Elevate Hume Place, the new apartment development above Crows Nest Metro by developer Third.i and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, has raced to 50 per cent sold.

Both local and international buyers have driven the sales of one of the most popular transit-oriented developments in Sydney, above the newly opened metro that will connect future Elevate residents to the rest of Sydney in minutes.

Designed by Woods Bagot, Elevate Hume Place comprises 130 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry said the project has received over 6,000 leads with over 400 appointments to date, with this unprecedented demand and strong interest not only reflecting the quality of the apartments but also the increasing demand for convenient, transit-oriented living in Sydney’s dynamic real estate market.

“With over 50 per cent of Elevate Hume Place sold, this achievement highlights the growing appetite for contemporary living that prioritises accessibility and connectivity,” Berry stated.

“The design, amenities, demographic, and prime location of Elevate Hume Place have attracted a diverse range of local and international buyers, from young professionals and first home buyers to investors and downsizers, all seeking the perfect blend of urban convenience and community charm.”

Freya Watson, JLL’s Head of Residential Project Sales Australia – the sales partner for Elevate Hume Place – shared insights into the diverse range of buyers the development has attracted.

“Elevate Hume Place sets a new standard for transit-oriented living, appealing to both owner-occupiers and investors. Properties near metro stations often achieve a 20-30 per cent price premium and attract high rental demand, which has contributed to the strong buyer interest. Buyers clearly recognise the long-term potential of this development.”

A significant portion of the buyer interest has come from Asia.

Among these international buyers, 25% are seeking residences for their children studying in Sydney, while another 25% are Australian passport holders or permanent residents looking for personal stays. The remaining 50% are investment-driven buyers, primarily from Singapore and Hong Kong, attracted by the project’s strong rental return potential.

“The Metro is a huge draw for buyers, especially those who value or are accustomed to the convenience of public transport, with its prime location and quick access to the CBD,” Watson added.

“The city views are also a major attraction, along with the abundance of schools and universities right on the doorstep.”

Berry says Elevate Hume Place buyers will experience a perfect blend of connectivity, community, and the vibrant lifestyle that Crows Nest offers.

“Elevate features shared spaces that promote community interaction, iconic Sydney views, and sustainable design elements. The thoughtfully designed apartments foster a meaningful connection to the natural surroundings while honouring the site’s rich history. In addition to direct metro access, residents will benefit from being close to Crows Nest Village, which provides a variety of lifestyle amenities.”

Prices at Elevate start from $970,000.

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In May this year, The Weekly SOURCE reported a 50% increase in construction costs over two years had forced Third.i to take its approved development at Merewether Golf Club  back to the City of Newcastle with new plans. 

Third.i sought 36 extra apartments and have been successful and has now announced it has appointed a building partner for the project. It has a new funding partner on board.  

Co-Founder Luke Berry said, in a prepared media release, after some delays for the development, which was first approved by state planning authorities in 2021, said the company was excited to get started on The Merewether Residences, which will have 178 two- and three-bedroom apartments overlooking the golf course, a health and wellness space and cinema. 

The Merewether is a shared vision between Third.i’s retirement living division, ThirdAge Villages, and Merewether Golf Club. It was designed by architect Eugene Marchese from Marchese Partners I Life3A. The architectural oversight has transitioned to EJE Architecture. 

Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and the expected completion date is 2027. 

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Sydney developer Third.i and joint-venture partners Phoenix Property Investors have been granted consent by the Sydney Metro for their Hume Place over-station development. 

Designed by Woods Bagot, Stage 1 of the project over the Crows Nest Station, dubbed Elevate, consists of 130 apartments.

Stage 2 of the project will offer 476 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and operate as a build-to-rent project and includes 60 affordable apartments.

Amenities for Stage 2 announced late last month include a health and wellness centre, golf simulator, co-working space, cinema, rooftop bar, pool, and music rooms.

Third.i and PPI will team up with community housing provider Evolve Housing to manage the project, offering one full tower of Site A as affordable housing in perpetuity.

Third.i and PPI was granted Stage 1 approval for the Metro Precinct development for sites A and B, before amending the concept State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Site A for mixed-use, which includes affordable and private housing, retail and commercial floor space.

The amended plan, which was approved by Sydney Metro, includes 15 per cent, or $100 million worth, of accommodation for frontline workers at the nearby Royal North Shore and Mater hospitals.

The amended concept SSDA is compliant with the transit-oriented development rezoning proposal for Crows Nest announced earlier this year, which would add 3255 homes in precincts within a 1.2km radius of the Metro station.

Third.i last month said its Stage 1 Elevate project had attracted 300 appointments in its opening weekend, of which 25 per cent were Australian-based buyers, with a skew towards downsizers aged over 55.

Twenty-five per cent of interest was from Asia, and the remaining 50 per cent defined as investors, particularly from Singapore and Hong Kong. 

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When the three founders of leading property development company Third.i established the retirement living division of their business, they kept their own parents in mind.

“We said we wanted to create retirement products that we would be very proud to have our own parents living in,” one of those founders, Luke Berry, says.

“My mum and dad and all of their friends worked hard in their lives,” he said. “And I think we owe it to that generation to create something that is truly exceptional. So our goal was to build beautifully-designed, high quality apartments, combined with the kind of incredible retirement village amenity that today’s retirees are looking for.”

Now, ten years later, the company is preparing to begin construction on what will be the flagship development in its retirement living vision – The Merewether Residences at the Merewether Golf Club in Newcastle.

Third.i has announced it has now appointed a building partner for the project and has a new funding partner on board – both of which will be unveiled at a celebration event at the Merewether Golf Course on November 28. Construction is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and the expected completion date is 2027.

Mr Berry said that after some delays for the development, which was first approved by state planning authorities in 2021, the company was excited to get started on this landmark luxury over-55s concept.

“It is very exciting for us and everyone involved,” he said. “The project has gone through a few challenges to get to this stage but now we’re able to move ahead on creating something that will never be replicated in the region, it’s such a rare opportunity.

“It’s a once in a generation project and now we have a clear pathway to completion.”

The project includes the residential development, The Merewether Residences, that’s integrated with the existing golf course. It will comprise 178 luxury apartments overlooking the golf course, extensive amenities – including a health and wellness space and cinema, and a new Merewether Golf Club club house. It all comes together to create a resort-style lifestyle for the community of more than 300 residents who’ll be living there.

The Merewether is a shared vision between Third.i’s retirement living division, called ThirdAge Villages, and the Merewether Golf Club. It was designed by architect Eugene Marchese from Marchese Partners, a leading expert on creating over-55s communities that make life easier, more enjoyable and more fulfilling for their residents. The architectural oversight has since transitioned to the multi award-winning EJE Architecture, which has taken the lead on the ambitious project.

Mr Berry said the whole concept is aimed at helping people who are either approaching or in their retirement to transition into their “third age”.

“That’s why we called our retirement division Third Age because we want to design these communities that are reflective of the new retiree that isn’t ready to slow down – they just want to live a little more comfortably,” he said.

“The reality is retirees today want to be active. They want to play golf, and want to be out enjoying good food and wine, they want to right-size into a home that’s going to be suitable for them for the next stage of their life – their third age – but without having to compromise on anything.

“So we’re building beautiful, high-quality, generously-sized apartments but combined with the retirement village amenities and the amazing connection to the golf club which is going to have food and beverage.

“These aren’t people who are just going to go into our apartments and sit and watch the day go by. They’re on a golf course, they’re surrounded by a beautiful green sanctuary and with people who are out enjoying the spaces and the amenities – young people meeting for afternoon drinks in the bar, families celebrating a birthday at the restaurant, people catching up with friends.

“It’s set up so you can easily engage with that community and that energy when you want to but at the same time the living is also far enough away, in this lovely environment, so you can slow down and relax when you want to.”

Mr Berry said the current purchasers of the three, two and one bedroom apartments are mostly local downsizing Novocastrians but many are also people relocating from Sydney and regional New South Wales.

And among those buyers are his own parents. “My parents are going to live there and a lot of their friends have decided to buy as well,” Mr Berry said.

“We’ve got people moving from Sydney and also a lot of locals who are choosing to retire there. We’ve got a lot of farmers from the middle, west and northwest of New South Wales.

“So we are bringing together a community that’s going to be really interesting, from a lot of different backgrounds who all want to live in this beautiful environment, in a great city.”

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Leading Australian developer Third.i Group, alongside joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, is thrilled to announce the successful launch of Stage 1 at Hume Place, named Elevate, which has garnered significant international and local interest since its debut.

With nearly 6,000 leads and over 300 appointments during the opening weekend, the demand for the apartments above the Crows Nest Metro station from both local and overseas buyers is unprecedented due to the unique location offering unparalleled connectivity to Sydney’s CBD. Elevate Hume Place has captured the attention of diverse buyer demographics. 

Notably, 25% of interested buyers from Asia are seeking residences for their children studying in Sydney, while another 25% are Australian passport holders or permanent residents looking for personal stays. The remaining 50% are investment-focused buyers, particularly from Singapore and Hong Kong, drawn to the project’s strong rental returns prospects. Following over 150 appointments with Asian buyers, the Asian roadshow has been extended with three additional events in Hong Kong and Singapore to accommodate the high demand.

In Australia, interest spans a diverse range of buyer demographics, including first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, and downsizers. The variety of apartment offerings—from one and two-bedroom units to larger three-bedroom options—caters to various needs.

The appeal of the Crows Nest Metro station is a significant draw for both international and local buyers who appreciate the unrivalled connectivity it provides, with the recently opened City & Southwest Metro line placing Crows Nest only seven minutes from Sydney’s CBD and four minutes from Chatswood.

This strategic location not only facilitates seamless commuting but also promotes a vibrant community atmosphere, encouraging pedestrian activity and local engagement. The integration of the Metro system with Hume Place allows residents to enjoy the convenience of urban living while being well-connected to the broader city, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both lifestyle and accessibility.

“We have been overwhelmed with interest for Elevate Hume Place, with 6,000 leads so far and around 300 groups visiting the display suite on our opening weekend alone.”

“This remarkable interest underscores the demand for quality living spaces that offer exceptional connectivity, particularly with the Crows Nest Metro station providing direct access to the CBD in just seven minutes. The combination of stunning architecture and the convenience of urban living has truly resonated with both local and international buyers.” Said Luke Berry, Co-founder & Director of Third.i Group. 

Plans for Stage 2 to be delivered as a build-to-rent offering have been announced by Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors, with Cushman & Wakefield appointed to sell the completed build-to-rent asset which will comprise circa 476 apartments, including approximately 60 units designated as affordable housing for frontline and key essential healthcare workers. 

The turnkey build-to-rent asset is set to redefine build-to-rent living in Sydney by integrating wellness amenities and communal spaces designed for community connection. The amenities earmarked for Stage 2 include an innovative health & wellness centre, golf simulator, co-working space, cinema, rooftop bar, pool, music rooms, and much more. 

With a limited number of build-to-rent projects in the pipeline in Sydney, Stage 2 at Hume Place is already attracting significant interest from international institutional capital looking to acquire the completed asset. 

According to Josh Cullen, International Director & Head of Capital Markets, Australia and New Zealand at Cushman & Wakefield, the build-to-rent market is becoming increasingly recognised as a vital component in addressing housing shortages and evolving urban needs.

“As cities grow and populations increase, the demand for flexible, high-quality rental options has surged. Build-to-rent developments such as Stage 2 at Hume Place are designed to meet this demand by offering a diverse range of apartment sizes and layouts that cater to various demographics, from young professionals to families and essential workers.”

“Stage 2 at Hume Place is set to become a market-leading build-to-rent asset, generating significant interest both locally and internationally,” said Robert Huxley, Co-founder of Third.i Group.

“Crows Nest stands out as one of Sydney’s most connected locations, thanks to the new Metro station that places residents just seven minutes from the CBD. This exceptional connectivity, combined with the suburb’s affluent demographic and anticipated population
growth, creates a compelling case for a luxury build-to-rent offering. We are witnessing strong demand from investors who recognise the potential for high-quality rental options in this vibrant community.

“As we develop Stage 2, our focus will be on delivering not only stylish and sustainable living spaces but also amenities that foster a sense of community and well-being, ensuring that Hume Place meets the needs of modern urban dwellers,” Mr Huxley concluded.

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There will be 476 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by Woods Bagot in the collaboration between the property developer, co-founded by Luke Berry, and Phoenix Property Investors, directly above the newly-opened Crows Nest Metro Station, 5km north of Sydney’s CBD. 

Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed to sell the completed Build to Rent (BTR) asset which will include approximately 60 units designated as affordable housing for frontline and key essential healthcare workers.  

It will integrate wellness amenities and communal spaces designed for community connection. The amenities earmarked for Stage 2 include an innovative health & wellness centre, golf simulator, co-working space, cinema, rooftop bar, pool, and music rooms. 

Third.i Group said Stage 2 at Hume Place is already attracting significant interest from international institutional capital looking to acquire the completed asset. 

Stage 1 Elevate, which is 130 residential apartments, drew nearly 6,000 leads and over 300 appointments during the opening weekend. The 25% of Australian passport-holders interested included downsizers and the marketing mentions “over 55s”. 25% interest was from Asia with the remaining 50% investment-focused buyers, particularly from Singapore and Hong Kong, drawn to the project’s strong rental returns prospects.

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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.

Third.i 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.

Luke Berry, Co-Founder of Third.i, said the team is 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 Crows Nest Metro Station, Elevate Hume Place has been designed by Woods Bagot. and are split into categories; The Urban Residences, Panoramic Residences, and Skyhomes.

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. 

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. 

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.

Third.i and joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors are working towards a Q3 2027 completion date.

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Third.i is excited to be a part of industry-shaking initiative, NestDeposit, a solution that allows property purchasers of all categories to secure their home with just a $10,000 deposit. NestDeposit will be available at Third.i’s new residential project, Elevate Hume Place, set to launch at Crows Nest Fest on Sunday, 20 October 2024. Situated directly above the recently opened Crows Nest Metro Station, this exceptional development will offer 130 one, two- & three-bedroom contemporary apartments, thoughtfully crafted by Woods Bagot.

NestDeposit aims to break down traditional barriers to property ownership, helping a wide range of purchasers including first-home buyers, investors, and downsizers, find a pathway to homeownership at a critical time in Australia’s property market. This game-changing solution comes as public discourse around housing affordability and home ownership intensifies. Recent polling and research by Redbridge and Accent revealed that 85% of Australians believe young people cannot enter the property market without family assistance.

Additionally, the 2024 PropTrack Housing Affordability Report indicates that the average Australian household takes approximately 5.6 years to save a 20% deposit for a median-priced home. These findings highlight the need for solutions like NestDeposit, as emphasised by Luke Berry, Co-Founder of Third.i, to help bridge the gap to homeownership for potential buyers.

“At Third.i, we’re 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.

“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,” said Mr Berry.

Using NestDeposit is straightforward. Buyers can register on the platform to view eligible properties like Elevate Hume Place. After pre-qualification they can secure a property with just $10,000, paying the remaining 10% deposit through monthly instalments.

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The future of residential living is evolving in Sydney’s Crows Nest. Award-winning real estate developer Third.i Group, alongside joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, is at the forefront of this change with its new future-focused precinct, Hume Place – a $650 million urban revival effort. A legacy for the Lower North Shore, Hume Place offers not just luxurious homes, but a lifestyle unmatched in community richness and connectivity.

Elevate is Hume Place’s newly launched Stage 1 of residences, offering a mix of 130 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments complemented by retail spaces and wellness amenities. What’s more, these homes are located directly above the new Crows Nest Metro, positioning residents just seven minutes from the CBD.

Luke Berry, co-founder and director of Third.i, states, “Elevate allows us to combine beautiful, architecturally inspired apartment living with the metro system, connecting residents to local surrounds and the broader city.”

A prime address above the metro

Located steps away from Crows Nest Village, Hume Place benefits from proximity to health and wellness facilities, a buzzing dining scene, entertainment, and retail spaces, enhancing its appeal as a pinnacle of convenience and lifestyle. Spread over three sites along the Pacific Highway and Hume Street, the precinct is well-connected.

What’s more, with Elevate located right above the new Crows Nest metro station, the brand-new development provides residents with easy access to Sydney’s extensive public transport network. This means that the CBD is just seven minutes away, while Chatswood and North Sydney are also easily accessible.

“Stage one at Hume Place, known as Elevate, is luxury apartment living above Sydney’s new, once-in-a-generation metro system,” said Luke.

“We can’t wait to make this vision a reality.”

The residences

Scheduled for completion by mid-2027, Elevate in Hume Place will offer exclusive residences that cater to the discerning tastes of owner-occupiers, investors, and downsizers. Architecturally designed by the renowned Woods Bagot, the development stands out for its modern architectural design.

Elevate’s residences are distinguished by oversized windows, luxurious finishings, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Its Urban Residences boast winter gardens or balconies to blend comfort and nature. While The Panoramic Residences take it a step further, capturing stunning views of Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Heads, harbour, and city skyline from its outdoor spaces.

For those looking for the ultimate in Crows Nest apartment living, Elevate’s Skyhomes offers spacious multi-level floorplans. Here, Penthouse Residences boasts sweeping views of Sydney’s skyline from private rooftop terraces with a pool and outdoor kitchen. Inside, chevron-engineered timber floorboards, sub-zero Wolf appliances, natural stone benchtops, and timber veneer joinery foster opulence and functionality.

A sustainable lifestyle precinct

Even with such a premium residential offering, Elevate is more than just apartments. This stage is part of a complete lifestyle precinct designed to foster a strong sense of community and enhance the close-knit feel of Crows Nest.

As a resident, you have exclusive access to luxurious amenities that include a rooftop pool, a private concierge, and a residents-only gym.

Future-proofed, sustainability forms the core of Elevate, designed to harness natural light, maximise ventilation, use a 100% electric power and solar energy design, and include features for rainwater capture and solar energy, striving for a six-star minimum and a seven-star average in Australian NatHERS targets.

Jason Fraser, principal architect at Woods Bagot, shares, “What excites me about Elevate is the way we’ve been able to design a residential building that supports sustainability and social interaction, contributes to a new community, and builds on its location to create exceptional homes.”

One-, two-, and three-bedroom residences are now selling, with one-bedders priced from $920,000.

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After a long day in the city, there could be nothing better than stepping straight from the train into a lift and up to the door of your home. The easiest commute imaginable – not to mention the speediest.

That’s exactly what’s in store for the residents of Elevate Hume Place, a 20-floor tower above the new Crows Nest Metro Station.

This access to Sydney’s Metro network places the development just a seven-minute train ride from the CBD and a four-minute ride from Chatswood.

Connectivity like this has attracted pre-sale interest from overseas investors, says Luke Berry, the co-founder of developer Third.i Group.

“We’ve been blown away with the level of inquiry and to date we’ve had nearly 4000 inquiries,” he says. “It’s crazy.

“I think the foreign buyers, particularly in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, are familiar with the impact that transport infrastructure has, and that’s why there’s this enormous interest from foreigners to buy one of these off the plan.”

Elevate Hume Place is the first stage of a master-planned precinct that is designed to revitalise Crows Nest on Sydney’s lower north shore.

Berry describes the development as a legacy project for his company and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for buyers.

“I honestly think that the Metro is the defining factor of our property,” he says.

“Not only are you getting this beautiful, architecturally designed home or investment, it’s built on top of a piece of transport so within minutes you are in the heart of a city or in areas like Chatswood, for food, shopping and lifestyle.

“That’s going to be the biggest thing that people realise when they see our property.”

With interior design and architecture by Woods Bagot, Elevate consists of a range of residences, some with home office or flexible spaces.

The upper-level Skyhomes have penthouse-style floor plans spanning up to 218 square metres, with outdoor terraces of up to 102 square metres that include private plunge pools and al fresco bars.

Buyers can also choose from the Urban or Panoramic apartments. Each Urban apartment features a winter garden or balcony, while the Panoramic residences offer private balconies and winter gardens.

Views of the city or out to the harbour can be seen from the seventh floor and above.

For those who are dubious about the noise conditions that come with living above a train station, Berry says there are seven floors between the underground train platform and the ground floor of the building.

“Any noise that you would pick up would be the normal urban noise of cars or buses that go past the property, but even that you don’t hear or experience because you’re seven stories above it,” he says.

“There’s an enormous distance and structure between any impact of the metro and for the residents.”

The designers were inspired by the blue-gum forests that once occupied the site, and worked closely with the local Indigenous community.

The green facade takes its cues from nature and this is complemented by the landscaping designed to spill over the terraces and sprout from the rooftop garden.

For Woods Bagot pricipal Jason Fraser, the highlight of building is the sense of community it will have.

“The location is so unique – it has the village character of Crows Nest that everyone loves, but is also serviced by the new infrastructure and resulting activation and improved public domain of the new Metro,” he says.

“The homes are designed to elevate the living experience, planned to allow people to adapt their homes in ways that best suit them.”

Features include “facades that promote increased natural light and increased ventilation, [and] social zones to bring people together as a community”, Fraser adds.

“The design has considered the best outcomes at a precinct scale, a building scale and a personal home scale to make the experience connected and wholly exceptional.”

Shared facilities have been baked into the design of the building, beginning with the lobby and retail stores on ground level.

Just above, on the first floor, is the wellness centre, while the crowning touch is the rooftop pool deck that shows off the best of the views.

Residents of Elevate Hume Place will also have access to a concierge, a residents-only wine room and electric car sharing.

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