Inca Group Readies Shovels for Upper North Shore Apartments

Developer-builder Inca Group has won approval for its 18-apartment project at St Ives and will break ground on the project in the new year. 

Ellis Residences at 6-8 Newhaven Place comprises 18 three-bedroom apartments in the heart of the Upper North Shore. 

Inca Group managing director Josh Thompson said the developer’s in-house construction team, GOP Constructions, would start construction in April. 

“This dual role allows us to maintain a high level of control over both the design and construction process,” Thompson said. 

“We are confident that Ellis Residences will be a defining example of our commitment to delivering superior homes that blend design excellence with an enviable lifestyle in one of Sydney’s most sought-after suburbs.”

The A+ Design Group has designed the boutique apartment project for the Upper North Shore enclave 18km north of Sydney’s CBD. 

Inca Group is no stranger to Sydney residential development with a number of boutique apartment projects across the Harbour City under its belt as well as further afield and in the commercial and industrial sectors. 

“Ellis Residences is uniquely positioned as a private enclave close to Garigal National Park,” Thompson said. 

“With only 18 ... apartments, this is a rare opportunity to embrace luxury in one of Sydney’s most desirable suburbs.”

Completion of the project is slated for 2026. 

WINIM is also targeting the Uppper North Shore suburb of St Ives with its Hermitage project.

▲ The single-floor residences are aimed at rightsizers looking for luxury in the Upper North Shore.

The 26 single-floor residences are squarely targeting over-55 rightsizers, which has proven a resilient market. 

Speaking at The Urban Developer Long Lunch in Sydney this month, WINIM joint managing director Justin Kuiters said the continuing escalation of labour costs had been an ongoing source of uncertainty for developers.

While material prices were stabilising, labour shortages and the unpredictability of labour costs continue to challenge the construction industry.

“There’s been escalation that we’ve all seen and heard with materials but obviously a lot of the materials have come to be more stable but labour is still an issue and it’s a lot harder to predict,” Kuiters said.

He said while some relief might come in the longer term, labour challenges were likely to persist for several more years.

“I think that’s going to flow on still for the next year or so but in probably ’26 or ’27 when some of that significant infrastructure comes off, it will get better.”