<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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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september21pettit]}
Ken Woolley's latest Modernist Pettit + Sevitt project home, built recently with 21st Century thinking, has been sold for $900,000.
Initially listed in 2011 with $1.18 million plus hopes, it was most recently marketed with revised $850,000 plus expectations.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-kellyville-nsw-2155/152446">The five-bedroom, two-bathroom Lowline house project</a> by the veteran architect was built in the Sydney hills district suburb of Kellyville at the request of Val Sevitt, the widow of company co-founder Ron Sevitt.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pettitandsevitt.com.au/">It is some three decades after the original building company closed its doors</a>. The original 1960s house design (pictured below) has been updated to meet modern building requirements in the Kellyville project.
<img height="273" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/05/pettitandsevittmay1one.jpg" alt="pettitandsevittmay1one">
Pettit + Sevitt relaunched in 2009 under the directorship of Ron Sevitt’s widow, Val Sevitt, and her children, Colin Sevitt and Carol Perry.

At one stage Pettit + Sevitt was building 400 of Lowline houses a year with about 3,500 built in the 1960s and '70s.

McGrath agent Mark Vinogradov had the listing at 26 Country Club Circuit.
Image courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum.
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Modern Kellyville Lowline Pettit & Sevitt finally sells for $900,000

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Location, style and condition. These are often the first things prospective buyers consider when purchasing a house.
In a competitive market it is the less obvious features that may be even more important to take notice of. This report takes an in depth look into how median strips, front gardens and vegetation affect property prices based on 2100 housing sales in 2012. It would be thought that these features would automatically add value to the property, however, this was not the case in all suburbs.
Median Strips
They make the road visually appealing. Most of us, as pedestrians, have used them to safely cross to the other side of the road.
We don’t really have control over whether they are there or not but potential property buyers should consider how a median strip affects house prices in the suburb of interest because it can make a huge difference.
Based on their visual and safety benefits you would think that houses built on streets with median strips would be more valuable than those that are not. This was generally the case for the 28 inner city suburbs surveyed.
For example, if you wanted to purchase a house in Clifton Hill, on average you would pay $695,000 more if the house was exposed to a median strip. In the most extreme case, a house in Parkville on a street with a median strip could cost you over 1 million dollars more than a house on a street with no median strip.
However, in some suburbs, the absence of median strips was more valuable than the presence. Again, at the extreme end of the spectrum, a house in East Melbourne without a median strip was approximately $750,000 more valuable than one with a median strip. Similarly, Hawthorn houses without a median strip were $370,000 more expensive.
Overall, based on 2100 housing sales in 2012, a house with exposure to a median strip was on average $90,000 more valuable. The difference between having a median strip or not was less than $50,000 for Brunswick East, Carlton North, Flemington, Kensington, North Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
The extreme differences observed are most likely a result of a lack of sales in the low turnover suburbs such as East Melbourne. In other words data was not sufficient enough to produce generalizable results. Also, properties included in the data may have been those that face a median strip and a park.
Thus these properties would have had value added primarily from the park view rather than being on a street with a median strip. In other words, it is necessary to consider the other contextual factors that may play a part in the sale in addition to the presence or absence of median strip.
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Front Gardens
When present, front gardens can be an attractive first impression of a house. However, if not maintained, they may become untidy and cause the house to lose visual appeal and value. The setback of buildings from the street is a predetermined characteristic of the neighborhood and must be strictly adhered to.
This means that after purchasing a property, changing whether or not you have a front garden may not always be possible. According to the analysis of 2100 housing sales in 2012, Cremorne and West Melbourne were the only suburbs in which having a front garden did not add value to the property. In fact, having a front garden in these suburbs caused a loss of $23,000 and $91,000 in value for Cremorne and West Melbourne respectively.
Houses in the other 26 suburbs surveyed all sold for an average of $230,000 more with a front garden than those without. The biggest difference was in East Melbourne where you can expect to pay up to $980,000 more if you want a house with a front garden. To gain meaning from this result it is necessary to think about the style of houses that were sold. In the highly industrialized suburbs of Cremorne and West Melbourne, converted warehouses contribute to the sales.
Hence an old run down house with a front garden probably will not sell for as much as a newly renovated, modern warehouse which is built on the boundary and for that reason is without a front garden. In the other inner city suburbs such as East Melbourne, having a house with a large setback from the street was considered a valuable aspect when these properties were built and this value has carried through to this day.
Vegetation
Whether walking or driving, there is something special about turning into a tree lined street.
Other than being aesthetically pleasing, vegetation increases surrounding air quality, decreases criminal behaviour such as vandalism and provides shade to a building thereby reducing the demand for air conditioning. Hence it is not surprising that there is a positive correlation between density of trees in the area and property value.
This study analysed 2100 property sales and categorised these based on vegetation levels. Vegetation was labelled as either non-existent, sparse, or dense. It was found that those houses in the midst of dense vegetation sold for approximately $340,000 more than those with no vegetation.
Even houses with sparse vegetation yielded an extra $135,000 on average. In other words, the more trees in the street, the higher the sale price of the adjacent property.
Looking at the data from a pricing angle showed this even more dramatically. When categorised into pricing brackets it was found that houses above $900,000 are more likely to have dense street vegetation, whereas houses in between $400,000 and $700,000 have sparse or no vegetation.
Approximately 75% of the market with sparse or no vegetation were those houses selling for between $400,000 and $500,000 and 75% of the market with characteristically dense vegetation were those houses in the $2,000,000+ bracket.
There could be a few reasons for the above findings.
If we take a step back in time to when these inner city properties were first been built, it is easy to imagine that the wealthy families of the time chose to build there majestic homes in the greener areas of the city. Or on the other hand, it could be that builders in the past spent just as much time creating a lush environment around a property and thus the wealthier owners not only built better houses but also more vegetation around their home.
From a current perspective, this may come down simply to human nature. Evolution has shaped our desire for green and lush areas and thus we are willing to pay more for property surrounded by dense nature.
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This article is an extract of a report by Melbourne-based buyers' advocate <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/" target="_blank">Secret Agent</a>. You can view the full report <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The-Secret-Agent-Report-July-2013.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.
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The value of vegetation in inner city Melbourne: Secret Agent report

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Australia is set to add to the list of quirky architectural icons given unintended nicknames following James Packer’s proposed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/crown-s-%2440-million-barangaroo-serviced-apartment-atop-james-packer-s-hoover-vacuum-cleaner-shaped-highrise-casino-proposal/2013051761450">60-storey Barangaroo South casino development</a> receiving the amber light from the NSW state government this week.
A Property Observer reader has suggested the project (pictured below) looks remarkably similar to an old-fashioned vacuum cleaner, such as the Hoover dial-a-matic. The winning bid for the $1.2 billion development was designed by British-based firm Wilkinson Eyre, who more than likely did not have carpet cleaning in mind when they began drafting ideas.
<img alt="barangaroojuly5one" height="397" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/barangaroojuly5one.jpg">
Another Barangaroo project to attract attention and a possible new nickname is the low rise visually-<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/bamboo-bowl-restaurant-design-on-barangaroo-south-waterfront-promenade/2013070262888">striking bamboo clad restaurant complex</a> on the waterfront promenade.
Designed by architects Collins and Turner, it resembles stacked bamboo bowls.
The design of the building (pictured below) will be submitted to the Barangaroo Delivery Authority for approval prior to being submitted to the NSW Department of Planning as part of the statutory planning process.
<img alt="bamboojuly5one" height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/bamboojuly5one.jpg">
Australia has long played its part in this worldwide nick-naming phenomenon, with one of its most recognisable landmarks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, built in 1932, nicknamed the “coat-hanger” given its semi-circular arch design (It was also nicknamed the “Iron Lung” in the 1930s for providing employment to Depression-era workers).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/bridgejuly5one.jpg" width="470" height="241" alt="bridgejuly5one">
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Some less well-known nicknames have been applied to other Sydney land marks.
The Sydney Opera house is sometimes called the “nun’s scrum” alluding to the curved white roof shapes resembling the headdresses of religious sisters.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/operahousejuly5one.jpg" width="470" height="289" alt="operahousejuly5one">
Just to the right of the Opera house, the modern apartments, retail and entertainment complexes of northern Macquarie Street, much derided by Sydneysiders, have attracted the unflattering moniker of “the toaster” building.
<img alt="toasterjuly5one" height="200" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/toasterjuly5one.jpg">
In Stockholm, there are plans to transform one of its skyscrapers into a “strawscraper” by adding “electricity-generating bristles” or “plastic hairs”. The tower in question is Henning Larsen’s Söder Torn tower on Södermalm in Stockholm. It is designed by architects Belatchew with a wind farm that will top the existing building with a 16-story extension, covering the facade with “hairy-looking plastic straws designed to move with the wind” according to the architectural firm’s own description. To Property Observer’ keen eye, we suggest it resembles a winter fur coat.
<img alt="strawscraperjuly5one" height="331" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/strawscraperjuly5one.jpg">
Image courtesy of archdaily.com
Of course there are many famous existing landmarks around the world that have earned nicknames, some not so flattering.
There is London’s “The Gherkin” building (pictured below) designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster as the headquarters for reinsurance firm Swiss Re with its distinctive spiralling glass-covered design over an oblong cylindrical shape. Officially, it is called 30 St Mary Axe, rising to 41 stories and opened in 2004.
<img alt="gherkinjuly5one" height="508" width="370" src="/images/stories/2013/07/gherkinjuly5one.jpg">
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Perhaps the most famously nicknamed building is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan, which has been likened to a toilet bowl and also a hangar for flying sauces. It opened in 1959, 10 years after the famous architect’s death.
<img alt="guggenheimjuly5one" height="289" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/guggenheimjuly5one.jpg">
A few buildings with nicknames you may not have heard of include the Clyde auditorium in Glasgow, Scotland, also designed by Sir Norman Foster, which is called ‘the Armadillo’ for obvious reasons:
<img alt="armadillojuly5one" height="237" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/armadillojuly5one.jpg">
And how about the Absolute World residential condominium twin tower complex in Mississauga, Ontario named the "Marilyn Monroe" due to them apparently resembling the Hollywood actress’s famously curvaceous figure. Not sure she'd agree.
<img alt="missijuly5one" height="642" width="370" src="/images/stories/2013/07/missijuly5one.jpg">
And of course, there's London's The Shard, resembling a shard of glass and designed by architect Renzo Piano.
<img alt="shardjuly5one" height="512" width="370" src="/images/stories/2013/07/shardjuly5one.jpg">
 
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A night in the high roller's vacuum cleaner, a meal in the bamboo bowl? Sydney adds to list of nicknamed architectural icons

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The total number of private sector house approvals rose 1.5% in trend terms in May, according to the latest ABS building approvals data.
This contributed to the 1.0% increase in the total number of dwelling units approved.
On a seasonally-adjusted basis, private sector house approvals rose 2.5% to 8,113 dwellings to be up 11.6% for the year.
"The number of approvals to build new homes is currently above the decade average and actually 4% stronger than the 5-year average," notes CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/abs_buildign_approvals.jpg" width="256" height="266" alt="abs_buildign_approvals">
Source: ABS
Unit approvals fell 9.8% to 5,156 to be down 24.5% for the year.
Yesterday, the HIA earmarked a solid recovery in the residential building sector when it reported that new home sales ncreased by 1.6% in May, taking monthly sales back to their highest level in 18 months.
The ABS figures show that dwelling approvals increased in May in the Australian Capital Territory (4.1%), Tasmania (3.6%), Western Australia (2.7%), South Australia (1.8%), Victoria (1.2%) and New South Wales (0.8%) but decreased in the Northern Territory (-4.9%) and Queensland (-0.5%) in trend terms. In trend terms, approvals for private sector houses increased for the six consecutive month in May.
Of the states and territories, New South Wales (2.6%), Victoria (2.3%) and South Australia (2.2%) experienced the largest rises in private sector house approvals.  The trend value of total building approved rose 1.9% in May and has risen for 16 months. The value of residential building was flat while non-residential building rose 4.1%. This media release focuses on movements in the trend as seasonally adjusted month to month movements can be highly volatile and are not necessarily indicative of the underlying behaviour in approvals data.
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Private sector house approvals trend up 1.5% in May: ABS

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New home sales increased by 1.6% in May, taking monthly sales back to their highest level in 18 months, according to the Housing Industry Association's (HIA) latest survey of Australia's largest volume builders.
The strong, but uneven improvement in May comes one day ahead of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/hia-summit-to-address-australias-affordability-and-availability-housing-challenges-with-stellar-line-up-of-speakers/2013070262641" target="_blank">HIA's housing summit in Sydney</a>, addressing issues affecting the supply of new housing.
Detached house sales posted modest growth of 0.9% through gains occurring in three out of five mainland states – New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
Multi-unit sales enjoyed a faster monthly growth pace of 5.7%
In the month of May 2013 detached house sales increased by 4.3% in New South Wales, 8.8% in Victoria, and 6.9% in South Australia.
Detached house sales fell by 2.2% in Queensland and by 10.3% in Western Australia.
"It is pleasing to observe upward momentum in new home sales continuing, especially given the low depths plumbed in 2012,” says HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale, a speaker at tomorrow's summit.
“A range of housing indicators, including new home sales, suggest Australia experienced modest growthin new residential construction in 2012/13, with some momentum in activity set to carry into the fresh financial year.
“That outcome was important, following as it did a sustained period ofweakness which saw activity in a majority of markets reach historically very low levels.
“The key is whether a new home building recovery can be sustained, and at a growth rate sufficient to meaningfully assist the Australian economy with its rebalancing acts,” says Dale.
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New home sales rise to highest level in 18 months: HIA

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There's a chance the world's tallest timber-framed building will be constructed in Sweden's Stockholm.

Its one of three shortlisted proposals in a housing design competition.
Its a 34-storey wooden skyscraper by architects C.F. Miller, Dinell Johansson, and consultant Tyrens which gives a vision of future housing that would be cheaper, easier and more sustainable than typical steel and concrete constructions.
Property Observer is currently running a poll with the question: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/would-you-buy-an-apartment-in-a-timber-building/2013062762781?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=dailypoll" target="_blank">Would you buy an apartment in a timber building?</a> given the world's tallest wooden apartment block is in Melbourne's Docklands precinct.
<img alt="norwayjune28one" src="/images/stories/2013/06/norwayjune28one.jpg" width="470" height="333">
C. F. Møller architect Ola Jonsson told Dezeen "the building industry has started taking responsibity for the environment."
According to Jonsson, using wood could even be a cheaper alternative, as it is a lighter material that costs far less to transport. It is also more fire-resistant than steel or concrete.
<img alt="norwayjune28two" height="456" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/norwayjune28two.jpg">
"We have a long history of building wooden structures in Sweden," he explains.
If built, the 34-storey building would exceed the height of Lend Lease’s timber Docklands development Forté (pictured below), the tallest timber residential building in the world.
<img alt="fortedec202" src="/images/stories/2012/12/fortedec202.jpg" width="470" height="353">
The $11 million project makes use of the lightweight cross-laminated timber (CLT), commonly used in Europe, which has a structural strength similar to concrete and steel.
There are be 23 apartments in the 32-metre, 10-storey building. Prices start from $435,000 for a 59-square-metre one-bedroom apartment, climbing to the high $600,000s for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom pad, with the penthouses reaching $795,000.
Construction of the building was quieter, more efficient, faster and safer than construction with more traditional materials.
There was also <a href="https://www.waughthistleton.com/project.php?name=murray" target="_blank">the nine-storey Murray Grove tower in London</a>, as well as a proposed 20-storey tower in Vancouver by architect <a href="https://mg-architecture.ca/" target="_blank">Michael Green</a> and a Swedish tower approved at 30 floors.
The winning entry in the competition, organised by Swedish building society HSB Stockholm, is scheduled for in 2023 to coincide with the organisation's 100th birthday.
Anyone can vote for the winner using <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HSBstockholm?sk=app_532283563494727#13714021372123&amp;if_height=2453" target="_blank">the HSB Stockholm Facebook page</a>.
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Stockholm aims for the world's tallest timber-framed building but Melbourne's Forté on secure footing until 2023

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A recent survey by Mortgage Choice found that over 40% of homeowners plan to renovate their home to improve their quality of living.
“While renovations can potentially increase the value of a property, our survey results show that the purpose for many Australians is to improve their lifestyle by customizing their home to suit them,” says Belinda Williamson head of corporate affairs at Mortgage Choice.
The survey revealed that the outdoor entertaining area was among the top three most popular areas to renovate, followed by upgrading the kitchen and bathroom.
Property Observer has compiled a list of the top 10 renovating tips from the many experts.
Top 10 Renovating Tips
1. Chris Gray (Property Empire) Start by choosing the right property, making sure it is an unemotional investment, as opposed to an emotional home purchase.
Are you looking to buy, renovate and sell, or buy, renovate and hold? If you’re selling it’s imperative that there is an immediate and almost guaranteed profit in the deal. If you’re looking to hold, you need to buy the right property that will continue to grow strongly forever. The renovation profit in a hold strategy is more about icing on the cake, maximising your rental return and ensuring you have minimal maintenance to do in the future.
2. Shaynna Blaze (Selling Houses Australia) Assess your lifestyle.
Before working out the design and layout of your home, the first thing for any renovators to ask themselves: how do I like to live? Is your lifestyle casual? Do you like to entertain? Do you hate cleaning or noise? These different lifestyles will not only effect how the layout is but also the surfaces and colours you end up choosing.
3. Nick Tobias (Tobias Partners Architecture) Research your architect.
Establish a shortlist of architects you feel are best equipped in terms of aesthetic and technical prowess. Spend time reviewing the work of different practices, including speaking to past clients. Remember to keep things simple, trends come and go.
4. Andrew Winter (Selling Houses Australia) Put your hard earned cash where it shows.
Make sure you put your hard earned cash where it shows. Quality kitchens and bathrooms will always add value to your home and a smart façade will make your house the envy of your neighbours.
5. Amanda Talbot (Stylist and author) 5% of the value of your house should be in your kitchen
Your kitchen needs a wow factor, including good storage; quality hardware, drawer runners and soft closing draw mechanisms. 5% of the value of your house should be in the kitchen.
6. Cherie Barber (Renovating For Profit) 1% of the value of your house should be spent on your bathroom
Aim to spend between 1% to 1.5% of your current property value on your bathroom renovation. If your property is worth $400,000 you would spend around $4,000 renovating it.
Once you know your budget, allocate your money according to how immediately obvious each component is. If the vanity is the first thing you see when you come through the door, spend more money on a nice vanity, splashback and mirror. Your bathroom is the second most important room in your house, besides your kitchen, in terms of adding real fiscal value.
7. Angus Kell (Archicentre) Go Green
Go green and cash in on the latest change in buying behaviour. Buyers can’t get enough of solar hot water, rainwater tanks and drip-feed irrigation systems
8. Patrick Bright (EPS Property Search) Avoid doing the work yourself to “save money”
A small budget means there is always a temptation to do some or all of the work yourself to save money but DIY renovations can easily backfire. If the quality of workmanship is substandard this will diminish your sale price, possibly eliminating any profit you might have made in much the same way as under-capitalising on a renovation.
9. Lisa Montgomery (Resi Mortgage Corporation) Landscaping is important
The indoor/outdoor room is now a popular part of the Australian lifestyle, so allow for a percentage of your overall budget to be spent on landscaping so you can complement the work you’ve carried out inside the house. Even if your budget is modest, basic greenery and clean, functional outside areas will only improve a property’s appeal.
10. Carolyn Burns-McCrave (House Rules, Burns-McCrave Design) Work from the inside out
A good floor plan is at the heart of a successful design and that each space should be tailored to the people who live there. Burns-McCrave says to work from the inside out; creating spaces that function and flow before thinking about colours and accessories.
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The 10 best DIY renovation tips from the experts

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Two winning design submissions are expected to be announced next week for the residential and commercial development Central Park in Sydney’s CBD.  
Six architectural firms were invited to submit designs for Block 8 and Block 11 of Central Park by Frasers Property Australia in Chippendale.  
Block 11 will have 320 apartments across nine to 14 storeys. Townhouses and a childcare centre may also be added.  
Block 8 will be a 180 apartment building of eight to 14 storeys.  
The competition was a part of Central Park’s modified concept plan in an endeavour to ensure consistent design excellence across the precinct.  
Central Park joins a number of other high-profile developments to be constructed by designs procured by competition including James Packer's  Crown Hotel Sydney at Barangaroo, a new cultural precinct in Evandale on the Gold Coast, Flinders Street Station in Melbourne’s CBD and Monash University’s $150 million l<a href="https://monash.edu/giving/law-bus-building/details" target="_blank">aw, business and economics complex</a> in Melbourne’s south-east.  
More developers may be realising the advantages of this process, said Ross Clark, chief operating officer of the Australian Institute of Architects.  
“It’s perhaps that developers are increasingly understanding where their project has a public profile or a community element to it that engaging in a competitive process has benefits in it,” he said.  
A number of submissions can be helpful for developers who are unsure of what they want as a opposed to working alongside an architect to create a brief for the structure but this doesn’t necessarily mean a better quality design.  
“What ought to be improved is the developer or client’s alignment with that design because they get to choose from the designs, especially if they’re not clear with what they want,” said Clark.  
However, choosing an architect on their design alone isn’t failsafe as the winner could have difficulty in other areas of the process such as working with builders or construction, said Clark.  
“It’s both less risky and more risky...if you commit to a competition depending on how it’s structured, you have to take the team that wins the competition,” he said.  
Three of the architecture firms invited to compete have previously worked with Frasers. PTW Architects and Smart Design Studios worked with Frasers on One Central Park and Nettletontribe designed the proposed student residences on Abercrombie Stret.
 Bates Smart, Tony Caro Architectural and Richard Francis-Jones, who have had no previous business with Frasers, were also invited to submit designs.
The successful designs will have to be unique but also comply with environmental standards, said a spokesperson for Frasers Property Australia.  
“We're looking for interesting, original architecture which is complimentary to the Central Park precinct...The winning designs also need to comply with the modified concept plan approval for height, mass and GFA, and achieve a minimum 5 green stars under the Green Building Society of Australia's rating tool - as is the case for all buildings at Central Park (for which a rating tool exists).”
The two winning designs will be developed for state significance development applications to go to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure in September.
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Central Park design competition

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Sydney-based Architectural firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer has been awarded the Romaldo Giugola Award for Public Architecture for its work on the Village Centre - National Arboretum.
The venue hosted the 2013 ACT Architecture Awards, which were held on Saturday night.


"Through the application of distinctive materials and a curvilinear form that displays subtle empathy with surrounding landforms, the architects have ensured that the National Arboretum will become one of Canberra’s most notable iconic buildings," the jury said.

The firm, which formed in 1987, has an extensive portfolio that includes a RAIA award winning library for the Royal Blind Society.
There have also been state and national RAIA award winning projects incouding the Hyde Park Barracks, the Hastings Cultural Centre at Port Macquarie and the redevelopment of The Newtown Silos.
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Tonkin Zulaikha Greer wins public architecture award for its National Arboretum

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Architectural firm Fender Katsalidis, responsible for designing Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, has been awarded the Canberra Medallion, the territory’s highest honour at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2013 ACT Architecture Awards.


The firm's project at 2 and 4 National Circuit Precinct (pictured below) was also recognised with the Sir John Overall Award for Urban Design.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june24fender]}
‘A clear and sensitive introduction of new commercial architecture into the heritage-listed former patents office and a brown field site that creates a comfortable and inviting space consistent with the aim of increasing urban density around the parliamentary triangle,’ the jury said of the project.

Established in 1996, Fender Katsalidis' portfolio also boasts the Melbourne based projects Ian Potter Museum of Art, the Argus Centre, the Republic Tower as well as an upcoming skyscraper for 2015 slated to be the southern hemisphere’s tallest six-star/apartment building.

Previous awards won by the firm include the 2007 RAIA Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture and the AIA Award for Commercial Architecture in 2008.
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