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GUEST OBSERVER
Buyers priced out of Sydney’s property market are set to drive up real estate values in towns such as Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Tamworth this spring. 
The much-hyped growth in Sydney’s median dwelling price – which has risen almost 16% in the last 12 months to $856,000 – is driving demand for property in some of NSW’s major regional cities.
Towns such as Bathurst, Wagga and Tamworth offer real estate prices that are significantly below the Sydney median, while rental returns above 5% compare favourably to those generated by properties in the capital city. 
These robust population and services hubs appeal to owner-occupiers and investors who are prepared to look further afield, because of quality schools and hospitals, employment, diverse economies, and a comfortable way of life.
Bathurst
Bathurst, 200 kilometres west of Sydney, combines rural, manufacturing and education industries. It has a median price of $343,750 for houses, and $295,000 for units.
"We are expecting a very strong spring market as a consequence of low stock levels, falling days on market and more demand for entry-level property,” said Matt Clifton, Director, Raine &amp; Horne Bathurst.
“First-time buyers purchasing homes up to $650,000 won’t pay any stamp duty and there are discounts for properties worth between $650,000 and $800,000.  
“If we get the stock, it will be a fantastic selling period for those who decide to move house in Bathurst.”
Tamworth
Bryan Bolitho, Principal Raine &amp; Horne Tamworth, says his agency has just listed a 5-acre property at Catherine Way at Moore Creek, Tamworth, in the high $900,000s that will appeal to retired farmers who don’t want to live in town. 
“At the entry-level end, it’s still possible to pay under $250,000 for a three-bedroom house such as 8 Fisher Road, Tamworth,” said Mr Bolitho. 
“Tamworth is the largest inland New South Wales city west of the Great Diving Range, located 40 minutes from Sydney and an hour from Brisbane by plane,” said Mr Bolitho. 
“We have two hospitals, some of the best schools and have almost doubled our water supply. The town is going gangbusters.” 
Wagga Wagga
Wagga Wagga is a central hub providing services to over 185,000 people in the Riverina, in NSW’s southwest.
With strong economic and population growth, its unemployment rate is consistently below state and national averages.
“Economic diversity is the key to the success of regional towns, and Wagga Wagga has this commodity in spades,” said Grant Harris, Director, Raine &amp; Horne Wagga Wagga.
“Government departments such as Centrelink are major employers, and the Australian Army base at Kapooka, the RAAF base at Forest Hill and Charles Sturt University.”
An unusually busy winter real estate market has led to a shortage of housing stock, with listings down 20% compared to spring 2016. 
“We are desperately looking for quality stock and it’s a great time to sell a property in Wagga right now,” said Mr Harris. 
The median house price in the 2650 postcode, which includes 16 suburbs of Wagga Wagga, is $300,000, with a median weekly rent of $340. Annual growth of 5-10% is possible, according to Mr Harris.
“Yields above 6% are common and Wagga’s transient population generally produces low vacancy rates. However, vacancy rates fluctuate depending on the season. They generally fall as the weather warms.” 
There is a lot of sight unseen buying with plenty of owner-occupiers selling up in Sydney and buying acreage that comes with a nice house, noted Mr Harris.
Angus Raine is executive chairman, <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/" target="_blank">Raine &amp; Horne</a>.
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Raine & Horne predicts a strong spring for NSW regional markets

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 2">GUEST OBSERVER
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Investors, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) and owner occupiers are dominating commercial property in the $1 million to $3 million price bracket, largely thanks to the RBA slashing interest rates to a record low of 2%. This is creating significant interest in the sale of commercial properties with long leases and solid tenants.
What’s more, the falling Australian dollar means Australian property markets are also increasingly attractive to international investors. However on the domestic front we have seen small to medium enterprises (SMEs) sitting on their hands, as they delay a decision to upgrade to larger or newer commercial premises. Still, with the significant spike in residential house prices, some SMEs are now starting to branch out and use this asset growth as collateral to fund new business and commercial ventures.
The other big factor driving some of our commercial property markets is infrastructure investment, with billions of dollars committed to developments such as Barangaroo in the Sydney CBD, while the prospect of a light rail service for busy Cleveland Street is another major plus. In greater Sydney, the Badgerys Creek airport project is translating into increased commercial interest from St Marys down to Camden, while the North West Rail Link and the North Connex and West Connex road projects are also spurring commercial activity.
In regional Queensland, the massive recent infrastructure injection, courtesy of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, has already seen a number of large commercial developments spring up on the western side of Toowoomba, attracting enquiries from businesses considering a relocation from Brisbane. Further north, and the ongoing Inpex LNG project at Blaydin Point in Darwin is expected to propel commercial interest for some years to come.
At Raine &amp; Horne Commercial, we’ve also taken the opportunity to expand our network coverage to Queensland’s Sunshine and Gold Coasts, with the recruitment of businesses from a rival network. The opening of Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Sunshine Coast is timely as the property market in Queensland is starting to show the form that we’ve come to expect from the southern states. Meanwhile, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Gold Coast has entered a market that is picking up for the first time since the Global Financial Crisis, with the completion of the Gold Coast Light Rail and Commonwealth Games infrastructure buoying business confidenc
Raine &amp; Horne’s growth hasn’t stopped there either, with our international expansion now taking in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which has emerged as a leading regional commercial hub with state-of-the art infrastructure and a world-class business environment. Our Raine &amp; Horne Dubai operation is located in Business Bay, which will have upwards of 240 new commercial and residential buildings completed in the next few years.
On a personal note, I’ve also recently exclusively taken on the role of Executive Chairman, in which capacity I’ll be concentrating on further expanding the business in Australia and overseas. 
Angus Raine is Executive Chairman, <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au" target="_blank">Raine &amp; Horne</a>.
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Billions driving infrastructure development: Angus Raine

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After a challenging 2012, real estate markets around the country have bottomed. As a consequence, it’s fair to expect that a smattering of suburbs across Australia could enjoy some capital growth of between 5.5% and 7% – and in some cases a little more – in 2013.  
This prediction is grounded in some part on the assumption that the Reserve Bank of Australia will dish up further interest rate cuts this year, which should aid more home sales and push up property values. Throw in for good measure the chronic shortage of new residential property, coupled with net population growth (increased immigration and a lower proportion of deaths to births), and the fundamentals are in place for property market growth. That said, we are not without some threats, and I accept negotiating the fiscal cliff in the US remains a challenge. However, the days of Australia catching a cold after the latest American economic sneeze are now mostly behind us. In 2013, the health of our economy is more significantly aligned to the latest thrills (and chills) stemming from China. That said, we’ve already seen the impact of a slowdown in China and the transition away from the mining and energy sectors, with unemployment now sitting at 5.2% – it was around 4% a few years ago.    These challenges aside, this year I’d be looking to the ‘battlefield suburbs’, where first-home buyers are set to shape up to investors. In other words, <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Marys</a> in Sydney, Adelaide’s <a target="_blank" href="/news">Semaphore</a>, as well as<a target="_blank" href="/news"> North Melbourne</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ascot Vale</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Brunswick</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Footscray </a>in Melbourne are set to benefit as investors compete with first timers for quality homes. Across the continent, it’s the ‘forgotten suburbs’ of inner Perth such as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Embleton </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ashfield</a> that will enjoy some growth as investors and first time buyers muscle up.   It’s fair to say that investors have been a bit late dipping their toe into the property market this cycle. Usually when the share market tanks we see a flood of investors into real estate. However this didn’t eventuate this time, it was more of a slow drip. Now investors are playing more aggressively in the $450,000 to $700,000 price brackets in many capital city markets – which makes some sense given the ongoing concerns about share market volatility.  In truth, while the battle between investors and first-home buyers will be intriguing in 2013, upgraders and downsizers will also play a part in generating more real estate transactions and as such doing their bit to force up real estate values across most price points in our major capital cities and regional towns.  It’s also fair to expect to see this year the continued growth in the values of apartments, units and townhouses in our major east coast capital cities, as well as Perth and Darwin. This is a result of growing demand for higher density housing close to excellent amenities in capital cities.  In 2012, rental returns plateaued, yet they are still extremely attractive. In Sydney, for instance, the average gross yield is almost 5% for apartments and given low rental vacancies, I really can’t see returns dropping off next year. It’s much the same in Perth (5%), Darwin (6.2%) and Brisbane (5.5%).  If you’re looking for a bit more and are prepared to do your homework this year, there are plenty of excellent inland regional centres such as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bathurst</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Orange</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Wagga, </a>where astute investors stand to earn yields between 6% and 8%.  Angus Raine is the CEO <a target="_blank" href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/">Raine &amp; Horne</a>
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Rate cuts will deliver property price growth of up to 7% to some capital city suburbs in 2013

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The combined real estate bellwethers of appraisals and listings are indicating the Australian real estate market is set for a relatively busy selling season in 2011.
That said, listings are a touch behind spring 2010, as a consequence of a relatively cold and wet winter in many parts of Australia, interest rate uncertainty, concerns about the state of the two-speed economy in Australia and sovereign debt woes in America and parts of Europe. Throw in political instability in Canberra, and it is little wonder some vendors are taking a wait-and-see approach to a home sale.
At a micro level, it will only take one or two good results to entice home owners to put their homes on the market. So, with these factors in mind, my expectation is that the traditional selling season will start later than in 2010 and run much closer to Christmas.
However all bets are off should the Reserve Bank of Australia decide to hike up interest rates before summer. Although, many in the financial markets are starting to predict that a cut in the official cash rate, which currently sits at 4.75%, is more likely.
The good news is that no matter what is happening in the macroeconomic environment, there are still steps homeowners can take to make sure a home sells as fast as possible this spring.
If you haven’t done it yet, I’d contact your agent and to start to prepare your house for a spring sale. First impressions of your home are critical to a swift and successful sale. In fact, one of our offices recently conducted some research which showed that 40% of buyers to visit a property during a four-week campaign come during the first week. It’s absolutely critical that a house looks attractive if the best price is to be achieved.
The good news is that sprucing up your house or apartment won’t cost an arm and a leg, and there are some simple steps you can take, which include:
<ul>
<li>clearing overgrown gardens – you can do it yourself or hire a professional</li>
<li>trimming the lawns and edges</li>
<li>removing leaves from paths and verandahs</li>
<li>sprucing up the house’s exterior by washing down or repainting walls.</li>
<li>cleaning the eaves and guttering, and brushing away leaves and cobwebs</li>
<li>decluttering rooms of excess furniture</li>
<li>cleaning and tidying bathroom(s) and kitchens</li>
</ul>
There is also no point having killer views obstructed by trees and bushes. Be sure to prune trees and shrubs, while cleaning the windows and screens will help improve a home’s unique outlook, and allow in more sunshine.
Angus Raine is CEO of <a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Raine &amp; Horne">Raine &amp; Horn</a><a href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/" target="_blank">e</a>
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Top seven tips for selling in spring

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With global financial markets dipping and diving on an almost daily basis, the safe haven of a quality, well-located residential property is once again proving an appealing option for investors.
However, don’t for one minute think a real estate investment is a licence to print money, and in these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to get the fundamentals right.
An investment property should tick a number of boxes for you and prospective tenants. For starters, its location is paramount. Look for investment homes that are close to shopping, schools, hospitals and recreational facilities, and if they’re in walking distance, even better. Tenants must be able to get to work as quickly as possible, so access to motorways and railway stations are other valuable features to look for when buying an investment home.
Also, if the budget allows, a newer property purchase will provide decent depreciation benefits, which is helpful when times are tough. A new home or apartment will usually (but not always) have fewer maintenance issues, which can be a great cost saving.
Likewise, investment homes in locations with traditionally low vacancy rates (which means tenants love the suburb or town) can provide a level of investment security and cash flow.
Choosing the right managing agent is also an important consideration, especially when the chips are down. In other words, you want an agent who represents your interests, but not to the detriment of the tenant. The right property manager will have a policy of conducting regular rental reviews (every six or 12 months preferably) rather than just when tenants vacate a property. This can help maximise your returns so you are assured you are receiving market rent.
As a guide, looking at the current average rent for similar properties in the area is a good way to calculate the weekly rent for your property – your managing agent can give you an up-to-date appraisal, or you can refer to websites such as <a target="_blank" title="RP Data" href="https://www.rpdata.net.au">RP Data</a>, Australian Property Monitors or <a target="_blank" title="Price Finder" href="https://www.pricefinder.com.au">PriceFinder</a>. But any rental increases you do make should be gradual, rather than a one-off spike which your tenant/s might find hard to swallow.
Angus Raine is CEO of <a target="_blank" title="Raine &amp; Horne" href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/">Raine &amp; Horn</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/">e</a>
 
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It is more important than ever to get property fundamentals right

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

Angus Raine

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