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Stats from Australian Property Monitors (APM), a supplier of property pricing information, has revealed that if it hasn’t happened already, by 2014 the median price for a house in Sydney will exceed $700,000.

This secures the city as the world’s second most unaffordable housing market when compared to the likes of the USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and China.

For other states, the numbers are much easier to digest.

But if you’re a prospective first-home buyer wanting to purchase a house in Sydney, these stats mean a $140,000 deposit if you don’t want to incur <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/lenders-mortgage-insurance" target="_parent">Lender’s Mortgage Insurance</a> (LMI), which is generally exempt when your deposit is at least 20% of the value of the property. And add about $50,000 for <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/cost-of-buying-property" target="_blank">upfront costs</a> such as stamp duty, application and valuation fees and removalist services - the list goes on.

While investors and owner-occupiers are clearly the winners, confidence isn’t strong in the first-home buyer corner. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that young Aussies should fear the property market. The trick is that you will need to look at your situation and create a strategy to enter the property market.

The first-home owners grant (FHOG) can be useful if the conditions favour your situation, that is, if you’re buying a ‘new home’. Considering that Sydney is suffering a housing shortage and new dwellings are below the government target, some may not be able to take advantage of these grants.
 
One way to go about this is to take a shortcut and have your parents <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loan-guarantors" target="_blank">go guarantor</a> (but only if your folks are willing to help). This means that your parents’ property will be used as security for your home loan, allowing you to get a home loan with a 5% deposit, plus you can save on LMI. However, you have added pressure to avoid defaulting on the loan because your parents will be liable for your debt.

If you don’t have the luxury a guarantor, then you will have to show the banks evidence of genuine savings.  This means that the banks need to see that you’ve made regular savings to reach your current deposit for a property. The good news is you can add the LMI to your principal, which means that you can borrow up to<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/low-deposit-home-loans" target="_blank"> 95% of the property’s value</a>. The bad news is paying back your LMI throughout the life of your home loan means you essentially pay back double the amount. But whether this is worth getting a home loan early or not is entirely up to you.

Another option that is increasingly popular among first-home buyers is to skip the whole process altogether and go straight into investing. Many Gen Y’ers are renting while their primary place of residence has been rented out for cash flow and an investment. By taking advantage of interest-only loans, they buy time and capital gains. Better yet, some even expand their property portfolio further, paving the way to financial independence.

Regardless of what your decision is, it all comes down to having a <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/saving" target="_parent">savings plan</a> in place, even if you only need to save a 5-10% deposit. If you want greater returns from your savings plan, then you will need to cut back on other living costs.

A deposit is like getting your foot through the door, it’s the first step. Everything gets easier after that, especially with online tools and resources to help you compare, find better deals, and understand the property and home loan market.

 
<hr>
 Michelle Hutchison is the spokesperson at <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/">finder.com.au</a>
 
 

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First-home buyers should not fear the property market: Michelle Hutchison

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GUEST OBSERVER
A cash rate rise is coming to the Australian property market – experts are confident of that much.
When that rise will come, however, is a little unclear – 30% of respondents in the finder.com.au Reserve Bank Survey predict a rate move before the year is out, while more than half don’t expect any upward movements until at least 2017. In the meantime, we’re seeing out of cycle rate hikes hit the market, just weeks out from Christmas.
If you’ve been considering a home loan but haven’t yet made the plunge, now may be time to make the transition without worrying about further hikes.
Here are the lowest variable and 3-year fixed home loans on finder.com.au with no ongoing fees.
finder.com.au’s lowest variable rate home loans with no ongoing fees
1.     Mortgage House Summer Home Loan: 3.79%
This low rate is available for a 12 month period, at which point the rate will revert to 3.99%. It allows for a 100% offset account, the benefit of no application fees and additional repayment and redraw features. Provided you’ve braced for the $200 settlement, $450 discharge and $395 legal fees.
2.     Reduce Home Loans Rate Buster Fee Free: 3.85%
If you’re the type of person who can save a 30% deposit and still have a little left over to foot the $440 application and $130 settlement fees, this loan is a worthy contender among your options. The 100% offset account, repayment and redraw facilities as well as splitting options all give you the tools to create a formidable financial product. 
3.     loans.com.au Essentials Home Loan: 3.98%
While you won’t be accessing a 100% offset account  with this loan, you can put ongoing, legal and application fees worries to rest. This is particularly powerful when paired with the ability to make unlimited additional repayments, slicing interest off your mortgage. Just have your 20% deposit saved up, as you’ll only be able to borrow up to 80% of the total property value.
 
finder.com.au’s lowest 3-year fixed home loans with no ongoing fees
1.     Newcastle Permanent Fixed Rate Home Loan: 3.89%
This loan is not only a super low rate but it’s fee-friendly – there’s no application, legal, valuation or settlement fees. You can also make additional payments to this loan but beware, as you will not be able to access this money once you do decide to make those deposits.
 2.     CUA Fixed Rate Home Loan: 4.09%
This low rate comes with a high application fee, but don’t be disheartened by the $600 application tag – this loan has some great cushions to soften the blow. With no valuation fees, the ability to make additional repayments (capped at three repayments for the fixed period) and the ability to switch into interest only options, this flexible number can get your house on its feet sooner, provided you manage it well.
3.     Australian Unity Health, Wealth and Happiness Fixed Rate Package: 4.15%
If you can swallow a $600 settlement fee, don’t need to borrow more than 90% and are okay with no 100% offset account, this home loan is a serious heavyweight in the fixed space. With no application, legal or valuation fees and the ability to redraw your extra deposits, there is still quite a bit of breathing space in this low rate loan.
 
MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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Six essential home loans: finder.com.au's Michelle Hutchison 

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GUEST OBSERVER
New research by comparison website finder.com.au has found that Australians could be preparing for the worst, with preference for people borrowing money for a home against saving money is at its lowest level since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC).
According to the finder.com.au research of the past decade of data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the amount of money borrowed from banks for owner-occupied home loans has grown at a slower pace than the amount of money in household bank deposits. In fact, owner-occupied home loan lending by banks has grown by 7.5% – significantly less than household deposits (10.4%) in the past year.
This is despite total owner-occupied home loans across all banks is sitting at an all-time high of $843 billion and total deposits from households is also at a record high of $737 billion.
<a href="/images/2015/10/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-19%20at%2011.34.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-19%20at%2011.34.28%20AM.png" alt="" width="685" height="459">
Graham Cooke, finder.com.au insights analyst says the trend could indicate consumers are preparing for tougher financial conditions.
“Before the GFC, we saw the gap between household bank deposits and owner-occupier home loans widening, which saw a peak of $128 billion more home loans funded than what was being saved by households in bank deposits in early 2008. When the GFC hit by the end of 2008, this gap shrunk to $95 billion," he says.
“From that low point the gap steadily increased again and hit a high of $193 billion in mid-2012.
“While total household deposits has been more consistent in growth, we’ve seen the amount of money banks are lending for owner-occupied home loans take a dive and the gap is currently at $106 billion – close to where it was at the peak of the global financial crisis.
“This narrowing indicates an increasing preference for holding money in savings and reducing outstanding mortgages over borrowing for owner-occupied property.
<a href="/images/2015/10/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-19%20at%2011.35.55%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/19/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-19%20at%2011.35.55%20AM.png" alt="" width="662" height="424">
“This pattern of a slowdown in borrowing for a home and rise in savings could also be an early indicator of a cooling property market.
“Australians are clearly concerned about their financial futures and property owners and prospective buyers should be cautious of over-capitalising in the current conditions. And with Westpac the latest to announce an increase in variable home loan rates, now is the time for existing borrowers to examine their current home loan and consider refinancing.”
MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>. 
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Consumer sentiment falls to GFC level: finder.com.au's Michelle Hutchison

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There was no surprise at the Reserve Bank meeting this month, with a decision of no change to the cash rate pointing to a continued period of content within the property market.
Experts, however are divided on whether the cash rate’s next movement will be up or down, and while no-one can be certain as to monetary policy, it’s pivotal that Aussies are certain they’re accessing the best <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">home loan deal</a> on the market for their situation. Here are the lowest variable and three-year fixed rates on finder.com.au:
finder.com.au’s lowest variable rate home loans
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/mortgage-house-pure-and-simple" target="_blank">Mortgage House Pure and Simple</a>: 3.99%
</li>
</ul>
If you’ve saved up 20 percent of your loan and don’t need to borrow more than $500,000, this loan can offer you the lowest variable rate on <a href="https://www.finder.com.au" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>. It also allows for unlimited redraws and no ongoing or application fees. Keep in mind though that the lending criteria is already relatively restrictive, and you also won’t have access to an offset account, so choose wisely.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/state-custodians-mortgage-company-peak-performance-offset-home-loan" target="_blank">State Custodians Mortgage Company Peak Performance Offset</a>: 3.99%
</li>
</ul>
This low rate loan is not for those who’re already stretching their initial budget, as it comes with a $275 valuation and $299 service fee – the latter being an annual expense. If you’re okay with this, you’ll certainly be okay with the unlimited additional repayments and redraw options, 100% offset account and ability to borrow up to 95% LVR. 
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-dream-essentials-home-loan" target="_blank">loans.com.au Dream Essentials</a>: 4.02%
</li>
</ul>
This is another loan that can accommodate up to 80 percent of the total property value, so again it’s important to have a decent financial reserve before you buy. You also won’t have access to a 100% offset, so money management in this scenario is essential. Should you choose to accept this mission, you’ll have no annual, application or legal fees to get through and will have access to a considerable contender in the low variable rates space.
finder.com.au’s lowest 3-year fixed rate home loans
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/mortgage-house-fixed-and-pure-home-loan" target="_blank">Mortgage House Fixed and Pure</a>: 3.94%
</li>
</ul>
If you like the idea of no application or ongoing service fees, a 95% loan-to-value ratio and up to $20,000 worth of additional repayments a year, this loan could be a suitable addition to your financial landscape. You would need to accommodate for not having a 100% offset account, and this loan will also has a $500 discharge fee.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/bank-of-queensland-fixed-rate-home-loan#10118" target="_blank">Bank Of Queensland</a>: 3.99%
</li>
</ul>
You will need to be quick – this low rate is only applicable until the end of September. If you can jump into the property game before then, this loan can also offer you a 100% offset and up to 95% LVR, which will both give your budget room to move. Provided you’re fine with paying a $120 annual fee, and a once-off $300 application and $150 settlement fee, which may add up to be a considerable expense for some.
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#9410" target="_blank">Newcastle Permanent</a>: 4.09%
</li>
</ul>
This loan offers both a low rate and no ongoing service fees or initial application fee, as well as extra repayment options – when paired together these can make for powerful savings. Don’t let the power go to your head, however, as you won’t be redrawing those funds during the fixed term of your loan and you won’t have access to a 100% offset account, so your money moves will definitely have to be strategic – because once you’ve locked it in, it’s going to be near impossible to access it again.
MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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The lowest variable and three-year fixed rates on finder.com.au: Michelle Hutchison

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Property buyers hitting the market this mortgage season can expect tough competition, despite new research by one of Australia’s biggest comparison websites, finder.com.au revealing housing supply will exceed demand.
According to the finder.com.au study of population growth and the housing market over the past 15 years, 72% more properties are expected to be built this year than population growth would consume. However, this is unlikely to affect property prices as we expect property prices could continue to rise.
By the end of this year, a total of 207,970 new properties is projected to be approved for construction, based on the average growth of 3% for the past 15 years. Australia’s population is forecast to increase by 314,952 to 23.94 million people, which means 121,135 households needed. 
In 2014 there were 71% more properties approved than population growth required and property prices increased by 7.90% across capital cities according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
Michelle Hutchison, Money Expert at finder.com.au, said property buyers can expect a continued level of competition and hotter house prices moving into mortgage season. 
“With mortgage season around the corner (starting September 1), competition will remain just as tough as we’ve seen over the past year. Despite more new properties being built, house hunters can expect no relief with properties being snapped up fast and prices rising across many areas of Australia.
“And it’s only expected to get worse. If a 3% growth trend for new properties continues, along with the projected population growth, this oversupply will decrease to 32% next year, and will stay below 40% through to 2018, according to finder.com.au.
“With less oversupply for new properties expected to be built over the next few years, it could lead to a more difficult climate for property buyers as buyers will face a reduced availability of housing stock, meaning more competition and possibly higher prices.
“So if you’re in the market for a property, it could be better to jump in now rather than waiting for next year as it looks set to be even tougher.”
 MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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Tough outlook for property buyers despite supply exceeding demand: Michelle Hutchison

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As was widely anticipated, the Reserve Bank left the cash rate unchanged at 2% at this month’s meeting on July 7. But is that the lowest rates can go, or can we expect another cut on the cards?
Global instabilities may have just paved the way for another rate cut in the near future, according to Australia’s biggest Reserve Bank Survey. It’s also predicted that interest rates are to begin rising.l soon after a possible drop. What’s a potential home buyer to do? One option is consider splitting your home loan. 
Split loans allow you to lock in a portion of the loan at a fixed rate, meaning part of your repayments will not change during that period. This can be helpful against a turbulent cash rate; the property market may be uncertain, but there’s no reason for your mortgage to be.
finder.com.au’s lowest variable rate home loans that allow split options:
<ul>
<li>
Homestar Finance Basic Refinance: 3.94%
</li>
</ul>
This home loan has some parameters that make it more skewed towards those looking to refinance, namely needing to have a 30 percent deposit and limiting your loan amount to $500,000. If you happen to fit into these parameters (whether refinancing or not), this loan comes with no application fee and no worry about LMI – the beauty of a low LVR.
<ul>
<li>
loans.com.au Dream Essentials: 4.02%
</li>
</ul>
With a loan amount ceiling of $750,000, you may not be buying a mansion with this product but you will be opening up a loan that is portable, allows splits as well as extra repayments and redraws. It’s also worth noting the $220 valuation and $300 settlement fees as considerable start-up costs when looking to budget your initial repayments.
<ul>
<li>
BOQ Discount: 4.04%
</li>
</ul>
If you can swallow a $395 annual service fee and have a 20 percent deposit saved up, you’ll be able to access this offering from Bank of Queensland and have a low rate home loan that allows for a 100% offset account and allows redraws and additional repayments. This loan entails some handy features for those who have proven they can save a deposit, and will manage a sizeable annual expense into their budget.
finder.com.au’s lowest 3 year fixed rate home loans that allow split options:
<ul>
<li>
Newcastle Permanent: 3.99%
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Homestar Finance: 4.11%
</li>
</ul>
The second mention for this smaller lender, their 3 year fixed rate is competitively low and has no annual service fee.However, it does come with an application fee of $495 and a settlement fee of $535, which could be a turn off for some cash-strapped buyers. You also won’t be able to make extra repayments, so carefully mapping out the full cost of your home loan repayments is crucial. 
<ul>
<li>
UBank UHomeloan: 4.18%
</li>
</ul>
You won’t be able to make additional repayments or redraw from this home loan, and a $395 application fee is a considerable initial cost. If you don’t mind these parameters and have a 20% deposit, this loan offers a competitively low rate and no ongoing service fees.
Michelle Hutchison is finder.com.au's resident money expert. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/michelle-hutchison" target="_blank">here</a>.
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July’s best fixed and variable home loans: Michelle Hutchison

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Despite the cash rate cutting to a historic low this month, research from finder.com.au reveals that around 43% of home loan providers have failed to pass on the full 25 percentage points to borrowers, meaning many Australians are being left with a sting. One option to combat this is by choosing a home loan with a 100% offset account as a way to continually save on the interest.
If your lender won’t pass on the full cut, comparing your home loan options and beating the banks with an offset account could be your most powerful plays.
 finder.com.au’s 3 lowest variable rates that allow for a 100% offset account:
<ul>
<li>
loans.com.au Dream Home Loan Offset Variable: 4.02%
</li>
</ul>
This competitive rate is available to those who have saved a deposit of at least 10% of the property value and aren’t afraid of $520 worth of startup fees (a $300 settlement fee paired with a $220 valuation fee). You’ll have access to a loan that allows splits, extra repayments and redraws, and is portable, too.
<ul>
<li>
State Custodians Standard Variable Offset: 4.09%
</li>
</ul>
This home loan comes with a $299 annual fee price tag, which will be paired with valuation fee of $275 in your first year. This may be a small upfront price to pay for what is one of the lowest rates in the market – meaning an ongoing savings. It’s up to you to factor in the long and short term commitments to the rest of your financial situation
<ul>
<li>
BankWest Super Start: 4.17%
</li>
</ul>
This rate is a discount off their standard variable rate (which is 5.47%) and is effective for 3 years. In return for this low rate you’ll have to pay some substantive fees, such as a $695 application fee (waived if you apply through finder.com.au), $300 company fee and $350 portability fee. Locking in a discounted variable rate for 3 years is a crucial strategic consideration, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the significant fees you’ll be forking out for.
 finder.com.au’s 3 lowest 3-year fixed rates that allow for a 100% offset account:
<ul>
<li>
Bank of Queensland Fixed Rate: 3.99%
</li>
</ul>
This low rate is available through a limited-time discount for new borrowers who have a deposit of at least 20% of the property value. While you’ll have access to a 100% offset account and extra repayment options, the fees associated with this loan total $570 in the first year, made up of an annual service fee of $120, $300 application fee and $150 exit fee.
<ul>
<li>
Greater Building Society Ultimate: 4.29%
</li>
</ul>
For the low rate, this loan also has some flexibility-adding features such as additional repayment, redraw facilities and split options. That being said, you’ll be expected to fork out $375 as an ongoing annual service fee, which could especially sting when combined with the once-off settlement fee of $180.
<ul>
<li>
Commonwealth Bank Fixed Rate Wealth Package: 4.69%
</li>
</ul>
The wealth package is made to accommodate for exactly that – those who can afford a few fees and expenses for a lower rate in return. With a $600 application fee and $375 annual fee, you’ll spend just short of $1000 in additional expenses in your first year of the loan. With that in mind, being allowed unlimited additional repayments could be a means to minimise interest charges, which may offset those initial expenses. All in all, this loan is a portable, flexible account for people that can manage their money enough to offset the expenses that come with this product.
MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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Some Aussies stung in recent rate update: Michelle Hutchison

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Australia’s ‘property inferno’ is well and truly alight this month.
With property prices set to continue rising through 2015 and more cash rate cuts on the horizon, potential home buyers need to seriously consider whether they’ll make the most of favourable opportunities to dive into the market.
If property prices are on the up and up, and variable rates set to follow the cash rate to new lows, it makes sense that securing a property sooner rather than later will help to reduce your long-term costs. By choosing the lowest rate available to you, you may be able to offset some of the costs associated with higher property values, before they rise any further.
finder.com.au’s lowest variable rate home loans
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-dream-essentials-home-loan">loans.com.au Dream Home Loan Essentials: </a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-dream-essentials-home-loan">4.23% </a>This is the lowest variable rate on finder.com.au and a heavy contender in terms of additional features. While you’ll have access to extra payment and redraw facilities, portability and splitting options, you won’t have access to an offset account or physical branches – loans.com.au is a solely online lender. This paired with a $375 annual fee could sway some potential buyers.  </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/ubank-uhomeloan-variable-rate#9384">UBank UHomeloan: </a>4.29% This loan is only available to those who have secured a 20% deposit on their loan, however this dedication is rewarded in the form of $0 application or ongoing admin fees, which is a welcome change in the home loan market. Provided you’re an Australian resident with a Pay As You Go (PAYG) income from an employer, this loan can provide you with some cushy features such as free, unlimited redraws and various splitting options.  </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/state-custodians-standard-variable-offset-loan">State Custodians Standard Variable: </a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/state-custodians-standard-variable-offset-loan">4.34% </a>If you can pay the $299 Annual Service Fee, $275 Valuation fee and $300 discharge fee, you’ll have access to a flexible loan with 100% offset options, as well as extra repayments, redraw facilities and split loan options.</li>
</ol>
finder.com.au’s lowest three-year fixed home loans
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#851">Newcastle Permanent: </a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#851">3.99% </a>This is the lowest 3-year fixed rate on finder.com.au and home to a limited-time cashback offer of $1000 on applications made before May 1, settled before June 26 and over $150,000. Just be aware that there are no redraw services for this loan, so make sure the repayments are a financial commitment you can dedicate to – as you won’t be able to use the money elsewhere once it’s deposited.  </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/ubank-uhomeloan-fixed-rate-home-loan#885">UBank UHomeloan:</a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/ubank-uhomeloan-fixed-rate-home-loan#885"> 4.18% </a>This loan is designed for the sure-footed as it does not allow extra-repayments or redraws on the fixed term of your loan – you’ll have to look elsewhere should you need extra money in the first three years. Aside from a $395 application fee, there is no annual service fee and you’ll be allowed to change up the repayment frequencies, which is a key consideration should you need to make strategic repayments around other lifestyle factors such as transitioning between jobs. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-dream-home-loan-fixed#1468">loans.com.au Dream Home Loan: </a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-dream-home-loan-fixed#1468">4.29% </a>This loan allows five free splits, which could be a highly valuable option for many first home buyers, especially being in the middle of cash rate movements. With additional repayment options and no application or ongoing fees, it may provide a smooth transition for those apprehensive to enter the market – provided you’re adequately braced for an initial $220 valuation fee and $300 settlement fee.</li>
</ol>
Michelle Hutchison is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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Offset rising property prices by making the most of your home loan: Michelle Hutchison

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GUEST OBSERVATION
It’s been 16 months, but the cash rate has finally budged – and it’s in the home owners’ favour.
Lowering the cash rate to 2.25% on 3 February, the Reserve Bank signalled an intent to boost market interest by giving lenders a clear, definitive reason to pass on better rates to customers. If there’s a time to make savings on your home loan, it’s now.
By knowing which lenders have dropped their rates and how to best approach the changing home loan market, you’ll make sure your opportunity to save isn’t just left to chance. Even if you’re happy with your current provider, there are still ways to keep more cash in your pocket.
Here are my top three tips for maximising the cash rate cut.
Tip #1: Compare all home loans on the market
The first tip is to compare home loans on offer, as many lenders have announced their rate cuts this month. With new deals on the market, you may currently be sitting on a home loan that was attractive last year, but not so much this year. Get with the times!
Tip #2: Keep repayments the same
While it might seem counter-intuitive to be forking out the same amount every month, keeping your repayments the same for a variable rate home loan will trim the time it takes to close out your mortgage. This is because your lender will reduce your repayments but asking to keep them higher will top up your surplus.
Worst case scenario and you need to access the extra cash, <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans-with-free-redraw">loans with free redraw</a> will allow you to reach back into your savings at any time.
Tip #3: Negotiate with your existing lender
Ever since the cash rate began dropping in November 2011, not all lenders have passed on every rate cut in full. This means lenders have a bit of padding you can ask to have carried along into your rate.
A crucial strategy is to find the lowest variable rate on the market that you’re eligible for, and negotiating up from there. While it’s unlikely they will be willing to match the lowest rate if you’re with a bigger bank, you’re starting the conversation to get a better deal.
Before you accept any offer, <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loan-repayment-calculator">calculate mortgage savings</a> you would be making from the negotiation to ensure you’re stretching your money as far as possible.
If you’re looking to find the best home loan for you, here are <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/">finder.com.au</a>’s top three variable rate home loans:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-dream-essentials-home-loan" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">Loans.com.au Dream Essentials</a>: 4.23% p.a. With consistently competitive rates, Loans.com.au is a hefty contender for people who don’t mind the absence of a physical branch: this lender is solely online. What they might lack in bricks and mortar, they make up for in value by having no ongoing monthly fees and super low rates. Once you work through the $520 worth of setup fees (Settlement of $300 and $220 for valuation), you’re set to hit the market with one of the lowest rates on offer. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/hsbc-home-value-loan" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">HSBC Home Value</a>: 4.48% p.a. Another ‘no monthly fees’ player in the home loan game, this home loan also allows you to split portions of your mortgage – just in case you don’t believe the low rates will be around for long. While it also allows additional repayments, you’re going to be slugged with a $40 fee every time you dip into your savings. If you’re going to choose this loan, make sure you’re committing to realistic contributions that you won’t need down the track. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/greater-building-society-discount-ultimate-home-loan#1493" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">Greater Building Society Discount Ultimate</a>: 4.49% p.a. This low rate loan is available to loans of over $30,000 and for those with a deposit of at least  20%. It allows for a 100% offset account, something that is particularly helpful to maximise savings. However it’s a package product, meaning it’s designed to be take up with other products from this provider. Perhaps the biggest drawback of this package is the $375 annual fee, which will come back to visit you every year.
</li>
</ol>
Michelle Hutchison is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
</body></html>

Three tips for maximising the cash rate cut: Michelle Hutchison

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Over one-quarter, or 26%, of lenders have now made interest rate cut announcements, including all four major banks, according to <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>. 
However, just one of the 30 lenders has passed on the rate cuts to existing and new customers so far, which was BankVic with an effective date of 9 February, 2015. <a href="https://Loans.com.au" target="_blank">Loans.com.au</a> was first to drop its rate for existing customers with its rate-linked home loan while cuts for other borrowers will take effect on 23 February, 2015.
So most borrowers won't receive a rate reprieve until 22 February on average, which means it will be in next month's statement.
The latest to make a rate cut announcement was Aussie, which followed the pack and will drop its variable home loan rates by 0.25 percentage points, effective February 23, 2015.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"> Lender</td>
<td valign="top" width="205"> Rate cut</td>
<td valign="top" width="205"> Effective date</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/amp-capiutla-nov-19-logog.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">23 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/anz-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">12 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ausie-jan-15-breakout.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">23 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/bank-of-melbourne-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200px"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"> <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/BOQ-aug-13-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">24 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"> <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/banksa-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/BankVic-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">9 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"> <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/Bankwest-Logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/bendigo-bank-feb-10-breakout.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">27 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/citibank-feb-10-breakout.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"> <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/cba-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/cua-lgoo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">24 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"> <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/logo_Greater_Building_Society.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/heritage-bank-logo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/hsbc-logo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ing-direct-logo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.50%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">10 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/loans.com.au-logo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">4 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/maitland-mutal-logo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">23 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/me-bank-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/nab-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/newcastle-pernamnet-logo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">23 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/pbbanklogo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">6 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/peopleschoicelogo.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">24 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/rams-feb-10-breakotu.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/st-george-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/SMSCSelfEmp.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">27 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/suncorpimage.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">27 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/UBank_UHomeLoanNOV.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">25 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/westpac-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.28%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">20 February 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ybr-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200"></td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">24 February 2015 </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: finder.com.au, ranked alphabetically. Dates may vary for some customers.
*Some loan changes may be effective from 15/3/15.
With all lenders so far passing on at least the full 0.25 percentage point rate cut, we estimate that by next month there will be 158 variable rate home loans under 1.60%, <a href="https://finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">out of almost 1,400 home loans monitored</a> by finder.com.au.
These lenders that will offer introductory or ongoing variable home loan rates under 4.6% include CBA, <a href="https://Loans.com.au" target="_blank">Loans.com.au</a>, HSBC, UBank, Heritage Bank, Yellow Brick Road, CUA, BankVic, Bankwest, IMB, Aussie, Macquarie Bank, Bank of Sydney, AMP, Citibank, ING Direct and more.
It's a great time for borrowers to find out what rate they will be on once the rate cuts come into effect and compare it to other home loans. Variable rate borrowers shouldn't accept an interest rate over 5% next month and should renegotiate with their lender or switch to a cheaper deal.
For instance, if you have the average variable home loan rate of 5.5% and it falls to 5.10%, switching to 4.60% for a $300,000 home loan could save you $91 per month or over $32,000 over 30 years.
This money is up for grabs and it's up to borrowers to jump online, talk to their lender or switch home loans and take the cash on offer.
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">Click here to view a table</a> of the lenders that have so far announced rate cuts and we will be updating this page as we hear more announcements.
Michelle Hutchison is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
</body></html>

The banks make their moves following RBA cut: Michelle Hutchison

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Joel Robinson

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <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>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Brisbane developer Red &amp; Co's decision to include dual key apartments in its debut Gold Coast apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO Varsity Lakes</a>, is proving to be one of the project's biggest drawcards, with buyers quickly snapping up the flexible residences.

More than half of the project's 36 dual key apartments have already sold, helping drive COMO beyond the 50 per cent sold mark within the first month of launch.

The strong response highlights growing demand for apartment designs that can adapt to changing lifestyles, with buyers increasingly looking for homes that accommodate multi-generational living, provide rental income opportunities or simply offer greater flexibility over time.

Located on the shores of Lake Orr, COMO will deliver 156 apartments across 16 levels, with the dual-key residences forming a limited release within the broader development.

Each combines a primary two-bedroom apartment with a fully self-contained studio on a single title, connected by a shared foyer and lockable internal door. The design allows owners to house ageing parents, adult children or guests while maintaining privacy, or lease the secondary residence to generate additional income.

Just 17 of the original 36 dual key apartments remain available.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=367096]

The innovative configuration combines two fully self-contained residences on a single title, typically comprising a primary two-bedroom apartment alongside a separate studio residence, connected via a shared foyer and lockable internal door.&nbsp;

The model is proving particularly attractive to owner occupiers navigating changing family dynamics and the realities of the current housing crisis.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/npa">NPA</a>&nbsp;CEO Andrew Erwin said dual key living was resonating strongly with modern buyers because it delivered both financial flexibility and practical lifestyle benefits.&nbsp;

“The housing crisis and rising cost of living are fundamentally changing how Australians think about home ownership,” Erwin said.&nbsp;

“Dual key apartments provide a genuine solution for families who want to stay connected while maintaining independence. Parents can help adult children save for a future home, ageing parents can remain nearby without moving into aged care, and owners still retain privacy and flexibility.

“Importantly, buyers are also recognising the financial advantages. It creates the opportunity to generate additional income from part of the home without the holding costs associated with owning a separate investment property.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

Unlike traditional dual occupancy arrangements, the residences operate under a single title, meaning owners only incur one set of body corporate fees, council rates and holding costs.&nbsp;

The secondary residence can also evolve over time - functioning as guest accommodation, a home office, creative studio or private retreat before later becoming an income-producing asset.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a>&nbsp;Director and Co-Founder David Laverty said the strong early sales reflected growing buyer urgency and changing priorities within the market.&nbsp;

“Securing more than half of COMO’s residences within such a short timeframe is an outstanding result and a clear endorsement of both the design and location,” Laverty said.&nbsp;

“Buyers are responding to the combination of location, connectivity and amenity, but ultimately it’s value relative to other East Coast markets that is driving enquiry.”&nbsp;

“We’re also seeing strong interest from owner occupiers looking for homes that can adapt with them over time. Flexibility has become one of the most important considerations for buyers in today’s market.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, COMO features a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom residences with 2.7-metre ceilings and larger-format floorplans aimed at owner occupiers, downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.&nbsp;

The development will feature an extensive rooftop recreation and wellness offering including a 25-metre lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, gym, sauna, plunge baths, landscaped gardens, wellness spaces and rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts.

The remaining dual key apartments range from 137 sqm to 167 sqm and include generous three-bedroom layouts with separate self-contained studio accommodation and dual parking.&nbsp;

Erwin said the dual key concept represented a broader shift in how Australians would live in the future.

“People want homes that can evolve with their lives,” he said.&nbsp;

“A dual key apartment can suit a family today, support an ageing parent tomorrow, and potentially generate income later on. That adaptability is becoming incredibly valuable in the current environment.”

Prices currently range from $2,115,750 to $2,583,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Inter-generational living drives demand for COMO’s dual key apartments as housing pressures reshape buyer priorities 

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ceerose">Ceerose</a> has doubled down on its Leichhardt ambitions, lodging its second State Significant Development Application (SSDA) in the suburb in the last six months.

Their newest proposal seeks to transform a former industrial precinct into a new residential community centred around the adaptive reuse of one of the site's heritage warehouse buildings.

The new project, on a 6,930 sqm block at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-76-william-street-leichhardt-nsw-2040">40–76 William Street</a>, will bring more than 200 apartments to a suburb that has seen little to no new supply in recent years. It follows Ceerose's late 2025 SSDA for a mixed-use apartment project on nearby Parramatta Road, signalling the developer's growing investment in Sydney's Inner West.

Ceerose Founder Edward Doueihi told Apartments.com.au the developer’s long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West had given it a strong understanding of how the area has evolved and where its future opportunities lie.

“Ceerose has had a long-standing presence in Leichhardt and the Inner West, giving us a unique understanding of the area’s evolution and future potential,” Doueihi said.

“Having delivered projects throughout the region, we have witnessed the suburb’s transformation first-hand and understand the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Doueihi said that understanding also informed the planning process, with a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes Report prepared before the application was lodged.

The report identified the key issues and concerns raised by neighbouring residents and other stakeholders, allowing those matters to be considered and incorporated into the design where appropriate.

He said the delivery of additional housing would also play an important role in supporting the revitalisation of Norton Street and the Italian Forum.

“By increasing the local residential population, the development is expected to strengthen demand for local businesses, encourage further investment, and help restore the vibrancy that made the precinct a thriving destination in the early 2000s.”

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7258c54c-8167-479e-8361-2d5fca9915b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010B%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%202.jpg?VersionId=S9DQfxu_jpcB5LrAEYFUbyMzg5odW6i5" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the redevelopment would involve the demolition of four existing industrial buildings while retaining and adaptively reusing the site's most significant warehouse. The retained structure would anchor a new residential precinct comprising five interconnected buildings arranged around a large central landscaped courtyard, with heights stepping from five storeys along the surrounding residential streets to 11 storeys at the William Street corner.

According to the Architecture Design Report by Woods Bagot, the proposal "seeks to create a residential village centred around a generous green heart while celebrating the site's industrial heritage through the adaptive reuse of the existing warehouse building."

The development would comprise 203 apartments, with 188 proposed as build-to-sell residences, alongside 15 affordable housing apartments.

Rather than treating the retained warehouse as a standalone heritage object, Woods Bagot has sought to weave the site's industrial history throughout the masterplan. The proposal retains the north and west facades of the landmark corner warehouse, while new buildings reinterpret the site's brick-and-steel industrial language through their material palette and architectural expression.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9e8c64c2-881b-49e1-8c90-6b6acaaa45b6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010C%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%203.jpg?VersionId=Qm8_8H_Xrg_sc4Mdjc59vlAcKF_5wRTb" />

The design is organised around what Woods Bagot describes as a "green heart", a landscaped communal open space that reinstates the leafy character removed when the site became an industrial storage facility. A new pedestrian laneway running through the site would improve permeability between William, North and Francis streets, linking residents through landscaped public spaces while activating the ground plane.

Residents would have access to communal gardens and shared recreation areas distributed throughout the development. Sustainability has also been prioritised, with the project targeting an average 7.9-star NatHERS rating. Proposed initiatives include rooftop solar generation, rainwater harvesting, passive solar design, naturally ventilated lobbies, extensive cross-ventilation and the reuse of existing building fabric to reduce embodied carbon.

The adaptive reuse strategy became a defining feature of the application after heritage investigations found only one of the site's industrial buildings could feasibly be retained. The Heritage Impact Statement concludes that preserving the key warehouse façades while referencing the site's industrial character throughout the new development provides an appropriate balance between renewal and conservation.

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efffafdb-594f-4e2b-a067-921fd51c05e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010D%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%204.jpg?VersionId=DPmE4.k16YRt0i27hEZVtJAffarpvUfx" />

"Retention and adaptation of the site buildings has been explored but found not to be feasible except for the tallest building, whose street facades will be retained," the heritage report states.

"The proposed building will interpret the brick and steel character of the subject site, including reuse of some components and construction of a large 'sawtooth' structure in the proposed open space."

<img alt="First look: Ceerose returns to Leichhardt with 203-apartment adaptive reuse proposal at former warehouse site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3bfef2b5-83f5-40cd-9cab-767092f34266" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Appendix%2010E%20-%20CGI%20-%20View%205.jpg?VersionId=7asb3i_ql4ybbuJOUb5UHBEIy0Q9t.DF" />

The William Street site is located around 300 metres from Leichhardt North Light Rail station and a short walk to Norton Street's retail, dining and hospitality precinct. The surrounding area has increasingly become a focus for urban renewal given its proximity to public transport and the Parramatta Road corridor.

Doueihi founded Ceerose in 1998 and has grown the business to become one of Sydney's more active apartment developers in recent years, with completed projects including The Alex Collective in Alexandria, Abbie's Lane in Annandale, and the award-winning Munro House in Elizabeth Bay. They are currently delivering Belgravia, 17 luxury apartments in Potts Point.

Michelle Hutchison

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