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Buying a property is the most expensive and significant purchase we’ll ever make in our lives.
This makes the purchase process one of life’s most exciting and daunting moments. When buying small items like clothes or cars one can browse, pause, walk away, think and consider. But when buying a half-million-dollar property at auction, the single opportunity to buy is happening right before your eyes. The time to decide is now. Even if you purchase privately and have given weeks of thought to a property, the decision is rarely easy one.
The heat of the moment of an auction and the emotion of becoming attached to a property can sometimes result in post-purchase uncertainty. For whatever reason it may be, it is worth noting that buyers have rights after purchase, and as of March 1, 2012 the Sale of Land Act (in particular section 31) changed to protect Victorian purchasers even further.
Cooling-off rights
Basically put, the legislation now allows for a purchaser to “cool off” after making an offer on a property, no matter what the circumstances are.
Previously a purchaser would forfeit the statutory three-day cooling off period if he or she had sought legal advice prior to signing a contract to purchase a residential property. Purchasers could also agree to remove all rights to a cooling off period legally, by choice, through a solicitor.
However as of March 1st, a Victorian purchaser will no longer lose the right to the cooling-off period if he or she received legal advice, and the new amendments to the legislation also no longer allow the purchaser to legally waive their three-day withdrawal period.
The amendment to the legislation is a positive for purchasers who are not 100% certain about their decision. This may not be good news for purchasers that are certain on their decision, however, as a selling agent will be less likely to accept an offer before auction, or entertain the idea of negotiating with a buyer before an action, if the buyer can still cool off. Previously, if a strong offer was put forward without a cooling-off period, the offer was as good as being sold under the hammer, as it was deemed an unconditional offer.
From a negotiation perspective, this reduces a purchaser’s bargaining power, as waving the cooling-off period was a negotiation tool used by some purchasers, and this avenue is no longer available – no matter how certain they are on the purchase.
Just one example of this being used to a buyer’s advantage was a recent property Infolio purchased on behalf of a buyer in Carnegie, where we secured a purchase price of $773,100 – despite there being an offer above $775,000 – due to our waiving the cooling-off period.
Key negotiation tools now include submitting offers that are not subject to finance or a building inspection and agreeing to an early release of the 10% deposit, known as a section 27.
More information on the changes affecting buying and selling property effective from March 1st can be found at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au">www.consumer.vic.gov.au</a>.
Cameron Deal and Lauren Staley are founders of Melbourne buyer advocate and property management agency <a target="_blank" href="https://www.infolio.com.au/index.php/home">Infolio</a>. 
 
 
 
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Victorian buyers have lost a bargaining chip but gained the ability to change their minds in cooling-off changes

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For many Australians, a holiday house by the beach is the holy grail of property ownership. Particularly this time of year, as the sun shines, each Friday droves of city folk head for a coastal escape.
For many people, the decision to purchase a holiday home is more about investing in their quality of life. The best advice for anyone considering a holiday home purchase is to ensure that you can afford to hold onto it long term.
If you do not correctly anticipate the costs associated with a holiday home, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re being forced to sell up.
Forced sales often result in the property selling for less than the vendor wants and less than what the property is worth.
Another important point to note is that coastal towns generally experience large peaks and troughs in prices. They spring up in summer when everyone is holidaying, and they come down in winter when people are hibernating.
During winter you’re less likely to experience inflated sales figures. Consequently, winter is generally a better time to buy.
If you do decide to put in an offer over summer be savvy with terms, ask for a longer settlement, perhaps a 5% deposit and access prior to settlement if you need to measure up or find tenants.
Good purchasing opportunities may also arise when there is global financial uncertainly, as this often produces fire sales. This opens up the market for people to secure themselves a quality property at a good price.
Some people choose to purchase a property, lease it out on a fixed tenancy then lease another property close by for a lesser price than their mortgage repayments.
As a result they can maintain their mortgage and still have the benefits of a holiday home in a coastal area.
It can be very rewarding owning a beach house but remember that it too will require maintenance and upkeep, if your property falls into disrepair in between seasons it will lose value and rental appeal.
Lauren Staley is director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.infolio.com.au/">Infolio</a>, a buyers’ advocacy and property management company.
For more advice on buying your first investment property, download our free e-book.
 
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How to get the most out of a holiday home investment

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Purchasing your first investment property can be daunting and exciting at the same time. It is also often the most important purchase an investor will make. The property selection process will dictate whether the buyer will be able to grow her portfolio to a second, third, or fourth investment property. 
The selection process is the first and most crucial step to securing a property that will achieve a high level of capital growth and return on investment. 
In-depth research is imperative to gaining a compressive understanding of the property market, in order to identify out-performing suburbs and homes. The best investors spend time attending auctions, monitoring sales trends and tracking suburb growth figures to gain an insight into how much they should expect to pay for their properties. 
First-time investors should consider properties that have proven historical capital growth patterns. Melbourne areas that have performed well in the long term are the bayside, inner east and inner southeast areas, as well as select suburbs on the north and western side of the CBD. 
For investors who feel they have been priced out of the housing market in popular areas, apartments can offer a more affordable solution. Look for apartments of at least 50 square metres in quiet residential locations, with parking and outdoor space. 
It may be tempting to purchase a cheaper investment property further away from the city, however the rental demand in these areas isn’t as high and as a result rental properties have a higher vacancy rate. If your property is vacant, you’re left having to cover a larger gap in mortgage repayments than you had intended. 
Poor property selection is one of the biggest mistakes a first-time investor can make, because it sets them behind from the very beginning. Often soon-to-be investors approach us with very little knowledge of the local property market. As buyer advocates, we are able to use our knowledge and experience to select the best properties. 
Now is a great time for first-time investors to enter the market, as many capital cities across Australia have hit a soft patch. 
Sellers are having to vie for the buyers’ interest, providing buyers with the opportunity to negotiate a price that will deliver a good return on their investment. 
A well-researched investment property appeals to the rental market, ensuring a strong and consistent rental income for the investor, which will enable an investor to expand her investment portfolio, or use equity to purchase a dream home.
Lauren Staley is director of <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au/" target="_blank">Infolio</a>, a buyers’ advocacy and property management company.
For more advice on buying your first investment property, download our free e-book. 
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Your first investment property will set up the rest of your portfolio

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The property market has hit a soft patch, with many adopting a wait-and-see attitude. 
However, there are many reasons why a soft market is not the time to hibernate. A slump in real estate can be the ideal time to act and secure a good investment property. 
For those who have been dreaming of owning a bigger home, or investing in properties in premium suburbs and districts, a soft property market can present good conditions to expand or establish a property portfolio. With more properties for buyers to choose from, sellers face stiff competition and have to vie for the buyers’ interest.
 Sellers, whose properties have been on the market for a longer period, may be more open to negotiations with serious buyers. 
Home buyers and investors need all the facts in order to make a sound property investment. 
Research is of paramount importance when purchasing property. A buyer must keep track of the outperforming and emerging suburbs and highly sought after areas in Melbourne. 
In cases where properties are passed in during auctions, post auction negotiations are crucial. 
With the rental market still going strong, this means that investors can look forward to reaping a profit from their investments within a shorter time. This is definitely another good reason to enter the property market now. 
As the warm weather continues through spring, we’ll see an increase in listings. Buyers are now beginning to purchase properties that were previously unattainable. 
The highly sought after inner suburbs are now within reach for many couples and families that have always wanted to buy in these areas. 
In short, buyers can benefit from the current property market. 
Lauren Staley is director of <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au/" target="_blank">Infolio</a>, a buyers’ advocacy and property management company.
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A soft market could be the best time to buy

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

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

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

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

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

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

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

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

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

Lauren Staley

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