Dover Road Archives - Rose Bay Today

A large seniors housing and aged care proposal has emerged in Rose Bay following the sale of an amalgamated residential site spanning Dover Road and Wilberforce Avenue.

Site History And Recent Sale

A combined holding across 33–37 Dover Road and 2–30 Wilberforce Avenue in Rose Bay spans about 3,000 square metres and includes five houses and two unit blocks.

In October 2025, the group of properties appeared as an amalgamated site reported as sold for $150 million, with the purchaser not publicly confirmed at the time.

A separate Rose Bay aggregation nearby was also sold in December 2025 for $173 million, involving properties across Dover Road and Wilberforce Avenue.

Pathways Aged Care — *Photo Credit: MillionDollarListingSydney/Facebook*

What The Proposal Includes

A scoping report has now been lodged for Pathways Rose Bay covering the Dover Road and Wilberforce Avenue addresses, setting out the scope of a seniors housing and aged care development.

The proposal includes demolition of existing structures, site preparation and earthworks, and two basement levels with vehicle access from Wilberforce Avenue.

Plans outline two independent living unit buildings at eight to nine storeys, alongside a three-storey residential aged care building, with approximately 70 units and 50 rooms respectively.

Shared facilities listed include resident lounges, a cinema, kitchen facilities and a swimming pool, along with landscaping works and tree replacement.

Rose Bay seniors housing — *Photo Credit: MillionDollarListingSydney/Facebook*

Planning Details

The scoping documentation references seniors housing provisions that allow additional height, and states the independent living component would comply with a 25.8-metre height limit, with the aged care building within a 14.3-metre limit.

What Happens Next

With the scoping report lodged, the Rose Bay proposal has entered a formal planning pathway, with further assessment expected to determine the next steps for the site.

Published 18-Jan-2026

A group of homeowners in Rose Bay has collectively sold five properties for $75 million following the introduction of a state policy allowing mid-rise housing development near town centres and transport hubs.

Background and Context

The NSW Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy came into effect in two stages, with the second stage launched on 28 February 2025. This policy is part of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, and it enables construction of low to mid-rise housing—up to six storeys—within 800 metres of 171 nominated town centres and transport hubs across NSW.

In Rose Bay, the designated zone includes the Rose Bay Town Centre on New South Head Road, making properties within this radius eligible for higher-density redevelopment under the new rules.

Rose Bay housing policy — *Caption: 25 Dover Rd, Rose Bay*
*Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Policy Impact and Property Sales

As a direct result of these planning changes, five properties along Dover Road, Rose Bay were sold to Fortis Property Group for a combined $75 million. These include 23-31 Dover Road, with individual block sizes ranging from 496 to 546 square metres.

The standout transaction involved 23 Dover Road, previously operating as the Rose Bay Family Medical Centre. The vendor had struggled to attract interest at $8 million over a nine-month period, but the property ultimately sold for $16 million. Records show it last traded for $2.5 million in 2009.

Other homes involved in the deal had not changed hands since the 1990s, with some last selling for as little as $550,000.

Explanation of the Policy Shift

The new policy overrides existing local council rules relating to height and floor space ratios. It encourages construction of dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, and apartment buildings ranging from three to six storeys. Stage 1 of the policy began on 1 July 2024 and permitted dual occupancies in R2 low-density residential zones across NSW.

The Department of Planning and Environment stated the policy aims to provide better housing diversity and address the shortfall between detached homes and high-rise developments. The policy is expected to support delivery of 112,000 homes across the state over five years.

23 Dover Rd, Rose Bay — *Caption: 23 Dover Rd, Rose Ba*y
*Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Community Implications and Market Reactions

Agents involved in the Rose Bay transaction—Alex Lyons and Ric Serrao of Raine and Horne Double Bay—confirmed high interest from developers following the policy announcement, although confidentiality agreements limited specific commentary.

Fortis Property Group Director Charles Mellick confirmed the company had purchased the site with long settlement terms to allow time for planning approvals and construction commencement. He acknowledged the housing policy was the motivating factor behind the purchase.

While property owners within the zone have seen substantial value increases, those just outside the 800-metre boundary are unlikely to benefit, raising concerns about inequity.

Conclusion

As the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy rolls out across NSW, Rose Bay has emerged as one of the earliest examples of its significant market impact. While some homeowners may benefit from surging property values, future development will test the policy’s broader implications on community infrastructure and livability.

Published 22-Mar-2025

Tag: Dover Road

Rose Bay Seniors Housing Proposal Emerges After $150m Site Sale