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The median price of a house in Perth was $535,000 for July, according to RP Data.
House prices dipped slightly for the month, down 0.6% from June. Annually, Perth house values increased 7.9%. Only Hobart and Canberra saw a lower level of yearly growth, with both recording a 6.3% increase.
Many investors use median prices as an indication of what it would cost to get into a market. So what exactly does a "median priced" house in Perth look like?
Property Observer looks at recent Perth house sales to see what $535,000 will buy you.
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-heathridge-117400035" target="_blank">14 Littorina Avenue, Heathridge</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/25/1.jpg" alt=""> This three bedroom, one bathroom house in Perth's northern suburbs sold for $530,000 this weekend. Set on a 712 square metre corner block, the house has a double garage and plenty of room on the back for more cars or boats. The property's listing claims it "could have outstanding subdivision potential". Price: $530,000 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 21 minutes 
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-bennett+springs-116845435" target="_blank">6 Shelduck Crescent, Bennett Springs</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/25/2.jpg" alt=""> Selling for $540,000, this house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The ex-display home has ducted air-conditioning, a double remote garage, security alarm system and an outdoor entertaining area. The house in Perth's north is set on a 622 square metre block, with a backyard and shed. Price: $540,000 Bedrooms: Four Drive to CBD: 25 minutes 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-high+wycombe-116741367" target="_blank">12 Golden Crescent, High Wycombe</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/25/3.jpg" alt=""> This four bedroom, two bathroom home sold for $539,000 earlier this month. The single storey house is set on a 757 square metre block, with a covered outdoor entertaining area and backyard. The living areas have timber flooring, while the bedrooms are carpeted. Price: $539,000 Bedrooms: Four Drive to CBD: 26 minutes 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-coolbellup-104453851" target="_blank">20 Lockett Street, Coolbellup</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/25/4.jpg" alt=""> The three bedroom house at 20 Lockett Street sold for $535,000. With two bathrooms, a lounge room, kitchen and dining area and tiled family space, the house also comes with a single carport with room for five cars in single file. The home, set on a 853 square metre block, is currently tenanted until October at $380 a week, with an annual yield of 3.69%. Price: $535,000 Bedrooms: Three Drive to CBD: 20 minutes 
</li>
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-parkwood-117056907" target="_blank">19 Abercairn Way, Parkwood</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/25/5.jpg" alt=""> This four bedroom house secured $530,000 when sold earlier this month. The carpeted house has built in robes in three of the four bedrooms, a family room and a lounge and dining area. The house comes with two garden sheds and a lock up car port. Price: $530,000 Bedrooms: Four Drive to CBD: 22 minutes</li>
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What can you buy for Perth's median house price?

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You're house is being auctioned off and the proceedings have stalled - significantly.
You feel like all the buyers need is a little push, but they aren't moving - and the highest bid is well below your reserve.
Suddenly, you're wishing that you had authorised your auctioneer to put in a vendor bid on your behalf to keep the ball rolling.
A vendor bid is just what it sounds like - a bid from the seller to help push up the price at auction. The regulations around vendor bids vary from state to state, but in general, an auctioneer must announce if a bid is being made through the vendor.
Everyone wants to do what they can to push up the price of their property at auction, but when exactly do you use a vendor bid?
Vendors certainly don't have to bid on their own property. If a vendor does want to put in a bid, it should only be put in if the prices are hovering below the reserve price, and shouldn't be put in above the reserve price.
In fact, once you've passed your reserve, making a vendor bid is illegal in some states and known as a false bid - if you're not willing to accept a price above your reserve, you should have set your reserve higher. After the reserve is passed, the highest bid must be accepted by the vendor as the sales price (assuming finances all come through as they should).
Similarly, if your auctioneer doesn't announce that the bid came from you, it becomes a dummy bid - also illegal. The same goes for bids made by your family or friends if they don't intend to purchase the property. 
In New South Wales, only one vendor bid can be made, while other states accept multiple vendor bids. If you're selling a property in NSW, carefully talk over when you should make a vendor bid (if necessary) with your auctioneer before the auction, because you only get one chance.
 
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When should you use a vendor bid?

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With the winter energy bills rolling in, many home owners will be wondering if there might be a better way to keep their houses warm next winter.
Rammed earth homes are made from a compacted mix of locally available earth materials, including sand, clay and gravel. Though the building method is thousands of years old, it's particularly en vogue this century due to its durability and energy efficiency.
With a high thermal mass, rammed earth retains heat well, and is especially good for passive solar heating, to make the most of winter's rays. And by using already available materials that can be recycled, the construction of rammed earth homes is more sustainable than many other methods.
But the way rammed earth looks is one of its biggest bonuses. If you thought you had to sacrifice aesthetics for the environment, you're wrong - here are five homes to prove it.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hawthorn-117733495" target="_blank">79 Berkeley Street Hawthorn, VIC </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/22/2.jpg" alt="">
 Though many people associate rammed earth with regional homes, this house in Melbourne's blue chip eastern suburbs proves that the material can work in urban settings. Designed in 2000 by Simon Swaney, the rammed earth walls of this home give it an organic sensibility in the middle of stuffy suburbia. The six bedroom, four bathroom home on a 1,284 square metre block includes an executive study, slab heating, a goods lift, a five car basement garage and cellar. <img src="/images/2014/08/22/johanna-aug-22-one.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-johanna-117422595" target="_blank">155 Evans Track Johanna, VIC</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/22/3.jpg" alt=""> Spectacular views of Johanna beach are complimented by this single storey home's rammed earth walls. Designed by Nicholas Burns, the listing information describes this house as an "eco-sanctuary". The four bedroom house's minimalist interiors allow the rammed earth walls to make a quiet statement, but the home still comes with plenty of luxury features - a double sided fireplace, an underground temperate 1,500 bottle wine cellar, a Caesarstone kitchen and an outdoor shower. The home has been featured in the pages of Architectural and Design Magazine, Monument Magazine, and the Australian Financial Review. <img src="/images/2014/08/22/4.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-wallington-117671019" target="_blank">11 -19 Lings Wallington, VIC</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/22/5.jpg" alt=""> Jurra is a four bedroom, three bathroom house set on five acres. Constructed of timber and rammed earth with polished concrete floors and double glazed windows, the home's building materials make good use of its northerly orientation, which helps keep it warm in winter. With a native garden and pool, the property also includes a vegetable garden, chook pen, shedding, and a 87,000 litre water tank. <img src="/images/2014/08/22/6.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-merrijig-117499011" target="_blank">"Solterra" Davies Road Merrijig, VIC</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/22/7.jpg" alt=""> Solterra offers views of Mount Buller and the Delatite River Valley, but is also quite the eyecatcher itself. The rammed earth home has expansive glass walls and heavy doses of Italian travertine marble and iron bark timbers. The 400 square metre home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three living rooms and an art gallery. Outside, there is a white mosaic infinity pool and a iron bark deck, with a landsacped garden. It's on the market with a price guide of $2.49 million. <img src="/images/2014/08/22/8.jpg" alt=""> 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dalkeith-117735795" target="_blank">2A Watkins Road Dalkeith, WA</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/22/9.jpg" alt=""> This Tim Wright-designed home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This rammed earth home among the gum trees is set on a 824 square metre block. Again, the interiors are restrained, with polished concrete ceilings, high ceilings and over-height glass doors allowing the home's materials, natural light and gardens to speak for themselves. The property includes a feature wood fireplace, an internal courtyard and a solar heated pool. <img src="/images/2014/08/22/10.jpg" alt="">
</li>
</ol>
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Five spectacular homes that prove there's no need to sacrifice aesthetics for the environment

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Tuesday night's episode of Location Location Location saw two buyers toss up between the two values every property player holds dear: property and location.
Bryce spent the episode helping out Laura and Marcus from Melbourne. The retro loving couple have been together for almost 11 years and have a three year old son, Archie. 
Formerly restless, with 10 moves in 10 years, the couple were keen to put some roots down - preferably in <a href="/news">Altona North</a>, where they were renting. They required a two to three bedroom house, with a big backyard for Archie. But most importantly, Marcus needed a sizable garage for his latest acquisition - a 1971 Valiant Regal, which he is in the process of restoring.
Unfortunately, after two years of looking, they'd had no luck. With both Laura and Marcus working for not-for-profit organisations, they were on a tight budget of $540,000. 
Bryce's first move is a trip to <a href="/news">Seabrook</a>, a new suburb 15 minutes further out from the CBD from Altona North, in Melbourne's west. Laura was skeptical of the area from the very start, despite a good school within walking distance. The new build house they visited had an asking price of $470,000, well within the couple's budget, and had a covered entertaining area with a small grassy backyard for Archie and garage space for the Valiant.
Although the house itself had plenty of pros, the distance from the city was a big con, especially for Laura - and so it became apparent that for this couple, it really was all about location, location, location.
Next stop was Altona, <a href="/expert-insights/investing/julia-gillard-set-to-move-back-to-adelaide-but-not-leave-altona-imminently">the one-time home of Julia Gillard</a>. Bryce had found a single storey three bedder with a large loungeroom, dining anrea and kitchen, with plenty of space for Archie. The house, which needed a little work, was also offered at $470,000 and was set to go to auction.
He also tracked down a house very close to home, in Altona North. The three bedroom house with separate dining and a garage preserved the home's original 60s features (a big plus for Laura and Marcus), but was in the shadow of a large refinery - no doubt a factor in the home's relatively modest $520,000 asking price. Though the couple were keen, they decided in the end that the backyard view of the refinery wasn't for them.
In the end, Bryce brought Laura and Marcus to another Altona North home - this time, far away from the refinery. With three good sized bedrooms, a garage and a substantial backyard, the single storey brick home on a 535 square metre block ticked all the boxes. The vendor was after no less than $510,000, but Bryce put in a strategic unconditional offer of $501,000, which did the trick, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-altona+north-115977407">securing the home for Laura and Marcus</a> (pictured below).    
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/1.jpg" alt="">
Sydney sisters Jackie and Juliet found that house trumped location in their search for a home for Juliet. The sisters, originally from England, were hunting for a house for Juliet, with Veronica's help. Juliet has scoured the market for a house but is nervous about buying and hates auctions.
Five years on from the removal of a life-threatening brain tumour, she decided that it's finally time to settle down and get on with her life, and wanted to put down some roots. She was after a two bedroom home in an inner-western Sydney suburb with a village feel. She was keen on period homes, and dead set on a bath, with a $910,000 budget. 
Veronica first took the sisters to Luluville, a terrace cottage in <a href="/news">Rozelle</a> which dates back to the early 1900s. Outside, the home had a split level garden for entertaining, and was a snug fit. Jackie ruled that the home was too small, although it did fall within the budget, with a $800,000 price guide and a $850,000 plus estimate from Veronica. The sisters tossed up some renovation ideas, but couldn't figure out a price efficient way to make the house bigger.
Next they went to <a href="/news">Enmore</a>, where another terrace house offered a little more space. The solid double-brick home home made a good first impression for Juliet, and had original fireplaces. Currently occupied by tenants for another six months, the house had two bedrooms, a separate lounge and large eat in kitchen, with a $850,000 price tag. Unfortunately, with the auction only 48 hours after the sisters made the inspection, the home didn't make a strong enough impression to force them into action. 
The sisters also inspected a home in <a href="/news">Leichhardt</a>, another terrace. Unlike the other properties Juliet had walked through, this one had been renovated, with an extension upstairs. There was a "functional" backyard, a rather spartan, minimalist affair. Upstairs, the "spare room" was really a little mezzanine with a balcony, with no door but room for a single bed. According to Veronica, the questionable functionality of the upstairs spare room could just make the home's price attainable. It came with an $800,000 price guide.
Finally, the sisters travelled to <a href="/news">Erskineville</a>, only five kilometres from the city centre. The recently renovated home preserved some period features, with two upstairs bedrooms, and an open plan living and dining area downstairs, with a courtyard. However, the home had a small, galley style kitchen with limited storage - a major negative for Juliet. 
Vendors were accepting offers over $800,000 for the Erskineville home.
After some umming and ahhing, the sisters settled on Leichhardt, thanks to its good sized kitchen and small private balcony. Veronica put in a strong $850,000  bid after waiting til they arrived at the second week of the auction campaign, securing the home and saving Juliet from the dreaded auction process.
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Location Location Location: The crucial compromise

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Victorian real estate agencies Barry Plant and hockingstuart have partnered to launch YourPorter.
The new industry-run business allows real estate agents to connect renters with electricity, gas, water, telecommunications and pay television services, and delivers benefits YourPorter to agents. 
According to Nigel O'Neil, managing director and chief executive of hockingstuart, agents will receive commissions and equity in exchange for referrals to utility suppliers including AGL, Origin, Telstra and Foxtel.
“Agents are the sole source of leads for utility connections businesses, yet traditionally their commissions have been relatively low,” says O'Neil.
“YourPorter’s mandate is to ensure that real estate businesses derive maximum value from utility connections on both an income and capital basis.
“We’re doing this by paying industry leading commission rates and allocating 47% of the equity in the YourPorter business directly to the agencies that refer utility connections. This type of opportunity does not exist with our competitors,” he explains.
Barry Plant Real Estate chief executive Mike McCarthy says "YourPorter is about regaining a level of control over our data and relationships", given the "concerning level of influence" third party businesses like property portals have with clients. 
"As real estate agents, we’re increasingly realising the importance of leveraging our client relationships to create value in our business," he notes.
Tony Zarka, the former national business manager of Direct Connect Australia, will oversee YourPorter as general manager. He claims the service is a "game changer".
"It’s taking the reins off external providers and provides consumers with a service that is convenient, fast and reliable because it’s in the hands of the people who really understand the property market and the dramas of moving house – real estate agents,” he says.
The business offers a same-day connection guarantee, and an emergency accommodation option if required. Through the "Porter Club" incentive scheme, individual real estate agency offices can also give employees "points" that can be converted into dollars on a personal debit card.
YourPorter had a "soft launch" in late 2013 across Barry Plant and hockingstuart agencies, and is now offered to the national real estate industry. According to O'Neil, Buxton, Hodges, Fletchers and Jellis Craig have supported the business.
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Barry Plant and hockingstuart launch utility connections service for renters

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NAME: Jack Hoffmann<img src="/images/2014/08/20/hoffman-aug-20-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
COMPANY: Satterley Property Group
POSITION:  General manager for Victoria and Queensland
OFFICE LOCATION: 5 Queens Road, Melbourne 
How long have you been in the industry? 
I’ve been in residential development for around 12 years including close to four years at Satterley Property Group.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
In Victoria, Satterley is launching new communities in Point Cook and Tarneit later this year, which represents a major investment in Melbourne’s west. These two new communities join the company's existing projects; Coburg Hill and Riverstone at Plenty River. At the same time, we’re always looking for new opportunities to grow our business in Victoria.
Describe the most interesting property you have worked on? 
One of the most interesting sites I’ve worked on is Satterley’s development of Coburg Hill. It’s on the old Kodak factory site which means it came with its own unique set of challenges. The high profile nature of the site intensified both the design challenges and interest from the local community. The development is very diverse and includes the full gamut  - conventional housing lots, medium density housing townhouses and a shopping centre.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
Hard work definitely plays a part as well as keeping a close eye on the market and responding to trends accordingly. I’m also lucky to have a great team working at Satterley; we work hard but we also enjoy what we do.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the community building aspect whereby we literally start with a paddock and build it into a thriving community. As a developer of new communities, we’re always mindful of the legacy that we’re leaving. This is front of mind in all of the planning that we do.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
I’d invest in a townhouse at Satterley’s Coburg Hill development. The townhouses are large enough to accommodate a family whilst having the added benefit of requiring very little maintenance. Perfect for owner-occupiers and investors.
Which football team do you support?
Hawthorn
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
iPad and mobile phone.
How do you use social media?
I use social media mainly to keep in touch with friends or as another way to stay in contact with colleagues from the industry through platforms like <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/jack-hoffmann/51/aa3/196" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
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In profile: Satterley Property Group's general manager, Victoria and Queensland, Jack Hoffmann

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Buying your first property can be nerve-wracking and in the public arena of an auction, even more so.
While purchasing a home is a big deal, it doesn't need to be the source of sleepless nights and endless stress. Here's our step by step guide to buying a property at auction.
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<li>
Attend auctions - lots of them If you thought researching your first home was all about finding your dream home, in your dream area, within your dream budget, you were wrong. You also need to know how to go about buying your dream property.  There are only so many articles on how to bid at auction you can read (even if they're <a href="/expert-insights/buying/twelve-tips-for-bidding-at-property-auctions">really good ones</a>).  What you really need is to go out and watch some auctions. Not one or two, but many - at least a dozen. Get a feeling of what the buyers are in your prospective area. Are they all nervous first home buyers making it on their own, like you? Downsizers? Well dressed hipsters bidding on their first homes, with their mothers standing slightly behind them, to the left?  Take note of the bidders - they're your competition. Get familiar with the terminology - do you know what a reserve is? A vendor bid? Did you realise that the reserve can change?  Viewing lots of auctions will also allow you to see how far prices tend to go above the price guide, if they do. What looks like a $400,000 property on a listing website might look like a $600,000 one to some on auction day. Use the opportunity different styles of various auctioneers, too. 
</li>
<li>Set your limit It's good to know well in advance how much you can afford to pay on auction day. There are lots of online calculators provided by lenders that will help you determine how much you can afford to borrow and pay for your first home. Remember, when it comes to budgeting for a big purchase, it pays to be prudent - keep in mind future career changes and any babies that might be on the way. It's not a bad idea to build a small buffer into your maximum - don't lose out on your dream property because of a bid that's $1,000 over your "limit".  Keep an eye on the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-does-a-home-really-cost-for-a-first-time-buyer">hidden costs you might not have factored in</a> - there's more to purchase costs than just the deposit.  </li>
<li>
Identify your potential home Once you've done your research, figured out where you can afford, driven around lots of suburbs and probably adjusted your expectations a little, you've come across a home you really love at an open for inspection. Chat to the real estate agent and keep in contact. If there isn't a price guide listed on the advertising material, ask them for an indication of what the vendor wants. Go to subsequent open for inspections and arrange some private inspections too (more on that later). 
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Secure your finance. Unfortunately, there is occasionally a discrepancy between what you think you can afford and what your lender thinks you can afford, after they've had a look at the property in question, your income and your credit history. Before putting in a bid at auction, you'll need to know how you're going to pay for your new house. No finance, no purchase, and when you place the winning bid, you'll need to put down a deposit - there's no backing out, unless there's a built in cooling off period (which is best avoided and may require you forfeiting part of your deposit). Decide on <a href="/expert-insights/buying/getting-your-first-loan-heres-what-you-need-to-know">the kind of loan</a> you want and<a href="/expert-insights/finance/a-quick-guide-to-home-loan-pre-approval"> get pre-approval for your loan</a> from the bank. While this isn't a guarantee that you'll get a loan, it's about as close as you can get. And while you're at the bank, get a cheque book. You'll need one to put down your deposit. 
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Order an inspection. About a week out from the auction day, you should order a building inspection for the house. Just because it has four walls doesn't mean it's stable - there could be issues with the roofing, asbestos or structural damage. An independent <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-importance-of-building-inspections-in-property-transactions">building inspector should be able to spot the things you can't</a>, and hopefully can save you from ending up with a dud.  Make sure you <a href="/news/how-to-choose-a-building-and-pest-inspector">choose a building inspector who is independent and reputable</a>. While you're at it, ordering a pest inspection can also be worthwhile - pest inspectors might spot termite damage that will cost you a lot of money down the track. 
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<li>
Have a lawyer or conveyancer look over your contract. Seeing as this will probably be the first time you've seen a property contract, it's best to bring in the experts (actually, we recommend always getting a lawyer to look over your contract.) 
</li>
<li>Figure out your strategy Now you <a href="/news/understanding-auction-talk-patrick-bright">know your auction lingo</a>, it's time to prepare yourself on how and when you will bid. Part of this may be putting in an offer before the day. However, when you get to the auction, should you dive in with the early slam-dunk all-cards-on-the-table bid, or wait until close to the bidding has stopped? Much of this will become clear to you as you watch other bidders in action in step one. However, it'll make you feel that little bit better if you know when you'll be likely to bid and what the plan is if there are quite a few other keen bidders. If you're not entirely confident, you <a href="/expert-insights/investing/engaging-a-buyers-agent-will-level-the-playing-field">may decide to hire a buyer's agent</a> to act on your behalf, some of whom employ a number of strategic tactics they have learned over years of bidding at auction, such as bidding in unusual increments.</li>
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Buying your first property at auction: A step by step guide

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According to a new nationwide survey, 46% of Australians have been forced to reduce their spending on "essential" items.
The independent consumer body CHOICE reports that renters are the hardest hit, with 45% of renters reporting that they are struggling to get by on their current income, compared to 27% of mortgage holders. Low-income households and parents with school-aged children also reported financial hardship.
Of the 1,001 survey respondents, 31% said they were finding it difficult to get by on their current income, with 11% finding it "very difficult". Only 18% said they were "living comfortably", with 5% responding that they were living "very comfortably".
CHOICE chief executive Alan Kirkland says one in every five respondents reported they have relied on credit cards or borrowing from friends or family to cope until payday.
"This reveals some striking concerns with cost-of-living, which is perhaps not surprising at a time when inflation is outstripping sluggish wages growth, retail sales are fragile and the political debate remains focused on household expenses,” says Kirkland.
Government cutbacks were a major concern for consumers, with 72% worried about government spending cuts. Kirkland calling public spending reductions "the major consumer worry".
Major household concerns include electricity bills, fuel and food and groceries. The survey, which saw 52% of respondents claiming they were "very worried" about electricity prices, was conducted before the repeal of the carbon tax.
“With such a drawn-out debate over the carbon tax it is not surprising to see electricity at the top of the list, although clearly prices have been driven by a number of factors, including rising infrastructure costs,” says Kirkland.
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Renters the hardest hit by costs of living, 46% of Australians cutting back on essentials: CHOICE

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Property investors who stake their income on the performance of mining towns need to be aware of a variety of factors that might impact their properties, from new mines to the international resource markets. 
Those investing in coal mining towns will no doubt be interested to know that the price of thermal coal has dropped 51% since July 2011, according to Australian Ethical Investment - and the company's international equities trust portfolio manager Nathan Lim thinks the trend is likely to continue. 
According to Lim, the reasons coal is struggling are largely "secular", not cyclical. 
There are nine factors Lim thinks are driving the resource's slowdown:
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"Global production isn't coming off-line fast enough" Lim claims that in Australia, around "40% of all seaborne coal is unprofitable". In order to fulfill prior shipping commitments, producers are forced to sell the resource at a loss. However, Lim believes the problem will self-correct, once demand picks up or producers run out of money. 
</li>
<li>
Japan's consumption is up... but it won't continue With many of its nuclear power plants out of action, Japan has increased its consumption of coal, pushing up prices, Lim explains. But the push is only temporary, with nuclear power plants to restart and an increase in the use of solar energy. 
</li>
<li> "Electricity consumption in the developed world has either stopped growing or is in outright decline" According to Lim, the weakened position of the global economy has cut power consumption, but he also believes increased energy efficiency and "behavioural changes" are behind the decrease in demand. 
</li>
<li>
"Domestic coal is not so welcome at home anymore" Lim believes that the United States' increase in coal exports over the past decade is the result of more stringent legislative requirements for power plants, which lead some owners to close their facilities. He predicts another set of closures after new US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)rules on mercury come into play in March 2015, degrading demand further. "This coal is finding its way into the international coal markets further expanding the gap between supply and demand," explains Lim. 
</li>
<li>
New carbon emission legislation for existing power stations The switch to natural gas from coal is a big feature in new EPA legislation targeting carbon emissions from power stations. Given the low price of natural gas, Lim predicts the legislation will lead to more coal-fired power plant closures, and effectively restrict new coal fired plants from being constructed. He believes even more coal will enter the international markets as a result.  </li>
<li>
EU greenhouse gas emission targets "For its next decadal goal, the EU has targeted a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030," explains Lim. "Amongst the highest emitting fossil fuels, coal will continue to be friendless in Europe." 
</li>
<li>
"A more punitive price on carbon will make the EU’s goal more easily achievable" Lim predicts that although carbon prices have been "distorted by unintended policy decisions", eventually policy makers will find the "right" structure. "When this happens, we expect the cost of coal pollution will dramatically increase the cost of coal-fired electricity and allow other, low emission technologies to better compete," Lim claims. 
</li>
<li>
India's new Prime Minister appears to favour renewable energy According to Lim, India's new Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "very much pro-solar", with a history of supporting renewable energy. "Calling for solar power to bring electricity to 400 million people is ambitious without equal," notes Lim. "This goal tacitly recognises that India has failed to bring its people out of energy poverty using conventional methods." 
</li>
<li>
China plans to ban coal-fired power from Beijing by 2020 Though some claim that the move is a token one given China's total coal consumption, Lim suggests that China is continuing its practice of "experimentation" before it comes to a decision. "It is more instructive that China is taking such extraordinary steps to deal with air pollution that high emitters should heed the warnings coming from the government," states Lim. "Ordinary Chinese citizens are fed up with the pollution and coal is an obvious target for their frustrations. Given that China is also experimenting with carbon pricing, are the world’s biggest producers of solar power (and a close second or third in wind) and have made pollution abatement a priority, we might be seeing the beginnings of a major structural shift in China’s generation mix."</li>
</ol>
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The nine reasons coal towns will continue to struggle: Australian Ethical Investment

<html><body>
NAME: Shammi Liang<img src="/images/2014/08/13/liang-aug-13-one.png" alt="" style="float: right;"> 
POSITION: Analyst 
COMPANY: Savills 
OFFICE LOCATION: Melbourne
How long have you been in the industry?
Three years including property management at IronFish and now as an analyst in the research department at Savills 
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? 
As a research analyst my role involves all commercial property sectors most of which are experiencing unprecedented investment, especially foreign investment. This is despite a perceived weakness on the occupancy side of all sectors currently. 
Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
The most interesting property I have worked on was a mixed development in Footscray as I was part developer/investment advisor, part  planner, part engineer, part architect and part sales person. It was interesting to experience different roles, try new things and experience the challenges in different parts of the property development process. 
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?  
As in most positions in this industry, time management, communication and organisational skills, people skills and attention to detail are essential. 
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? 
I enjoy a challenge and that may come via a variety of avenues. I like to think that I can enjoy most tasks. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000? 
I am not an investment advisor but my own research suggests well located, inner suburban, apartments have growth potential, but do your research. 
Which football team do you support?
 I don’t really have a passion for Aussie Rules, however my colleagues would like me to support Richmond. 
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? 
 iPhone and the Savills App. 
How do you use social media?
 I use Facebook, Wechat, and twitter for friends and family.
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In profile: Savills' analyst, Shammi Liang

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Joel Robinson

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 52-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 52-storey tower, which has just shy of 250 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<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/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Jessie Richardson

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