<html><body>
Tama is losing some of its glamour. Former magazine veteran turned media entreprenuer Deborah Hutton sold her Tamarama home on Friday reputedly for more than $4 million.
The cul-de-sac contemporary beach-house sold pre-auction through Phillips Pantzer Donnelly agent Debbie Donnelly.
Just steps down to Tamarama Beach, <a href="https://www.ppdre.com.au/selling/NSW/Eastern-Suburbs/Tamarama/House/1P1275">the Wonderland Avenue home</a> cost $3,375,000 in 2006.  
Even though it came with a media room, Hutton wants better video production space in her next home for her Balance business enterprise.
This article was first published in The Saturday Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Deborah Hutton finds Tamarama buyer

<html><body>
Nick Maxwell, the former Collingwood premiership captain, and his wife Erin sold their 1930s Spotswood home at $1,143,000 at weekend auction, as they seek schools for their two young children.
The pretty extended weatherboard at 12 Stephenson Street was renovated by Maxwell, with involvement from his brother and father, who are builders.
The property cost $280,000 in 2004.
Set on 512 square metres, the three bedroom <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/12-stephenson-street-spotswood/Property-Details-buy-residential-9199328" target="_blank">12 Stephenson Street, Spotswood</a>, came marketed with $900,000 plus hopes through Sweeney Estate Agents agent Wayne Sweeney and a $990,000 reserve.
After his 2014 retirement from league footy, Maxwell joined NRL team Melbourne Storm as a leadership development coach. 
Erin Maxwell is best known for her Melbourne style Love Shop Share blogging.
CoreLogic RP Data put <a href="/news">the suburb's house median at around $668,000</a>. 
APM reported Melbourne's overall weekend result was the third consecutive Saturday increase in the clearance rate.
</body></html>

Nick Maxwell sells weatherboard in Spotswood

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
In an interesting take on APRA’s directives, the banks are pricing investment loans to be more expensive than ’owner-occupied’ home loans, for new and existing home loans.
There may be some contention as to what category your loan falls under. Did you borrow against your home to invest ? How about if only 50% of your loan relates to an investment property? What if your home and your investment property were cross-collateralised?
With this interest rate disparity, it’s ever more important to get your lending structure spot-on. Tailored advice is now paramount given there are ways to ensure you are getting the best rate available.  
For starters, having your home loan and investment loan at the same bank is now necessary unless you want to get slugged on the carded rate.
If you took out an investment loan to buy a property, which you have since moved into as your home, your broker should have been in touch with you by now regarding the suitability of asking the bank to re-classify your loan. Should it be appropriate, I reckon do it now before the mad rush in a couple of weeks. We have done our homework in advance - each bank will deal with this request differently.
So here are the new Standard Variable Rates. There’s not much difference in movement amongst the majors (not that I’m suggesting any opportunistic collusion). Hey, at least we can all be thankful that we all own part of the banks through our superfunds...
ANZ (Owner Occd): 5.38% (CR 5.49%)*
ANZ (Investment): 5.75% (CR 5.49%)*
CBA (Owner Occd): 5.45% (CR 5.59%)*
CBA (Investment): 5.86% (CR 5.86%)*
NAB (Owner Occd): 5.43% (CR 5.52%)*
NAB (Investment): 5.72% (CR 5.63%)*
WBC (Owner Occd): 5.48% (CR 5.62%)*
WBC (Investment): 5.89% (CR 5.89%)*
 * CR is the Comparison Rate. It is a notional rate which includes fees (mainly the annual package fee of around $395) into the interest rate in well-intentioned yet child-like attempt to come up with a single rate which punters can use to estimate the true cost of a loan. It is based on a $150,000 mortgage and hence does not at all relate to you unless your mortgage is exactly $150,000 and you never use your offset account or Credit Card interest free terms
The Standard Variable Rates are of course lacking meaning without applying your lifetime discount. One bank might be giving you a 1% discount off this headline rate (that discount is so 2011), whilst a broker may negotiate an unpublished cracking lifetime discount of 1.45%. 
You must always consider the upfront costs, ongoing fees and the ’after discount’ interest rate; then compare the loan products over a certain time frame (please don’t compare over 30 years, perhaps this is unrealistic). 
We think a 10-year projection is appropriate, that way it’s also easy to divide by 10 to see the annual $ saving.
Product Comparison – 10 Year Projection 
<a href="/images/2015/08/14/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-14%20at%204.52.53%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/14/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-14%20at%204.52.53%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
 Jason Khoury is the principal at iChoice. He can be contacted <a href="mailto:jason@ichoice.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

An interesting take on APRA’s directives: Jason Khoury

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Mirvac Group's Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz forecasts Sydney's fast house price growth is close to ending.
And she anticipates volumes of home sales could fall away by 15%.
"Previous cycles would suggest that activity, i.e. volume of sales, will moderate for a year or two by 15%, but importantly we don't believe this will lead to price falls rather we expect price growth to moderate away from the double-digit growth rate that it has been experiencing."
She suggested the recent Australian Prudential Regulation Authority crackdown had been a "blunt" measure.
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz has presided over a record $2 billion in residential sales in the past year at Mirvac.
</div></body></html>

Mirvac's boss sees less Sydney sales volume ahead

<html><body>
Actor Vince Colosimo is selling his Northcote home.
The double-storey terrace is expected to sell for $1.4 million plus.
Despite Colosimo's movie credits including the acclaimed Australia-produced Lantana, it was revealed last year Colosimo was working on Melbourne building sites to make financial ends meet. 
Nelson Alexander's Grant Leonard is the marketing agent of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/86-union-street-northcote/Property-Details-buy-residential-9292976">86 Union Street</a>.
</body></html>

Actor Vince Colosimo lists in Northcote

<html><body>
The early 1900s Kew property, Harelands has been listed through RT Edgar with $7 million-plus expectations.
The 11 bedroom, six bathroom trophy home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-120337933" target="_blank">5 Willsmere Road</a> has been impressing since its 1913 Home &amp; Garden Beautiful magazine feature showcasing beautiful homes and gardens.
The Melbourne Queen Anne house was designed by the leading architectural firm of Ussher and Kemp for W.H. Davies.
While previously known as Blamey House, it lost its lustre as a Legacy hostel from the 1950s to the 1980s, but it has been restored over the past three decades.
Offers are due on the 2780 sq m corner property by September 4. 
It last sold at $539,000 in 1985.
</body></html>

Early 1900s Harelands, Kew for spring sale 

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
GUEST OBSERVER
Based on current indicators, Australia appears to be about 30% of the way through the mining capex decline. The remaining downturn in mining investment will make a significant detraction from the economy, from a GDP perspective, but also from the impact on the labour market. The labour‑intensive nature of the mining investment upturn means that a major risk from declining investment resides in the potential job losses.
To date, the labour market has held up reasonably well.  While the unemployment rate has increased by 0.1ppts over the past year (as the participation rate has increased by 0.3ppts), annual employment growth is running at a solid 2.1% (or 220K).  This outcome is a noticeable step up from the 1%pa employment growth a year ago.  Job gains in construction areas (related to the residential construction upturn) along with parts of the services industry (health, professional services, tourism) are more than offsetting mining‑related job losses. 
<a href="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2012.47.46%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2012.47.46%20PM.png" alt="">
The questions now are how many more mining‑related job losses will flow through the labour market? And will the labour market be strong enough to absorb these potential job losses?
Resource construction versus resource production employment
One of the offsets to declining resource construction jobs is the pick up in production/extraction jobs created as the mining boom enters the final (or third and operational) phase of the mining boom cycle.  But, the operational stage of the mining process requires much fewer jobs compared to the workforce required in the construction phase.  
<a href="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2012.49.18%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2012.49.18%20PM.png" alt="">
RBA research indicates that the ratio of construction to operational workers is:
·         2‑3:1 for coal and iron ore mines (8% of capex);
·         10:1 for WA LNG projects (around 51% of capex) and;
·         5:1 for QLD LNG (as per our research).  QLD LNG accounts for around 32% of capex.  
QLD LNG is based on coal seam gas and requires an ongoing investment in drilling wells and pipeline construction, therefore requiring an ongoing construction‑related upstream workforce.
<a href="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2012.50.51%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/13/Screen%20Shot%202015-08-13%20at%2012.50.51%20PM.png" alt="">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Diana Mousina is economist for CommonWealth Bank of Australia. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/dianamousina" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

How far through the mining jobs decline are we? Diana Mousina

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
GUEST OBSERVER
The Winter 2015 National Outlook has been released today by the Housing Industry Association. The report is the most comprehensive quarterly review of Australia’s residential building industry, and includes forecasts for new home building and renovations activity.
During 2014/15, we estimate that a total of 214,450 new dwelling commencements occurred across Australia. This is easily the highest yearly total on record. 
HIA's recent National Outlook identifies the role of the low interest rate environment in supporting higher levels of new home building, as well as strong, migration-driven population growth over the past decade.
However, other elements are serving to frustrate the delivery of new housing supply. We are faced with an excessive taxation burden on new housing, land release which is simply too slow and a raft of planning restrictions. All of these make it difficult for our industry to meet the housing needs of Australians.
The effect of these supply bottlenecks will become apparent over the next 12 months, with the volume of new home building projected to decline by 7% during 2015/16. 
During the upturn, multi-units accounted for an increasing proportion of new home building. Consequently, the multi-unit segment will see larger rates of decline over the coming years compared with the detached house segment. 
HIA projects that new home building will bottom out at around 175,000 per year towards the end of the decade. Critically, this falls short of Australia’s long term requirements and emphasises the importance of reform around taxation and housing supply policy. 
Shane Garrett is senior economist for HIA and can be contacted <a href="https://hia.com.au/en/BusinessInfo/economicInfo/EcoGroup.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Policy constraints spell end for home building upturn: HIA

<html><body>
When 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley commissioned a drone to hover above his dress circle Hills district acreage, the neighbourhood quickly sensed something was afoot.
It is after all the tell-tale sign of an imminent real estate listing - an emerging marketing necessity. 
"I have decided to put my home at Dural on the market," Hadley subsequently confirmed.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ranceblamey.com.au/13615345" target="_blank">Andrew Blamey at Rance Blamey</a> kicks off the marketing this week with photo's by Jayden Halford's Next Level Aerial.
The two home, 5.4 acre listing comes with anticipated interest from multi-generational families with a desire for a horse agistment paddock. 
It has a 120-square (1115sq m), five-bedroom Denton Homes-built house set amid Rolling Stone Landscaped gardens with two-street ­access.
The property comes also with a fully restored farmhouse, which dates to 1919 when it was built by the Sagars family, who owned all the surrounding farm land.
Dural acreage prices regularly sell for $5 million, and recently $6 million, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Don't say that I told you, but that huge neighbouring house is former Myer retailing boss, Bernie Brookes' home.  
This article was first published in The Saturday Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

Ray Hadley lists Dural acreage

<html><body>
To achieve the Commonwealth Government's priorities of getting children into school, adults into jobs, and making communities safer, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&amp;C) supports Indigenous housing and home ownership.
Living in a stable environment has proven an efficient way of achieving these priorities.
In the submission to House of Representatives, Standing Committee on Economics Inquiry into Home Ownership, the PM&amp;C named a few topics that affects Indigenous Australians more than others like the administration and use of Indigenous land, availability of finance, employment opportunities and limited financial understanding and exposure to home ownership.
"The Government’s priorities include getting Indigenous Australians into jobs to encourage economic development and advancement for Indigenous people. Regular and increasing incomes will enable more Indigenous people to afford to buy their own homes and enjoy the benefits home ownership can bring. 
"The national rate of Indigenous home ownership is 36%, compared to 68% for the Australian population generally. In order for the rates of Indigenous and non-Indigenous home ownership to reach parity, approximately 65,000 new Indigenous households would need to enter home ownership."
More information can be found in the IBA submission article <a href="/news/home-ownership-barriers-greater-for-aboriginals-torres-strait-islanders">here</a>.
"The rate of remote and very remote Indigenous home ownership is lower than the national rate of Indigenous home ownership, at 18% in 2011. According to the 2011 Census, the rate of Indigenous home ownership slightly increased between the 2006 and 2011 Census. 
"Lower median incomes and higher rates of unemployment than other Australians are key factors affecting Indigenous Australians’ ability to own their own home. In 2011, the average disposable income for an Indigenous Australian was 70 per cent of the income earned by a non-Indigenous Australian.
"The proportion of Indigenous Australians aged 15-64 years who are employed fell from 53.8% in 2008 to 47.5% in 2012-13. At the same time, the proportion of employed non-Indigenous Australians rose, leading to the employment gap between Indigenous and non- Indigenous working age people widening from 21.2 to 28.1 percentage points. 
"Under the National Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPARIH), signed in 2008, the Commonwealth committed $5.5 billion to the construction and refurbishment of social housing in remote Indigenous communities. 
"Across Australia, 2,698 new houses and 7,071 refurbishments and rebuilds were completed as at 30 April 2015. Under the NPARIH, the Commonwealth’s investment in remote Indigenous housing has been used to leverage home ownership, for example by: 
<ul>
<li>jurisdictions agreeing to progress resolution of land tenure for remote Indigenous land to facilitate home ownership and economic development opportunities; </li>
<li>encouraging states to implement and support sale of social housing policies for existing tenants. A carefully-planned sale of social housing stock can boost the supply of properties in communities, help create a market and diversify housing options; </li>
<li>funding elements which support home ownership, such as cadastral surveys to define lots; and </li>
<li>focusing on regularising tenancy arrangements for remote community residents, which helps develop tenants’ readiness to maintain their own houses if they become home owners. </li>
</ul>
"The Government announced in the 2015-16 Budget its intention to replace the NPARIH with a new Remote Indigenous Housing Strategy (the Strategy) over three years totalling $1.1 billion. Home ownership objectives will form part of the new Strategy. Details of the new Strategy are currently being negotiated. 
"Current administration and use of Indigenous land can be a barrier to Indigenous home ownership. Only certain tenure types offer sufficient security of title and transferability for a lender (generally, IBA) to provide a loan. For example, in the NT, where approximately 50% of land is Indigenous-owned,six communities have agreed 99-year township leases (under section 19A of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) (ALRA)) which offer sufficient transferability for home ownership. 
"In these communities, the head lease is held by the Executive Director of Township Leasing and there can be long-term residential subleases. As an alternative to township leases, individuals can take out leases under section 19 of the ALRA in order to pursue home ownership. 
"However, unless these leases are taken out in communities where other factors are suitable for home ownership, such as where a real estate market exists, it is unlikely lending secured by this land will be possible. In Queensland, anecdotal evidence from some communities suggests while people are interested and apply to purchase social housing, the complex process means many people drop out before becoming home owners." 
According to the 2011 Census, 70% of people rely on social housing in remote communities. Because in most of these communities social housing is the only form of housing available, there are few or no houses to buy building a market gap in these areas. Lending and borrowing becomes a higher risk, which discourages commercial banks from lending in these areas.
"The recently released White Paper on Developing Northern Australia (which can be downloaded <a href="https://northernaustralia.infrastructure.gov.au/white-paper/" target="_blank">here</a>) sets out the Commonwealth’s vision for developing the potential of the north. The White Paper reflects the importance of Indigenous people and Indigenous land to this development and announced directions for reform which could support more home ownership opportunities on Indigenous land in the future."
</body></html>

Indigenous home ownership highlighted in PM Abbott's housing affordability inquiry submission

The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

Jonathan Chancellor

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News