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Small businesses with a turnover of less than $2m can now claim an immediate tax deduction when purchasing plant equipment valued under $20,000.
This new tax break will deliver an early Xmas present to fit-out contractors who specialise in restaurant and small office refurbishments.
I was surprised by the quantum of the tax break.
I think $20,000 as an immediate tax deduction for individual items is a huge amount and an incredible incentive to bring that fit-out forward.
Fit-out contractors now believe in Santa Claus and he’s taken the form of Joe Hockey.
We recently refurbished our office for a cost of $202,000 and were able to claim $35,000 in depreciation in the first year. If we’d carried out the same fit-out today our first year depreciation would’ve been over $123,000.
That’s a huge difference.
Quantity Surveyors are experts in breaking down the overall construction cost into individual items and now has never been a more appropriate time to do this.
There are four main points to consider:
<ol>
<li>Small businesses should ensure a detailed report of any fit-out costs be carried out.</li>
<li>When acquiring any new asset, small businesses should try to keep the costs below $20,000.</li>
<li>This generous bonus has an expiry date of June 30, 2017.</li>
<li>Assets costing over $20,000 can still be depreciated but not claimed as an outright deduction.</li>
</ol>
Some examples of what may qualify for an immediate tax deduction include carpet, desks, blinds, work stations and a lighting upgrade.
Now has never been a better time to upgrade that office or refurbish your restaurant.
TYRON HYDE is director of <a href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/" target="_blank">Washington Brown Quantity Surveyors</a>.
His book <a href="https://www.claim-it.com.au/?utm_source=wbsite&amp;utm_medium=image&amp;utm_campaign=homepagebanner" target="_blank">CLAIM IT!</a> helps property investors maximise their tax benefits through smart deprecation.
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tyronhyde-GVUTYT8ZT3

Christmas for contractors as Hockey delivers: Tyron Hyde

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Do you remember when Professor Steven Keen, (the economist, author and renowned pessimist when it comes to property), was selling his house because of he thought the property market was overpriced?
I do. The year was 2008.
I remember seeing him on TV (A Current Affair or Today Tonight) doing a walk-through of his apartment and explaining to the reporter how overpriced the market is and it’s time to sell.
Fast forward to today and this morning I read that in <a href="https://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/back-to-boom-sydney-house-prices-jumped-14-per-cent-in-2014-20150128-1304n8" target="_blank">2014 property prices are up 14% alone</a>.
Here’s a chart up to 2013 – so add a lot more and to the end and you get the picture.
<img class="center" src="https://m.c.lnkd.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/5/005/0b3/0a2/1ff6cc9.png" alt="" width="588" height="293" data-loading-tracked="true">
Source: Housing NSW, Arek Drozda
But, at the time, Steven Keen certainly made me think. He made me ponder putting some property onto the market.
Why? Because I thought and still feel that relative to wages property seems expensive. This is probably based on my childhood, where my father could support five kids and a wife on the one wage and still have a house in Concord NSW (back then I was a Westie - now I'd be a latte sipping urbanite).
But times have changed.
Now, I don’t know what the future holds but my lessons or takeaways from this experience are:
<ol>
<li>Don’t get your facts from ACA or Today Tonight. 
</li>
<li>I'm glad I didn't listen to you Mr Steven Keen 
</li>
<li>Don’t sell property unless you really have to (the costs of getting into and out of the property market are really high). 
</li>
<li>Australia has so many varying factors that have helped keep our property market strong 
</li>
<li>There are many different markets within Australia – so it’s too simple to say the Australian property market will go this way or that. 
</li>
<li>When i can buy money at 5% or below fixed for five years, .hard to see the market heading south anywhere in a hurry.</li>
</ol>
Did you sell? Where do you think the market is headed now?
Tyron Hyde is director of <a href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/" target="_blank">Washington Brown Quantity Surveyors</a>.
His book <a href="https://www.claim-it.com.au/?utm_source=wbsite&amp;utm_medium=image&amp;utm_campaign=homepagebanner" target="_blank">CLAIM IT!</a> helps property investors maximise their tax benefits through smart deprecation.
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I am glad I didn't listen to Steve Keen: Tyron Hyde

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In my 20 odd years as a quantity surveyor, I have never seen more “mortgagee in possession” properties for sale than in the last few years. And this is particularly true for commercial property.
In fact, recent studies indicate that a whopping 25% or more of all commercial properties for sale have been distressed sales.
So what does this say about the commercial real estate market? Well, aside from the fact that now might be a good time to start snapping up bargains, there are other substantial tax benefits to be made. And it all relates to paragraphs 41 &amp; 42 or Tax Ruling 97/25;
Construction cost exceeds purchase price
41. Damian is a property developer who constructs a condominium of 38 units in a popular holiday resort. All units are intended for sale. During the construction period, he sells 28 of the units off-the-plan. After completion of the project, real estate prices drop significantly and he decides to sell the last of the units below cost.
42. David, an investor, buys one of the last units for $95,000. The actual construction cost of the unit to Damian was $105,000. David is entitled to a deduction under Division 43 based on construction expenditure of $105,000.
You see, the capital works deduction is based upon the actual construction cost, in comparison to most depreciating assets that are based upon what you pay for the item.
And as quantity surveyors, we are now preparing depreciation schedules where the construction cost is close to or exceeds the purchase price, just like the above example.
And as far as I’m aware, there is no other way under the Australian taxation system where you can get a deduction greater than what you actually pay for something.
When you buy a car from Mazda, for instance, you don’t ring up Mazda and ask what it cost them to manufacture the car - do you?
Buildings are different.
And if you don’t know the construction costs, TR 97 / 25 states that a report from a quantity surveyor will be accepted.
Remember, you can claim capital works (sometimes called building allowance) on commercial property if construction commenced after July 1982.
For residential buildings, construction must have started after July 1985.
Certain items within commercial properties also attract a higher rate of depreciation – like carpet.
That’s because office carpet gets more wear and tear than carpet in a home.
And it’s not just commercial property prices that have dropped close to or below construction costs. We have also seen this trend in relation to residential property prices in some holiday regions such as Noosa and Cairns.

<hr>
Tyron Hyde is director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/">Washington Brown Quantity Surveyors</a>. 
His book <a target="_blank" href="https://www.claim-it.com.au/?utm_source=wbsite&amp;utm_medium=image&amp;utm_campaign=homepagebanner">CLAIM IT!</a> helps property investors maximise their tax benefits through smart deprecation.
 
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Claiming capital deductions on commercial property: Tyron Hyde

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It wasn’t that long ago that many investors thought it was just new property that depreciated. But that’s changed, and most now understand that even an old property will have some sort of claim.
However, the depreciation benefits of property purchased close to June 30th are much less understood. And on the surface that’s fair enough. Let’s say, you’ve settled on a property on the 1st of June, what would be the point of paying for a schedule for just 30 days of depreciation – wait until next year, right?
Wrong. In the first financial year of ownership, it is not uncommon for an investor to claim thousands of dollars in deductions for a property purchased close to June 30.
For instance, a Sydney client of ours settled on a one-bedroom Chatswood unit on June 25th last year. The property was built in 1999 and the purchase price was $450,000. Yet, the deduction, which was for 5 days only remember, was over $5,000.
What’s the catch, I hear you say. Well, there isn’t one. The ability to make such a significant deduction for just a short period of time is due to the immediate write-off and low pooling of items that are classified as <a href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/list-of-items" target="_blank">plant and equipment</a>.
Neither of these amounts should be pro-rated, so you can maximise these items whether the property has been owned for one day or 365 days. And the <a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/" target="_blank">property age is nothing to worry about either</a>, as all properties are eligible for plant and equipment.
So, for any plant and equipment in the property valued under $300 you have an immediate write-off and for those items under $1,000, they are low-pooled and claimed at 18.75% in the first year.
Here’s another example from a client of ours that bought small unit in Melbourne’s inner city. They paid close to $300,000, the building was just over ten years old and they settled on the 15th of June. The first-year depreciation claim, for 15 days only, was a deduction of $6,000.
The items that can fall into these key categories are things like exhaust fans, ceiling fans, range hood, stoves, smoke alarms, etc. – items that most investment properties are going to have. So, the deductions soon add up.
And even if the item costs over $1,000 – but your portion is only, say $200, you can claim the item in full immediately, as your portion is under the $300 threshold.
In short, it pays to get that a schedule as soon as you settle, even if that’s at the end of the financial year. And let’s face it, who wants to be filling in the adjustment form if you wait 12 months.
 
Tyron Hyde is a director of quantity surveying firm <a href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a>. He has a degree in construction economics and is an associate of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
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Even if you have just bought a property, you can still claim depreciation this year

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Seasoned property investors know all about this one. Depreciation. Yet every year thousands of dollars go unclaimed by property investors who are none the wiser. So with tax time here again, Tyron Hyde, Director of Washington Brown Quantity Surveyors, provides a basic guide. Let’s call it Deprecation 101.
1. What is property depreciation?
Just like you claim wear and tear on a car purchased for income-producing purposes, you can also claim the depreciation of your investment property against your taxable income.
There are two types of allowances available: depreciation on plant and equipment (such as blinds, carpets and air-conditioners) and depreciation on building allowance, which refers to construction costs of the building itself, such as concrete and brickwork.
 
2. So how does a depreciation schedule help me?
Simple. A depreciation schedule will help you pay less tax. The amount the depreciation schedule says you claim effectively reduces your taxable income, and the savings can be substantial. You can estimate your depreciation using the free depreciation calculator found at <a href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/">www.washingtonbrown.com.au</a>
3. Is my property too old to claim property depreciation?
The most common misconception is that only new property can be depreciated, and this is simply not true. If your residential property was built after July 1985 you will be able to claim both building allowance and plant and equipment. If construction on your property commenced before this date, you can only claim depreciation on plant and equipment, but it will still be worthwhile. 
 
4. I bought my property three years ago. Can I still make a claim?
Yes, you can. Your accountant can amend your previous tax returns up to two years back. There are some exceptions, so please contact your tax agent or the ATO for clarification. 
 
5. Shouldn’t my accountant prepare this report?
If your residential property was built after 1985 your accountant is not allowed to estimate the construction costs. The ATO has identified quantity surveyors as properly qualified to make the appropriate estimate of the construction costs, where those costs are unknown. Real-estate agents, property managers and valuers are not allowed to make this estimate.
 
6. Should my depreciation provider be a registered tax agent?
From March 1, 2010 all companies that prepare tax depreciation schedules must be registered tax agents. The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is a "recognised tax agent association", enabling full members of the AIQS who have sufficient experience to gain registration as tax agents.
7. Will you need to inspect my property?
A site inspection of your property is necessary to satisfy ATO requirements and also ensures that all depreciable items are noted and photographed. This guarantees you won’t miss out on any deductions and the documentation can then be used as evidence in the event of an audit.
Tyron Hyde is a director of quantity surveying firm <a target="_blank" title="Washington Brown" href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/">Washington Brown</a>. He has a degree in construction economics and is an associate of the <a target="_blank" title="Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors" href="https://www.aiqs.com.au/">Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors</a>.
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Property depreciation 101

Adding to Chatswood’s growing skyline, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-anderson-chatswood-54-56-anderson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">The Anderson</a> is grounded in a simple principle: apartment living in a major centre does not have to come at the expense of space and outlook.

Set on Anderson Street in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a>, the new residential tower, a collaboration between developers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huirong-group">Huirong Group</a> with architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>, will introduce 122 apartments that prioritise generous proportions, considered orientation, and a strong connection to the surrounding heritage precinct.

The design originated from a Design Excellence Competition, where AJC proposed a building that combines suburban-style apartment scale with the density expected in a transport-rich centre. The development will include more than 1,800 square metres of retail and commercial space at street level, landscaped communal roof terraces, and a ground-floor pocket park framed by canopy trees. Together these elements aim to create a building that integrates with Chatswood’s evolving streetscape while maintaining a strong residential focus.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353250]

A key driver behind the architecture was the desire to deliver family-sized apartments rarely seen in the Chatswood market. The Anderson includes a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments, with around 35 per cent of the residences configured as three or four-bedroom homes. At the top of the building, two double-storey penthouses span approximately 200 square metres each, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on scale and long-term liveability for both downsizers and intergenerational households.

Orientation and outlook were central to the planning of the building. The apartments are positioned to maximise views to the north and east across Chatswood’s heritage precinct, with upper levels capturing glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. South-facing apartments gain distant views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge, while the building’s configuration intentionally reduces western exposure at lower levels to minimise overlooking toward the nearby railway corridor.

The external design references the character of the surrounding conservation area without replicating it directly. A brick podium anchors the building to the street and introduces a series of architectural portals that draw inspiration from the nearby Chatswood Presbyterian Church. Above this base, the tower shifts to a lighter, more open expression defined by horizontal lines and carefully detailed balconies that balance privacy with outward views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353254]

Toward the top of the tower, AJC introduces a distinctive lantern-like element formed by sliding screens. These screens provide both solar shading and privacy while also creating a visual marker for the building within the Chatswood skyline. The feature reinforces the architectural intent of the project, a structure that is visually refined while still responding to the practical requirements of apartment living.

Inside the residences, interior architecture by Hayball focuses on clear spatial flow and practical everyday use. Open-plan living areas connect directly to large balconies, extending the internal living spaces outward and allowing natural light to move deeper into the apartments. Kitchens are designed as central working spaces with premium appliances and carefully selected materials, positioned to serve both daily living and entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353256]

Bathrooms follow a similarly restrained design language, using refined fixtures and materials to create calm, functional spaces, while wardrobe areas adopt a gallery-style layout with integrated lighting and generous storage. These elements reflect a broader design approach that prioritises clarity, functionality, and durability over decorative gestures.

Positioned just a short walk from Chatswood Interchange, residents will have direct access to rail, metro, retail, and dining. The Metro extension allows travel from Chatswood to Martin Place in approximately 11 minutes, placing the CBD within easy reach for residents while maintaining the convenience of a walkable North Shore neighbourhood.

One-bedroom apartments at The Anderson start from $1,022,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151353]

Joel Robinson

How AJC designed The Anderson to bring oversized apartment living to Chatswood

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bridgewell-development">Bridgewell Capital</a> has lodged plans for a major mixed-use apartment development in the heart of Maroubra, seeking a significant uplift in height and density controls to deliver 120 apartments and a 120-place childcare centre near Maroubra Junction.

The State Significant Development application, filed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, covers a 3,270 sqm amalgamated site at 251-257 Maroubra Road and 133-135 Garden Street. The proposal includes a concurrent rezoning that would increase the maximum building height from 12 metres to 35.6 metres and lift the floor space ratio to 4.02:1.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the project would replace a mechanic’s workshop and several detached homes with a 10-storey residential building above four basement levels.

The scheme comprises 120 apartments, including 27 affordable housing units to be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years, alongside 203 basement car spaces and 92 bicycle spaces. A childcare centre occupying nearly 900 sqm of floor area would sit at ground level and be capable of accommodating 120 children and 22 staff.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="038a0639-f9e4-4303-8fcc-d43e73fa480f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20pers.png?VersionId=eGBElxmNqJW.YF3JFYgHTnPgAstdyXR3" />

According to the Design Report, the project has been conceived as a “gateway proposal” that responds to Maroubra’s evolving urban character and its proximity to the town centre.

“Designed to complement the character of Maroubra’s town centre, this gateway proposal features a building scale that matches its surroundings,” the report stated.

“It integrates residential units above a ground-level childcare centre, fulfilling the strategic objectives of the Randwick City Council Masterplan.”

The apartment mix is weighted toward larger residences aimed at families and downsizers, reflecting changing demographics in the Randwick LGA and increasing demand for medium-density housing close to transport and amenity.

BKA Architecture said the proposal seeks to reinforce Maroubra Road as a civic spine while improving the pedestrian experience around the site through landscaping and upgraded public interfaces.

“The design capitalises on the following site opportunities: reinforcement of Maroubra Road as a civic spine, enhancement of pedestrian pathways and the public interface via new landscaping, and strong market demand for two and three-bedroom apartments to support families and down-sizers,” the Design Report noted.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee509779-3c7e-4918-b03d-761c785459d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20site.png?VersionId=eZC4Ruyn.C7O.Qwfr1SVeP5.ds1c5.66" />

The building has been designed with setbacks and articulation intended to transition between the commercial intensity of Maroubra Junction and the surrounding lower-scale residential neighbourhoods. Communal open space is proposed on level one, while upper-level apartments would secure views towards Port Botany, Maroubra Beach and Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The development sits around 200 metres east of the Maroubra Junction intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, within one of Randwick’s identified strategic centres. The site is close to Pacific Square Shopping Centre, major bus routes, schools, parks and future cycling infrastructure proposed under the Maroubra Junction Masterplan.

The Maroubra proposal aligns with broader NSW Government initiatives encouraging higher-density housing near established centres and transport corridors, particularly where affordable housing is incorporated.

Bridgewell is also working on a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/goldfields-sets-the-stage-as-quartet-milton-launches">new 55-unit project in Killara</a>.

First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre

National diversified developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has launched its latest Brisbane apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet Milton</a>, marking its entry into the sought-after inner-city suburb just two kilometres from the CBD.

The circa $100 million development will rise 18 storeys and deliver 131 apartments, offering a mix of one, two-, and three-bedroom residences.

Ideally located on Manning Street, Quartet residents will be within 300 metres of Milton Station, 500 metres from the Milton Ferry Wharf, and a short walk to Milton Markets, the iconic Park Road, as well as a range of breweries and cafés.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

Designed by architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the building features a simple, gridded façade paired with generous glazing to enhance views, maximise aspect, and capture both sunrises and sunsets from within the apartments and their generously sized balconies.

Residents will have access to a 1,000 sqm rooftop, curated to balance wellness and entertaining, in response to increasing demand for wellness-focused shared spaces.

"We've approached Quartet Milton as a complete lifestyle offering, not just apartments, but a place where the design, amenities, and location all work together in a meaningful way," says Goldfields Managing Director Lachlan Thompson.

"Buyers are looking for that sense of confidence, knowing the vision has been carefully thought through not just by us as developers, but by all our consultants appointed to bring this together, and that it will be delivered to the standard they expect."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Cera Stribley Co-Founder and Managing Principal Domenic Cerantonio said the rooftop is designed to feel like a place "you'd genuinely use every day."

"A 25-metre pool framed by city and mountain views, wellness areas, and private dining spaces for evenings with friends create a setting designed for year-round comfort and effortless Brisbane living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

In addition to the 25-metre pool, the rooftop will include a sauna, cold plunge, fully equipped gym, and zen gardens, all complemented by panoramic views of the city and river.

While the building is expected to appeal predominantly to owner-occupiers, Goldfields anticipates interest from investors seeking strong rental returns, driven by the project's design, location, and the city's projected capital growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367991]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>, widely regarded as one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-ring suburbs due to its lifestyle offering and proximity to the CBD, has experienced a shortage of new apartment supply in recent years.

Goldfields is already active in the Brisbane residential market through its Ripley Valley masterplanned community, Hayfield. The 109-hectare neighbourhood is already home to more than 300 families and features a large community park.

Plans for the precinct include a 4 km running track, future schools, and retail and commercial amenities, all within a 35-minute drive of the Brisbane CBD.

Goldfields also plans to deliver a new mixed-use tower at 88 Robertson Street in Fortitude Valley, within the James Street precinct. The project will include 16,000 sqm of boutique commercial space, a level of wellness facilities, and a rooftop restaurant and event space, akin to Goldfields House in South Yarra, its flagship mixed-use development on Chapel Street, which is crowned by the Beverly Rooftop bar, one of Melbourne’s best-known venues.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> and Homes NSW have taken the next major step in the transformation of Waterloo Estate, lodging a Concept State Significant Development Application and concurrent rezoning proposal for the renewal of Waterloo South.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, outlines plans for around 3,300 new homes across the 12.3-hectare precinct. A minimum 30 per cent of residential gross floor area will be delivered as social housing, approximately 20 per cent as affordable housing, and a maximum 50 per cent as market housing. The redevelopment would more than quadruple the number of homes currently on the site and more than double the existing supply of social and affordable housing.

The renewal of Waterloo South forms the first stage of the broader Waterloo Estate transformation and is set to unfold over the next 10 to 15 years. The estate currently contains 750 social housing dwellings and 120 private homes.

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2da34b-171b-4ff1-b0c7-4baf0bce97f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public.png?VersionId=S5apPKOqjPHJhk_SzCvdVPxsEBYs300o" />

The proposal, prepared by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and Beam Planning, spans 10 street blocks bounded by Cope, Raglan, George, Wellington, Gibson, Kellick, Pitt and McEvoy Streets, directly adjoining the Waterloo Metro Station precinct and within walking distance of Redfern and Green Square stations.

Under the masterplan, building heights would range from two to 33 storeys, delivering approximately 282,485 sqm of residential floor space alongside at least 10,000 sqm of non-residential uses and a minimum 5,000 sqm of community space. The planning framework has been specifically structured to support the mixed-tenure outcome, with the residential gross floor area capped at a maximum 50 per cent market housing allocation.&nbsp;

The Urban Design Report describes the vision as creating “a unique and vibrant mixed-tenure housing precinct that supports the needs of the community and delivers much needed housing in response to National and State Government priorities.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e1a6d8b-0626-4fa7-94fc-aa91c0af86dc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/waterloo%20per.png?VersionId=duyiJTFOeezTNdM22leI3SoHuqnW6ZaY" />

A major focus of the revised proposal has been increasing the social and affordable housing component. The Minns Government increased the affordable and public housing allocation from 35 per cent to 50 per cent after coming to office in 2023.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the changes were critical to maintaining Waterloo’s social diversity.

“When we came to government, we immediately reviewed the plans for the Waterloo renewal and boosted the number of public and affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent,” Jackson said.

“This was a crucial step to ensure Waterloo remains a welcoming place for people from all walks of life to call home now and into the future.”&nbsp;

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would reshape the precinct for generations.

“This concept DA brings thousands of new public, affordable and market homes on the doorstep of the Waterloo Metro station another step closer to reality,” Scully said.

“Importantly, alongside the new homes the plan also proposes new open space where residents and the broader community can gather, relax and play.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="867520cb-6e07-4204-885e-53793ac88066" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public%20a.png?VersionId=lgSI85Q23xBLYLC9NcWKuWZY2HfP4zQ3" />

Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said the project had been shaped around long-term liveability and community infrastructure.

“As delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South – a significant project with community at its heart,” Gupta said.&nbsp;

The planning documents place strong emphasis on “Designing with Country,” recognising the site’s location on Gadigal land. The masterplan incorporates new east-west pedestrian links, activated streetscapes, rooftop communal spaces, retail frontages, and landscaped public areas intended to improve permeability and community connection throughout the estate.&nbsp;

The proposal also seeks to establish a more flexible planning framework for future detailed SSDAs, including updated provisions for educational uses, creative industries, rooftop communal areas, and active frontages. A minimum seven per cent of residential floor space will be delivered as affordable housing managed in perpetuity by community housing provider City West Housing.&nbsp;

The Social Impact Assessment prepared by Urbis describes the renewal as one of Australia’s most significant public housing transformations, identifying substantial long-term positive impacts associated with housing supply, accessibility, public domain improvements, and community infrastructure.&nbsp;

Stockland and Homes NSW have already commenced the first stage of resident relocations, with some tenants moved into newly completed homes at Waterloo Metro Quarter and the Boronia development nearby.

First look: Stockland, NSW Gov, unveils plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Tyron Hyde

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