriton on the Gold Coast where they have several skyscrapers, said in the submission that&nbsp;the design approach "minimises overshadowing of the Botanic Gardens, aiming to preserve the experience for both residents and the wider public."

"The two-tower development takes cues from the surrounding context including the city’s urban fabric as well as the Botanic Gardens and seeks to complement the adjacent heritage and place character, DBI noted.

"The development is set to become a landmark Brisbane destination and provides a visable presence on the skyline of the city. The tower plates have been carefully shaped to maximise the amenity of future residents and visitors and provide generous balconies offering access to Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle."

The podium level will be lined with retail, food and beverage spaces, and public amenities such as swimming pools, an outdoor gym, and play areas. An upcoming Public Art Strategy will also introduce integrated artworks.

<img alt="Meriton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9451c1c4-eb06-4e56-a641-6f256f38044d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-11-04%20at%209.50.37%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EM.B0pMbvmE0CjFtCOMCC.uNUbchAHyc" />

As part of a broader urban rejuvenation effort in Brisbane, 204 Alice Street is situated near other transformative projects including the Eagle Street Pier Precinct and Queen’s Wharf.

Urban Planning Services noted in a Town Planning Report that the development addresses the increasing demand for housing in South East Queensland by offering high-quality apartments in a prime location.&nbsp;

By introducing both residential and commercial spaces, the project aims to bolster the economic vitality of the City Centre, establishing a renewed pedestrian-friendly precinct with active street frontages and enhanced housing options in Brisbane’s core.

Urban Planning Services noted in a Town Planning Report that the development addresses the increasing demand for housing in South East Queensland by offering high-quality apartments in a prime location. 

Meriton approved for Brisbane skyscrapers

After nearly a decade of transforming West End’s iconic Peter's Ice Cream Factory site into a thriving community known as West Village, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a>&nbsp;is soon to unveil the final stage.

Currently building The Allere Collection, Sekisui has re-jigged its plans for the last building of the West End masterplan.

Dubbed Callista on Park, Sekisui had planned a 74-apartment tower with just three and four-bedroom apartments when <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-sekisuis-plans-for-west-village-final-tower-callista-on-park">Urban first revealed the plans back in late 2022</a>.

But now they're looking to increase the density, and change the mix.&nbsp;

Now proposing 96 apartments in the same building envelope, they're introducing two-bedroom apartments, of which there will be 33. Three-bedroom apartments will still dominate the makeup of the building (48). There will also be 15 four-bedroom apartments.

They said in the planning documentation submitted to Brisbane City Council this week that the shift is aimed at "accommodating a broader demographic in response to the evolving housing and economic landscape."

<img alt="First look exclusive: Sekisui's plans for West Village final tower, Callista on Park" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-05%20at%202.34.40%20pm.png?VersionId=A.uAEmNhV3atxr5hAex_j0IrOQTy87j3" />

Rothelowman, who was in charge of the first plans, has tweaked the designs of the facade of the 15-level building.

"Whilst striving to improve upon the approved design, this minor change proposal maintains the key elements of the approved scheme in regards to car parking, childcare offering, building separation, built form articulation and variation, and building stories," Rothelowman noted in their report submitted to council.

"Apartment mix has been diversified to reflect the current housing market, catering to a wider demographic of end users".

The plans maintain the rooftop garden concept, where residents will enjoy expanded recreational and landscaped spaces, replacing the previously planned recreational amenities on the podium level.&nbsp;

A childcare centre, integrated within the first level of the podium, remains part of the design.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Sekisui's plans for West Village final tower, Callista on Park" 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/Screen%20Shot%202022-10-05%20at%202.34.49%20pm.png?VersionId=0BQVRLAtsWfT989K2_MMxCdvm7s3F5lD" />

The architectural adjustments to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-111-boundary-street-west-end">Callista</a>’s design reflect a modern response to the site’s unique heritage context, the documents suggest.

Drawing on the area’s natural stone palette and utilizing contrasting materials, the new plans add dimension to the northern and southern volumes of the building, balancing the heritage-listed 1928-built Ice Cream Factory.&nbsp;

The refinements to Callista mark the concluding phase of Sekisui’s redevelopment of the iconic Peter's Ice Cream Factory site, which has evolved into a celebrated precinct with over 40 awards for its design and integration of heritage elements into a modern urban village.

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They said in the planning documentation submitted to Brisbane City Council this week that the shift is aimed at "accommodating a broader demographic in response to the evolving housing and economic landscape."

First look: Sekisui rejig Callista on Park, final stage at $1.2 billion West Village precinct

Kokoda Property Group's Teneriffe Banks development has secured $285 million in sales before its full launch to the market.

Over half of the residences have already been sold since&nbsp;The Interloom and The Skyform buildings, two of five buildings as part of the $1.5 billion mixed-use development, were revealed.

The Ferry Building and The Store Houses will home more apartments, and the other building will be dedicated to Brisbane's first 5-star Kimpton Hotel.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/teneriffe-banks-17-27-skyring-terrace-teneriffe">Teneriffe Banks</a>, designed by&nbsp;Studio McCue, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/carr-interiors">Carr</a>, will&nbsp;comprise over 200 residences ranging from luxury apartments to modern penthouse residences and grand, wool store-inspired lofts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139896 project_image_fid=295100]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/kokoda-property">Kokoda Property Group</a>, Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens, said the team is&nbsp;proud to set a new benchmark in Brisbane.

"The sales and level of interest in such a short period reinforces our belief that <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/teneriffe-qld-4005">Teneriffe</a> is ready for a development of this scale and sophistication, and speaks to the city’s growing demand for luxury and innovation in urban living.&nbsp;

“We are excited to bring our collective vision to life, creating a global destination for people to live, work, play and rejuvenate."&nbsp;

Located on the Brisbane River, The Interloom building connects the urban landscape with the waterfront, featuring up to 404 sqm luxury residences with soaring 3.8-metre ceilings and panoramic views.&nbsp;

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Perched above the soon-to-be-released Store House Lofts, The Skyform features more spacious apartments that offer up to 334 sqm of luxury living with four-metre ceilings and panoramic views of the Brisbane River and city skyline.

Residents of Teneriffe Banks will enjoy resort-style amenities, with each building including private dining rooms, personal wellness spaces, mineral baths, infinity pools, and exclusive access to the Canopy Club, one of the largest private members’ clubs in Queensland.&nbsp;

To meet demand, the remaining collections are set to hit the market soon, with The Ferry Building to be released next week.&nbsp;

The Ferry Building, a smaller-scale building to Ferry and Skyform, merges Teneriffe’s historic woolstores with contemporary apartment design.

Each Ferry Building home incorporates a large, private courtyard as an extension of the living space, with higher floors offering large terraces to entertain from.&nbsp;

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$285 million worth of apartments snapped up at Teneriffe Banks

When Brisbane lawyer Rebecca Stevens and her husband started thinking about downsizing, they weren't too sure where to start.

They knew they wanted to be closer to the city from their family home in Bardon, which was getting too big with their four kids all starting to finish university.

"We wanted city living again," Rebecca said, adding that lifestyle factors, like proximity to the city and walking distance to cafes and restaurants, were two key criteria in their search.

"We started looking around New Farm and other riverside areas, but we couldn't find anything that we really loved within our budget," Rebecca recalled.

The couple also knew they wanted something dog-friendly for their small dog, which is why they initially started their search in the established house market.

It was a visit to West Village, the $1.2 billion West End masterplanned community by Sekisui House Australia, which changed their mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=257536]

Rebecca had in fact suggested her parents move into West Village several years earlier, having&nbsp;spotted a Facebook ad for a French Christmas market being held on the lawns at West Village, and floated the idea of downsizing to her parents.

It wasn't until last year that Rebecca considered West Village as an option for her and her husband when she went to visit her parents.

"We never thought we'd want to live there, but we loved the idea of the lifestyle," Rebecca admitted, but having spent more time in the community, and a well-placed signboard, the couple's interest was piqued.

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"There's&nbsp;always been signage throughout the community talking about what's happening next. When we visited we noticed a signboard with a dog that looked a lot like ours and that turned our heads a little as we hadn't considered apartment living with the dogs.

"Dog-friendly living was something we thought we would never find in an apartment building, but to have an off-leash dog park on the roof of the building, communal dog wash facilities, and just to know having pets in the building was welcomed, that was a huge drawcard for us."

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Rebecca will soon be able walk to work in the city and will be in the immediate proximity to cafes, restaurants and retail, all located within West Village which is a thriving community having first started its development nearly a decade ago.

Rebecca's apartment, and the rest of the Allere Collection, are slated for completion mid-next year by regarded builders Hutchisons. There are only a handful of the four and five-bedroom apartments left in the Opulent Release.

Rebecca took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="https://expert-insights/buying/the-top-eight-considerations-when-buying-off-the-plan" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia.

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How the lure of city living is drawing downsizers to West Village: Urban Buyer Q&A

Brisbane’s Indooroopilly and the Gold Coast’s Coolangatta have appeared in the top 10 list for unit sales across Queensland for the very first time, according to research from InfoTrack.

Indooroopilly, in Brisbane’s western suburbs, has appeared for the first time, coming in at number eight for unit sales, while Coolangatta debuted in ninth.

InfoTrack’s Head of Property, Australia, Lee Bailie, said the established area is just eight kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and offers great buyer appeal. &nbsp;

“Indooroopilly has seen a jump in medium-density apartments in recent years as buyers flock to this convenient location or downsize from the many large houses in the area,” Bailie said. &nbsp;

“It’s also home to the largest shopping centre in Brisbane’s western suburbs, Indooroopilly Shopping &nbsp;Centre, which offers access to a great array of retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and cinemas.”&nbsp;

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Also to make the top 10 list for unit sales for the first time was the Gold Coast suburb of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>. After last appearing in the top 10 list a year ago (in Q3 2023), <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> made its first appearance for 2024, at number 10 in Q3.&nbsp;

The result confirms the strong attraction of the Gold Coast, with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> number one on the list for unit sales once again, a position it’s held for more than two years. &nbsp;

Also to rank highly for unit sales was Brisbane City in second place, followed by Maroochydore in third, with the booming Sunshine Coast suburb up from sixth place last quarter.&nbsp;

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InfoTrack’s report showed for house sales, the Gold Coast suburb of Pimpama topped the list, coming in at number one for the very first time. &nbsp;

“Pimpama has been steadily growing in popularity over the past 12 months and is up from fourth spot last quarter, to now be sitting in top spot,” Bailie said. &nbsp;

“Its equal distance to the heart of the Gold Coast and the Brisbane CBD makes it a very attractive &nbsp;commuter suburb, and a new train station is also under construction, boosting accessibility.”&nbsp;

Nearby Upper Coomera came in at number seven on the list.

The InfoTrack figures show houses have retained their position as the most popular property type in Queensland with a share of just over 60 per cent. Strata units had a 27.43 per cent share.&nbsp;

Indooroopilly and Coolangatta grow in popularity as sales surge

Following news of Victoria abolishing stamp duty for 12 months,&nbsp;Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has suggested the time is right to phase out stamp duty all together.

Speaking to ABC RN, Minister O’Neil expressed the Albanese Government’s support for greenfield development and infill of higher-density suburbs, as well as backing calls for stamp duty - a “bad tax”, to be phased out.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) CEO, Antonia Mercorella, said this publicly stated position opened the door for the State Government to work with the Federal Government to phase out Queensland’s outdated stamp duty regime to encourage a higher rate of home ownership.

“Stamp duty presents a considerable barrier to those wanting to buy their first home, and to retirees seeking to downsize their family home,” Mercorella said.

“It also hinders job mobility which affects the productivity of the entire economy, as well as impacting significant life decisions such as starting a family and moving homes."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Mercorella says phasing out stamp duty has the potential to drive a significant trend in ‘rightsizing’ to appropriately sized and located homes, substantially increasing the supply of housing into the market.

“Now is the time for the State Government to start that conversation and begin to negotiate a better GST outcome and incentive fund with the Federal Government in return for stamp duty reform.

“It is a long-standing policy direction of the REIQ to see a phased transition to a land tax-based model starting with first home buyers, as well as abolishment of stamp duty for downsizers aged over 55 moving to a home with fewer bedrooms.

“We appreciate that stamp duty is worth nearly $30bn over the forwards on the Queensland State Budget and that’s why a phased-out approach is best to avoid placing additional pressure on the state’s finances.”

The Allan Government in Victoria has just announced it is&nbsp;<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">removing stamp duty in full for off the plan buyers for 12 months</a>.

Mercorella says phasing out stamp duty has the potential to drive a significant trend in ‘rightsizing’ to appropriately sized and located homes, substantially increasing the supply of housing into the market

VIC abolishes stamp duty for off the plan apartments - could QLD be next?

SEQ developer Mosaic Property Group has revealed the changes it intends to make to the design of its recently acquired, development-approved site from Woolworths development arm Fabcot.

The important piece was to keep the full-line Woolworths on the ground level at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/25-ferry-street-kangaroo-point">25 Ferry Street</a>, but amend some parts of the development, dubbed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-25-ferry-street-kangaroo-point">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>, to be more inkeeping with how Mosaic has developed across Brisbane for the last two decades.

They've brought in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a> to tweak the design of the approved plans by Cottee Parker. The changes have been minor, with an additional level added but the number of apartments reduced from 130 to 128.

Gone are the seven one-bedroom apartments, replaced by some more three-bed units. There's also been an inclusion of three four-bedroom apartments, a configuration that wasn't on the old scheme.

The Urban Planning Report by DTS Group suggested the reduction in units will "deliver more spacious, functional residences that provide a high level of amenity for future occupants and appeal to a wider range of potential residents."

There's also been a change to the rooftop level. The gym that had been located on the roof has been moved down to the podium level to facilitate a larger dining and kitchen area on the roof. That will now have an informal lounge space and a TV lounge room that leads onto a viewing deck.

The approved outdoor BBQ and associated seating area is to be relocated to the eastern side of the rooftop and a new golf simulator is proposed. There's also a new small wellness area with sauna and ice plunge, near the 20m pool and adjoining spa.

<img alt="25 Ferry St, Kangaroo Point" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="176260d8-cc9a-45e3-8668-a14bf8a465e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/25%20Ferry%20St%2C%20Kangaroo%20Point%20apartment%20pers.png?VersionId=EUj68fLrkKaWAJT4lsErSN.AKitHSycR" />

BDA noted in their submission to the Brisbane City Council the project presents a contemporary design that "thoughtfully respects and integrates with the surrounding environment and architectural character."

"Its overall shape, massing, composition, and intricate details have evolved from a thorough analysis of the site’s physical characteristics, existing context, view corridors, and climatic conditions," BDA said.

"The proposed structure is thoughtfully divided into two distinct elements: a meticulously crafted brick podium housing parking and retail spaces, and an elegant residential tower that rises above, offering luxurious apartments and resident amenities."

"The careful detailing of the built form signifies a positive contribution to the Kangaroo Point precinct."

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>&nbsp;secured the prime 3,197 sqm site earlier this year from Fabcot. The site has been vacant for the last three decades.

<img alt="25 Ferry St, Kangaroo Point site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8256658-f963-4df7-97dd-47a7d81ab5b7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kangaroo%20Point%20site.png?VersionId=tsFR5_ik7AmUYR5mNptmXhDGs84Ao6mW" />

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a>&nbsp;Founder and Managing Director, Brook Monahan, emphasised the long-term significance of the acquisition.

"This iconic site has been on our radar since 2016, known to many as a dormant opportunity burdened by years of challenges," Monahan said.

"After a thorough 12-month process, we are honoured to have been entrusted by Woolworths to bring this landmark site to life. It is a truly special location."&nbsp;

Monahan said Kangaroo Point has long awaited a project that introduced essential amenities while further elevating the area's architectural landscape.

"Our collaboration with Woolworths is rooted in a shared vision—to seamlessly integrate luxury living with retail convenience, ultimately enriching the lives of residents and the broader community."&nbsp;

The Urban Planning Report by DTS Group suggested the reduction in units will "deliver more spacious, functional residences that provide a high level of amenity for future occupants and appeal to a wider range of potential residents."

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