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Melbourne’s housing market is beginning to show signs of recovery, with prices increasing by 2.5% in the 3 months to August, according to a report released by RP Data.
While Victorian property prices are still relatively flat compared with the same time lastyear, there is room for continued growth and encourages buyers to take advantageof the favourable buying conditions this spring.
It's a buyers' market.
We are expecting to see the volume of homes on the market lift to around $70 million in value per week over October and November.
Buyers are already showing more interest as they see an increase in properties available to them.
This increase in listings is a good indication of buyer confidence and will result in less competition and more choice for buyers, creating 2nd and 3rd options in their property hunt.
This coupled with the softer house prices we are currently experiencing creates great buying conditions.
It’s the time in the market, not timing the market that counts. Buying now in the right areas will see you prosper in the future from your decision to act.
Inner and mid belt family homes to perform well. Investors and homebuyers should be looking for homes located within the inner tomid belt of the city.
Astute investors should be looking in established areas like Kew East, Collingwood,Carlton, Fitzroy, Coburg North, Hawthorn East, Glen Iris, Oakleigh and Macleod.
This type of housing stock is well insulated from the current oversupply of newapartment developments in inner as well as the further expected correction in the$2m+ housing stock.
These inner and mid belt areas can prove to be an excellent return on investmentfor both investors and owner-occupiers. Those purchasing to build their investment portfolio should expect to see consistent rental returns and low vacancy periods,whereas owner-occupiers can have confidence that their home will experience strong capital growth.
Here are our seven top picks:
Albert Park features some of Melbourne’s most prestigious, heritage listed property. St Vincent Gardens is surrounded by multi-million dollar houses and whilst the top end of the market has softened recently apartments in the area have experienced double digit growth at  13.5% (source: APM). Albert Park attracts aspiring young professionals aged 25-39 (source: ABS) who can’t afford to purchase houses here but want to live in the area. Therefore demand is quite strong and consistent and vacancy rates are low at 2.4% (SQM) Kew East is an excellent area for a family or conservative investor to buy an attached or detached house in. Kew East is slightly more affordable than Kew, is 9km from the CBD, within a few kilometres to excellent schools, universities, shops and a multitude of transport options. Due to the suburb’s inhabitants being mainly 35-49 year’s old the suburb is rather resilient to mortgage stress and market corrections. The year of 2011 saw Kew East grow by 8% (source: Residex) where most of Melbourne saw negative growth. Current clearance rates are also trending above average at 63%; showing that the market here is healthy. Carlton is an excellent area for investors. Units here are still good value for money, which has seen this sector experience 15.9% Capital Growth over the last 12 months (source: APM). The population mainly consists of 20-29 year olds (source: ABS), who are attracted by the university district, proximity to the CBD (2km) and lifestyle attractions such as Lygon Street’s cafés and restaurants. Due to these fundamentals, vacancy rates are below Greater Melbourne’s average currently sitting at 1.1% (source: SQM Research). Carlton in recent months has also seen an increase in online interest (source: realestate.com.au) and when coupled with a 77% clearance rate this could suggest that the area’s growth spurt is not over. Collingwood is only 3km from the CBD and units here sell for around $500,000. The suburb has plenty of life with most people being 25-39 and as such has an excellent rental market. Vacancy rates here are 0.3% and units attract reasonable yields. The area has seen good capital performance for units over the last year at 4.1% (APM). Online activity for the suburb has sharply increased over the last three months and this is starting to be reflected in the clearance rates which are now above Melbourne’s trend line. Fitzroy has seen a retracement over the last 12 months which has created some good buying opportunities in the low to mid $500K range. This suburb is ideal for savvy investors who are able to understand what properties have enough character to attract the trendy 30-39 year old tenant market. Right now we’re seeing the right properties in good streets fetch excellent results and now that the suburb has become more affordable the clearance rate has shot up to 77% which is one of Melbourne’s highest results. Coburg North is an area a statistical/technical investor would look to. Fundamentally there isn’t any main driver promoting growth but with this said the suburb has shown remarkable resilience to the down turn with units growing 3.5% over the last 12 months and the long term trend being 15.2% over 10 years. There are some great buying opportunities for villa units and town houses in this area as they’re still somewhat undervalued. Oakleigh apartments have shown amazing growth over the last 12 months. This segment has seen 16.5% growth for properties that are within the $400K-500K band. Clearance rates are high at 76.6% making Oakleigh a mini hot spot. Surrounding suburbs are also performing well but it is critical in these locations that you purchase apartments that tick all of the boxes as substandard properties are less likely to deliver quality returns.
Infolio Property Advisors will be running a free seminar featuring an expert panel that all Property Observer readers are invited to attend. “Buy Property Like A Professional” will be held on October 2, at The Point Albert Park, Melbourne. Head to <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au">www.infolio.com.au</a> for more information. 
Cameron Deal is the founder Infolio Property Advisors.
 
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Seven Melbourne hotspot suburbs for spring property investors

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As the end of financial year fast approaches, there are a number of tax and other benefits that can be associated with owning an investment property. 
1. Get the facts
Regular and concise information is imperative to the smooth management of your investment, particularly during the leasing process. A good property manager should provide you with detailed reports about the performance of your property. To that end, annual income and expenditure statements should be provided along with monthly rental  statements.
 
2. Prepay expenses
In most cases for investors, the best way for to boost your property investment refund is to pay for any expenses before June 30 – that way you can claim these expenses as a tax deduction in the 2012 financial year. Typical expenses include rates, body corporate fees, borrowing costs, property management costs and insurance. If you have a high income you may even consider bringing forward required spending such as repairs. This can help you to reduce your overall tax bill. 
3. Know your personal tax position
Before you lodge any expenses it’s important that you consider your tax position carefully. For example, if you have multiple investment properties that are negatively geared (the rental income is less than the expenses of the property), the negative amount could be offset against other income including salary. 
4. Obtain a quantity surveyor’s report
Deprecation refers to a value assigned to the wear and tear of a property of equipment. You can claim a tax deduction for wear and tear without spending any additional money. To ensure you get the maximum deduction commission a quantity surveyor’s report on your investment property.
 
5. Pay up superannuation
If you are self-employed or employed by your own company, paying into your superannuation before the end of the financial year can be an effective way to minimise tax.
 
6. Cash is king
Lodging your tax as early as possible will help ensure your receive your refund sooner, therefore resulting in a boost to your cashflow.
 
7. Engage an expert
To get the most out of your return we recommend investing in an accountant who specialises in property investment.
 
8. Plan for the year ahead
Now you have done all the hard work why not take the time to sit down with a property advisor and plan the year ahead. Are their opportunities to build your portfolio? Could a renovation help you achieve a higher rental income?
 
Cameron Deal is the founder of Melbourne buyer advocate and property advisory company <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au" target="_blank">Infolio Property Advisory</a> 
For <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-top-21-tax-strategies" target="_blank">more end-of-financial-year tax strategies, download our free eBook.</a>
 
 
 
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Eight tips for property investors to maximise their end-of-financial-year tax returns

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1. Plan and research your investment
Buying an investment property is a significant outlay, and making the time to plan and research is essential to achieving a good result. Start by creating a long-term plan with a clear and realistic vision of what you would like to achieve through your investment. This should include working out a budget and considering whether you want your investment to deliver a high rental yield or strong capital growth.
 2. Location is king
Look for properties in established areas in areas no more than a 10- to 12-kilometre radius of the CBD that have a history of strong long-term capital growth. The location should offer good transport links, schools and recreational space. Avoid busy roads, property within earshot of train or tramlines and areas earmarked for significant development.
 3. Seek scarcity and desirable features
A limited supply or unique feature will ensure strong rental demand and deliver healthy capital growth. Period styles such as art deco traditionally outperform newer properties. Desirable features such as balconies and car spaces can also add significant value to your investment.
 4. Don’t over capitalise
Buying within the median price of an area and being smart about renovations will ensure the property will be both easy to rent out and sell when the time comes.
 5. Enlist the help of experts: buyers’ advocate, financial planner, property manager
Enlisting the services of an expert at the vital stages of your purchase and the ongoing management of the property could pay dividends. Engaging an experienced buyers’ advocate takes the guesswork out of buying an investment property. A buyers’ advocate will help eliminate common purchasing mistakes, identify “investment-grade” properties and negotiate favourable terms on your behalf. Seek the advice of a financial planner to develop a framework around your assets and liabilities, select the best loan and use negative gearing as a tax offset. Invest in the right property manager. Property management can make or break your investment – the last thing you want is a rundown property or unhappy tenants. Look for a committed property manager who cares about your investment, ensures the property has reliable tenants and that provides regular rental statements so you can measure your return.
 
Cameron Deal is founder of Melbourne buyer advocate and property management agency Infolio. He will be hosting a free property seminar <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au/blog/?p=945">“Buy property like a professional” on March 26</a>.
 
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Five tips for buying an investment property

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Purchasing a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’re likely to make in your lifetime.
Only certain properties should be bought without you seeing them first. I recommend that those looking for a new home to live in themselves should see the property in question before making an offer.
However, purchasing investment property can often be done without the buyer seeing the property at all. Successfully purchasing a property without viewing it beforehand is dependent on the level of trust you have in the buyer’s advocate you have engaged.
When presenting a property to a client, I provide them with a detailed report that includes historical growth patterns and market value for properties within that specific area. We also provide detail on land size, orientation and comparable sales evidence of similar properties.
When engaging someone to act on your behalf it’s important you’re confident that they’re acting in your best interests. It’s imperative that they have extensive knowledge and experience in the property industry. This ensures that they are well across property market in the area that you’re looking to invest in.
Three important factors to consider when selecting someone to purchase property on your behalf:
1. Experience
Certification and experience provide a base for grounding and trust. Look at a buyer’s agent’s history; has he or she had experience in the property industry? Working in a variety of roles in the property industry enables a multifaceted understanding of the property market. If your buyer’s advocate is also a licensed real estate agent, he or she will be familiar with selling techniques, growth patterns and auction clearance history. Industry experience is integral to an ability to build relationships.
2. Industry relationships
Pre-existing relationships with real estate agents enables buyers’ advocates to unearth properties that are yet to be advertised to the wider market and present them to their clients.
3. Set fee vs. percentage of the purchase price
Engaging professionals to act on your behalf will take the stress and complication out of purchasing property. When engaging a company, look at whether its fees are based on a percentage of the final purchase price or whether they’re set from the beginning. It’s important that you can be confident your advocate has your best interests at heart and won’t be making more money should he or she recommend a more expensive property.
Cameron Deal is senior buyer advocate at<a href="https://www.infolio.com.au/" target="_blank"> Infolio Property.</a><a href="https://www.infolio.com.au/" target="_blank"> </a>
For advice on buying your first investment property<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/first-investment-property-a-beginner-s-guide" target="_blank">, download our free eBook.</a>
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When buying an investment property unseen, trusting your buyer's agent is essential

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.

Cameron Deal

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