Build to Rent platform Novus and M&G Real Estate (M&G) have secured a DA for their Novus on Albert Build to Rent scheme in Sydney’s Chatswood.
Designed by Rothelowman, Novus on Albert will comprise 198 studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom Build to Rent apartments across 27 storeys. The tower has been carefully designed to maximise solar access, amenity and privacy, while capturing panoramic views over the Lane Cover River to the west and Sydney’s CBD to the south.
“The thorough process involved working alongside the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Willoughby City Council, and Government Architect NSW, to reach a positive outcome for Sydney’s Lower North Shore and aid in the housing shortfall being experienced across the state of NSW.
“Novus on Albert is part of the new wave of sustainably designed and developed residential buildings and will include a range of initiatives such as 5-star Green Star rating; average 7-star NatHERs; passive design initiatives and materials selection to promote improved thermal performance; reduced reliance on mechanical air conditioning; increased energy efficiency; use of high-performance fittings and fixtures; rainwater tank; provisioning for future EV charging infrastructure; and solar for onsite electricity generation.
“Construction is due to commence in early 2026 and the project will provide a massive injection into the local economy with the creation of 194 jobs during the build, and a further 70 ongoing jobs once in operation.
“Having successfully stabilised our flagship Melbourne project, Novus on Sturt, achieving near full occupancy in under six months and with Novus on Harris in Parramatta progressing on schedule, our team is full steam ahead as we continue to grow our portfolio.”
Jason Goldsworthy, Co-founder and Chief Development Officer, Novus
Amenities include a pool, wellness areas with a sauna and cold plunge, co-working spaces, a rooftop lounge, outdoor terrace, and a variety of dedicated resident facilities and ground-floor retail.
“Novus on Albert represents an important milestone in our strategy to grow our exposure to high-quality residential assets in Australia.
“This project reflects our long term conviction in the living sector and our commitment to providing well-designed, sustainable housing solutions that deliver strong outcomes for residents and investors alike.”
Alex Banzic, Head of Australia, M&G Real Estate
The A$290m development is situated adjacent to Chatswood’s major lifestyle and retail precincts – including Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Concourse Arts Precinct – with direct connections to the Chatswood Transport Interchange, providing access to buses, trains and the metro. Several public open spaces and multiple schools are also within easy reach.
“Novus on Albert continues our growing partnership with Novus, built on a shared commitment to housing.
“Prioritising the occupant experience, the design encourages engagement between people and place through layered landscape, crafted detail, and robust materials – contributing meaningfully to Chatswood’s evolving urban fabric.”
Ben Pomroy, Principal, Rothelowman
This development is one of three Build to Rent schemes being delivered by Novus and M&G as part of the Novus Build to Rent Trust (NBT), where M&G Real Estate’s flagship core Asia Pacific property strategy holds a 95% majority interest, with Novus acting as the development and operating partner.
The other two developments are Novus on Sturt in Melbourne’s Southbank and Novus on Harris in Sydney’s Parramatta.
