<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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>

&nbsp;

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?

Australia Post is one of the country’s most trusted institutions, powering one of the largest delivery networks in Australia. As online shopping continues to scale, Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online.

That scale of eCommerce activity has fundamentally changed expectations around how and when parcels arrive, and what happens when someone isn't home.

<h3>Problem solved with Parcel Lockers</h3>

The traditional alternatives to home delivery are far from ideal. Buildings can rely on reception teams to manage deliveries, which introduces ongoing staffing costs and liability concerns. Parcels can be left in common areas, which creates security and aesthetic issues. Or residents are redirected to nearby Post Offices for collection, which shifts the inconvenience rather than solving it.

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The data behind that frustration is significant. Nationally, around 9 per cent of deliveries are carded, meaning the recipient was not home and must collect the parcel from a Post Office. That figure reflects the national average reported between November 2025 and January 2026. In Melbourne, that figure rises to 20 per cent. In high-density living, it climbs again to 28 per cent. In other words, more than one in four deliveries in Melbourne apartment buildings results in a failed first attempt.

<h3>How Parcel Lockers work</h3>

The mechanics are simple. When a parcel arrives, the resident receives a notification either through the Australia Post app or via SMS. They scan a QR code, use their one-time PIN and the compartment opens. The parcel is secure, accessible and removed from the lobby floor.

Located in thoughtfully chosen, easily accessible areas, including external building interfaces, mixed-use precincts or shared communal zones, Parcel Lockers enhance convenience without requiring internal building access or additional operational oversight.

<h3>The scale of the network</h3>

This expansion represents Australia Post's largest investment in parcel infrastructure to date, building on momentum that began in 2011 when the first 24 Parcel Locker sites were introduced.

Today the Australia Post Parcel Locker network spans over 1,400 locations and more than 105,000 individual compartments, with major investment already underway to significantly expand the network further.

<h3>What it means for developers and building operators</h3>

A Parcel Locker bank is free to install and free for residents to use. That removes one of the primary barriers to adoption and shifts the conversation from cost to integration.

Australia Post's preference is to engage with developers during the design phase. That allows Parcel Lockers to be located in a considered, publicly accessible space that works for residents and the broader community. Retrofit is possible, and existing buildings can be assessed, but the strongest results occur when Parcel Lockers are treated as part of the core services plan rather than a bolt-on solution.

While the iconic Australia Post red is widely recognised, Parcel Lockers can also be delivered in more muted palettes such as beige or green to align with architectural intent.

For developers, they offer a tech-forward amenity that meets modern expectations, a reduction in courier congestion and building-management load supporting lower emissions and better ESG outcomes, and a meaningful marketability advantage in high-density, eCommerce-active areas, all at no cost for installation and maintenance, with Australia Post funding the program aside from power access.

<h3>Who's using them</h3>

Generational shopping behaviours show strong, sustained growth across all cohorts. Millennials (27–43) led online spend in 2024, contributing nearly $25 billion. Baby Boomers (60–78) increased their online spend by 17.6 per cent, becoming the fastest-growing adopters. Gen Z (13–26) and Gen X (44–59) continue to lean on delivery services as part of their everyday shopping habits.

Internationally, uptake is even more pronounced. Overseas markets are seeing rapid adoption by both developers and consumers, positioning Parcel Lockers as standard infrastructure in many new residential projects. For Melbourne's development community, this signals a shift in baseline expectations. Just as secure bike storage and dedicated parcel rooms have become more common, integrated Parcel Locker networks may soon be viewed as part of the essential service mix.

<h3>The bigger picture</h3>

Parcel Lockers aren't just a logistics fix. Developers invest heavily in lobby design, materials, lighting and landscaping to shape first impressions. Yet a stack of unattended parcels can undo that effort in an instant. Embedding parcel infrastructure early allows projects to respond to how people actually live today, supporting resident satisfaction, reducing operational strain and aligning with broader community and ESG outcomes.

As Belinda Quinn, Senior Transaction Manager – Retail &amp; Out of Home at Australia Post, puts it, residents increasingly expect delivery solutions that align with real life, are flexible, secure and available whenever they need them.

How Australia Post is solving the parcel problem for apartment living

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Stylish Concepts won the HIA 2013 Australian spec home of the year.
<img alt="hiaspecmay10one" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiaspecmay10one.jpg" width="470" height="269">
<img alt="hiaspecmay10two" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiaspecmay10two.jpg" width="470" height="466">
What the judges said:
Described by one judge as ‘a 21st-century Queenslander’, this functional residence is both private and luxurious. Designed, built and landscaped by the builder, it has quality ?nishes and luxury inclusions throughout.
2013 Australian spec home of the year finalists:
Gordon Webb Building Services, ACT &amp; Southern New South Wales
John McDonald Building Services, New South Wales
Kassiou Constructions, Northern Territory
Collins Homes, Tasmania
Tucker Construction Company, Victoria
WA Country Builders, Western Australia
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Stylish Concepts wins HIA 2013 Australian spec home of the year

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Cave Constructions and Clever Design won the HIA 2013 Australian custom built home of the year.
<img alt="hiacustommay10one" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiacustommay10one.jpg" width="470" height="267">
<img alt="hiacustommay10two" src="/images/stories/2013/05/hiacustommay10two.jpg" width="470" height="462">
What the judges said:
Careful design and execution are commended in this unique home. A design priority was to maximise views, which has been achieved with beautiful outlooks from every room. Judges noted that workmanship was precise and included complicated detailing.
2013 Australian custom built home of the year finalists:
Creative Building Services and Archertec Interiors, ACT &amp; Southern New South Wales
Hammerhead Building Projects, Gold Coast / Northern Rivers
Yarrum Designer Homes, Hunter
A&amp;V Moras Constructions Pty Ltd, New South Wales
Ash Moseley Homes, North Queensland
BOA Homes Pty Ltd, Northern Territory
Yates Builders, Queensland
South Coast Constructions Pty Ltd, South Australia
R &amp; R Quality Homes, Victoria
Giorgi Exclusive Homes, Western Australia
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Cave Constructions and Clever Design win HIA 2013 Australian custom built home of the year

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Moebius House, the Sydney eastern suburbs coastal home, has been listed for sale.  Its owner-architect, Tony Owen practices liquid architecture design - projects parametrically designed using 3D software.
The Dover Heights home's name derives from the geometrical term, Moebius Strip, a surface with only one side and only one boundary component. With views of the CBD, Opera House, Bridge and Sydney Harbour, the curvaceous passive solar design has been recognised as setting a benchmark in environmental innovation.
Its had international focus when Lady Gaga was interviewed at the home by the US internet gossip columnist Perez Hilton.
The listing agents Andrew Hennessy and Michael Pallier of Sydney Sotheby's International Realty will be seeking offers above $4.5 million for the four bedroom, three level house which was completed in 2007.
The 525 square metre block had cost $1.97 million in 2007.
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Tony Owen's Moebius House, Dover Heights listed for sale

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Victoria-based luxury homebuilder Canny has taken out the 2013 Australian HIA Australian Project Home of the Year award for its Lubelso concept home in Malvern.
The two-storey home features three integrated living zones, four bedrooms and an automated trapdoor to the cellar.
“The Lubelso concept home is a fine example of the subtle, yet elegant lifestyle homes we seek to create for our clients,” says Canny managing director Damien Canny.
“It was designed with the modern Australian family in mind, combining broad appeal with an excellent location.”
The concept home is part of the <a href="https://www.lubelso.com.au/home" target="_blank">Lubelso range</a>, which includes several single and double storey pre-designed architectural homes.
The pre-designed homes range in price from just under $875,000 to $1.45 million.
“We were obviously delighted to be awarded the Project Home of the Year at the 2012 Victoria HIA awards, so to be recognised nationally takes it to another level of pride,” says Canny.
Damien Canny founded the Canny Group 19 years ago.
The other finalists were:
Classic Constructions ACT &amp; Southern New South Wales
Hotondo Homes Newcastle Hunter
Camelot Homes New South Wales
Rebetzke Homes North Queensland
Overlander Constructions Northern Territory
Ausmar Homes Queensland
Dado Homes Pty Ltd South Australia
Wilson Homes Tasmania
Grandwood Homes Western Australia
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Luxury Victorian homebuilder Canny wins HIA Australian Project Home of the Year award for Lubelso

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The judging panel for the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort will soon go into deliberation, having released the architectural designs submitted after a design competition for the as-yet unapproved proposed project at Barangaroo South.
Internationally acclaimed architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill, Kohn Pedersen Fox and Wilkinson Eyre Architects submitted their designs to be reviewed by the judging panel.
Property Observer is seeking your preferred choice.
<h1 style="font-size: 14px;">Entry below by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG):</h1>
 
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangaroofour]}
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangaroofive]}
 
Entry below by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF):
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangaroosix]}
<img alt="barangaroosevenmay3" src="/images/stories/2013/05/barangaroosevenmay3.jpg" width="470" height="788">
 
Entry below by Wilkinson Eyre Architects (WEA):
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may3barangarooeight]}
<img alt="barangarooninemay3" src="/images/stories/2013/05/barangarooninemay3.jpg" width="470" height="702">
<img alt="barangarootenmay3" src="/images/stories/2013/05/barangarootenmay3.jpg" width="470" height="702">
 
{module Which proposed Barangaroo hotel design do you prefer?}
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Barangaroo's Crown Sydney Hotel Resort design poll: Property Observer reader survey

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Victoria's best new architecture will be in the spotlight next month when entries to the annual Victorian Architecture Awards are exhibited.
Across the state, 240 projects will compete for awards in eleven categories and the prestigious Victorian Architecture Medal.
In the running for a residential architecture award is Mirvac's River Homes at Yarra's Edge in Melbourne (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/awardsapril24one.jpg" width="470" height="307" alt="awardsapril24one">
The medium density multiple housing precinct in the Docklands contains 82 townhouses with three distinct house types.
Rooftop terraces overlook a foreshore promenade below.
In contention for an interior architecture award is the Allens Linklaters office (pictured below), designed by BVN Architecture.
<img alt="awardsapril24two" height="308" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/awardsapril24two.jpg">
The workplace occupies seven floors of 101 Collins Street in Melbourne, and focuses on simplicity and elegance.
A dramatic new staircase connecting levels 35 to 40 contributes to the workplace’s integrated environment with key placement of artwork and subtle approach to detailing and material use.
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Mirvac's river homes at Yarra's Edge in Victorian Architecture Awards contention

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The nature of residential development today is fast moving and complex. It has resulted in change, and with change comes fear, along with a heady mix of media commentary and vocal opinion.
Much of this is simply because apartments have never been embraced in our traditional national image of rural and suburban landscapes. 
The place of apartments in our cities has been a subject of continual debate – held up as examples of developer excess on the one hand and almost alien examples of cosmopolitan living on the other and for some commentators regarded as ‘the slums of the future’. 
Apartments represent big city life and the tangible reality of rapid metropolitan growth and densification, however a myriad of niche drivers are working to shape our housing.
Australia is now a very diverse society.
Statistical data and crystal ball forecasting reveals that more Australians are living in and will increasingly move towards apartments. The National Housing Supply Council has estimated that seven out of ten households can now be termed ‘non-traditional’. 
Whilst traditional two-parent households will increase by 20% over the next two decades, the number of couples will rise by 36.7% and the number of single households will soar by 63.7%, with the 65+ age group being the fastest growing in Australia.
Of these, one in five will be single when they retire, and they will be mainly woman. We are also becoming increasingly Asian in our population makeup, with our stable political system and relatively clean physical environment being a desirable destination for migrants.
Our changing city economies based on professional and financial services and education has also played a role. The post-manufacturing-era economy has seen the advent of education as one of our biggest economies, with international students clustering around our universities in new apartment projects.  
Meanwhile the so-called ‘creative hipster’ set have assisted the revitalisation process of our urban areas, attracting cashed-up boomers and pushing up housing prices in the inner and middle suburbs, and in some instances, beyond.  Our cities are now a series of villages of unique character and culture.
 
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Proximity to jobs, education, entertainment and good coffee has been a major target of younger apartment renters, with investor-landlords doing well. Their attitude to the traditional urban fringe is now less attractive due to long commute times, the lack of jobs, infrastructure and services.  
This has been highlighted by the Grattan Institute in its report “Getting the Housing We Want” that Australians do not all want to live in detached housing, with many preferring a much more varied mix of residential options. The downturn of project house-and-land packages on the fringe, along with an increasing shortfall in the supply of terrace housing, townhouses and apartments in established areas, are evidence of this shift.
The ability to deliver good quality commercial residential architecture within a tight financial framework is one of architecture’s greatest challenges.
Commercial apartment construction costs range from $2,500 to $3,000 per square metre and are increasing, compared to a cost of around $900 to $ 1,000 per square metre for detached housing in the fringe.
The typical Melbourne apartment now needs to sell for $8,000 to $10,000 per square metre to cover the cost of development, land and to provide a return commensurate with the risk of development. On this basis a small one-bedroom apartment can cost as much if not more than a new house and land package in an outer suburb. 
As a consequence, apartments are increasingly being downsized to meet entry-level price points and budgets, with some projects offering micro apartments of 35 square metres.
But how much smaller can they go?
The crucial ingredients in residential architecture are unchanged.  It is empathy for the occupants who are seeking a home that balances function and amenity, aspiration and budget.  Getting this right is the basis of good housing to meet the needs of a very diverse and changing society.
Where and what we choose to live in and the financial options to develop, construct, own or rent will have a significant impact to the housing sector.
As architects, we are faced with doing things differently, driven by changing consumer preferences and desires, skyrocketing building costs and skill shortages mirroring today's more diverse, chaotic, networked society.
Innovation in prefabricated manufactured systems will assist reduce construction costs.  Smaller apartments can be adaptable with flexible plan configurations, and beyond the front door, the provision of communal and shared spaces such as lounges and rooftop gardens provide different forms of residential amenity.
There will be no silver bullet, but many varied solutions required to deliver the type and quality of housing we want.
Rob Stent is a director Melbourne-based architecture, interior and urban design practice Hayball and is a past president of the Victorian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects. Among the buildings he has designed is Lend Lease’s completed Serrata apartment building in Docklands, one of Melbourne's first apartment buildings to achieve a four-star Green Star rating.
 
 
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Diversity holds the key to density

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The number of dwellings approved for construction rose 3.1% in February in seasonally adjusted terms, after falling for two months, the latest ABS data shows.
This follows a 2% fall in January (upwardly revised from a 2.4% decrease).
Approvals are up 12.8% over the year.
“We have seen indicators of consumer sentiment improve over recent months and we may well be seeing an early sign that this is flowing through to activity on the ground. After two consecutive months where approval numbers slipped back it is pleasing to see a material improvement in February,” said HIA economist, Geordan Murray.
Master Builders Australia chief economist Peter Jones welcomed the improvement in February but expressed concern that a negative trend has developed. 
“Despite the improvement in the seasonally adjusted figures that were buoyed by an unusually high public sector housing figure, a negative trend has emerged in the ‘other’ dwellings sector (units and apartments). 
“The overall negative trend in approvals is very worrying for builders. Despite green shoots and early signs of a recovery, momentum has failed to build," he said.
Dwelling approvals increased in February in South Australia (23%), Western Australia (5.3%), Queensland (3.8%) and Victoria (0.3%) but decreased in New South Wales (-7.7%) and Tasmania (-5.8%) in seasonally adjusted terms. In seasonally adjusted terms, approvals for private sector houses rose 0.5% in February.
However, ANZ also noted the increase was dominated by strong growth in public sector detached house approvals, while private sector building approvals remained subdued (+0.9% month on month).
Private sector house approvals rose in South Australia (9.9%), New South Wales (7.8%) and Victoria (6.3%) but fell in Queensland (-7.7%) and Western Australia (-6.4%).
The value of total building approved fell 3.1% in February, in seasonally adjusted terms, following a rise of 7% in the previous month.
The value of residential building rose 2.5% while non-residential building fell 11%.
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Building approvals up 3.1% in February a "material improvement": HIA

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Austere Melbourne apartment blocks separated from the street and surrounding suburb by imposing podium bases and parking lots are being replaced by developments that engage with their surroundings and create “village hall” community spaces.
Such an approach has been adopted in the design of the <a href="/news">Abbotsford</a> riverfront project on the banks of the Yarra River, a three stage mixed-use residential project by Melbourne-based developer Hamton and designed by architects RotheLowman.
The project, with the first two stages Eden and Haven currently under construction, has deliberately created a public thoroughfare to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/hamton-s-riverfront-homes-the-latest-in-abbotsford-living-as-melbourne-suburb-sheds-industrial-past/2012121858496">Yarra River</a>, incorporating the shops, restaurants and cafes as well as pedestrianised pathways around the site.
As explained by RotheLowman, the design seeks to magnify the experience of transitioning from “grey urban environment to the green river’s edge” and “develops the idea that the architecture and landscape can function as an emulsifier between the fast, frenetic nature of Victoria Street and the calm, tranquil environment of the Yarra River”.
One of the key features of the development is a publicly accessible “pedestrian line between Victoria Street and the Yarra River trail” with the aim of “bringing the tranquillity of the river corridor up to Victoria Street”.
The pedestrian street acts as a place for both the public and residents to meet as well as being the main point of access to each residential lobby.
“Cyclists will also be able to access the Yarra River trail via this street, using bicycle gutters to navigate stairs.”
The project dates back to 2008 and according to Chris Hayton, principle at RotheLowman, included an extensive design process lasting 16 months prior to lodgement of the plans and which sought to collaborate with the local council.
“The council said they would consider allowing the development rise to a greater height in exchange for public amenity,” Hayton tells Property Observer.
He says the idea was to create a new link between Victoria Street and the Yarra River, which included the design of a public space even though it is on private title.
The space has been naturally designed to make visitors or residents want to head down to the river or stay and make use of it during their lunch time.
 
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Hayton says the idea was to create a “spine” with different uses coming off it including restaurants, small cafes, waterfront and offices for lease and purchase with the architectural expression changing to public-use.
No residential is included above this space.
Hayton says design is based around the concept of the “village hall” – a community hub provided by the developer that can be used by the community as they wish.
“We want people from the outside to come in and for the development to interact with the street.
“We don’t want walls of car parking as you get in developments in Southbank.
“The evolution of Melbourne is demanding it. The population is more sophisticated. If they buy or invest they are looking for a place where people will want to go and live, where they are able to walk downstairs to get their milk and where they don’t have to get into their car to kick the footy around.”
He calls it the “milk bar resurgence” and adds that the lessons can be learnt from some of the well-known failings of mixed-use developments at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Docklands</a>.
“If you buy an apartment, it’s not a bad idea to live above shops and offices. It creates a sense of place.”
Hayton says it’s something that’s happening in other cities that are more mature in their development than Melbourne.
“It’s an interesting development time for cities like Melbourne.
“We can’t just expand, growth must occur in different way, without sacrificing quality of life.
“Too often, it may be good pieces of architecture but it is not integrated within the greater context of its immediate site and surroundings,” he says.
The first stage, Eden featuring 214 apartments all of which are sold, is due for completion in 2013.
The second stage, Haven featuring 194 is currently being marketed with apartments currently under construction.
The third stage, due to feature 180 apartments is at the town planning phase ahead of marketing.
The project is being developed by Melbourne developer Hamton with the first two stages being built by LU Simon.
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Abbotsford riverfront project seeks community connection

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Property Bloom is just completing a three-villa development for a client in Muswellbrook. Under this council’s requirements we needed to design one of the villas for people with disabilities. The villa needed to be adapted to ensure that a person with disabilities could live there comfortably.
Some of the requirements included a kitchen bench designed so that it can be lowered, wider hallways, wider doorways with lever handles, wider access to the shower with a small ramp so a chair may be wheeled in, powerpoints located higher on the wall and a ramp with railing at the front for a stepless entry.
When first told of the requirement, our client saw this as a disadvantage, thinking that the villa would be less marketable than the others. However, as we’ve worked through the building of the development, I can see the opposite. This villa looks more spacious and I think the small adaptations will add value to it.
We have an ageing population where at some time in our lives we are going to want to live in easily accessible homes, with no stairs and wider access for our walking frames or wheelchairs. In addition, almost 20% of Australians have a long-term disability. As the Australian population ages, this percentage will increase.
As we age, we want to live independently for as long as possible, so having more <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/australian-housing-still-least-affordable-in-the-world-despite-recent-improvements-fitch/2013010958698" target="_blank">housing</a> specifically designed for the elderly and disabled makes sense. An accessible home is about freedom – freedom to move about with ease and confidence, knowing that regardless of our circumstances we can remain relatively independent.
Too often our homes are not equipped for changing needs, from raising small children, to welcoming or looking after <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/demographics/how-australia-s-ageing-population-will-affect-residential-development-peter-chittenden/2013011458755" target="_blank">ageing</a> parents, to recovering from a sporting injury and needing to use crutches or simply finding that the stairs are steeper than they used to be.
Designing an accessible home will not only produce a sustainable home but one you could live in comfortably for a lifetime. This could not be more relevant than now. As our demographics continue to change, there will be more demand for such housing.
More people than you might imagine unexpectedly need accessible housing. My husband, for example, recently needed a knee reconstruction after a surfing injury. We have two flights of stairs in our house, which did not make it easy for him. Australia-wide almost 22,000 people annually have orthopaedic knee surgery. My mother has had two hip replacements and so I can see the benefits that a well-designed home can deliver. Even bringing a pram into my house when I had my babies was tricky with our narrow hallway.
When designing, remember to integrate the adaptable housing components, do not isolate them or use a different standard of materials and finishes and the house will look less like a nursing home. This was our concern for the front entrance ramp and so we designed the balustrade to tie in with our slat fencing than go with the one that the draftsman had used on the plan which did look a little hospital-like.
One last thing to consider as well that I hadn’t thought of, even though my uncle is in a wheelchair, was carpet pile heights. Can you imagine trying to wheel through a thick carpet?
Embrace adaptable design and you may just find your developments in high demand.
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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