Property developer using technology to help reduce increasing construction costs

Australian property development company, Thirdi Group (Third.i) says it has achieved transformational outcomes in their operational processes following their transition to a new CRM platform a year ago.

With a portfolio that includes landmark projects such as Hume Place, Dairy Farmers Towers, Kurraba Residences and Balfour Place, Third.i has delivered several sustainable housing solutions across Australia.

However the slow upwards creep of construction costs are begining to bite. In one case, a 50% increase in construction costs over two years forced Third.i to ask the City of Newcastle to approve expanded plans to maintain project viability on its Merewether village development.

To help try and stave off these cost increases, and also to try and enhance their overall operational efficiency in a market that has become increasingly economically challenging, the company says it partnered with Unlatch in order to “provide significant benefits across their projects”.

“This partnership has enabled us to streamline operations and focus more on delivering exceptional developments like Hume Place, where technology integration and customer-centric design are paramount,” says Luke Berry, director and co-founder of Third.i.

Tammy Clinch, Head of Marketing at Third.i. says “The system’s transparency and functionality have helped drive interest and engagement in projects such as Muse Potts Point.”

Recently reported by Architecture & Design was Balfour Place, is another luxury apartment project in Lindfield, NSW developed by Third.i in conjunction with joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors (PPI), has officially topped out with the completion of all structural works.

Designed by Rothelowman, Balfour Place is situated on Balfour Street amidst Lindfield’s beautiful leafy setting, with the development offering residents the promise of luxury living combined with the charm of village life.

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Go Big or Go Home: Aussies Dive into Global Mega-Projects

Australia is a drop in the ocean in terms of capital and development globally.

So for those who make the dive into the international pool there is a lot to learn, particularly when working on a mega-scale.

Across the world, a diverse group of mega-projects are slated for completion in 2024, from tall towers to rail networks, airports to whole new cities, precincts and arenas.

For some it is go big or go home, for others it is an opportunity to expand into a new market.

DKO founding partner Koos de Keijzer is off to Jakarta to set up an office in Indonesia and to design housing parcels within PIK2, an upscale waterfront project north of Jakarta featuring residential areas, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities.

Property developer Agung Sedayu and Salim Group are behind plans to create the new Jakarta city. De Keijzer says they are working with the developers to design homes within the project.


“They have a 6000ha site on the north side of Jakarta up against the sea—and we are doing three or four housing parcels,” de Keijzer tells The Urban Developer.


“Like most things in South-East Asia it is a colossal project, it’s all about the rising Indonesian middle class.

“We got that job because we’re working with the same developer on Belmont Park in Perth and hence they liked our work and the way we approached things.”

Golden Sedayu has a 38ha, $3.8-billion project, including a racecourse, towers and entertainment precinct on the Swan River.

Also on the cards for DKO offshore are a boutique Bali restaurant, Saltlick; 1000 apartments in Vietnam, Kiwi mega-churches and the Pullman Accor Hotel at Hamilton, also in New Zealand.

“All our work outside Australia is strongly relationship based,” de Keijzer says. “But in Vietnam I’ve probably learned a lot more there than I taught them.

“The way they deal with density is an approach we can learn from.

“The urban form is quite different, they have houses four or five storeys tall, all through-ventilated and it is easy to have a private part of the house and a public part of the house.

“It’s a typology we don’t really work with in Australia. We are trying to but the planning rules are quite onerous.”

Of the Australians working on mega-projects, some do so directly with Australian-based companies as is the case for DKO while others are withglobal firms.

There are Aussies at the engineering business Robert Bird Group working on Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Spotify Cam Nou in Barcelona, and Sound Storm in Riyadh as well as several airports.

While perhaps not quite meeting the mega-project threshold, but with a sizable £180-million project under way in London, and a $2.5-billion pipeline, is Third.i Group.

Of the 160 build-to-sell apartments in its Graphite Square project at Vauxhall on the south bank of the Thames, less than 30 apartments are unsold.

Third.i director Luke Berry says while there are similarities between the UK and Australia, notable differences in Britain include about 70 banks interested in financing property projects.

“That means it is a lot more competitive with our funding and we can get a better outcome and terms, that’s an advantage,” Berry says.

“Some of the funding partners who have invested in London with us now want to invest with us in Australia, and it goes the other way.

“London as a landscape is so competitive. When you launch a project in Sydney, a global city in its own right, there may be four projects launching at the same time.

“When you launch in London that could be 30 to 40 and the media landscape is so vast.

“Over here there’s core media partners we work with to launch to the market but in London there’s hundreds of options.”

This is creating new opportunities and challenges for the developer but there is also another buyer pool, the bulk buyer.

“The appetite to buy stock in London in bulk is something that I haven’t seen in Australia for a long time—from a foreign investment view we haven’t made it easy,” Berry says.

“I’ve got clients who have bought five to 10 apartments in a line.”

“We’ve had clients, site unseen, spend £10 million to £20 million remotely from the Middle East and Far East wanting to invest in London real estate because it is so stable and so safe.”

Third.i is now planning to expand in the Lambeth borough with several sites in the pipeline for projects from 50 to 500 apartments each.

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Third.i’s North Shore Shoptop Tops Out

The $180-million Balfour Place development, Third.i’s project in Sydney leafy Upper North Shore, has topped out.

The Lindfield project will eventually deliver a mixed-use precinct spanning a 7000sq m site that was formerly a Coles supermarket.

Lead by high-profile developer Third.i with joint-venture partner Phoenix Property Investors (PPI), the shoptop mixed-use project’s structural works are now done.

Work on the block at Balfour Street got under way in March of last year and is due to complete in early 2025. Conquest is the builder.

Balfour Place will comprise 59 apartments designed by Rothelowman in a mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms, on top of 4500sq m of retail and hospitality spaces, including a Coles supermarket.

The project launched to the market in April, 2022, selling out within a matter of weeks.

Third.i co-founder Luke Berry said they had “tailored Balfour Place to meet the evolving needs of the market, particularly focusing on providing larger living spaces that are ideal for residents”.

The Coles at Balfour Place will be double the size of the prior store and will include a Liqourland and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway.

More than 230 carparking spaces will span across two levels.

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Third.i & Phoenix Property investors top out Balfour Place project in Lindfield

Lindfield’s latest luxury-meets-village destination, the $180 million Balfour Place, has officially topped out, marking a significant milestone in its development. The highly anticipated project, developed by leading Australian developer Third.i in conjunction with joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors (PPI), has completed its structural works. Due to complete in early 2025, industry leading building, Conquest, has been appointed to bring Balfour Place to life.

Nestled within Lindfield’s leafy heart on Balfour Street, Balfour Place will comprise 59 best-in-class apartments designed by Rothelowman, situated on top of 4,500 sqm of vibrant retail and hospitality spaces, including a brand-new Coles supermarket.

The project launched to the market in April 2022, selling out within a matter of weeks. First-home buyers and young families are among those set to call Balfour Place home, with a collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with private courtyards.

“We are thrilled to announce the topping out of Balfour Place, a landmark moment for Third.i, PPI, and the Lindfield community,” said Luke Berry, Co-Founder of Third.i.

“Despite challenging market conditions, this project stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering homes that buyers can be proud of.

“Balfour Place is set to become a bustling community and lifestyle hub, embodying the essence of luxury and village charm that Lindfield is known for.

“We have meticulously tailored Balfour Place to meet the evolving needs of the market, particularly focusing on providing larger living spaces that are ideal for residents.

“Our goal has always been to create homes that offer both comfort and functionality, ensuring that our buyers can thrive in a vibrant and well-connected community.

“We can’t wait to see the project complete early next year.”

“Phoenix Property Investors is proud to collaborate on a project that exceeds the expectations of today’s buyers,” said Trent Winduss, Partner and Head of Australia at Phoenix Property Investors.

“This development highlights our shared vision of creating exceptional living environments that blend modern luxury with community-centric design.

“We look forward to the completion of Balfour Place and are confident it will set a new standard for quality living in Lindfield.”

The Coles at Balfour Place will be double the size of the prior store and will include a Liquorland and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway. Over 230 car parking spaces will also be available spanning across two levels, adding another layer of convenience to both residents and the local community.

Balfour Place, situated amidst Lindfield’s beautiful greenery, embodies its neighbourhood charm with a mix of warm brick, stone, and unique bronze metalwork. Residents can enjoy desirable indoor-outdoor living spaces, rooftop landscapes, and a refined sanctuary, all situated within the convenience of Sydney’s vibrant city living.

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Third.i’s $180-million Rothelowman-designed Balfour Place in Lindfield tops out

Balfour Place, a luxury apartment project in Lindfield, NSW developed by Third.i in conjunction with joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors (PPI), has officially topped out with the completion of all structural works.

Designed by Rothelowman, Balfour Place is situated on Balfour Street amidst Lindfield’s beautiful leafy setting, with the development offering residents the promise of luxury living combined with the charm of village life.

Built by Conquest, the project comprises a collection of 59 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with private courtyards on top of 4,500sqm of vibrant retail and hospitality spaces, including a brand-new Coles supermarket.

Launched to the market in April 2022, the project sold out in a matter of weeks to mostly first home buyers and young families.

“We are thrilled to announce the topping out of Balfour Place, a landmark moment for Third.i, PPI and the Lindfield community,” said Luke Berry, co-founder of Third.i.

“We have meticulously tailored Balfour Place to meet the evolving needs of the market, particularly focusing on providing larger living spaces that are ideal for residents. Our goal has always been to create homes that offer both comfort and functionality, ensuring that our buyers can thrive in a vibrant and well-connected community. We can’t wait to see the project complete early next year,” he added.

Trent Winduss, partner and head of Australia at PPI, said, “Phoenix Property Investors is proud to collaborate on a project that exceeds the expectations of

today’s buyers. This development highlights our shared vision of creating exceptional living environments that blend modern luxury with community-centric design. We look forward to the completion of Balfour Place and are confident it will set a new standard for quality living in Lindfield.”

The Coles at Balfour Place will be double the size of the previous store and will include a Liqourland and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway. Over 230 car parking spaces will also be available spanning across two levels, adding another layer of convenience to both residents and the local community.

Read More.

Award-winning builder set to deliver Third.i’s debut Coffs Harbour project

Construction will soon commence on leading Australian developer Third.i’s debut Coffs Harbour project, Sable at the Jetty, with the appointment of local construction company FM Glenn Constructions to deliver the residential development.

This is the first collaboration between Third.i and FM Glenn Constructions, which was recently awarded the NSW (New South Wales) Northern Regions Commercial Builder of the Year by the Master Builders Association.

Sable at the Jetty comprises a luxury collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments along the Coffs Harbour shorefront, topped by a breath-taking penthouse sold last year for $2.35 million, a record price for the region.

All apartments will feature luxurious high-end finishes and state-of-the-art appliances with future residents enjoying communal spaces including a lush courtyard. Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Streets, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops, and offers numerous transport links.

Since its launch in late 2022, the project has seen tremendous buyer interest with over 90 per cent of the apartments already sold to mostly downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle with a range of lifestyle amenities at their doorstep.

Luke Berry, Third.i director & co-founder says, “We’re thrilled to announce that FM Glenn Constructions has come on board to deliver Sable at the Jetty. The project represents more than just a development, it symbolises a significant step forward for Coffs Harbour’s coastline and the local community. With FM Glenn Constructions at the helm, the development of Sable at the Jetty will bring a blend of modernity and sustainability that aligns seamlessly with the city’s infrastructural needs and natural beauty.

“This project embodies a lifestyle aspiration, tapping into the growing demand for coastal living experiences in regional cities. Every colour and finish has been carefully selected to reflect coastal textures and aesthetics. We’re excited to bring this project to fruition for our buyers and potential buyers seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, and we’re excited to partner with FM Glenn Constructions to do exactly that,” Berry adds.

Construction is due to commence in May this year, with completion estimated in late 2025.

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FM Glenn Constructions to deliver Third.i’s first Coffs Harbour project

Property developer Third.i has appointed FM Glenn Constructions to deliver their debut Coffs Harbour project, Sable at the Jetty, with construction set to commence in May.

Sable at the Jetty will comprise a collection of one-, two, and three-bedroom apartments to the Coffs Harbour shorefront that will be topped by a $2.35 million penthouse, that was sold at a record price for the region in 2023.

The project was launched to the market in late 2022 and has now achieved over 90% of residences sold. With buyers so far consisting largely of downsizers and owner-occupiers.

The appointment of FM Glenn Constructions marks the first collaboration between Third.i and the local construction company.

“We’re thrilled to announce that FM Glenn Constructions has come on board to deliver Sable at the Jetty. The project represents more than just a development, it symbolises a significant step forward for Coffs Harbour’s coastline and the local community.

“We’re excited to bring this project to fruition for our buyers and, potential buyers seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, and we’re excited to partner with FM Glenn Constructions to do exactly that.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Third.i on the construction of the Sable at the Jetty project in Coffs Harbour. Their innovative vision and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our own values, and we are excited to bring this highly anticipated development to life together,” said Robert Norton, director at FM Glenn Constructions.

Sable at the Jetty is located within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops and boats numerous transport links. With the mid to northern NSW coastline currently recording strong sales and growth, according to CoreLogic data.

The remaining apartments at the project are priced from $675,000 to $1,695,000.

Construction on Sable at the Jetty, is due to commence in May this year, with completion estimated in late 2025.

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FM Glenn Constructions to bring Third.i’s Sable at the Jetty to life

Construction is due to commence in May this year, with completion estimated in late 2025. The appointment marks the first collaboration between Third.i and the local construction company, which was recently awarded the NSW (New South Wales) Northern Regions Commercial Builder of the Year by the Master Builders Association.

FM Glenn Constructions is renowned across the Northern NSW coastline for bringing forth a range of commercial entities, community projects and residential homes and developments since its inception in 1979.

Sable at the Jetty will bring forth a luxury collection of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments to the Coffs Harbour shorefront, topped by a breath-taking $2.35 million penthouse sold at a record price for the region last year.

According to recent data by CoreLogic, suburbs across the mid to northern NSW coastline are recording strong sales and growth, increasing local attraction to the Coffs Harbour suburb and boosting Sable at the Jetty’s long term growth value.

The project has been met with a swarm of buyer interest since its launch to market in late 2022, with over 90% sold and only a limited number of apartments remaining. Buyers have predominantly consisted of downsizer and owner-occupier markets, seeking a relaxed and coastal lifestyle with a range of lifestyle amenities at their doorstep.

Luke Berry, Third.i Director & Co-founder said: “We’re thrilled to announce that FM Glenn Constructions has come on board to deliver Sable at the Jetty. The project represents more than just a development, it symbolises a significant step forward for Coffs Harbour’s coastline and the local community. With FM Glenn Constructions at the helm, the development of Sable at the Jetty will bring a blend of modernity and sustainability that aligns seamlessly with the city’s infrastructural needs and natural beauty.

“This project embodies a lifestyle aspiration, tapping into the growing demand for coastal living experiences in regional cities. Every colour and finish has been carefully selected to reflect coastal textures and aesthetics. We’re excited to bring this project to fruition for our buyers and, potential buyers seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, and we’re excited to partner with FM Glenn Constructions to do exactly that,” Mr Berry concluded.

“We are thrilled to partner with Third.i on the construction of the Sable at the Jetty project in Coffs Harbour. Their innovative vision and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our own values, and we are excited to bring this highly anticipated development to life together,” said Robert Norton at FM Glenn Constructions.

The project will comprise a string of luxurious high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances and an unrivalled lifestyle in one of the most idyllic locations along the mid north coast of New South Wales. The project will also feature communal spaces including a lush courtyard for all residents.

Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Street, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops, and offers numerous transport links at your doorstep.

Remaining apartments are priced from $675,000 to $1,695,000.

Read More.

FM Glenn Constructions appointed to deliver Third.i’s Sable at the Jetty development in Coffs Harbour

Third.i, an Australian developer, is set to commence construction on their debut Coffs Harbour project, Sable at the Jetty, with FM Glenn Constructions appointed as the builder.

Construction is due to begin in May this year, with completion estimated in late 2025.

This marks the first collaboration between Third.i and the local construction company, which was recently awarded the NSW Northern Regions Commercial Builder of the Year by the Master Builders Association.

FM Glenn Constructions, established in 1979, is renowned across the Northern NSW coastline for delivering a range of commercial entities, community projects, and residential homes and developments.

Sable at the Jetty will offer a luxury collection of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments on the Coffs Harbour shorefront, topped by a $2.35 million penthouse sold at a record price for the region last year.

Recent data by CoreLogic shows that suburbs across the mid to northern NSW coastline are recording strong sales and growth, increasing local attraction to the Coffs Harbour suburb and boosting Sable at the Jetty’s long-term growth value.

The project has been met with strong buyer interest since its launch in late 2022, with over 90% sold and only a limited number of apartments remaining.

Buyers have predominantly consisted of downsizer and owner-occupier markets, seeking a relaxed and coastal lifestyle with a range of amenities at their doorstep.

Luke Berry, Third.i Director & Co-founder, said the project represents more than just a development, symbolising a significant step forward for Coffs Harbour’s coastline and the local community.

“With FM Glenn Constructions at the helm, the development of Sable at the Jetty will bring a blend of modernity and sustainability that aligns seamlessly with the city’s infrastructural needs and natural beauty,” Berry said.

“This project embodies a lifestyle aspiration, tapping into the growing demand for coastal living experiences in regional cities. Every colour and finish has been carefully selected to reflect coastal textures and aesthetics.”

Robert Norton at FM Glenn Constructions said they are thrilled to partner with Third.i on the construction of the Sable at the Jetty project.

“Their innovative vision and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our own values, and we are excited to bring this highly anticipated development to life together,” Norton said.

The project will feature luxurious high-end finishes, state-of-the-art appliances, communal spaces including a lush courtyard, and an unrivalled lifestyle in one of the most idyllic locations along the mid north coast of New South Wales.

Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Street, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops, and offers numerous transport links at your doorstep.

Remaining apartments are priced from $675,000 to $1,695,000.

Read More.

Third.i appoint builder for Sable at the Jetty, Coffs Harbour apartments

Property developer Third.i is set to commence construction on their debut Coffs Harbour project, Sable at the Jetty, with FM Glenn Constructions appointed to bring the project to life.

Construction is due to commence in May this year, with completion estimated in late 2025. The appointment marks the first collaboration between Third.i and the local construction company, who was recently awarded the NSW (New South Wales) Northern Regions Commercial Builder of the Year by the Master Builders Association. 

FM Glenn Constructions is renowned across the Northern NSW coastline for bringing forth a range of commercial entities, community projects and residential homes and developments since its inception in 1979. 

Sable at the Jetty will bring a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments to the Coffs Harbour shorefront, topped by a $2.35 million penthouse which sold at a record price for the region last year. 

According to recent data by CoreLogic, suburbs across the mid to northern NSW coastline are recording strong sales and growth, increasing local attraction to Coffs Harbour and boosting Sable at the Jetty’s long-term growth value.

Buyers so far at the project have predominantly consisted of downsizer and owner-occupier markets, seeking a relaxed and coastal lifestyle with a range of lifestyle amenities at their doorstep. 

Luke Berry, Third.i Director & Co-founder said the project symbolises a significant step forward for Coffs Harbour’s coastline and the local community.

“With FM Glenn Constructions at the helm, the development of Sable at the Jetty will bring a blend of modernity and sustainability that aligns seamlessly with the city’s infrastructural needs and natural beauty,” Berry said.

“This project embodies a lifestyle aspiration, tapping into the growing demand for coastal living experiences in regional cities. Every colour and finish has been carefully selected to reflect coastal textures and aesthetics. We’re excited to bring this project to fruition for our buyers and, potential buyers seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, and we’re excited to partner with FM Glenn Constructions to do exactly that.”

Located on the corner of Collingwood and Edgar Street, Sable at the Jetty is within walking distance from the beach, local schools, cafes and shops, and offers numerous transport links at your doorstep.

The remaining apartments are priced from $675,000.

Read More.