Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

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Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135149]

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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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This 10-seat formal theatre room is part of a five-bedroom Dalkeith home, <a target="_parent" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dalkeith-109542401">The Manhattan</a>.
The house comes with a communications centre, separate casual and forming dining areas, a formal library and a full wet bar.
The brand new home was built by multi-award winning Zorzi Builders, who believe modern homes have at least one key theme dictating the design.
To some it is generalised as "entertainment", of either a resort feel with various bodies of water and lush landscaping, a "food lovers" paradise of kitchens and alfresco dining, or dedicated spaces for the enjoyment of music and film. Or, combinations of these elements and more.
Zorzi believes home theatres have replaced the television and radio sitting atop a piece of furniture in the lounge rooms of old.
The property has $10 million-plus hopes through Libby Bridge at Area Team Real Estate Subiaco.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre2.jpg" width="470">
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Popcorn and property: Australia's third best home cinema in Perth Zorzi-built home

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Watching a movie in a home cinema is a truly immersive experience, in every sense of the word for this Queensland offering.
It comes with four sleeper beds, with matching carpet and wall patterns.
The state of the art home cinema is in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sorrento-106075522">a six-bedroom Sorrento, Queensland mansion</a> that spreads out over three levels on its 2,025 square metre block.
Created for family living and grand entertaining, it was marketed as both stylish and inviting.
The marketing by Toni Rich and Jamie Bourke at First National Paradise Point noted the cinema was award-winning.
There is 1,300 square metre internal space at the property that comes with a private tennis court, a pool room with its own wetbar and mooring facilities on its 37-metre water frontage.
It sold in 2010 at $4 million, having been listed in 2009 with $6.8 million hopes. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre3.jpg" width="470">
To see which cinema came in fifth <a href="/news">click here</a>.
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Sleeper beds cap off the fourth best in Property Observer's top 20 home cinemas list

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Residential developer AV Jennings, which is celebrating its 80th birthday this year, claims the current political climate following the last Federal election may be delaying purchasing decisions, as it forecasts a net annual loss after write-downs of up to $32 million.
In market guidance released ahead of the August 8 full-year results announcement, AV Jennings expects to make a post-tax profit of $5.1 million before accounting for asset write-downs of between $32 million and $37 million.
The write-downs are mainly in regional areas of Queensland and NSW with the company “reassessing its operational strategy in various projects” and revising its "bases and assumptions to determine the carrying value of its assets”.
The developer says there has been “further deteriorating residential market conditions in early 2012, especially in many regional areas and the delay in the timing and the extent of the forecast recovery in Queensland and NSW which had been expected in 2012”.
This, the developer said, had resulted in “reduced volumes and margins from those forecasted”.
NSW residential projects include Seacrest in Sandy Beach, just north of Coffs Harbour, with land priced around $160,000, and house and land packages around $450,000.
Queensland residential projects include the Glenrowan Estate in the village of Walkerston, just west of Mackay with lots priced around the $170,000 mark.
Aside from the political uncertainty, AV Jennings says negative consumer sentiment has been driven by “macro-economic” events in Europe and the US, and the impact of the slowdown in China on Australia.
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AV Jennings says Federal political climate hurting residential sales as it forecasts financial year loss 

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It’s like going to a Gold Class cinema and having it all to yourself. A simple TV in the living room corner just doesn’t suffice for a lot of home owners these days; instead it's a room dedicated to the ultimate audio-visual experience.
This 15-seat home cinema almost has a corporate feel to it but is opulent enough to be included on Property Observer's list of the 20 top home cinemas. It comes with 7.1 Dolby surround sound.
This one is on a 4,000 square metre holding at Wahroonga in Sydney's upper north shore. It boasts six bedrooms with a gymnasium, wine cellar, an undercover spa, tennis courts and swimming pool. It is <a href="https://www.cbdoublebay.com.au/buying/NSW/North-Shore-Upper/WAHROONGA/House/22P0266">available</a> through Kevin and Jayne Whelan at Coldwell Banker Double Bay.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre4.jpg" width="470">
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Plush 15-seater home cinema at Wahroonga comes in fifth spot in Australia's top 20

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This seventh placed cinema in our 20 home cinema countdown is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.verseproperty.com.au/Buying/Search/Detail.aspx?id=VPG215&amp;wlid=8dc7898f-d920-406c-b1e6-5ec7310eb8a2">from South Perth</a>. It comes with overhead lighting like a night sky and cinema-style furnishings. Watching a movie in a room like this is really an immersing experience, in every sense of the word.
The room is dominated by the massive screen and nothing else really jostles for you attention. It opens out into the marble-clad giant dining area. The 513 square metre property, aptly titled La Stupenda, is available from Prakash Dayanandan of Verse Property and has $5.85 million-plus price hopes. The listing assures us that the home is anything but humble.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre7.jpg" width="470">
To see which home theatres placed eighth click here, ninth click here and tenth here. For the list of theatres in 11th to 20th place click here.
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Wide screen seventh-placed cinema in Property Observer's top 20 home cinemas worthy of Academy recognition

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This home theatre is for stars, not just cinephiles. It comes with inspired overhead lighting.  
This home theatre is in a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-coolum+beach-107392615">Coolum Beach property</a> named Casa Del Mar. The seats are made from Italian leather and there’s a bar at the back of the room. Fear not, the rest of the house is just as ostentatious with complex lighting systems, a removable glass ceiling over the master bedroom, a 10-person spa and an extravagant pool.
It was sold in 2011 after being listed through Leon Butt Oracle Realty Sunshine Coast.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre6.jpg">
To see which home theatres placed ninth and tenth click here and here. For the list of theatres in 11th to 20th place click here.
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Stars overhead in this eighth-placed home theatre in Property Observer's Top 20 home cinemas 

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Westpac took a Twitter poll to see which rooms people most want to renovate. Kitchens came out on top, as most people are sick of poorly designed and ageing cooking areas.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/Westpac/status/226125444737544192" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/wpactwitter.jpg"></a>
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Consumers have a taste for kitchen renos: Tweet of the day

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It’s like going to a Gold Class cinema and having it all to yourself – plus you can pause the movie while you get another Coke and popcorn top-up. A simple TV just doesn’t suffice for a lot of home owners these days. Many enthusiasts will buy a large LED TV and an expensive sound system, which is great, but even that isn’t enough for some cinephiles. Many house now come with home theatre rooms – rooms dedicated to the ultimate audio-visual experience. 
The most opulent of offerings include banks of tiered oversized reclining chairs, giant projector screens, overhead lighting like a night sky and cinema-style furnishings. Watching a movie in a room like these really is an immersive experience, in every sense of the word.
Queensland and Perth consistently delivered the homes with the most luxurious home theatre rooms, but New South Wales and Victoria had their fair share.
Property Observer found these homes on the market in the last year or so with the grandest home theatre systems available. Here's 20 to 11, then next week we countdown the best 10 home cinemas.
20
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre20.jpg">
This elegant 10-seater arrangement comes from a <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/QLD/Hope-Island/?adid=2007637175" target="_blank">home in Hope Island</a>. The tiered seating matches the pastel colour scheme of the rest of the room. The hidden projector is a nice touch that keeps the room looking polished. The rest of the home is as you’d expect for its initial $19 million asking price. The mega-mansion sits on a 5,400-square-metre block and has a 176-metre water frontage. The seven bedroom, 10-bathroom house is being marketed with an eye to the foreign market. It now's been listed through Ray White Surfers Paradise with $16.5 million hopes.
19
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre19.jpg">
It’s just you and the movie in this theatre. The stark austerity of the room caught Property Observer’s eye. It almost matches the aesthetic of The Matrix playing on the screen. There’s little else in the room except for the cinema seating and a 120-inch screen. It’s part of an 893-square-metre home in Ascot with extensive gardens and a waterfall. It was recently on the market through Anjanette Parker of Anjanette Parker Property Clayfield.
18
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre18.jpg" width="470">
This home theatre in Paradise Point is an understated theatre room. It’s from a three-level, five-bedroom home that sits on a 30-metre waterfront with mooring facilities for a 30-metre yacht. It also has a 10-car garage in the basement and a commercial-grade elevator. It was recently available through Sarah Filippini from Island Realty. 17
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre17.jpg" width="470">
These look like the sort of sofas that have been in the family for years and get comfier with each passing day, but apparently they’re made to order. A very friendly way to provide seating in a home theatre. The roof looks suspiciously like audio panels as well. It’s part of a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-whitfield-107314869" target="_blank">five-bedroom megahome in Whitfield</a> with two swimming pools, spa, several lounges, a private library, a music podium and a tropical fruit tree orchard. It is listed through Sue Clyde-Smith of Elite Cairns and Beaches with $2,495,000 hopes.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 16
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre16.jpg" width="470">
This dark room lets nothing distract from the experience of watching a movie. It’s just you and the screen in a pitch-black room. The room is in a three-level, four bedroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-scarborough-106394273" target="_blank">Scarborough, Queensland, home</a> on the waterfront. It comes with an elevator, jet-ski storage, suspended lap-pool and a private beach. It is listed through Maddies Hermans of Century 21 Scarborough.
15
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre15.jpg" width="470">
The owners of this place have gone for a different atmosphere. Rather than emulate the feel of a cinema as close as possible they’ve got for a more comfortable and homely approach. The bank of sofas and the striped wallpaper gives it a more social atmosphere than other home theatres. The rest of the four-bedroom property overlooks Bronte Beach and features a spa, a heated swimming pool, a sauna and a wine cellar. 14
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre14.jpg" width="470">
Carpet like this doesn’t exist outside of cinemas. The tiered seating gives an easy view of the screen. It lacks any extraneous clutter to create a comfortable viewing atmosphere. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-belmont-107421974" target="_blank">Belmont, Queensland</a>, house also comes with a tennis court, an outdoor granite kitchen, a self-contained pool house and gym and a horse paddock. It is available through Brenton Faehrmann Ray White Bulimba. 13
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre13.jpg" width="470">
This is a big screen. It’s like being seated in the front row of a cinema without having to look up. This three-bedroom house in North Adelaide also comes with a waterfall that cascades into a solar-heated swimming pool while rainforest noises are piped through hidden speakers.
12
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre12.jpg" width="470">
Oddly shaped rooms are apparently perfect for home theatres as they’re good at preventing standing waves. This smaller offering has all of the cinema magic one could hope for, especially with those red velvet curtains. It’s part of a four-bedroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-buddina-109092191" target="_blank">Buddina property</a>. It was recently sold by Mark Unkel of Elite Lifestyle Properties Minyama. 11
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre11.jpg" width="470">
You’d be the envy of independent movie makers with a theatre like this. The staggered seating gives uninterrupted views of the massive screen at the front, and the wall-mounted speakers complete the experience. It’s built into a 1,115-square-metre <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-manly+west-109182706" target="_blank">Manly West mansion</a>, which has an eight-person spa, a sauna, a 10-car garage and seven bedrooms. It’s listed through Margaret Vote of Raine &amp; Horne Wynnum / Manly with $2.5 million-plus hopes.
Next week the countdown from 10 gets underway.
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Popcorn and property: Australia's top 20 home cinemas worthy of Academy recognition – 20 through 11

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In my former life (before I was a property developer) I worked in the cosmetics industry.  One of my claims to fame was that I invented a whole new product category.  A category is a group of products that have similar characteristics. For example, when you go into the grocery store, everything is categorised in aisles; so the cereal aisle will be made up of categories such as mueslis, oat products, biscuits (e.g. wheat bix), etc.
My “invention” was depilatory cream for men.
Yep, you heard right.  Back then in the early 1990s I was a young product manager looking after a women’s wax and depilatory range.  For those who may not know, a depilatory cream dissolves the hair just below the skin’s surface so you get a smoother result than shaving and it’s not as painful as waxing (ripping the hair out by the roots sometimes causing ingrown hairs).
After some in-depth research, I found that men were starting to focus on hair removal.  Not just on their faces but also on their chests and legs.  Some men would remove hair for sporting reasons –  i.e. triathletes or swimmers, apparently making them faster – but others had started doing it for aesthetic reasons, as apparently a bare chest accentuated their muscles (not that I noticed).
How did I research this?  Back in the old days, I would occasionally venture into the city and go to nightclubs with my now husband. I would see guys, mostly gay or body builders (or both) dancing around with no shirts on and with not much body hair.  As I was managing a brand of hair removal products I decided to conduct a little research (hoping I could tax deduct the exorbitant door fee!) and ask the guys how they removed their hair.  Funnily enough, they were more than happy to tell me they were shaving or waxing and not happy with the results.  I won’t go into any more detail here as this is actually a column on property developing, but suffice it to say the light bulb went on and I saw an opportunity in the market. I soon launched the first extra-strength depilatory cream for men and called Andre.  If anyone has ever used this product, I’d love to hear from you!
So what has men’s hair removal have to do with property development?
Nothing, really.  The point I’m trying to make is that this week I came up with a new development product to fit into our established property development category.  The new product slips in right between our existing granny flat and dual-occupancy development strategies.  It’s filling a gap and I think a need in the market.
I can’t really say we’ve invented it as perhaps others are already doing it, but we’ve taken a proven strategy – building a granny flat on existing property – to a higher level.
I’m calling it the “new, new granny” opposed to the “old, new granny”.
With the “old, new granny” strategy we are finding properties with an existing (old) house that is suitable to renovate and then building a new two-bedroom granny flat on the land. This strategy has been very popular, and the main benefits are:
<ul>
<li>It’s cost effective; about $360,000 in total costs (in the Hunter region of NSW).</li>
<li>High gross yield of 8-9%.</li>
<li>We add value to the house through renovation.</li>
<li>Usually the property is located in established suburbs with good sales and rental history. The suburbs we choose have and charm and character.</li>
<li>It’s quick, typical timeframe about three months to complete.</li>
</ul>
This strategy appeals to people on a certain budget wanting cashflow.
In our “new, new granny” strategy, we build a new house and a new granny flat at the same time.
This strategy will be very popular as the main benefits are:
<ul>
<li>We can design the type of house we want to build.</li>
<li>Maximise rental return by adding rooms, increasing the size of house or other features in demand.</li>
<li>Higher depreciation benefits are achieved.</li>
<li>Design to fit the granny flat rather than have to work with position of existing house.</li>
<li>Appeal to higher-income tenants looking to rent new property and achieve higher rent.</li>
<li>Building warranty included for both new dwellings.</li>
<li>Total cost around $520,000</li>
<li>Possible higher capital growth prospects</li>
</ul>
The difference is a lower yield for the “new, new” strategy of about 7.5%, but depreciation is higher so most likely a cashflow-positive result for the investor (depending on their taxable income).  This strategy suits someone wanting more depreciation and possibly higher capital growth potential, as we’ll be building these in upmarket land estates.
It was fun running the figures and seeing just where this new development strategy would fit into the Property Bloom range of developments we offer.  We now have a firm build estimate, some great land lots lined up and are ready to launch our new product. I knew my marketing background would come in handy one day!
Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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Bringing new products to market: A smooth new granny flat option

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Elvis Presley appeared in around 33 movies that no doubt have been played on rotation in this little Gold Class cinema.
Turn on its expensive sound system, sit back in the tiered oversized chairs, and watch the giant projector screen in this deep red offering in Pakenham. This big cinema is part of a four-bedroom home, one of two residences on the 52-hectare block. The house comes with its own bar, gum hardwood floorboards; standard farm features. Presumably the Elvis memoribilla leaves with the vendors.
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/hometheatre9.jpg">
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