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;

&nbsp;

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.

Joel Robinson

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

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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?

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

<html><body>
I met an interesting chap today.  He has developed property before and is experienced but was looking to fast track his property portfolio this year.  He also owns and runs a large business and doesn’t have the time needed to focus on property developing. Although he loves it, finding suitable sites was time-consuming. He needed some help because he understands too well the rewards developing can reap and how time equals money.
I’m happy to say that our meeting today may have made him $110,000 and we haven’t even located a site for him yet!  I’ll explain how.
He is currently holding two development approved dual-occupancy sites, and one of the questions he asked me was “Jo, should I build my approved duplexes or sell the land DA approved? Which will make me the most?”
A good question to ask.  His strategy was to accumulate property quickly and hold for the long term, but what was most important for him was to create equity. So, what scenario would be more profitable?
To build or not to build, that was the question.
I thought I’d nut it out for you today so you can see how I answered him.
OK, firstly you need to know that the approved site he was thinking of selling is part of a prior development. He had purchased a large block of land with an existing, yet run-down house. He gained approval to build a duplex behind the house and subdivide, essentially cutting the block in two. He has already completed this part of the development. Then he gained a second approval to demolish the old house and build another duplex on the newly created lot at the front.
He wanted to know if he should sell the front lot off with approval or build the duplex and keep them or sell them.
There are several considerations:
<ul>
<li>Capital gains tax if selling the villas</li>
<li>GST if selling the new villas</li>
<li>Selling costs if selling the approved land or the villas</li>
<li>Costs to get it to development application approval and almost construction certificate approval</li>
<li>Maximum equity that can be created</li>
<li>Yield if he held all four villas</li>
</ul>
Remember he had developed the block originally and the old house was renting for $180 per week, which helped cover holding costs so he could easily sit and land bank if he wanted to.
He paid $200,000 for the land with original dilapidated house; it was on a large block with separate access at the back.
The cost to build the duplex at the rear of the house was $350,000, including subdivision costs.
The two villas he built were valued at $300,000 each.
So on this part of the development, his cost was $200,000 (land) + $350,000 (build) = $550,000.
Remember the two villas are valued at $300,000 each. So he’s made $600,000 less costs of $550,000.
His equity is only $50,000 so far, but he still holds half the land with the old house on it.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
If he wants to sell this DA-approved land, he needs to consider how much the next person will make. You can’t just pluck a figure out of air and sell the land at this price. It’s important to work backwards so that there is something in the deal for the next person otherwise you won’t sell.
I estimated that he would need to sell the land around $170,000 for the purchaser to build the duplex ($350,000) and to make a profit.  $170,000 + $350,000 = $520,000.  The value of two villas is $600,000, so there is $80,000 in it. That’s not enough for everyone to be happy, but if a builder buys it he may be able to construct for less.
Note, I haven’t included other costs such as stamp duty and holding costs, so we are looking at very rough round figures. Based on this, his gross profit at this point (roughly) is $50,000 in equity after building the back duplex plus the $170,000 land sale. So $220,000.
But, if he held the land and built the duplex he would be much further ahead.
Original land cost: $200,000
Build back duplex and subdivide: $350,000
Build front duplex $320,000
Total cost $870,000
Total end value if each villa (four) is worth $300,000 each: $1.2 million
$1.2 million to $970,000 cost = $330,000 in equity.
So he’s creating around $330,000 in equity vs. $220,000 if he sold
(Less costs on both sides, so again I stress these are rough figures).
He can create an additional $110,000 or so if he builds and holds.
He told me that the three-bedroom villas are renting at the back for $320 per week (which is actually low in this market and should be at $350 each). With four villas returning $320 per week, that equals $66,560 per year. The total cost of the project if building the four villas is $900,000. This means the gross yield 7.4%.
So he could achieve a 7.4% gross yield plus make $110,000 if he holds.
I won’t go into the sell scenario as there are too many costs to include. It’s very important that if you develop to sell that you work closely with your accountant to consider costs such as capital gains tax and GST when selling. Anyway, this chap’s strategy was to hold if he builds. So the yield and equity creation was more important to him.
I hope this makes sense. The numbers can be hard to follow and obviously need to be much more refined than what I’ve used above but this may give you a gist of how you can make good money from developing if you make the right decisions.
Jo Chivers is director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" title="Property Bloom">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
</body></html>

jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

How to determine whether to build on your land or sell it

<html><body>
Residential land sales fell 17.8% over the September quarter of 2012 following three successive quarters of rising sales.
The latest HIA-RP Data Residential Land Report records around 12,000 residential lots sold over the quarter.
Putting this in to context, this is less than half the peak in lot sales achieved three years ago when there were just under 25,000 lot sales recorded over the September 2009 quarter.
Despite the fall, the weighted median residential land value in Australia increased by 3.8% over the quarter to $197,807. This value was 4.2% higher when compared to the same period in 2011
HIA chief economist Harley Dale says despite the fall in the September quarter, the volume of sales was still 14.9% higher than the record low set a year earlier.
The median value of residential land in capital cities increased by 5.1% in the September 2012 quarter to $225,795 - 6% higher than in the September 2011 quarter.
The median value for regional Australia was $155,214 in the September 2012 quarter. This represents a quarterly rise of 0.8% and a 0.2% increase compared with the same period in 2011.
“It is encouraging that land sales in a majority of markets have lifted off the depths plunged in 2011. However, this latest update highlights the uncertainty around whether the new home building sector can mount a recovery that is both sustainable and of the magnitude Australia’s population and economy require,” says Dale.
“Overall, residential land sales, a key leading indicator of housing starts, signal a rocky road for any new home building recovery in 2013.”
“One catalyst for the emergence of a strong new home building recovery would be the reduction in the cost of new housing, including serviceable land, which is brought about by disproportionately high and inefficient levels of taxation.
“This requires bold and decisive policy reform across all levels of government, action which consistently fails to occur to the detriment of a more productive and efficient economy,” he says.
According to RP Data’s research director Tim Lawless, the September results highlight the recovery in the vacant land market remains a fragile one.
“After consistent increases in the number of vacant land sales over the past three quarters, the lower September result is a stark reminder that consumers remain very price sensitive and cautious about their household finances,” says Lawless.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Residential land sales fall 17.8% in fragile September quarter but values hold firm: HIA/RP Data

<html><body>
While Australia swelters through its usually hot summer, Property Observer sought out five infinity pools.
They are scattered across Queensland. 
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-jollys+lookout-111164659" target="_blank">Mt Nebo Road Jollys Lookout</a> (pictured below), this home offers 52 acres (21 hectares) of Brisbane hinterland, accompanied with an infinity pool with a separate pavilion housing a sauna, spa and bathroom.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/jollys.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="jollys">
With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, this property is listed with price hopes above $4 million.
Another home offering spectacular hinterland views is located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tallai-111769659" target="_blank">The Panorama Tallai</a> (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/tallai.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="tallai">
The infinity-edge pool and spa is protected by frameless glass and is accompanied with a waterfall feature and LED lights.
Boasting five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this 975-square-metre home can be yours from $2,175,000.
In the same suburb, a four-bedroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tallai-112464627" target="_blank">Eagle Court, Tallai</a>, (pictured below) has a 15-metre resort inspired infinity-edge pool.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/tallai2.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="tallai2">
Surrounded by patios with a built-in out-door kitchen, this home is designed for year-round entertaining.
The property is currently listed with an asking price between $1.75 million and $1.95 million.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-woodwark-112708503" target="_blank">Located within the premium-gated community of the Botanica Estate, a six-bedroom home on Botanica Drive, Woodwark</a> (pictured below), is situated on the edge of the tropical Coral Sea.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/botanica.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="botanica">
This infinity pool overlooks the waters of pioneer bay and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Never before lived in – this tropical paradise is being sold fully furnished.
In the foothills of<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mount+samson-112708391" target="_blank"> Mount Samson</a>, the Samson Manor (pictured below) boasts a resort-style infinity pool and outdoor entertaining pavilion.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/samson.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="samson">
The 9.3-hectare estate has six bedrooms and four bathrooms.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-yeppoon-112627623"></a>
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Cool off with Queensland's hottest infinity pools

<html><body>
Builders and developers have begun 2013 with a range of financial incentives and discounts on new homes and house-and-land packages aimed at enticing new home buyers in what is likely to be another challenging year for the residential building sector.
New housing finance and building approval figures suggest there will be no swift rebound in demand for new housing.
There was a <a target="_blank" href="/news">10.3% fall in home loan commitments</a> for new dwellings and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/wa-the-only-bright-spot-as-detached-house-dwelling-approvals-fall-03-in-november/2013011058711">a 0.3% drop in building approvals for new houses in November</a>, according to seasonally adjusted ABS figures.
New home buyers can secure discounts in the thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars on select blocks of lands and new homes in Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Sydney.
There are also <a href="/news">generous first-home buyer incentives</a> on offer from NSW, Queensland, Tasmanian and South Australian state goverments for those buying or building new homes. 
Buyers should keep in mind that discounts and rebates may be factored into valuations by lenders when financing is sought.
These are some of the specials currently on offer.
$30,000
Listed residential developer Peet is offering savings of up to $30,000 on “certain lots” in residential communities on the outskirts of Melbourne.  The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.peet.com.au/megahouseandlandsale?utm_source=adexchange&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_content=news&amp;utm_campaign=megalandsalevic">‘Mega House and Land Sale’</a> is available until the end of January. The participating Peet communities are Aston in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Craigieburn</a>, Kingsford at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Point Cook</a>, Cardinia Lakes in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Pakenham</a>, Quarters in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cranbourne West</a> and Livingston in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cranbourne East</a>.
$22,000
Listed developer Devine is offering to pay mortgage repayments for up to a year on behalf of approved purchasers who sign an unconditional contract to purchase a new Devine house and land package before February 28 2013 under its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.devinemortgagebreak.com.au/">Devine Mortgage Break</a> promotion. Repayments must be the minimum required repayments on a 30-year loan and interest only during construction.  Property Observer calculates this would equate to savings of around $22,000 given a $300,000 mortgage over 30 years at the average standard variable rate of 5.98% (according to RateCity.com.au).
$22,000 - $30,000
Melbourne builder <a target="_blank" href="https://carlislehomes.com.au/">Carlisle Homes</a> is offering a $30,000 discount off the retail price of double-storey homes and $22,000 off the retail price of single-storey homes in its luxury Affinity and T Range collections. There is currently no end date to this promotion.
$10,000
Up until February 25 2013, Stockland is offering approved purchasers a<a href="https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/changeforlife/change-for-life-nsw.aspx" target="_blank">$10,000 VISA gift card </a>to spend as they wish. The VISA gift card will be on offer to buyers of selected land and house-and-land packages at four of Stockland’s NSW communities, includingMcKeachies Run in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Maitland</a>, Murray’s Beach on Lake Macquarie, Brooks Reach in the Illawarra and Bayswood at Vincentia on the NSW south coast. Prices start from $326,544 for a three-bedroom, one-bathroom, one-garage home.
$8,000
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.8homes.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Home-Mag-12th-Jan-2013_web.pdf">Melbourne builder Eight Homes</a> is offering $8,000 off the price of eight different designs of three- and four-bedroom houses. The reduced prices are based on a standard floorplan with E1 façade. The cheapest house starts from $131,900 (previously $139,900) for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom single-storey house rising to $241,900 (previously $249,900) for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom double-storey house. There is currently no end date to this promotion.
$76,000 - $126,000
Discounts of up to $126,000 are on offer for residential lots in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.highlandsale.com.au/">The Highlands community</a> in the Ecovillage, Currumbin Valley on the Gold Coast. The lots are just eight kilometres from Currumbin Beach and are up for sale under bank instructions, with the properties being marketed by Colliers International.  Lots range in size from 2,800 square metres to 8,300 square metres set amidst 60 hectares of green mountain forest and creeks.
$5,000 to $25,000
Residential developer Mirvac is offering a range of rebates, free inclusions and land discounts as part of its <a target="_blank" href="https://rightplace.mirvac.com/">Right Here, Right Now Summer Bonus</a> campaign on specific NSW master-planned communities. In Elizabeth Hills, Mirvac is offering $25,000 rebate on specified land lots In, Ayre, there are discounts on offer on land from $5,000 to $25,000 as well as air-conditioning free of charge and upgrades included in house-and-land package prices valued up to $10,000. In Saddlers Ridge it is offering a split-system air-conditioning and upgrade packages included free of charge and value at $7,000. In its Hidden Waters community there is the offer a $5,000 landscaping bonus.
</body></html>

House-and-land incentive and discounts from $5,000 to $126,000

<html><body>
“Aaahhh….” That’s the sound I made when watching Hugh Jackman receive his Golden Globe Award this week for best actor.  I was impressed with the credit he gave his wife Deborra-Lee Furness for helping him keep faith.
Keep faith?  A talented and experienced singer, dancer and actor, yet he admitted he had doubts and lost confidence during rehearsals for Les Miserables. The man is not only truly amazing but honest.
Jackman nearly quit due to feeling overwhelmed and unsure of himself.
"Three weeks before we started filming, we had a terrible day of rehearsal, a humiliating day. I came home to Deb and I said, 'It's time, I've gotta ring him [director Tom Hooper] and tell him there's someone else to take this role.
"I really thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew … My wife talked me off the cliff – thank you for always being right, baby," he said.
Wow, even Hollywood stars want to give up some times. It just goes to show how human he is. Yes, Les Miserables would have been a very ambitious production for anyone to take on, but look at what Hugh achieved by pursuing the role and getting on with it – with the support of his wife.  Not only did he win the Golden Globe for best actor, but he’s been nominated for both an Oscar and a BAFTA award.
What a great example of taking on a challenge, conquering fears and using the support of others to help get through to the end.  And look at the rewards he reaped.
So what unnerved him?  Jackman must have thought about the risk. The risk of not doing his best, the risk of doing something he had never done before, the risk of failing.
We all have doubts at some time or another.  While I’m not comparing a property development to a musical movie adaptation, I couldn’t help but reflect that property development can seem just as daunting.  When developing, you really don’t get “rehearsal time”; it’s just a matter of good planning and then taking action.
I have seen people give up on their property development, quitting when they have hit a dead end with the council. Quitting after starting a renovation and not realising just how big a job it really was. Quitting after not hiring the right people.
As development project managers, it’s our role to manage the fears of our clients and the risks of the project.  With risk comes reward.  It can be a big decision to take on your first property development.  But once our clients make that decision, we move them forward quickly. They start seeing results quickly and realise that development can be a good challenge and they don’t have to do it alone.  Often the hardest thing is to make the decision to start.  If you have the support of someone to help you then you won’t feel alone. So enlist a friend or hire support in the area you need it and keep moving forward.
The start of a new year is a great time to stop procrastinating and commence that project you’ve been researching for so long. Have faith and use support like Hugh Jackman did.  You too could end up with an award-winning result.
Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
</body></html>

The importance of faith, or what Hugh Jackman can teach us about property development

<html><body>
While The Hobbit movie continues to be a box office draw, some people are taking the next step into the magical world and building hobbit-esque homes.
We are all conscious of our carbon footprint in this day and age, but some people have decided to do their part by using the earth as building material – Property Observer looks at the three best hobbit homes from around the globe.
<img height="315" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/hobbit1.jpg" alt="hobbit1">
Located by the seaside in Atlantic Beach Florida, the Dune House (pictured above) was designed and constructed in 1975 by architect William Morgan.
As per its name, the Dune House was built inside a dune.
The wall shapes were inspired by Morgan’s experience in the navy and the curved walls of submarines.
With the shape in mind, Morgan built two cave-likes structures within the earth with large openings towards the oceanfront.
The 1,5000-square-metre Dune House is separated into two living quarters of one bedroom and one bathroom.
The property was recently listed for sale for $US1.4 million.
<img height="269" width="384" src="/images/stories/2013/01/hobbit2.jpg" alt="hobbit2">
With the help from his father in law and visiting friends, Simon Dale built his hobbit-like home in Wales (pictured above) for his family over a period of four months and spent a total of £3,000, or $4,570 AUD.
Dale dug into the hillside for shelter and used stone and mud for the retaining walls and foundations.
The frame of the house was built from oak thinnings from the surrounding woodland, and straw bales were placed in the floor, walls and roof for insulation.
A skylight in the roof lets in natural sunlight, and solar panels are used for lighting, music and computing.
Dale said he is not a builder and this type of building is accessible to anyone. He only used a chainsaw, hammer and a one-inch chisel.
The philosophy of earth-sheltered construction is based on three fundamental principles, including energy saving, energy recovery and drawing energy from the environment.
<img height="314" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/hobbit3.jpg" alt="hobbit3">
Located in Big Sur California, architect Mickey Muennig mastered the eco-minded architecture more than 30 years ago before it became a fashionable trend.
The Cooper Point house (pictured above) blends in with the landscape – literally – with a roof of wild grass and California poppies.
The house is built like a bunker, with concrete retaining walls at both ends and all-glass walls in between.
Muennig developed his own style of design by experimenting with earth, stone, redwood and eccentric roof shapes.
The half-buried walls provide insulation and savings in energy, with the owner estimating a total of 50% savings on energy compared to a traditional house.
“It doesn’t require much maintenance, but sometimes we go up there with a weed whacker when it gets too shaggy,” the owner told WSJ magazine.
Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs featured one endeavour with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.visitcumbria.com/pen/underground-house.htm">a two-storey house that burrowed backwards into rock in Eden in Cumbria </a>around 2002.

Not much resembles hobbit houses in Australia – notwithstanding the mostly unappealing underground homes of Cooper Pedy. And a mud brick home or two that appeal to the few.
Australia does have a slightly forlorn-looking attempt at building an underground sanctuary in Brisbane’s Mount Cotton (pictured below).
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/01/jan16mtcotton]}
Built in 1985, the house is completely below the surface.
Owner Ian Bridge said he hasn’t needed to use air-conditioning since he moved in as the house creates its own micro-climates.
It is currently listed for sale seeking a $620,000-plus price after failing at its October 2012 auction.
Even in New Zealand there are not many real life examples, although jewellery tycoon Michael Hill did win awards for his The Hills golf club house, an innovative underground bunker-style building in 2008. But his plans to build 17 subterranean houses on and around the swish golf course in Central Otago don't appear to have eventuated.
One company ColFibrex is offering easily erected earth sheltered housing (artist's impressions below) that uses the insulation and stability of the surrounding earth, plants, rocks and trees to provide an even temperature throughout the year.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/01/jan16hobbits]}
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.colfibrex.com/en/index">The greenhouse system is assembled with prefabricated modules made of space-age resins and fibers</a>.
You just have to tell them how you would like your house and within a few days it will be designed and all the necessary pieces will be shipped to you.
</body></html>

Tolkien-style hobbit homes yet to reach The Shire, but there's something at Mt Cotton

<html><body>
Some people are good at home renovations, some are not. I am squarely in the latter category. I have never bought a house that needed rescuing, and the thought of all of the elbow grease required to turn a shack into a superstar gives me heart palpitations and night sweats.
Both of the properties I have bought have been nearly new or brand, spanking new. The most involved I’ve ever gotten with interior design is picking the colour scheme for my new apartment, which also was the first time I’d ever said “I’ll go for the beige” in my life.
My first property was only five years old when I bought it and didn’t really need much in the way of a face-lift. It did need new curtains downstairs, though, and for five long years I looked at, and untangled, those vertical blinds and promised myself I would invest in some fabulous new window coverings, perhaps red with big white spots, sometime very soon. When I rented that property out, those vertical blinds were still there and I was secretly glad that I hadn’t let my penchant for rainbow colours turn away hundreds of prospective tenants.
The problem is my aim for 2013 is to buy a small worker’s cottage and, on my budget, that will mean renovations. I trawl the listings on reiq.com and often see the “perfect” cottage, jam-packed with character and within my budget too, but then I see the internal pics and the need for a new kitchen, bathroom, floorboards, roof, entry stairs, garden and letterbox, and I feel completely and utterly defeated before I’ve even really begun. Perhaps I need to marry a builder? Or better yet an architect who used to be a builder.
Either way, when (or a very big if) I eventually buy my little fairy cottage, I will do my utmost not to overcapitalise. To start with I will follow some of these basic REIQ guidelines to prevent just such an eventuality:
<ol>
<li>Overcapitalisation occurs when an owner spends more money on improving a property than the profit those improvements could be expected to bring if the property were sold, which would be bad;</li>
<li>The REIQ recommends research and a simple formula to minimise the risk of overcapitalising, while adding value and valuable living space;</li>
<li>First of all, note the price you paid for the property, add the expected total cost of the renovations, add another 5% for landscaping, and you have the cost of your house and improvements;</li>
<li>Let’s say the total cost is $450,000. Next look at houses in your street and check real estate ads on reiq.com featuring nearby homes;</li>
<li>If there are no homes valued as high as the $450,000 mark, then you are probably overcapitalising. Only proceed with the renovations if you plan to live there for the next eight to 10 years, or if you’re confident your suburb will be the next to shine;</li>
<li>While it’s an overused real estate phrase, always remember that choosing ‘the worst house in the best street’ is clever buying for those wanting to renovate – although I’m not too sure how long my “dream cottage” will remain the worst house for given my long-held reluctance to renovate.</li>
</ol>
Nicola McDougall is executive manager for corporate affairs for the <a href="https://www.reiq.com/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>. This article originally appeared on the<a href="https://reiqblog.com/" target="_self"> REIQ blog</a>.
<ol></ol>
</body></html>

nmcdougall-hv3JvhUJmd

Six tips to avoid overcapitalising when renovating

The ins and outs of simple, small subdivisions: Three of the best of Jo Chivers

<html><body>
Swimming pools were once designated to the ground level of apartment complexes, and for a while to the dark, internal basements, but today they’re increasingly offering sky-high outdoor views.
The aquatic rooftop trend comes on the heels of the democratisation of the tops floor with the trend also seen through <a target="_blank" href="/news">rooftop gardens</a>, and even cinemas.
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/12/radius.jpg" alt="radius">
The Radius apartment complex in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Woolloongabba, </a>Brisbane, will have a 20-metre three-lane lap pool (pictured above) on the rooftop of the nine-storey building.
The sky deck will offer tiered viewing decks, sun terraces and two 12-seater spas – all with panoramic mountain views of Brisbane – on its expected March 2014 completion.
Designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, Radius Apartments is a close three kilometres to the CBD.
Warren Hyatt from Majella Group – developer of Radius Apartments – says placing the leisure amenities on the roof allows for a larger scale of facilities than if the swimming pool were at the ground or podium level, where space is limited.
Warren Hyatt also says a pool on the roof increases privacy, as residents do not look down onto the recreation facilities.
With its prime Melbourne CBD position at 199 William Street, Melbourne, The William is another new development embracing the trend.
<img height="265" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/12/thewilliam.jpg" alt="thewilliam">
The William offers views from the rooftop swimming pool on level 23 (pictured above), with a barbecue and lounge area.
Comprising 470 units, the development is designed by Bruce Henderson and developed by Hengyi Australia.
A bit more low rise, and right opposite the sandy beach, EightyEight in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Albert Park, </a>Melbourne, will on its much-awaited commencement and completion have a fourth floor lap pool overlooking Port Phillip Bay.
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/12/88beaconsfield.jpg" alt="88beaconsfield">
Designed by Omiros One Architects (O1A), EightyEight (pictured above) offers 27 residential dwellings.
O1A says it is committed to the health of the environment and the creation of buildings that show a deep respect for the planet.
With construction to commence March next year, EightyEight is currently 50% sold.
One-bedroom apartments start from $950,000 and two-bedroom apartments start from $1.4 million.
EightyEight has an expected completion date for the last quarter in 2014.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/12/belvedere.jpg" alt="belvedere">
The $140 million development Belvedere by Winten Property Group boasts a 12.5-metre lap pool (pictured above) on the rooftop terrace.
Located at 138 Walker Street, <a target="_blank" href="/news">North Sydney</a>, Belvedere soars 22 levels high, and the rooftop terrace also hosts a gymnasium and relaxation areas.
On offer are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from $375,000 to $2.95 million.
With an expected completion date of November 2013, Belvedere has currently sold 80% of the 195 apartments.
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/12/divercity1.jpg" alt="divercity1">
Divercity at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Waterloo </a>in Sydney (pictured above)  is another new development to embrace the swimming pool trend.
Suitable for those afraid of heights, Divercity apartment towers range between six to 12 storeys high.
The lifestyle floor – two floors high – features an outdoor heated 20-metre lap pool that overlooks the street below, and an outdoor yoga studio.
Also included is an outdoor kitchen equipped with a barbecue and pizza oven for that after-swim feed.
Developed by Becton and designed by Turner and Associates architects, Divercity has a late 2013 completion date.
Matthew Chun, the Becton Property Group chief says says developers are opting for higher-level swimming pools due to street level noise and the benefit of offering residents more privacy and security.
“Residents are more favourable to having pools adjacent to aesthetically pleasing outdoor entertainment spaces, as opposed to an indoor pool,”
Chun says the introduction of these facilities increases tenant demand, reduces rental downtime and improves rental growth for investors.
The Becton boss also notes public swimming pools and gyms generally require an admission or membership fee; therefore swimming pools in apartment complexes are seen as a free benefit to tenants.
Michael Fox, managing director of Little Property Group – developer of Central South Yarra – says the rooftop trend stems from tenants and their landlord investors seeking low-maintenance recreational living options.
“They want to enjoy the outdoor scenario,” says Fox.
Fox says the additional recreation space adds to the value of all apartments, despite the loss of revenue from sale of the top floor or rooftop.
“Essentially, it’s an extension of their apartment. Residents are happy to live in smaller spaces but have other facilities at their fingertips so they can entertain their guests in an open and unique environment.”
We’ve also looked at the trend of starry-eyed<a target="_blank" href="/news"> rooftop cinemas</a> leading the way in outdoor viewing.
</body></html>

Rooftop pools make a splash as developers bring penthouse amenities to the people

<html><body>
A striking three-level multi-purpose building featuring a rectangular prism rising above spectator seating has been unveiled as the new headquarters for Football NSW (FNSW) in Glenwood, western Sydney.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/football2.jpg">
The building, which is subject to development approval from Blacktown Council, will be built at NSW Football’s current home base, the 11-hectare Valentine Sports Park (VSP), ahead of Australia hosting the Asian Cup in 2015.
It has been designed by architectural firm HBO+EMTB, whose other projects include the refurbishment of the Westend precinct of Crown Casino Melbourne and the design of the new multi-storey headquarters for the National Rugby League (NRL) at Moore Park in Sydney.
The proposed building includes integrated spectator and playing facilities that could be used as by national teams as a training base or base camp for teams for the Asian Cup in 2015.
The tournament will be hosted by Australia from January 8 to 31 in 2015.
In addition to the new building, the project includes the upgrade of five playing surfaces, with two fields converted to international standard synthetic surfaces.
The new building is the centrepiece of the project, with the ground level comprising player and officials change rooms, the concourse level made up of spectator facilities and a learning centre and the upper level offering 1,100 square metres of administrative and related space.
Around half of this upper level space will be devoted to accommodation for FNSW’s staff, and the balance for training and tribunal uses associated with the running of the sport from junior to elite level, according to FNSW chief executive Eddie Moore
HBO+EMTB managing director Kevin Fitzgerald says the firm worked closely with FNSW to create a highly functional yet memorable structure.
“A striking rectangular prism supported by broad angular columns floats above the raked stands.
“The structure is anchored by a bold off-form triple height concrete cube which also forms the entrance to the facility
“It’s an attractive, highly efficient building that will serve FNSW for many decades to come,” he says.
An existing gymnasium building will be extended to create an additional 365 square metres and will include an international standard Futsal stadium (indoor football) with tiered seating for 400 spectators.
Both the NSW state government and the federal government have contributed funds for the project.
Valentine Sports Park has been operational since the late 1960s.
Earlier this year London based industry publication Building Design rated HBO+EMTB the world’s 38th largest architectural practice in the annual BD World Architecture Top 100 Survey.
</body></html>

Latest Building Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Building Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News