<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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Ivanhoe resident Karen Zapulla’s home has been a regular fixture during the Ivanhoe Christmas Light-up. Through the years, she has loved putting up Christmas lights to spread the joy.
A mainstay on the Zapullas’ lawn is a giant blow-up Santa. Children seem to know to look out for it – many wanted to enter the Zapullas’ front porch just to have a photo with Santa.
Karen warns against giving out lollies if you don’t want a barrage of people on your front lawn.
“You can’t have a thousand people coming to your property. If you say ‘yes’ to one, there will be another ten outside the gate,” she says. 
What is the secret to her private magical winter wonderland?
“Put as many things that will make the children go, ‘Look at that!’” she said enthusiastically.
Personally, Karen puts up strings of fairy lights, a mechanical moving reindeer that lights up at night, as well as a hand-painted nativity set in the garden. 
“That’s what Christmas is all about, you know,” she said.
Karen’s husband, Sam, does most of the heavy lifting during the run-up to the Christmas season. He climbs up to the roof to install the lights and decorations each year.
Karen notes that while Sam is still able to do it, they bring in professional help when it comes to the electrical wiring around the house, as well as the outdoor areas.
“Be very careful,” she warns.
“This is quite an established area, so there are quite a few older people who can’t do it anymore,” she said.
As for safeguarding your Christmas decorations, Karen notes that there’s no guarantee even if your front lawn is off-limits to the public. She has had a few decorations taken without her permission. 
She recalls one particular memorable incident where a beloved Father Christmas gnome was stolen.
“I was disappointed that someone had come onto our property. Funny enough, after Christmas we began getting postcards from this gnome in different places from all over New Zealand,” she reminisces.
Despite hoping that the gnome would turn up the following Christmas, the Zapulla family was disappointed.
“He never turned up again. Oh well,” Karen said.
Ultimately, Karen says the Zapullas put up Christmas decorations not just to join in the festivities in Ivanhoe. While it adds to the Christmas cheer, she believes it is a reminder to spread the joy and be thankful for what she has.
“I can still remember going out to the garden at night, and a little girl of about six or seven comes up to me and says, ‘Lady, you’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful house,’” she said.
“And you know what, I am!”
“It’s to see the magic in the children’s eyes when they look at it all. It’s a lot of work, but it was worth it,” she said.
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Christmas in Ivanhoe: Properties you must see

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Purchasing a home can be a difficult task – especially if you’re after that perfect property that’s just right, though you cannot necessarily put a finger on that particular element which makes it so.
Buyers advocate Secret Agent’s recent report delves into the social science behind that “quirk” property buyers are after – that chill down the spine that leaves you thinking about the perfect property you are after.
The report quotes American sociobiologist and author Edward O Wilson, whose research showed that “the brain is most aroused by patterns in which there is about a 20 per cent redundancy in elements or, put roughly, the amount of complexity put in a single maze”.
Wilson notes that this amount of complexity is the most the brain can process in with one look, just as seven is the highest number of objects that can be counted at a single glance.
For instance, when purchasing a new sofa, its linear design may be appealing because of the slightly flawed texture of its wool fabric, which provides the 20 per cent redundancy Wilson refers to.
Wilson also addresses in his research why people might choose a certain place to live.
"Studies have shown that given freedom to choose the setting of their homes or offices, people across cultures gravitate toward an environment that combines three features, intuitively understood by landscape architects and real estate entrepreneurs. They want to be on a height looking down, they prefer open savanna-like terrain with scattered trees and copses, and they want to be close to a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Even if all these elements are purely aesthetic and not functional, homebuyers will pay any affordable price to have such a view. People, in other words, prefer to live in those environments in which our species evolved over millions of years in Africa. Instinctively, they gravitate toward savanna forest (parkland) and transitional forest, looking out safely over a distance toward reliable sources of food and water. This is by no means an odd connection, if considered as a biological phenomenon. All mobile animal species are guided by instincts that lead them to habitats in which they have a maximum chance for survival and reproduction."
His research suggests that biologically, humans are prone to making certain choices and strive to certain ideals.
What other factors are involved when searching for a space to live or work?
Secret Agent draws upon Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (1943) for further explanation. Maslow’s idea was that once our basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter are met, humankind moves onto satisfying more complex needs.
Perhaps the “perfect property” buyers have in mind is a mixture of their needs, desires, and ambitions aligned.
<img src="/images/stories/diane/Screen_Shot_2013-12-10_at_3.05.21_PM.png" alt="Screen_Shot_2013-12-10_at_3.05.21_PM" height="202" width="420">
Source: Secret Agent 
Trends also play a huge part in attracting people to properties. Australia ranks third on Google Trends’ list of searchers of the term “home styling”, while Victoria tops the country when searching for home stylists or styling tips.
Vendors and agents therefore spend time and money on creating that “magic” space which buyers want to get into.
There is a business in creating that feeling where a property takes your breath away.
For instance, The Design Files is a website that showcases homes and homewares from all over Australia, as well as art, retail, craft, and food. With help from sponsors, the team put together an event where they styled an entire Melbourne home that’s open to the public – and everything was for sale.
The concept was conceived to allow the consumer to feel a connection to objects in context, removing that barrier if one were to simply look at an image of a product online.
The event proved to be a success and the team will be headed to Sydney next year to execute a similar event.
The report concluded that while that magic “quirk” cannot necessarily be defined, it is definitely up to the individual to find out what that 20% “redundancy” means for them to feel comfortable, and therefore develop that balance of need, want, and ambition for that “perfect space”.
<a href="mailto:dleow@propertyobserver.com.au">dleow@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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The social science behind that "perfect property": Secret Agent

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As politicians debate the pros and cons of building upwards versus outwards, Australia continues to follow the international trend of building taller buildings.
In modern architecture, taller inner-city towers are able to drive greater cost and space efficiency whilst also including better environmental and green benefits. Though there are a number of down sides – shadow casting, vehicle and human traffic congestion, and flight path and noise challenges – taller towers can solve more problems than they create.
Despite this, Sydney city council imposes a building height limit of just 230 metres throughout the CBD for all residential and commercial towers. Not only are other capital cities around the country taking advantage of this; but suburbs and employment hubs through Sydney’s suburbs are too.
Developers understand that height restrictions imposed in the CBD will increase office and residential costs over time, as demand will outstrip supply, so they have been shopping their proposals elsewhere. And, it is working.
Just 20 kilometres from Sydney CBD lies Parramatta, Sydney’s ‘second CBD’; soon to be home to not only Australia’s, but the southern hemisphere’s largest residential tower. At 336 metres tall, <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspire_Parramatta">The Aspire Tower</a> will not only be the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere; but the tallest building of any kind in the hemisphere. Aspire forms part of a multi-tower, massive scale <a target="_blank" href="https://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/your_council/news/CBD_redevelopment">redevelopment of the Parramatta CBD area</a>; driving more businesses, residents, and wealth creation into the surrounding area.
{qtube vid:=Ep6dhUi2BuU}
Melbourne and Brisbane are also eclipsing Sydney in tower heights. Melbourne has several stumbles, with both the Australia 108 Tower (388 metres), and 555 Collins Street Tower (404 metres), cancelled indefinitely. The most likely project for approval though is the 250 Spencer Street site, with current plans at 300 metres in height.
Brisbane is also building two towers; 222 Margaret Street, and 300 George Street, each standing 274 metres in height. The Infinity Tower, which completes construction in 2014, will be 249 metres tall, slightly shorter than its original 294 metres plan.
Sydney Mayor Clover Moore has commenced a building height restriction <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.altmedia.net.au/sydney-left-behind-on-building-heights/70773">review</a> for the CBD/City of Sydney area; approaching the issue of building size from an economic output perspective, to ensure Sydney remains competitive.
For Australian home buyers and investors, the issue of building heights is one that must be considered carefully during your due diligence phase. Nobody has a crystal ball and though it is impossible to know what the rules will be in five, 10, or 20 years’ time an awareness of emerging projects in the short term will help you buy better.
One of the best things to keep an eye on is council land re-zoning. This can occur anywhere in Australia, but when it occurs metropolitan city inner, middle, and outer ring suburbs, it almost always will be a rezoning to enable greater building density, not less.
Australian urban development is trending more towards ‘higher density vertical living’ a la New York, Singapore, and Sao Paulo; and away from ‘low-rise high density’ growth, such as cities like Paris,  Washington DC, and Prague.
Regardless of your view on this trend, property buying decisions in our major cities needs to occur with a solid understanding of this shift in mind.

<hr>
Cameron McEvoy is a NSW-based property investor and maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertycorrespondent.com.au/">Property Correspondent.</a>
 
 
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A tall order: Australia's new wave of skyscrapers may not be where you think

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How do you build a house in 30 seconds? Just order a house from JAYZ Building Solutions, press a button on the included remote and up your house goes.
The Australian firm is selling transportable homes that it claims can be erected in just 30 seconds.
It’s marketing its Instaslide series of homes which fit inside a standard shipping container and can be unfurled at the flick of a switch.
{qtube vid:=YOpBI3qRi74} 
“These products are amazing,” says JAYZ’s Jackson Yin.
“At a touch of the button on the remote control these units can be installed in 30 seconds absolutely labor free.”
There is:
<ul>
<li>a 50 square metre, four-bedroom, four-bathroom option;</li>
<li>a 25 square metre one-bedroom, one-bathroom, one-kitchen option;</li>
<li>and a 50 square metre office option;</li>
</ul>
They have a 6-Star energy rating and are able to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 7.6 and D2 cyclones – winds of 270 kilometres per hour.
They can delivered on a normal truck and unloaded with a forklift.
The company supplies mining companies around Australia with transportable accommodation.
They also supply the Butterfly range of fold out homes which take four hours to assemble but are easy to stack together.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/12/10/30sec]}
This year JAYZ was able to quickly build a supermarket in an Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory by joining multiple Butterfly units together.
In the Butterfly series a 40-foot container expands to 82 square metres of living space - to triple its normal size, while a 20-foot container expands to 42 square metres.
They come with exterior lighting, laminated bamboo flooring, taps and sinks, smoke detectors, a toilet, bathrooms and kitchens and optional air-conditioning. They are fully plumbed and wired.
Jackson Yin says they hope to market the homes to the general public in the near future.
“We look forward to some larger order but eventually we hope to do retail orders. I hope it’s coming in very soon.”
Yin says they could be priced at substantially less than $1,500 per square metre.
<img alt="30-second-home" height="294" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/12/10/30-second-home.png">
Other things you can do in 30 seconds
? Swim 50 metres backwards, if you're an Olympic athlete
? Drive from standing to 300mph, if you're in the Acabion GTBO (below)
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/DAyp6vk.jpg" width="470">
? Have your car stolen, if you left it unlocked. Lock it or lose it.
? Make Nachos in the microwave, courtesy of the South Australia based company Mexican Express (below)
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/OAC4vkW.jpg" width="470">
? Pull the tops off 65 pinapples, if you're this bloke (below)
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/CXrHqno.jpg" width="470">
? Flush your outboard motor out with revolutionary product, Salt-Away.
<img src="https://i.imgur.com/lrftVjw.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:awalsh@propertyobserver.com.au">awalsh@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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How to build a home in 30 seconds

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Property Bloom is preparing for a big house renovation and thought I’d share some of the steps we are taking in the weeks before we start the renovation.  The house is a beautiful original Californian Bungalow with some wonderful ornate features to the ceilings and cornices (pictured below). There are also some fabulous stain glass windows.
<img alt="chivers-dec-6-one" height="230" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/12/06/chivers-dec-6-one.jpg">
 <img alt="chivers_dec_6_two" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/12/06/chivers_dec_6_two.jpg"> 
We found this particular property for a client who wanted us to source, renovate and prepare the house to sell. He wants to make some profit using a renovation and sell strategy. As property development project managers, we would normally look for further ways to add value to a property in the way of adding additional dwellings and subdividing. But in this case, it’s a straight renovation project.
We needed to find a rundown house with good ‘bones’ that was very well located and had some good features that we could highlight and would help sell it. I think we hit the nail on the head with this little bungalow beauty.
With a strict budget we must adhere to and a house that we could keep working on till the cows come home, we have our work cut out. We need to highlight the features and spend our money wisely.
We are replacing the 1950’s retro kitchen and two bathrooms, carrying out some repairs and painting inside and out. The wonderful old floorboards that lay beneath the floral carpet and linoleum will be sanded and polished.
This week we met with our colour consultant and we starting on the kitchen choices – the kitchen is going to be the big hero in this renovation.  We established bench and cupboard colours and chose appliances which includes a 90 centimeter wide five burner free standing dual fuel cooker with a glass canopy rangehood that will ‘pop’ in front of our bench to ceiling  tiled marble effect feature splashback wall.  We hope this will wow prospective purchasers the minute they walk into the kitchen area.  We all know that women have the main say in home purchases and we are pitching this to the middle market of owner occupiers, looking for their second home – they can afford to pay more but want something they can move straight into and enjoy and a large, modern kitchen will be at the top of their ‘must have’ list.
Now we have the kitchen colours selected, we’ve ordered the kitchen so it can be installed by the end of January. Property Bloom gets a wholesale price as we use the same supplier that our builder uses for our villa developments and so we can pass on this saving to our client. Plus by managing the kitchen ourselves, it means our builder can focus on the bathrooms and other works to ensure a quick renovation process. We plan to spend no more than four weeks on this renovation. Time is of essence to minimise holding costs for our client.
The kitchen colours and style this will spill out into the rest of the house.
Our splashback wall has a grey colour in the marble vein and it is this that gives the inspiration for our bench tops and floor tiles for the bathrooms. We’ll use the same marble effect tile as a feature tile in the main bathroom.  The marble grey can also be associated in the internal wall paint colour.
I think it’s important to continue a theme through colour choices for a house renovation and for us we want to keep it fairly neutral but need to pack a punch so that the house gets noticed and quickly.
Stay tuned and I’ll cover off some of our challenges once we get under way in the New Year with this renovation project.
 
<hr>
 Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
 
 
 
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Californian bungalow renovation: We have our work cut out for us and time is of the essence

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So what is happening with vacant land sales across urban Queensland?  You don’t read a lot about the land market these days – it’ all houses this and apartments that.
So are land sales heading north?  In what direction are land prices going?  Have house and land package prices increased?  What about lot sizes – are they still shrinking?
Sales volumes
For the most part, vacant land sales and the sale of house and land packages across Queensland continue to trade at volumes less than the year before.
The biggest falls over the past year have been seen – not surprisingly – across regional Queensland.
The most notable falls in land sales were recorded  in Mackay, Whitsundays, Central Highlands, Townsville and Gladstone.
Land sales have increased in Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Redlands and in Brisbane.
Cairns sales are up because of insurance hikes due to recent weather events, which have increased the cost of body corporate fees.  New house and land product – on free-hold title – are taking sales away from the apartment and townhouse markets in Cairns.
Since the federal election, land sales have improved, so too the sale of new house and land packages, but across most Queensland markets, this recent lift in sales is still below the volumes traded in recent years.  Things are improving.  But it will take a consistent lift in sale volumes to get back to longer term averages.
Land values
Land value movement across the state results in a somewhat mixed bag.
For example, Cairns land prices have dropped by $77 each week or down $4,000 compared to last year.  Most vacant land is priced around $169,000 in Cairns.  The reason for the drop is because land size has decreased, along with the size of the actual new house being supplied.  This is to help capture the townhouse investment market and to cater for the more traditional townhouse/apartment tenant.  The average lot size in Cairns is now 600 square metres.  The typical new house and land package costs $385,000, down $14,000 or $270 per week on last year.
Land values have also fallen in Gladstone, in and around Hervey Bay, on the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, in Brisbane and the Whitsundays.
Average lot sizes have shrunk in most locations; so whilst the overall land price has fallen, the rate per square metre of the land sold continues to rise.  For example, in Brisbane it typically costs about $700 per square metre to buy residential dirt, and yet, whilst overall land prices dropped about 7% last year, the rate per square metre increased by about $50.
Land values rose in Mackay, Issac (Clermont, Dysart and Moranbah) – in fact up by 17% or $21,000 to $145,000 for a 600 square metre allotment, in Rockhampton, on the Gold Coast (wow, now you are rocking the boat), in Logan, Toowoomba and across the Western and Southern Downs (Dalby, Warwick etc.)
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
More statistics
The most expensive allotments for sale are in Brisbane ($295,000 per allotment), followed by Redlands ($264,000), Gold Coast ($240,000) and the Sunshine Coast ($235,000).
The cheapest dirt is around Warwick ($110,000), then Gympie ($119,000), Lockyer Valley (Gatton/Laidley) ($130,000) and Bundaberg ($144,000).
Typical new house and land packages (being three or four bedrooms; two bathrooms and double garage – usually sized between 200 and 250 square metres) range from $545,000 in Brisbane to $235,000 in Gympie.
17 out of Queensland’s 25 larger urban municipalities have land typically priced under $200,000, with 10 locales having a median land value under $150,000.  Nearly all Queensland municipalities have new house and land packages available under $400,000, some of which are located in South East Queensland and in key regional markets.
New housing of this nature isn’t unaffordable in Queensland.
Finally, the typical allotment across urban Queensland ranges in size from 424 square metres in Brisbane to 1,714 square metres in the Scenic Rim (old Beaudesert Shire).  Gone are the days of the traditional 800 square metres allotment.  Only four Queensland municipalities have a wide choice of vacant land over 800 square metres.
All locations, except the Scenic Rim, have seen allotment sizes fall in recent years.  Some have fallen by up to a third in size over the past five years.  Higher taxes and charges, plus centralised control of the subdividable land stock by a handful of major developers are behind this trend.  There is a demand for more convenient lot sizes, but this demand is highest in more central locations.
Two suggestions
I believe the Queensland land-based market would be stronger (i.e. more sales) if there was more variety on the market.  Importantly, this includes an increase in lot sizes; wider frontages and the clustering of smaller allotments around parks and the like and away from larger homes/bigger allotments.  In other words, less salt’n’peppering of small lots through an estate.
Our polling suggests that potential buyers are put off by the mixture of housing lots throughout the estate.
Another thing which would help make more sales would be for more turn-key product on the market.  A turn-key property is one which is complete and ready to move into on completion.  Everything, except furniture, is installed.
Whilst there has been a lift in the proportion of turn-key sales across the state – with one in ten land-based sales being turn-key in nature last year (up from 8%, three years before) – this trend is largely confined to the south east corner of the state.  The proportion of turn-key sales in Brisbane is 30%, 18% in Logan, 15% on the Gold Coast and Redlands, 13% in Hervey Bay and 11% in the Moreton Bay area, north of Brisbane.
Outside of Cairns – 11% – the regionals are not offering as much turn-key options to buyers as maybe they should.  In today’s world, buyers are looking for convenient and immediate housing solutions.  The traditional house building process has diminishing buyer appeal.
 
<hr>
 Michael Matusik is the founder of <a href="https://www.matusik.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matusik Property Insights</a>, which has helped over 550 new residential projects come to fruition.  Read <a href="https://www.matusikmissive.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael’s Blog</a> or follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelmatusik" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.
 
 
 
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House and land packages need to offer more variety to appeal to buyers

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<div id="post-excerpt">
There’s a long history of public housing authorities ignoring the needs of residents. Much has improved, but some public agencies still take an implicitly paternalistic view of the interests of residents
</div>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sourceable.net/urban-focus-2013-national-architecture-awards-winners-revealed/"><img width="470" height="347" src="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/files/2013/11/McIntyre-Street-Award-winner.jpg"></a>
Photo: Social housing at 2 McIntyre Drive Altona - winner of the Frederick Romberg Award for Multiple Housing in the 2013 National Architecture Awards
Back in June <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2013/06/25/do-social-housing-tenants-get-the-buildings-theyd-choose/#comment-9094">I argued</a> there’s been a history of architects “innovating” with the aesthetics of social housing in ways they can’t easily do with private housing.
I was prompted by a new social housing complex for older disabled residents at 2 McIntyre Drive in the Melbourne residential and industrial suburb of Altona (see exhibit). At the time it had just won the Residential Architecture (Multiple Housing) category in this year’s Victorian Architecture Awards.
I’m revisiting the topic because two weeks ago the building was a winner at the Australian Institute of Architects 2013 National Architecture Awards. It won Australia’s highest architectural accolade in its class, <a target="_blank" href="https://sourceable.net/urban-focus-2013-national-architecture-awards-winners-revealed/">the Frederick Romberg Award</a> for Multiple Housing.
In my previous article (<a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2013/06/25/do-social-housing-tenants-get-the-buildings-theyd-choose/">Do social housing tenants get the housing they’d choose?</a>), I contended that 2 McIntyre Drive has a distinctive and particular industrial/warehouse “look”.
The design by MGS Architects might capture the character of a suburb that’s home to Toyota’s car manufacturing plant, but it’s a highly specific form that a private developer in my view would be unlikely to risk in the marketplace.
Private buyers can go elsewhere if they’re unhappy with the appearance of a building, so builders whose customers have a choice strive to understand what their buyers prefer.
Developers selling to sophisticated professionals in the inner city will sometimes take an aesthetic risk in an effort to differentiate their product, but they’re dealing with a very different market. I think they’d be much less likely to do that with dwellings aimed at the bottom end of the market or in suburban Altona.
There’s a long history of architects experimenting aesthetically with social housing. They’re aided by housing authorities, who usually employ architecturally trained personnel to prepare briefs and manage consulting architects.
They’ve been able to do it because the residents of social housing don’t usually get a say in the “look” of their buildings. Residents are often at a considerable remove from aesthetic decisions and in any event lack the power to go elsewhere that a private buyer has.
The obvious downside is residents mightn’t like the appearance of the buildings they’re assigned to. Some might argue that aesthetics is a trivial concern, but it’s an important consideration for private buyers and seemingly of immense importance to architects.
Another concern is that housing which has a highly distinctive but “market unfriendly” aesthetic might identify the residents as welfare recipients. This could lead to a loss of dignity for some residents and exacerbate problems with integration with the neighbourhood.
I’m not in any way criticising the functional efficiency or cost-effectiveness of 2 McIntyre Drive; I can’t possibly know how it stacks up in that regard. The issue I’m raising is about the appropriateness of elites imposing their aesthetic values on those with limited power.
Not unexpectedly, some architects (but not all) disagreed with my original article. My argument was variously described on Twitter as “nonsense”, “lacking rigour” and “tired”.
The most revealing though came from an evidently exasperated @taniadavidge, who said “It just makes me tired. Why bother trying to give people a better outcome aesthetically and spatially?”
And another from an apparently amazed @michael_zanardo who asked: “So the question is now whether the ‘look’ of the housing is ‘appropriate’ for its occupants?”
Two of the architects involved in designing 2 McIntyre Drive, <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2013/06/25/do-social-housing-tenants-get-the-buildings-theyd-choose/#comment-9088">Rob McGauran</a>and <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2013/06/25/do-social-housing-tenants-get-the-buildings-theyd-choose/#comment-9094">Eli Gianinni</a>, weighed in to the debate in comments on the original article. But they avoided the issue and offered red herrings instead, arguing that residents are satisfied with their accommodation.
Of course they are, but it has nothing to do with the appearance of the building!
As I noted previously, residents now have accommodation that’s purpose-designed for disabled residents; they have a brand new unit with mod cons; they get to live with others whose life situation is similar in important respects; they might finally have reasonable certainty of tenure; and for some it might be their first entry into subsidised social housing.
They get to live in a complex the architect’s say has been designed to function well in terms of over-looking, privacy, and access to open space. It’s also a quiet location, albeit a long way from services.
But those arguments are irrelevant to the issue I’m raising i.e. that the appearance of the building has little to do with the tastes of the residents and everything to do with the taste of artistic elites.
Contemporary social housing is a vast improvement on the “towers in the park” of the past. Back then architects and social reformers too often imposed their own ideas on residents who lacked the opportunity and resources to deal with them on fair terms.
Social housing authorities need to be conscious who they’re providing housing for; they need to put residents front and centre. They should work hard to avoid the paternalism of the past in all aspects of their operations.
 
<hr>
 Alan Davies is a transport and urban development consultant and blogger for <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/">The Urbanist</a>.
 
This article first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.Crikey.com.au">Crikey</a>.
 
 
 
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What kind of social housing do people really want?

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Let me declare myself unambiguously: I do not hate McMansions, just because they’re easy to hate.
For quite a few years now, anybody who writes about these oversized single family homes has consistently demonised them as not just individually ugly, ill-designed and unsustainable, but as the building blocks of isolated suburbs devoid of a sense of community.
In an otherwise admirable reminder of just how ingrained the aspiration for a freestanding house is in the Australian psyche and polity, Peter McNeil, professor of design history at Sydney’s University of Technology, Sydney <a href="https://theconversation.com/me-and-my-mcmansion-australians-and-their-homes-12179" target="_blank">wrote in February</a> on The Conversation:
"Apart from warehouse conversions and architect-designed homes, many Australian dwellings are McMansions that do not relate to the scale of the houses around them or have anything to do with their environment. It is possible that as in North America, we are retreating into our homes more and more, meeting lovers online, watching our video on home entertainment systems, cooking on industrial quality ovens and holding parties with enormous BBQs that would once have provided a catering company. Perhaps we need to think a bit more about whether we are part of communities and networks or if we are heading towards an atomised existence?"
That is mild compared to the vitriol of Fairfax writer <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/by/elizabeth-farrelly" target="_blank">Elizabeth Farrelly</a>, Australia’s only successful populist newspaper architecture critic.
Farrelly masks her unalloyed condemnation of McMansion design with a long-term, consistent, but remarkably axiomatic stance against their <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/11/08/1099781318531" target="_blank">over-consumption of land and resources</a>.
<img width="470" height="181" src="/images/stories/2013/11/19/mcmansion-one-Elana-Centor-flickr.jpg" alt="mcmansion-one-Elana-Centor-flickr">
Photo courtesy of Elana Centor/flickr
If there is no need for even a pretence of objectivity, the condemnation can be brutal. On the <a href="https://thingsboganslike.com" target="_blank">Things Bogans Like</a> website, entry <a href="https://thingsboganslike.com/2010/02/02/mcmansions/" target="_blank">#76 McMansions</a> concludes:
"In order to put a McMansion within reach of the financially impulsive bogan, builders take phenomenal amounts of shortcuts on the shoddily fitted out McMansion. Once the flashy silver oven breaks, and the paper thin feature wall cracks, it becomes clear that the housing estate is 10 years away from being a generic and unserviced bogan ghetto. It’s the great Australian dream come true."
What all this McMansion bashing has in common is a set of assumptions that are ill-founded.
The first is the convenient lie that McMansions are the opposite of architect-crafted paragons of good design. This is easiest dealt with by visiting somewhere like <a href="https://www.homeworld.com.au/kellyville/home">Homeworld Kellyville</a>, the display village north west of Sydney.
Talk to the sales people, and the names of some of our better known mid-career architects are volunteered as the designers of an unexpected number of models.
The second anomaly is that a surprising proportion of available project home models are of notably good design. They make the most of small sites, with great connections between informal living areas and well sheltered outdoor al fresco rooms.
They have a relatively low proportion of glass area compared to their floor area (typically 20% “glazing to floor ratios”) yet look light and airy. Most architect-designed houses often have double that proportion of glass, or more.
They often have good planning for the needs of parents and growing kids to spend time together, yet also get away from each other. They have admirably economical and practical construction, in materials no different to those employed for much more expensive houses.
True, some McMansions don’t have any of these worthy attributes, and all are too big.
The third inconvenient truth? Let’s ask <a href="https://www.be.unsw.edu.au/profile/patrick_troy" target="_blank">professor Patrick Troy</a>, a world expert on urban development and visiting professor at the University of New South Wales' City Futures Research Centre.
He <a href="https://www.be.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/upload/FinalLandcomEnergyandWaterReport.pdf" target="_blank">pointed out in 2006</a> that, of the major dwelling types, free standing suburban houses are the lowest energy consumers per occupant and appear to consume less water per occupant than contemporary apartments. That is data.
Professor Troy also suggests that, if climate change ever forces us back to a higher degree of local food production, what we call “urban sprawl” may be actually more resilient as a form of urbanisation than the concrete jungles of urban consolidation.
In the end, I too come down on the side of the argument that suggests we have McMansions because they are a symbol of success, not because we actually need them. And the bad McMansions do spoil it for me, in spite of my admiration for the good ones.
But to be clear: I don’t hate them just because I’m supposed to.

<hr>
Steve King is senior lecturer in architecture at <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank">University of New South Wales</a>
This article was originally published at <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-demonising-mcmansions-19887">original article</a>.
 
<img width="1" height="1" alt="The Conversation" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/19887/count.gif">
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In defense of McMansions: They're not all bad

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Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics earlier this week showed that the average size of Australian homes has started to trend lower over recent years. However, there are some surprising results at an individual state level.
Sydney is the most expensive capital city in the country and the New South Wales results act as a good proxy for that city. Despite the fact that Sydney is the most expensive city, the average size of a new house in New South Wales over last financial year was 266.20 square metres; the largest average floor area of any state.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2699" alt="avg floor area of new houses" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/avg-floor-area-of-new-houses-507x580.jpg" width="350" height="401" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
Despite the fact that New South Wales residential property is typically more expensive than other states, they continue to build the largest new homes. Across the other states, the average floor area of new homes were recorded at: 243.0 square metres in Victoria, 239.6 square metres in Queensland, 203.90 square metres in South Australia, 234.5 square metres in Western Australia and 200.30 square metres in Tasmania. 
The average floor area in New South Wales is much greater than all other states while the floor area in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia are quite similar.  Typical new home sizes in South Australia and Tasmania are significantly lower than those across the other states.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2700" alt="land table" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/land-table.jpg" width="470" height="354" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
You can’t build a house unless you have a vacant block of land to construct the home on.  The median land prices across the states as at June 2013 were recorded at: $204,000 in New South Wales, $189,000 in Victoria, $190,000 in Queensland, $150,000 in South Australia, $229,100 in Western Australia and $100,000 across Tasmania. 
This data highlights that the cost of vacant land in South Australia and Tasmania is significantly lower than that across the other states.  Not only are South Australian and Tasmanian new houses much smaller than those across the other states, the cost of purchasing the vacant land is also significantly lower.
Another component to consider is the typical size of the vacant land and how that impacts both the size and type of home that can be built but also the cost of purchasing the land.  Across the states, the median land sizes are recorded at: 700 square metres in New South Wales, 570 square metres in Victoria, 696 square metres in Queensland, 496 square metres in South Australia, 480 square metres in Western Australia and 933 square metres in Tasmania.
Outside of Tasmania, lot sizes in New South Wales are the greatest of all states.  Tasmania which has comparatively cheap land has a much larger typical lot size whereas; South Australia has a comparatively small lot size.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2701" alt="income table" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/income-table.jpg" width="470" height="333" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
Of course there are other factors outside of just the cost and size of land which determines the size of homes.  Specifically it is important to consider incomes, according to data released in the 2011 Census, median household incomes in South Australia and Tasmania are much lower than those across the other states.  This obviously has an impact on the price at which residents can purchase homes.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2702" alt="people per dwelling" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/people-per-dwelling.jpg" width="470" height="279" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
If we also look at the average number of people per household along with the average number of bedrooms per dwelling we see that there is an excess supply of bed rooms.  In all states we have a greater number of bedrooms than we do persons per household, keeping in mind that most couples will share a bed.  Given this, we don’t actually need as much space as we have in most homes. 
Certainly some younger families will buy larger homes than they need to cater for their growing needs but the broader trends show we have an excess supply of units.  Builders, developers and price sensitive purchases probably need to consider foregoing an extra bedroom in order to reduce the cost of houses.
Overall, it seems somewhat counter-intuitive that the states where housing is most expensive they continue to build much larger new houses while the more affordable states build smaller homes.  Smaller homes and potentially smaller lot sizes would help to improve the affordability of homes in the more expensive states. 
From a potential buyers perspective they probably need to reassess just how much space they need when they are considering their purchase.  Of course, a reduction in the cost of land which could be aided by quicker development approvals, greater supply of land and reduced development fees and charges would also help reduce the cost of housing.
 
<hr>
 Cameron Kusher is senior research analyst at <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>.
 
 
 
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Land costs are high, but that's not stopping the construction of McMansions

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One of the loveliest highlights of late spring are the Jacarandas which are now fully in flower across Sydney, even in its back laneways. Highlighted ofcourse in Brett Whiteley's winning entry in the Wynne Prize of 1977. Brisbane's season started earlier being warmer, and there are reports from Perth of their flowering. 
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/01/jacaranda-nov-1-one.jpg" alt="jacaranda-nov-1-one" width="470" height="309">
Photo courtesy of Pedro Vizcaino Pina<a id="yui_3_11_0_3_1383263603194_841" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrovizcainopina/"></a>/flickr.
But these purple canopies which look superb against the November sky are certainly high maintenance. Our He Said/She Said commentators Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok bicker over the garden fence.
HE SAID<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/jc-silhouette-5.jpg" alt="jc-silhouette-5" width="150" height="225" style="float: right;">
I adore jacarandas from a distance. It makes flying into Sydney so special at this time of year.
But in the front garden I'd happily settle for a row of gardenias, a grand magnolia and even a good old gum tree in the corner.
I am no jacaranda grouch but the beauty of jacarandas, especially after rain, inevitably becomes the sodden fallen flowers. Not quite as adorable and only tolerable so long as I only have to rake them up the once.
Of course gardening guru Shirley Stackhouse is on my side urging all not to rush out and rake up the spoils - relax and enjoy the double image, she suggested. But easier said than done, especially if the open for inspection crowd are coming through at 10am, and then the mess becomes just another chore. 
Anyway be sure to photograph your property for future listing while jacarandas are in flower as any pictures taken now can be stored ready for future marketing campaigns. Rather than delay any auction listing until the garden looks right, the photos will ensure buyers see the place in full bloom, even if it's not the season.
 
<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/06/mb-silhouette-4.jpg" alt="mb-silhouette-4" width="150" height="225" style="float: left;">SHE SAID
The jacaranda flowering - in something like 49 variations including white - produce such a beautiful uplifting effect across Sydney they ought be forgiven for making a mess.
As Shirley Stackhouse says surely part of the beauty of jacarandas in bloom is the marvellous mauve-blue pool of fallen flowers at the foot of the tree, like a reflection in water.
More robust than normal, the very dry weather seemingly brought them out into an earlier bloom this year. Like nature's clock, they signify shifting into the peak of the spring property market, though I do recall the unseasonably 1992 cold spell  when they were a couple of weeks later than the final week of October. 
Whenever they flower, memories arise of Sister Irene Haxton who ran Sydney's Jacaranda Hospital from 1948 to 1961. She, more than anyone since the first truly successful propagator, pioneer Double Bay nurseryman Michael Guilfoyle, saw to it that the suburbs are ablaze. Mostly down in the Sutherland Shire as the Jacaranda was a maternity hospital at Cronulla where every one of the thousands of babies born were sent home with a jacaranda seedling.
Of course the Hunters Hill peninsula must top the list of jacaranda (Jacaranda Mimosifolia) suburbs which is why I always enjoy jacaranda cruises on the Lane Cove River - this year there's three rivals - <a href="https://www.macleaycruises.com.au/page1.php" target="_blank">MV Macleay cruises</a>; the <a href="https://www.emeraldstar.com.au/Documents/2013/Jacaranda%20Cruises%20Nov%202013.pdf" target="_blank">Emerald Star</a> or <a href="https://buy.shf.org.au/eventListing2?filterMonth=null&amp;filterType=Jacaranda+Cruise" target="_blank">the Harman</a> but sadly none hosted by the horticulturalists Graham and Sandra Ross. I haven't ever spotted the white jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia alba) that Dr George Hewitt imported in 1960 from Brazil, but Jonathan claims he's seen one at Grafton and Bellingen.
Sydneysiders have been busy installing pools, spas, tennis courts and paving into their front and rear gardens with their contractors putting down a long-lasting herbicides to stop the weeds. But be warned these herbicides, carried by the seepage of water under the soil, can be quite damaging to  jacarandas which have fairly shallow roots.
Jacaranda Hill, the 60 hectare Brisbane Valley property at Coal Creek, is the standout current listing - and the marketing shows the splendor of the tree and the 1885 Queenslander homestead. Its for sale through LJ Hooker Esk agent Helen Granzien at $1.5 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/01/coal-creek-nov-1-one.jpg" alt="coal-creek-nov-1-one" width="470" height="353">
Photo: Coal Creek, Queensland
With no great 2013 listing imagery as yet, dipping back into the late 2012 offerings with jacarandas, I spotted a 1904 Federation cottage at Epping that sold after being listed for December 15 auction through NNW agent Kate Seehusen at $1.06 million. Its photograph (below) truly highlights the importance of taking pics now, for next year, rather than waiting until late spring before the delayed, same season, auction marketing opportunity.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/01/epping-nov-1-one.jpg" alt="epping-nov-1-one" width="470" height="262">
Photo: 18 High Street, Epping
Also in Sydney, the Fraser's development at Putney Hill have low rise apartments surrounded by nature, with the buildings named, Jacara, Figtree and Palmera Apartments, designed by Cox Richardson Architects. 
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We would like readers to email and tell us where their favourite jacaranda or group of jacarandas is. Maybe it's a tree in your own garden, or a street or park planting. Maybe you are selling it! Let us know. 
 
 
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