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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

Holiday home buyers who have long gravitated to Queenstown’s alpine setting are increasingly looking for low-maintenance apartments that allow them to lock up and leave, while still generating income when they’re away.

For Wendy, who had spent years visiting the Queenstown and Arrowtown region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>’s Mountain Oak Apartments provided the opportunity to formalise what had previously been a recurring holiday pattern.

“We always had Queenstown in the back of our minds to buy something there as a holiday home,” she says. “We love the Queenstown and Arrowtown area.”

<img alt="From slopes to markets: Mountain Oak connects residents to the best of Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/658d4f_48c3ec1ae5df4a2cab7d23c07c7f51b3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=27K8oQ4ExDN8Yu70VHDa9Olq59XU36m3" />

Time spent visiting her sister-in-law, who owns in Arrowtown, along with regular stays at Millbrook Resort, had already shaped a strong personal connection to the region.&nbsp;

Rather than approaching the purchase purely as an investment play, Wendy’s starting point was lifestyle.

“We were more thinking about ourselves and where we could stay, and then the rental aspect was second.”

Mountain Oak Apartments, located within the masterplanned Remarkables Park precinct in Frankton, aligned with that thinking. The ability to secure the apartment with a deposit and settle on completion made the timing work.

“The fact that we could put a deposit down with the balance on completion was a bonus for us,” she explains.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Wendy selected a two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, a configuration that supports both private use and guest flexibility.

“The two-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration appealed from both a rental viewpoint and for the ability to have friends stay while we are there,” she says.

Across the development, two-bedroom apartments range from 64sqm to 78sqm, with two-bedroom plus flexi options from 71sqm to 75sqm, each with an allocated car park. The flexi layouts introduce an additional space suited to work or hobbies, reflecting demand from buyers who split their time between leisure and remote work.

Apartments include underfloor heating in bathrooms, heat pumps to living areas, and joinery positioned to maximise natural light and mountain outlooks. The Remarkables Park precinct is known for its extended winter sunshine hours, water frontage and open views toward The Remarkables.&nbsp;

Units come in light and dark interior colour schemes.

<img alt="Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd685a22-3b95-43a1-87cb-48fdd42bb4ba" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/658d4f_f9f89107c2704ebbbe5a6b36da508cb3~mv2.jpg?VersionId=MigFIEm6b.mrANANwxSmwHvC4RdJUuyR" />

While lifestyle was the primary driver, the fundamentals of the Queenstown market added reassurance.&nbsp;

“Proximity to the airport and tourism being the main attraction all year round,” Wendy says, when asked what stood out from an investment perspective.

Mountain Oak sits just eight kilometres from Queenstown’s CBD and around a two-minute drive from Queenstown Airport.&nbsp;

For Wendy, that airport proximity carries practical value.

“The airport proximity is a bonus, we think that being so close will be an attraction for the convenience side.”

Residents are also a short drive from Coronet Peak, Jack’s Point Golf Course, New World Supermarket, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and the dining, medical, gym, cinema and library amenities within the town centre, as well as the seasonal Remarkables Market.

Importantly, the purchase does not lock owners into a single use. Mountain Oak offers the flexibility to opt for short-term visitor accommodation or longer-term residential rental management, with 365-day visitor accommodation consent in place. Owners can utilise Safari Group’s 24/7 on-site management service or appoint their own provider, and do not need to decide on a strategy immediately.

“It was a bonus that we can rent it out as well as use it for ourselves,” she says.

Additional buying options, including furniture packages and storage units available for purchase within the building, further support a lock-and-leave model suited to interstate and overseas owners.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Mountain Oak Apartments comprises 141 residences, ranging from one-bedroom configurations through to larger apartments and penthouses. One-bedroom apartments are currently priced from NZ$639,000, with three-bedroom options from NZ$1,299,000.

With 365-day visitor accommodation consent, the development is structured to respond to Queenstown’s established four-season tourism economy, spanning winter ski traffic and summer hiking, cycling, golf and lake-based activity.

Although Wendy acknowledges the strength of rental demand, her approach remains long term.

“We’re not planning to sell it anytime soon, so we are keen to hang on to it, but the passive income will be a bonus.”

Confidence in the developer also influenced her decision. Before proceeding, Wendy sought feedback within the local building community.

“We asked around and Safari Group had a good reputation,” she says.

Safari Group has delivered more than 2,000 hotel units and residential apartments across over 18 developments nationwide, with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector.

With completion anticipated by mid-2027, Mountain Oak is attracting a cross-section of buyers, from yield-focused investors to lifestyle purchasers seeking a foothold in one of New Zealand’s most tightly held alpine markets.

For Wendy, it represents both a future holiday base and a long-term asset within Queenstown’s year-round tourism economy.

Joel Robinson

How Mountain Oak Apartments draws holiday home buyers to Queenstown

Eduard Litver's Capitel Group is seeking to redevelop Chatswood's Mandarin Centre in the heart of the burgeoning suburb.

Capitel Group, in a joint venture with Metis Group, has filed a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to demolish the Mandarin Centre and construct a 32-storey tower designed by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merrill (SOM) with 325 apartments.

The 3,524 sqm site at 61A-65 Albert Avenue will also home extensive retail amenity, both at street-level and across a four-level podium.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="905976ea-08cd-409f-8a4c-33a3fb8bf351" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923441002.png?VersionId=f_xI2ejpxQvEm4fPqGji01RY9_AWVY6O" />

In its early stage Design Report submitted to the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, SOM describes the ambition for the project as one that “aims to revitalise and reactivate an important corner of the Chatswood CBD.”

The architects note that the existing shopping centre “has a lack of vertical connection between its five levels of retail and a cumbersome pedestrian access from the street to the second-level transit connection,” framing the redevelopment as an opportunity to reconfigure circulation and better integrate with surrounding transport infrastructure.

The design adopts a single tower configuration, shaped through early testing to respond to neighbouring buildings and key public spaces.

Retail activation is concentrated at ground and lower podium levels, with a focus on food and beverage, lifestyle and wellness tenancies. The intent is to create a more permeable ground plane and improve connections between Albert Avenue, Victor Street and the Chatswood transport interchange, located within walking distance of the site.

<img alt="First look: Metis and Capitel unveil $1.2bn+ plan to redevelop Chatswood’s Mandarin Centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1e0c8cb-ee9b-41c1-97ac-0455c043b9e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/1771923442914.png?VersionId=y.Kbo.9bzLIbOabeygYts8Uf9imI.Dqh" />

The site occupies a prominent position on the southern edge of the Chatswood CBD core, bounded by Albert Avenue and Victor Street. It sits near the rail and metro interchange and within close proximity to Chatswood Chase, Westfield Chatswood, Chatswood Oval and a range of commercial office towers and residential buildings.

Chatswood has been one, and continues to be, of the most popular suburbs for developers in recent years. The most recent tower to launch is Hyecorp's Celine on Archer Street, which followed The Anderson by Changfa and Huirong.

Soon to launch is Coronation's Archer &amp; Albert nearby the new proposal.

Chatswood boom continues with Capitel and Metis’s $1.2 billion Mandarin Centre redevelopment

Apartment development applications continue to tally up in Rose Bay following the NSW Gov's 2025 update to the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

&nbsp;

Some $200 million worth of developments were filed in the space of four weeks at the back end of last year, with the likes of Fyve, HSN, Luxcon and Fortis all seeking to creating new apartment buildings.

The latest plans are for an amalgamated 3,105 sqm site across Conway Avenue, Fernleigh Avenue, and Carlisle Street. Developer Mathieson Property is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dian-2-6-conway-avenue-rose-bay-nsw-2029">Dian</a>, 70 apartments across a new eight-storey building, perched on a ridgeline within walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA), includes one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom configurations. Over 15 per cent will be dedicated as affordable, as per the NSW Government's push for affordable housing. The 17 apartments will be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years following completion of the building.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f99c21d9-e69d-4a23-ae35-3244cfa0b4ae" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20site_0.png?VersionId=67KSZfecJ3fvn1ewo9xxKrneRT.Nsjwd" />

MHNDU has designed the building around three central cores, with lower-level apartments arranged to maximise corner balconies and cross-ventilation. Upper levels are configured with dual north–south aspects to capture harbour views and solar access.

Private open space is a key feature of the scheme, with generous balconies and terraces throughout. Five ground-floor apartments would include private pools, while one upper-level residence will feature a rooftop terrace and pool. A communal room and adjoining landscaped outdoor terraces provide shared open space for residents.

<img alt="First Look: Mathieson Property unveils eight-storey infill housing proposal ‘Dian’ in Rose Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dd2e275f-c270-4eb1-9a02-2b573b8eb540" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Rose%20Bay%20front_0.png?VersionId=Us5jNEG6iLFLLMfQSzVBVdILYobBj.g9" />

The site sits around 365 metres walking distance of Rose Bay Town Centre and around 312 metres from regular bus services on New South Head Road, meeting the accessible area criteria under the Housing SEPP.

In early 2025, the NSW Government implemented significant changes to its Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, altering planning controls to allow greater density for new apartment projects within an 800-metre walking distance of stations and town centres in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/woollahra-nsw-2025">Woollahra</a>&nbsp;Local Government Area, overriding existing local controls. Buildings are now permitted to rise up to six storeys within 400 metres of a station or centre, or eight storeys where affordable housing is incorporated, and up to four storeys within the 401 to 800 metre radius, which can increase to six storeys with affordable housing.

Mathieson Property unveils Dian Rose Bay apartment development

Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hyecorp-property-group">Hyecorp</a> is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/celine-chatswood-37-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Celine</a>, its new apartment development in Chatswood.

Set within a blue ribbon location on Archer Street, Celine will rise on a quiet, tree-lined enclave on the edge of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area, a short walk from the connectivity which Chatswood is famous for.

Celine will deliver 122 one, two, three, and four-bedroom residences, designed to accommodate a broad range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362610]

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fuse-architecture-0">Fuse Architects</a>, the 29-storey tower has been shaped to respond to its Archer Street setting, with a defined podium and slender upper levels.&nbsp;

The building incorporates a two-storey residential lobby at the corner, double-height retail fronting Bertram Street, food and beverage tenancies along a through-site link, and two levels of commercial office space.&nbsp;

A landscaped pedestrian connection between Archer and Bertram streets will provide a publicly accessible link through the site, extending activity at ground level beyond the building footprint.

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Inside, Hyecorp is emphasising scale and flexibility. Most residences will incorporate multipurpose rooms, allowing buyers to configure additional living, study or guest space within their floorplan.&nbsp;

Kitchens have been designed with proportions more commonly associated with standalone homes, complemented by Gaggenau and Miele appliances, integrated refrigeration, Miele laundry appliances, Taj Mahal stone and bronze tapware.&nbsp;

Buyers will also have the option to tailor aspects of their home through the developer’s “Live Your Way” personalisation service.

Resident amenity will include an outdoor pool, gym and sauna, as well as barbecue and lounge areas designed for shared use. Upper levels are oriented to capture eastern outlooks towards the Sydney CBD and surrounding greenery.

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The location places future residents within 800 metres of Chatswood Interchange, providing access to metro and rail services, and within walking distance of Westfield, Chatswood Chase and the Chatswood Concourse. Parks including Chatswood Park and Beauchamp Park are nearby, along with a cluster of schools and private hospitals.

Celine continues Hyecorp’s focus on the Lower North Shore. The Australian, family-owned developer has been operating locally for more than 30 years, with recent projects including Audrey in St Leonards, now nearing completion, and Juliet in Roseville. With registrations expected to open soon, Celine represents the group’s latest addition to the Chatswood apartment market.

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Hyecorp unveils Celine, a striking new apartment tower in the heart of Chatswood

International development company <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> has kicked off construction of the $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a>, one of the highest value developments to get underway on the Gold Coast in more than a decade.

Located on a 1.15ha site stretching from Surfers Paradise Boulevard to Ferny Avenue, Paradiso Place, when completed, will deliver 845 residences across three residential towers. &nbsp;

Paradiso Place has been several years in planning by SPG, which has now pushed the green light on construction to meet pent-up demand from investors and owner occupiers.

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The move follows minor amendments to the original design to cater to buyer demand, including the provision of more premium residential amenity, including private dining, lounge and events spaces for residents to entertain guests.

The three towers, comprising 41, 40 and 44 levels, will bring to the market 845 apartments with each tower boasting its own podium level interconnected skybridge to create a unique elevated ‘beachside village’ for residents.

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The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed development will bring a broad range of residences to the market, most offering ocean views and all enjoying five-star hotel amenities with world-class facilities and the convenience ground level retail precinct.

&nbsp;

Construction of Paradiso Place has been made possible by SPG’s newly established SPG Built division partnered with experienced project management group Eastview Australia, a company that has supported the development of a raft of major projects on the Gold Coast over the past two decades.

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“It’s a very exciting time for Paradiso Place as we start construction,” said SPG Land Chairman David Wang.

“We have spent our energy refreshing design and assembling the best team and waiting for what we believe is the right time to start construction on one of the most exciting mixed-use developments to proceed on the Gold Coast since Oracle in Broadbeach and Circle on Cavill in Surfers Paradise. &nbsp;

“The local and interstate downsizer market is getting stronger, and we see Paradiso Place as the right project for our times right now. Our company has the capacity to deliver large-scale projects, and we are thrilled to be bringing this vision to reality.”

&nbsp;

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SPG Invest, a company founded in Australia in 1998 with a focus on high-end real estate and premium hospitality assets, has delivered 56 projects in the Asia-Pacific region over the past twenty-five years, including The Peninsula Hotel Shanghai and the Global 188 twin-tower project in Suzhou and Cambridge Residences at Robina.

Paradiso Place will deliver a range of new apartments with two-, three- and four-bedroom layouts, as well as a collection of sub-penthouse and penthouse apartments across three levels. Prices start from $950,000.

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“We have a very strong vision for Paradiso Place – we are creating a unique beachside residential community where contemporary design &amp; architecture and luxury materials combine with five star residents’ amenities and the convenience of a premium retail precinct on the ground floor”, said SPG Land CEO Dr Ying Rao&nbsp;

“We are confident that the community will recognise that this is more than just another development. Paradiso Place will bring a much-needed retail precinct and lifestyle hub to northern Surfers Paradise with premium retail, lifestyle and food and beverage options,” Said Dr Rao&nbsp;

“The retail precinct is critical to enhancing the lifestyle amenity for residents and guests, so SPG will retain control of this precinct to curate a premium retail offering that will support this thriving new community.

“SPG will also retain short-term holiday letting to control premium and luxury outcomes in line with our vision.”

Construction of Stage 1 Paradiso Place is expected to be completed by end of 2029.

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Michelle Hutchison

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