Sydney's North Shore is becoming increasingly popular with buyers who want to live amidst beautiful nature and have immediate access to the best amenities.

Now, a new 1.26 hectare master-planned community, St Leonards South Precinct, is making the area even more desirable.

Developed by Top Spring, architecturally designed by Bates Smart Architecture and landscaped by Arcadia Landscape Architecture, The Newlands sits at the centre of this refreshed area.

Featuring five mid-rise residential towers with 323 flats and townhomes, The Newlands was designed to revolutionise modern flat living.

The new St Leonards South Precinct is an initiative of the Lane Cove Council to revitalise the natural environment and create desirable new inner-city living opportunities, and Top Spring's Development Director, Jeff Curnow, says the design of The Newlands is a perfect fit with this vision.

All the modern amenities residents need are within easy reach in St Leonards, with access to the CBD's trains, retail, jobs, education, medical facilities and childcare just minutes away, he said.

At the same time, he pointed out that residents will also be able to enjoy views of the 5,700 square metres of 'green spine' which runs the length of the development and is planted with native trees, shrubs and flowers. They will also be able to exercise and relax in Newlands Park across the road, as well as take short bush walks with stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Residents simply cross River Road and walk along Berrys Creek to reach the foreshore, Curnow said.

The NSW Government's St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 programme will also further boost the area. The government will then invest in more green space, public infrastructure, new homes and connectivity, including new footpaths and bike lanes.

Curnow says no detail has been overlooked in the design of The Newlands' spacious one, two and three-bedroom homes in order to match the newly upgraded surroundings.

Architect Bates Smart and interior designers spread natural stone throughout. We used V-ZUG appliances, which are usually associated with upscale homes in the eastern suburbs. We don't compromise on quality, he says.

Flats feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, oversized windows, seamless indoor-outdoor connections, and many have den/office spaces. Buyers can choose from dark or light kitchen and bathroom tones.

"We have 2.7-metre ceilings in the living room, kitchen, dining room and all the bedrooms. for us, these little details mean that when you walk into a flat you say 'oh wow, it's cosy and stylish'," says Curnow.

The combination of the new St Leonards South masterplan and quality flat living has proved popular with a diverse range of buyers, with the first flats launched attracting around $100 million in sales so far.Curnow says downsizers, singles, couples and small families have all snapped up properties.

"Of course, investors are coming in, but a lot of the feedback we're getting is that it's going to be primarily owner-occupied," he said.

Paul Ryan, senior economist at REA Group, said sales in St Leonards have been good over the past year, with the median price of a unit at $1.2 million, up 1.7 per cent. What's more, rental prices have risen 16 per cent over the period, outpacing Sydney and Australia as a whole.

"It's an area that has everything. There are shops, restaurants, cafes and other amenities. There is a rapid transport network to the city. Plus, a lot of people work in St Leonards," Ryan says.

Another factor that attracts buyers to Newlands is its approach to sustainable living and cost savings. curnow says many of the energy-saving measures at Newlands exceed the NSW BASIX requirements, with the entire development achieving an average 6.5-star Nathers rating.

Sustainable features include as many north-facing flats as possible and extensive cross ventilation within the flats. Water efficiency in taps, showerheads and dishwashers are all WELS rated and energy efficient appliances and lighting have been used throughout the development.

There are 100kW of solar panels throughout the development to generate electricity for the communal properties and a centralised energy efficient central gas fired water heater for hot water production.

There will also be 10 electric bicycles on site for exclusive booking by residents. There will also be 30 dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the basic infrastructure for future EV chargers for each car park.

Newland's wellness and community initiatives are also receiving attention from homebuyers, particularly the heated outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor gyms, infrared sauna, personal training area, and rooftop recreation space with views of the city skyline.

"Upon completion, we will be able to demonstrate how well we have done when we stroll through the new site and see everyone living their best life.

"We'll see the planting doubled in size and lushness everywhere. People will enjoy the pool and the flats are as beautiful as they were when we handed over the keys. They're happy with every aspect of the place," Curnow says.

Prices at Newlands Apartments range from about $870,000 for a one-bedroom flat to about $3.25 million for a three-bedroom and terrace flat.