<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

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First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

Roberts Co has entered a new phase of growth following its acquisition by Arada, one of the world’s fastest-growing property developers in Australia.

The acquisition is supported by a $50 million capital injection into Roberts Co’s Australian balance sheet, consisting of the previously announced $25 million recapitalisation and an additional $25 million in new funding from Arada.

This investment strengthens Roberts Co’s financial position, stabilises operations, and provides the foundation for strategic expansion beyond its New South Wales base, with a focus on new opportunities in Queensland, including the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions.

With Arada’s international resources and financial backing, Roberts Co will broaden its portfolio across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, reinforcing its strong market position in New South Wales and setting itself to capture growth in one of Australia’s most dynamic construction markets.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said Roberts Co has a proud Australian heritage, an outstanding delivery record, and a strong reputation for collaboration with clients and partners.

"By combining this expertise with Arada’s global scale and financial capacity, we are creating a platform for sustained growth in the Australian market,"&nbsp;Alkhoshaibi said.

“Our $50 million capital injection, including new funds from Arada, underlines our commitment to both stabilise and expand Roberts Co’s operations, particularly into the fast-growing Queensland market. We see significant potential in South-East Queensland’s pipeline and are confident Roberts Co is well placed to deliver lasting value for clients and communities.”

George Kostas, CEO of Roberts Co, said Queensland, and particularly South-East Queensland, is one of the most active and opportunity-rich regions in Australia right now.

"The lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will bring unprecedented investment across housing, transport, and infrastructure. Roberts Co is eager to play a major role in that transformation and secure a meaningful share of this fast-growing market.”

Arada pours more funds into Roberts Co, flags expansion into South East Queensland construction market

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Escaping to a rural retreat is the dream of many city slickers yearning for a blissfully buccolic existence on a lifestyle weekend property with a pony paddock, veggie garden and chook house. 
This week our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok discuss two luxury properties coincidently both near Mount Macedon (64 kilometres north-west of Melbourne) where the piece de résistance is a designer chicken coop suited to the fussiest of fowls. 
<ol>
<li>
Cluckingham Palace is a grandly named state-of-the-art chook house at Hammet, the Macedon luxury weekender of Transfield Services CEO Graeme Hunt and his wife Karen, which is <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/MACEDON-19-Hammet-Place/6770457/#.UzT5zaiSx8E" target="_blank">listed for April 5 auction through Jellis Craig agents</a>, Tom May and Paul Keane, in conjunction with Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates. <img src="/images/2014/03/28/macedon%20march%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> The Hunts purchased the four-acre property in 2008, and since it has been extensively developed, with Karen co-ordinating the landscaping designed by garden guru, Paul Bangay, and other design concepts conceived by the late interior designer, Stuart Rattle. While the equine pursuits of Karen and her daughter, Madison, were a motivating factor for the Hunts’ purchase of Hammet, they also wanted somewhere for the children to experience open space, farm fresh produce and self-sufficient living – a place with free-range egg producing hens and gardens abundant with vegetables and fruit. <img src="/images/2014/03/28/macedon%20march%2028%20four.jpg" alt=""> These aims led to the development of Hammet’s vegie gardens, orchard, 125 tree olive grove and Cluckingham Palace, the Stuart Rattle designed luxury hen house with its traditional four-sided cupola and cock-a-doodle-doo weathervane on the roof. Set privately behind bespoke entry gates and approached by a tree-lined driveway, Hammet’s beautifully appointed four-bedroom residence has uninterrupted views of Mount Macedon and the surrounding countryside. In the grounds are magnificent formal garden rooms, rolling lawns, a floodlit tennis court, children’s playground and lake. <img src="/images/2014/03/28/macedon%20march%2028%20three.jpg" alt=""> Macedon’s four seasons appeal to the Hunts whose home has glorious winter views of oft-Not quite snow-capped Mount Macedon. Originally the family owned one pony, but given their stable size increased, they’re now looking for a larger property to accommodate the horses. With their love of the local community and Macedon’s easy access to the city (45 minutes drive), they intend staying in the region, which for Graeme provides a quiet and relaxing retreat from his high stress, fast paced, executive life. 
</li>
<li>
Not quite as grand, but a cupola and weathervane also adorn the roof of the chook house at Glenbroch, a magnificent 16-hectare lifestyle property at Woodend in the foothills of Mount Macedon. This property also <a href="https://www.glenbroch.com.au/home" target="_blank">is for sale through </a><a href="https://www.glenbroch.com.au/home" target="_blank">Jellis Craig agents</a>, Tom May and Paul Keane. At the end of an oak lined driveway, the two-storey sandstone gabled residence stands in magnificent gardens with numerous garden rooms, an ornamental parterre, extensive hedges, topiaries, lawns, English trees, maple groves, a crabapple walk, orchard and a kitchen garden. Also in the grounds are an entertaining deck, swimming pond and a leafy 'secret garden' leading to a playground and cottage cubby. <img src="/images/2014/03/28/Woodend%20march%2028%20one.jpg" alt=""> Located at 73 Reid Road, and with direct access to Mount Macedon Regional Park, the property has superior equestrian facilities including a stables, tack and feed rooms, a hot internal horse wash and a manège (a rectangular arena for horse training and dressage). Other features include secure post and rail paddocks with electric fencing, quality stockyards, a cattle crush, four dams, seven water tanks and drinking quality bore water for the garden and livestock. From a distance it is as if it was an original stone homestead from the early days of settlement, but the two-storey house was built a little more than 20 years ago by its original owners, the Reids, for whom the road is named. Liz and Milton Collins bought the property five years ago - country people with Milton Collins from country Victoria and Liz Collins from Tasmania, and for many years had run Woodend's grand old Campaspe House. They lived in the former barn before they built their dream home - and its now has been turned into a tack room, washroom and feed room for the horses. The garden has been re-created as a sculptured formal garden, in the style of Sissinghurst Castle in England.
</li>
</ol>
<h5>HE SAID:<img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;"> </h5>
I’m all for chooks being housed in the lap of luxury, but I draw the line at them perching on chandeliers.
I have a soft spot for chooks and where they live having gleefully collected the hen's eggs in my childhood holidays at Merrijig.
Hens are social, intelligent, funny and inquisitive animals, and I say “Bravo” to the Animals Australia recent video campaign commercial featuring five famous comedians (Peter Rowsthorn, Mick Molloy, Anthony "Lehmo" Lehmann, Arj Barker and Carl Barron) who profess their love for the “ladies” and bring to attention the ugly conditions of battery caged chooks, by declaring, “That ain’t no way to treat a lady”.
<h5>SHE SAID:<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" width="100" height="150" style="float: left;"></h5>
I adore palatial poultry palaces that keep hens safe and warm come rain or shine, especially at Mount Macedon which often has all four seasons in a day.
As well as keeping “the girls” comfortable and happy, a designer hen house adds a striking feature to the garden.
My favourite is a white-washed coop <a href="https://www.thefancyfarmgirl.com/heres-the-coop/" target="_blank">featured on the Fancy Farm Girl blog</a>. As well as requisite feed bins, this astonishingly neat and tidy chookery has a crystal chandelier and comfortable armchair – just the spot to perch and chat with your feathered friends.
Any decent Australian version of course must have a Leslie Wilkinson/Hardy Wilson style cupola atop any coop.
I maintain that especially during the Australian winter, chickens often need extra light to lay eggs, so putting in a chandelier into the coop is not only pretty, but functional.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Designer chicken coops for the fussiest of fowls: He Said/She Said 

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Vision by Halcyon, developed by over-50s lifestyle community developer Halcyon, is a $60 million approach to take advantage of the market that saw the Halcyon Waters development sell out.
Located at Hope Island this new project will include a 52-berth marina and a number of waterfront dwellings with eight-star energy ratings.
<a href="https://www.lifebeginsathalcyon.com.au/halcyon-vision/" target="_blank">Vision by Halcyon</a> will include a lifestyle and aquatic precinct that will feature health and well-being facilities including a leisure club, fitness centre, pool, spa, yoga room, media and massage room, kitchen, dining facilities, lounge area, a floating boat house with boat storage and multiple other spaces.
Bevan Geissmann, the joint managing director for Halcyon, and business partner Paul Melville, launched the site following the completion of Halcyon Waters – a 227 site development.
“The success of Halcyon Waters has proved that we have a sought after product in a wonderful location that meets the increasingly sophisticated needs of the over 50s buyer,” said Geissmann.
“Halcyon Waters final home was the flagship Paragon residence which sold off the plan for more than $1.1 million.”
The local council have expressed their approval, with Hope Island Councilor and city planning chair Cameron Caldwell referring to the developers as “great visionaries”. “It’s certainly a market that needs to be addressed as our population ages, and we wish them well,” Caldwell said.
This month will see the first of four stages begin construction. Interest is expected initially from locals and downsizers, however he does believe that 40% of the buyers will be from other areas in Queensland and from interstate locations.
The first release will be 21 properties, including waterfront and non-waterfront, and single, double and split-level layout offerings.
Properties start at $555,000 and climb to $1.25 million. Upon purchase, a fixed weekly fee indexed to CPI is charged covering all running and management costs as well as water/rate charges. They are advertised with no rentals, no stamp duty and no exit fees.
For the latest development listings, brought to you by Property Observer and partners, see our <a href="https://showcase.propertyobserver.com.au/" rel="nofollow">INVESTOR SHOWCASE</a>. 
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Gold Coast's $60 million Vision by Halcyon targeting over-50 downsizers

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A new project, from YourLand Developments, is set to be Melbourne’s largest residential infill project within nine kilometres of the CBD, spanning 129 hectares and dubbed River Valley.
The <a href="https://www.yourland.com/Estates/Current_Estates/River_Valley.aspx" target="_blank">Sunshine North development River Valley</a> was officially launched on Saturday and saw more than 1,000 buyer enquiries in the lead up to the event, which offers blocks priced from $255,000, and block sizes up to 828 square metres. Titled blocks start from 402 square metres.
Director of YourLand Developments, Mark Erskine, said that more than 30 people attended the launch.
Interest has also been seen on nine titled blocks that were released late last year as well as 13 remaining allotments at River Valley Boulevard.
“All up, River Valley comprises about 1,200 lots, and is close to existing amenities,
including quality schools, restaurants, boutiques, Highpoint shopping centre, Sunshine
Plaza and Sunshine Market Place,” said Erskine.
The site includes a 3.6 kilometre river frontage, current city skyline views and a range of titled allotments.
YourLand took over the operations of the development in October 2013, looking to preserve the historical significance of the site as well as the eco-friendly nature of the development.
The first of the River Valley house and land packages is available for just over $700,000.
For the latest development listings, brought to you by Property Observer and partners, see our <a href="https://showcase.propertyobserver.com.au/" rel="nofollow">INVESTOR SHOWCASE</a>. 
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One of Melbourne’s largest infill projects, River Valley, set for Sunshine

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Renovation and the great home improvement effort are close to the heart for investors. Everyone loves the concept of making money while using a flair for design and their own before and after project to share.
We regularly hear that there are many properties you can renovate across the country and that huge profits can be made. There are certainly opportunities, but don't go into any purchase thinking that you can throw money around and make a profit. Planning wisely is crucial, as is knowing what to avoid.
With this in mind, there are definitely some properties that you might want to consider steering clear of if it's a renovation project that you're considering. Here are five that you want to think twice about renovating.
<ol>
<li>
New, or new-ish, stock This one should be obvious. If you want to renovate to make money, then straight away ignore anything that has been around the traps for too short a period of time. If the property is new, or close to it, then you don't want to be wasting time trying to make improvements on what has already been improved. While you may not want to jump completely to the other end of the spectrum and find something that is completely falling apart, you certainly don't want to buy something where there isn't the option to update as much as possible. It's also important to note that properties in areas where new comparable properties are selling for the same as the amount you will need to sell for to make money may also not see a profit - when offered an equivalent price prospect, who wouldn't choose a new home? 
</li>
<li>
The money pit There's likely one of these in every area. It has something dramatically wrong with it, usually structural, and it tends to be something you can't see at a glance. It's the common mantra for renovators that you have to do things with visibility in mind - if it's not a visible update then it's money being sunk into the wrong area. Unless you can get the property for the discount it costs to fix this issue, perhaps extensive termite damage, then it's often worth skipping the challenge. For some properties, it might actually be a case that it's really a re-build that's required. 
</li>
<li>
Where the issue isn't the reno For some properties it's not the style of the property, or the state it is in that is dragging it down. Often, it's the specific location that will always put a cap on the price - think a busy road that no careful fencing can reduce the sound of. Other things you may not be able to improve are the neighbours (you can pick your friends...), pylons, positioning in a flood area, the worst street, an unsightly aspect and often the position of the house on the block. If you can't fix it through your renovation then you're already on the back foot and inheriting someone else's problem. 
</li>
<li>
SMSF properties Let's be clear with this, if you're buying in your self-managed super fund then there are some things you can, and many things you can't, do. If industry expertise is anything to go by, there are certainly repairs and alterations that can be made. However, if you want to be adding bedrooms or extensions, or doing anything significant, it's time to get the ATO involved from the beginning to ensure you remain compliant. You are also going to find yourself up against borrowing rules and limits on what you can contribute to the fund yourself. While <a href="/expert-insights/building/ato-ruling-specifies-allowable-repairs-and-renovations-for-smsf-property-investors">there may be opportunities here, be prepared to jump through some extra hoops</a>. 
</li>
<li>
Properties out of your budget Remember, just because you can score big on a property in terms of purchase price, it doesn't mean you'll be able to renovate it to the standard you were dreaming of. Properties in upmarket areas demand an upmarket renovation that, while you can definitely keep less expensive than an owner occupied renovation, will cost you more than when renovating smaller properties elsewhere. If you have a $40,000 renovation budget and are looking at buying a good deal but decrepit mansion, prepare to not be able to afford to renovate the home acceptably.</li>
</ol>
Renovate wisely!
Do you have any renovation nightmares or successes?
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Five types of properties you should think twice about before renovating

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This week I felt like I’d given birth – not to a real baby (Heaven forbid at my age!).....but to our bungalow baby. The gestation period has only been a couple of months but our vision started long before.
When renovating, you start with a vision and then bring it to life. Sounds easy enough but there are millions of tasks along the way that need attention and usually, immediate attention (just like a new born), so you need to drop everything to sort out the issue.  For me creating the vision or big picture is the best part of a renovation and seeing how close you’ve come to it on completion gives you a feeling of great satisfaction.
We found our ‘baby’, an original Californian bungalow in Cessnock in the Hunter Region of NSW and she was crying out to be restored. She had great ‘bones’ and wonderful features that we knew we could accentuate. These included a wrap around veranda, brilliant lead light windows, ornate cornices and ceilings, Spotted Gum floor boards hidden under the old floral carpet and an old claw foot bath that had been enclosed and locked away in ugly framework and finally a breathtaking mature Magnolia tree that adorned the back of the house.
Californian Bungalow in original condition:
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20one.JPG" alt=""> 
wrap around veranda:
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20two.jpg" alt="">
Lead light windows hidden by broken blinds
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20three.jpg" alt="">
Ornate ceilings and cornices:
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20four.JPG" alt="">
Renovating is a revolving door of constant checking and problem solving; rechecking of trades work, discussing issues, booking in the material orders, checking they’ve arrived, discussing replacements if not available, checking budget, adjusting budget, updating budget, checking comparable sales references, adjusting expectations, checking services, upgrading as required....the list goes on. I’m lucky I have a wonderful project manager; Joanne whose attention to detail and negotiating skills are amazing.
This week as Property Bloom finished the job on our bungalow baby in Cessnock, we watched as our stylist dressed her up and we’re just like proud parents watching our child grow – we think the transformation is wonderful.  We had been lucky to have the help Kylie of <a href="https://propertyrevamped.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Revamped</a>.  Kylie managed the colour and fit out choices; kitchen, vanities, paint, light fittings etc leaving us to focus on managing the trades and budgets.  
Our client is very pleased and the agent extremely impressed. Now comes more nail bitting times as the property is listed and inspections begin.
The Californian Bungalow is circa 1920s with traditional oversized rooms and the high ornate ceilings and cornices are spectacular.  The hardwood floor boards were identified by our floor sander as Spotted Gum and have polished up a treat. There’s two new bathrooms, main with restored claw foot bath and separate shower has a feature wall of marble tiles which finishes off the luxurious look.  Of course a spacious new kitchen but the loveliest features may well be the original leadlight windows that have to be seen to be appreciated. The home is situated in one of Cessnock’s most sought after streets and within walking distance to schools and shops. It’s just 7 kilometers to the famous vineyards of the Hunter Valley.  All set on a child friendly, fully enclosed massive 809 square metre block. 
Guess what the asking price is?
$385,000.  A great downsizer for city folk perhaps, especially now the <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/rrg" target="_blank">NSW government are offering up to $10,000 to relocate and work in regional areas</a>.<a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/rrg"> </a>
If you are looking for an investment that will enjoy future capital growth (they don’t make this type of home anymore plus the suburb has enjoyed solid historical growth) the expected rental return would be around $380 per week with some decent depreciation benefits.
Take a look at <a href="https://www.sternbecks.com.au/properties/re13085/" target="_blank">the finished product</a> and let us know your thoughts....
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20five.JPG" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20six.JPG" alt="">
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20seven.JPG" alt="">
Main bathroom:
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20eight.JPG" alt="">
Powder Room:
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20nine.JPG" alt="">
Master bedroom
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20ten.JPG" alt=""> 
Lounge room:
 <img src="/images/2014/03/21/chivers%20march%2021%20eleven.JPG" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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Our bungalow baby is born

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As we come to the end of one of the driest summers on record, it’s another reminder that those of us who live in this hot, Mediterranean climate need to be smarter and more efficient in our use of water.
Perth's metropolitan dams are at just 30% capacity and sprinkler restrictions look like they’re here to stay.
Irrespective of possible water restrictions, people need to be water-wise for the long-term and we can see how this now impacts on the housing market and through consumer choices.
Smaller residential blocks of land are more common and properties with reticulated gardens more popular.
<blockquote>
As water restrictions become more common and as water costs increase, properties with water-wise gardens and shade features will become more desirable.
</blockquote>
Busy lifestyles, smaller families and the increased cost of land are the primary reasons for shrinking block sizes with automated watering systems, but there is also a growing appreciation of the value of a water-wise home and of our greater environmental responsibilities
Each time the state government brings in water restrictions, REIWA agents notice some increased interest in households converting to native gardens, reducing lawn areas, fitting rain water tanks or switching to reduced-flow shower heads.
This is understandable, but before you attempt a similar project aimed at being water conscious, keep in mind what such a change in your garden, in particular, might mean for your home’s resale value.
Most home buyers are fairly conservative in their housing preferences. So, if you’re thinking of planning a more water-wise garden whilst being anxious to maintain the resale value of your property, keep in mind these few suggestions.
Think about keeping some lawn area in both your front and backyard. Australians love lawns and various types thrive in our warm conditions. Some are drought tolerant. A small lawn no bigger than a blanket will add some appeal and soften the harshness of brick walls and concrete driveways.
Large areas of uninterrupted paving can be counter-productive if you are trying to minimize on lawns and garden for the sake of water. During our hot summers, paving will heat significantly unless you have shade.
Designing a garden to make the best use of its position with the path of the sun is important if you have the opportunity. A well designed home and garden can ensure that there is at least one part of the outdoor living area shaded from our harsh afternoon summer sun. This will reduce evaporation in a section of your property and help keep the house cool.
As water restrictions become more common and as water costs increase, properties with water-wise gardens and shade features will become more desirable.
More homes are also making good use of rainwater tanks for garden use or to plumb into the laundry and toilets to bypass scheme water altogether.
DAVID AIREY is president of the <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/home/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.</a> 
This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/Faq/Pages/Feature.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">reiwa.com</a>.
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dairey-MVZf5ZguQC

Buyers want water-wise gardens for hot and dry summers

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In our technological age, when so many of our social experiences are virtual, the role architecture can play in the experience of real-time situations is increasingly curious. How does architecture affect our emotions and what kind of design interventions can be made to help us survive the chaos of daily life?
In a recent conversation with a client, as director of the <a href="https://nordarchitecture.com/home/" target="_blank">Northern Office for Research and Design</a> (NORD) in Glasgow, Scotland, I suggested that architecture often forgets that one of its primary goals is to trigger an emotion.
We were discussing a new hospice and a <a href="https://www.maggiescentres.org/" target="_blank">Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre</a>, part of a network of drop-in centres in the UK I’m working with that aim to help anyone who has been affected by cancer. While these buildings carry a weight of seriousness due to the circumstances of the people who arrive to inhabit them, we are mindful of the need to balance these serious issues and vital care provision alongside the social, spiritual and emotional needs of the patients as part of our design thinking.
In both projects a small library space becomes a familiar anchor to root the experience of the building around a quiet place to think.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/43280/area14mp/w8t5db3t-1394084147.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8em;"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/43280/width668/w8t5db3t-1394084147.jpg" width="460"></a>
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/43280/area14mp/w8t5db3t-1394084147.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8em;"></a>NORD’s planning designs for new Maggie’s Centre in Forth Valley, Scotland. NORD
Quiet space architecture
"The noblest architecture can sometimes do less for us than a siesta or an aspirin … Even if we could spend the rest of our lives in the Villa Rotunda or the Glass House, we would still often be in a bad mood." - <a href="https://alaindebotton.com/" target="_blank">Alain de Botton</a>, <a href="https://alaindebotton.com/architecture/" target="_blank">The Architecture of Happiness</a>
We cluster round Wi-Fi zones, power sockets and screens and have so many of our social exchanges online. “<a href="https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/travel-info/on-board/quiet-zones/index" target="_blank">Quiet zones</a>”, such as that on the train ride from Glasgow to London, where electronic and human noise is kept low, are a telling sign that the technological assault on our senses and on our public sphere is coming under scrutiny.
On a recent train ride in Melbourne, everyone in the train carriage looked up in synchronised frustration when their phone or tablet signal was lost as the train went into a tunnel. Their gaze had been fixed on miniature screens for the journey and only a mass concrete structure could bring them back to the reality of the social surroundings of the carriage.
Wi-Fi and online networking are here to stay but the future may herald the rise of the architecture of quiet spaces or the library – which, <a href="https://theconversation.com/state-libraries-need-our-support-and-participation-to-survive-23420" target="_blank">as many have argued</a>, are under threat from online archiving and information searching.
Libraries are serious spaces; usually the older ones have an aura of dignity and restraint. Historically, the idea was very clear: the library would form part of the civic infrastructure of a place and the community it served.
In Berlin recently I experienced Swiss architect <a href="https://www.maxdudler.com/">Max Dudler</a>’s new <a href="https://www.grimm-zentrum.hu-berlin.de/">Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm Zentrum</a>, the new central library of Humboldt University. The atmosphere of the hall breathes a similar spirit as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Salle_de_lecture_Bibliotheque_Sainte-Genevieve_n03.jpg">big reading hall</a> by French architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Labrouste">Henri Labrouste</a> in Sainte-Geneviève Library, Paris. It’s also similar to entering the <a href="https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/">State Library of Victoria</a>’s main hall.
These are spaces that make you feel like a child who has discovered something for the very first time.
Libraries are all about atmosphere – which is difficult to sense in so much of what we experience in the contemporary city. They are spaces that seem in opposition to the world outside. Sound is always amplified in a library space and we can experience a heightened appreciation of the quality of light, the materials, the smell of the books, the temperature, the furniture, and the people around us.
The library has survived as a particular type of space when so many others have merged or morphed into each other. The hybrid space, where many different media converge, has emerged as a flexible and adaptable space - one where use is extended to the changing demands of the time-poor citizen of the 21st century.
Living in an homogenised environment
Train stations have become shopping malls, shopping malls have become town squares, churches have become pubs and crèches, schools have become community centres, homes have become offices and universities are moving online.
Aesthetics have been stretched to encapsulate so many uses that we now live in a homogenised environment and find it hard to distinguish one building’s use from its neighbour’s.
In fact, we barely see most of the architecture that surrounds us, as it becomes a kind of background hum, to be noticed only when it is exceptionally big, exceptionally ugly, or exceptionally beautiful.
Architecture, I think, should still strive to move us, to make us feel a particular way. Like a piece of music, architecture has the ability to influence mood, yet so much of the foreground to our streets lacks emotional sensibility.
The craft and the graft of architecture have succumbed to cost-effective, risk averse, quick and generic solutions. Experimentation – the freedom to explore and take risks – is a condition for which people will have to fight in modern society.
Architecture of the future
Architecture faces many challenges. Technological advancement brings with it endless opportunities but we still need to understand and continue the important conversation about how architecture affects us.
What types of spaces will we need in the future? What is the role of architecture as a physical object in the physical world? How do we deal with the crafting of interior space in a world of hybridisation and endless change?
Buildings change over time and so do our attitudes towards them.
Consider the hospital, which was such a familiar piece of urban infrastructure exuding both civic and spiritual meaning. It is now an industrial mega-structure, which will probably, because of its industrial size, resist an architecture of atmosphere and emotion.
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/43279/area14mp/6jnxscx3-1394083164.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8em;"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/43279/width668/6jnxscx3-1394083164.jpg" width="470"></a>
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/43279/area14mp/6jnxscx3-1394083164.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8em;"></a>Maggie’s Centre, Ninewells, Dundee, designed by Frank Gehry. Alan Pert
Yet the emergence of the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres in Edinburgh in 1996 as a counterpoint to these large institutional machines shows a partial alternative. There is now evidence of room for hybrid buildings, existing as a kind of interface between the city, the mega-hospital and the human.
"Such a hybrid could bridge the divide between the purely functional and the symbolic and give back the institution a civic architecture of meaning." - Charles Jenks, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Architecture-Hope-Maggies-Centres/dp/0711225974" target="_blank">The Architecture of Hope</a>.
Maggie’s Centres have implications beyond their modest size and origins. Complementary to the large hospital and the huge National Health Service, they present a face that is welcoming, risk-taking, aesthetic and spiritual: and with their commitment to the other arts, including landscape, they bring in the full panoply of constructive means and emotions.
Maggie’s Centres are a model for what might soon become a standard building type – and already discussions are underway about opening one in Melbourne.
We know architecture can create emotions and change the way we experience spaces. Now we need to keep talking about the kinds of emotions we want to create.
Alan Pert is professor in architecture and director of the Melbourne School of Design at University of Melbourne.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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apert-UXMKNsCwuG

Build me up: How architecture can affect emotions

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The latest release of residential land in the Heartlands development in Tarneit has been fast tracked by developers Asset1.
Stage 10 of Heartlands has been released early in an attempt to meet high demand for land in the Melbourne’s western rural-urban fringe, according to the developers.
Asset1 has also recently launched the estate’s ‘Club Heartlands’ recreation centre, which includes a gym, pool and tennis court. Stage 10 is located adjacent to the new facility, within walking distance of a seven hectare parkland precinct. New residents will be situated close to Tarneit Road, Werribee Plaza, and, eventually, the upcoming Tarneit Railway Station, which will be serviced by a train running between Melbourne and Geelong once the Regional Rail Link is completed.
 <img src="/images/stories/2014/03/14/heartlands-march-14-one.jpg" alt="">
According to Asset1 sales director Mark Adams, buyers were seeking competitive prices and a convenient location.
“Buyers want to purchase in a location that not only suits them now, but will suit them in the future when their family expands and matures,” said Adams.
 <img src="/images/stories/2014/03/14/heartlands-march-14-two.jpg" alt="">
“Stage 10 purchasers will be within metres of the recently opened Club Heartlands recreation facility and seven hectare parkland that’s scheduled for completion later this year.
“Offering blocks of up to 555 square metres, Stage 10 purchasers have the luxury of choosing a home that better suits their needs: a home with a spacious garden or entertainer’s alfresco area, or alternatively a larger home for a growing family.”
The Stage 10 release will offer 32 lots between 320 square metres and 555 square metres, with prices beginning at $161,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/03/14/heartlands-march-14-three.jpg" alt=""> 
Photos are artistic impressions.
For the latest development listings, brought to you by Property Observer and partners, see our <a href="https://showcase.propertyobserver.com.au/" rel="nofollow">INVESTOR SHOWCASE</a>.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Newest stage released ahead of schedule at Heartlands

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Affordable housing, and a boost for employment, are the aims of new reforms from the Queensland government who are, once again, looking at planning law reforms.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney addressed the Queensland Planning Forum in Brisbane, promising that legislative changes would see the state's planning system rise to be the best in the country.
“Clearer, less complicated planning laws will help to kick-start the construction industry, boosting jobs and delivering more affordable housing for Queenslanders,” Seeney said.
“We have already introduced significant reforms in the planning space, such as the new State Planning Policy and one-stop-shop State Assessment and Referral Agency, but I think the best is still to come."
A "raft of sweeping reforms" to come to fruition this year was pointed to by Seeney, as he thanked the industry for their input.
“The changes will provide greater certainty for developers and greater confidence for councils, giving them the capability and discretion they need to make assessment applications," he said.
The Regional Planning Interests Bill is to be debated in Parliament, and the Planning for Queensland's Development Bill will be introduced in late-2014.
There is an aim for a simplification of the planning and development system, and a focus on economic growth.
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"Raft of sweeping reforms" to come for planning laws in Queensland this year

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With The Block: Fans v Faves heating up, it seems that renovation fever is sweeping the country. Last Sunday, the teams revealed their newly renovated kitchens – a room which many believe will make or break a renovation.
The winning team, twins Alisa and Lysandra, were praised by the show’s judges for their spacious kitchen (pictured below) that made use of the apartment’s open plan layout. According to the judges, their offering was contemporary but not trendy, and would have timeless appeal.
<img src="/images/lah3r5kitchen13.jpg" width="460" height="259">
Image courtesy of Channel 9
Meanwhile, Brad and Dale got the roughest treatment, with the judges deeming their kitchen “cold and dated”. It seemed they won no hearts among the judges with their curved bench, seen below, though the boys thought the bench would be a selling point come auction day.
<img src="/images/bdh4r5kitchen03.jpg" width="460" height="259">
Image courtesy of Channel 9
And while renovating one’s home can be a rewarding adventure, with <a href="/expert-insights/building/pleasure-not-profit-the-reason-for-most-home-renovations-mortgage-choice-survey">most homeowners renovating for pleasure</a>, not profit, plenty of investors know that renovations, when done right,<a href="/expert-insights/building/pleasure-not-profit-the-reason-for-most-home-renovations-mortgage-choice-survey"> can make a tidy sum</a> when it comes time to sell the property.
Though many homeowners dream of reinvigorating their living areas or expanding their master bedroom, as host Scott Cam noted on Sunday’s episode: “Kitchens sell houses.”
Andrew Winter of Selling Houses Australia <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-10-best-diy-renovation-tips-from-the-experts">says that</a> “quality bathrooms and kitchens will always add value to your home”, while stylist and author Amanda Talbot thinks that 5% of the value of your house should be in your kitchen.
Similarly, Cherie Barber of Renovating for Profit says that renovators should aim to spend between 1% to 1.5% their home’s value on the bathroom, which is “the second most important room in your house, besides your kitchen.”
Which room of the house do you think is the best to renovate to add value to a family home?
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