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

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Australians love a home project and are spending more on renovations each year, so as the trend continues towards renovating – rather than upgrading, to adapt to the softer property market, borrowers really need to maximise any money they outlay to ensure those funds are put to good use.
Borrowers need to be savvy about exactly how they spend their money on renovating, so there is a genuine financial advantage to their decision to retain and improve their existing property, rather than move on.
There's no point deciding to go ahead with a renovation unless you have weighed up all the benefits of renovating over upgrading.
Your analysis should include determining whether you really are comfortable and ready to give up not just the property, but all the other reasons you live there – including familiar infrastructure such as local schools and transport links, not to mention friends and neighbours.
That's the more emotional side of the equation. But then you also need to be realistic and crunch numbers on all the possible outcomes of buying and selling in the current market.
In the end, if you do finally decide that renovating is the better option for you, you need to be careful about how you spend your money by developing a blueprint to follow, based on finely costed, definitive plans.
One of the main issues that will determine how you spend your budget will be the primary reason you are renovating – i.e. is it to on-sell; improve rental yields; or improve your lifestyle?
There is generally less emotional attachment to renovating an investment property than one you will have to live in, but ensuring you have improved the property in both functionality and value – without over-capitalising on your spend – should always be the prime objective.
Then it will come down to whether the renovations are mainly cosmetic or structural.
If the renovations are largely cosmetic, there is a lot less to consider. It's when you get into the structural type that you really have to do your homework by ensuring that any additions are in character with surrounding dwellings and that it will add to the resale value, among other things.
For larger projects, despite the reasons for renovating, the planning should still come down to considering 12 key points:
<ol start="1">
<li>
START WITH A LIST: Make a list of everything you want to do, not just in one room, but around the rest of your home too, then prioritise that list. This will allow you to decide whether you can stage the renovation, or whether you're better off to do it all in one block of work. Once this is done, you can seek more detailed advice from architects, draftspeople and builders. </li>
<li>
SET THE BUDGET: Work out how much you actually have to spend and ensure if you are borrowing the funds to do this they are firstly approved and that you're comfortable with the additional financial responsibility you will be taking on. Also, if you are significantly changing a layout or adding floor space, ensure your plans comply with any council regulations and allow sufficient time and money for any plans to be drawn up, submitted and approved. </li>
<li>
OBTAIN COMPETITIVE QUOTES: Obtain at least three quotes from reputable builders and tradesmen and ensure the quotes compare like for like. And then, even when the quotes are accepted and contracts are finalised, ensure you have a contingency budget. Speaking to others who have project managed renovations beforehand will be a wise investment of your time. </li>
<li>
THE DIY FACTOR: Despite the popularity of home renovation programs, very few have the skill and experience to do everything themselves. Sure, you can save some money by putting your own sweat into it, but ensure any specialist jobs are carried out by licensed tradespeople. </li>
<li>
INSURANCE: Ask about insurance for each tradesperson as anyone working on your property needs it. Otherwise the liability may rest with you. </li>
<li>
KEY AREAS OF THE HOUSE: Any buyer routinely pays close attention to the state of bathrooms and kitchens, mainly because they're high-traffic areas. As a result, these rooms can justifiably take up a significant portion of your budget, as long as you don't go overboard with costly appliances that won't be appreciated within the context of the rest of the property. </li>
<li>
POOLS: Swimming pools may seem like a luxury but won't always increase the resale value of your home, particularly if it overcrowds the rest of your outdoor area. Balance out your own need for a pool, rather than just installing one because you think it's a property must-have. </li>
<li>
GARAGES: A garage can add considerably to a home's value, as can any off-street parking facility, particularly in high-density, metropolitan areas. So whether you're renovating an investment property or your own property, the addition of a car space is usually a wise one. </li>
<li>
ADDING BEDROOMS: This will also generally add to a property's value, particularly if the property is in a family-friendly area. However, there's no point creating a bedroom for the sake of it, if it's so small it's more likely to be used as a utility room. Buyers can readily see through this. </li>
<li>
PAINTING can make or break a renovation. Good paintwork can instantly lift the overall quality of a house as can the level of preparation that goes into the job. Don't underestimate the power of the paint – it can transform even the drabbest of homes. </li>
<li>
COLOURS AND FINISHES: Keep your overall look co-ordinated and simple in taste, particularly if you're looking to sell in the near future. A consistent, muted style that flows from room to room is safer than something that's too niche and stands out for all the wrong reasons. </li>
<li>
LANDSCAPING: The indoor/outdoor room is now a popular part of the Australian lifestyle, so allow for a percentage of your overall budget to be spent on landscaping so you can complement the work you've carried out inside the house. Even if your budget is modest, basic greenery and clean, functional outside areas will only improve a property's appeal.</li>
</ol>
Lisa Montgomery is the CEO of the non-bank lender <a target="_blank" href="https://www.resi.com.au/">Resi Mortgage Corporation</a>
 
 
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Twelve key points to consider before you start home renovations

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“It’s on! 7 O’Block weeknights!’ is what is being shouted at us everywhere in the media lately – bus shelters, TV ads, radio, magazines, online banners, etc, all working in unison to present to Australia the rollercoaster adventure that is DIY renovation, in the form of a competitive reality TV program. Yes folks, The Block, the hugely successful Nine Network TV series, now in its 10th year, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/father-daughter-and-mother-son-teams-in-channel-9-s-upcoming-the-block-2012/2012032954015">is back</a>, and as always, “bigger than ever”. As a full-time media industry professional myself, though, it prompted me to have a think about how much the mainstream media presents property investment and renovation-for-profit strategies as entertainment. So I felt it necessary to share with the community the reality of these “reality” shows as being what they are: very, well, unrealistic!
Let me first start by affirming one thing: I really enjoy The Block and shows similar to it; they are great entertainment programs, and I do enjoy the thrill of watching them. You know, identifying my favourite (and of course, least favourite!) contenders in the beginning, then following them through the series and seeing how far they get. As a professional property investor, however, I treat these shows as just that: entertainment. Professional investors understand that these shows glamorise the industry, and we know that the industry reality is nothing like what these shows present to us.
To be honest I really believe that most of the Australian public understand this as well. Yet there are still some perceptions that property investment is “not as hard as they make it out to be”, and this is the most concerning part. Not because I think that these people will fail if they try, I just think that when they hit that first wall or that first (of many) “no” answers, they’ll give up, because “on TV they didn’t have these kind of problems; I must be doing it wrong”.  It is the opportunist in me that thinks sometimes, “If I had the cash and more TV industry clout, I’d propose my own idea for a property investment show to the studios!”
But then I think that my show would probably not be very entertaining, and it is entertainment that sells. It is sensationalist headlines that get viewers. No, my show would be pretty boring actually. It would just involve scene after scene of someone sitting at an office desk using Google for many days, weeks, months on end, and maybe also a notepad, calculator, and a phone call or two (just to spice things up). Because, that’s what you’re doing 90% of the time as an investor: number-crunching, cost analysis, Google searches for information, and calls, calls, calls and emails, emails, emails. The other 10% is the stuff that they show on the televisions shows – the shopping around, inspecting places, maybe buying some curtain fabric and granite benchtops and touring apartments and houses. Sounds like fun, huh? Well, by the way, it’s not likely that these property tours would include the terraces of Toorak, or the penthouses of Potts Point. It’s more likely you’d be looking at the old apartments of Arncliffe, and the duplexes of Dandenong. Not exactly captivating TV viewing, is it?
Comparatively more sinister than the entertainment format though, is the sensationalist mainstream media. You know the most guilty of guilty suspects to which I refer to here: Today Tonight, A Current Affair, and (increasingly more recently) the 7pm show on Network Ten. These programs are all about presenting the flavour of the month when it comes to property, and yes, that generally involves taking whatever alarmist/sensationalist news headline they can find, then knocking up the “drama” of it a couple more notches, and presenting that point of view as “investigative journalism”. 
I’d actually feel more comfortable if these pre-made (and often shelved until they require a “time-filler: on a light news day) sensationalist stories quoted zero credible sources/statistics/accrued trending data. That way, I’d feel hopeful that the greater Australian population wouldn’t buy into these “property stories”. But unfortunately, they usually end up finding just one perspective/source (which often is merely one individual’s conversational opinion with no hard data to back it up) and run with this perspective (providing it is the most extreme perspective available, that is). Usually they pick the most dramatic or condemning perspective and present that as “just how the property market is”. Worse still, these stories are interweaved and mixed with the “dodgy plumber” template; whereby there must always be a ‘bad guy’ being chased down a hallway with a shoulder-mounted camera.
So where should one turn to turn for video content about the investment property “game” that is more constructive, trustworthy, and reliable? I’ve made a list of great sources of video content that I’d recommend. Sure, some aren’t so “entertaining: (read: they drone on a bit), and others aren’t even from Australia, but I think if you like information provided in a video format, here are some great sources:

<p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1) YouTube. Specifically, mini-series, or “vignettes” as they call them (usually a three- to five-minute snippet of video, as part of a five- to 10-part series). Some great names to Google are Australian Property Investment magazine’s Nhan Nguyen, who has a great series. Also Michael Yardney and Lousie Bedford did a series together that offers some great insights. Other names to help get you started would be Margaret Lomas (In Her Shoes series), and Catherine Cashmore and Peter Bozinoski from Property Observer.

<p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2) Get your property industry news from online industry news niche sites. This one just makes sense. Sure, some of the biggest news websites such as NineMSN, SMH/Age, News.com.au etc have property sections, but these sections are really quite generalist and don’t cater as much to the investor mindset. Instead, go to specialist websites like Australian Property Investor magazine online, Your Investment Property magazine online, Property Observer, and even Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au. You’ll find video content that is specific to investment context within these.

<p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">3) Blog communities are also an excellent source for opinion. Sure, they are merely conjecture and the amalgamation/debate of many individuals (most usually with quite strong opinions!), but these communities are, more often than not, made up of the kind of person who, well, if you’re an aspirational investor, would want to be and emulate. Plus, the ones worth their salt (like me) will always present things as their opinion, or their own commentary, on what is trending in the market. They will never try to claim their opinion is an elaborate intensive study (unless of course they are willing to do the due diligence of research and hard data), so their opinions can usually be well-considered if many individuals in these communities all concur on similar topics.

<p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">4) There are indeed some TV programs that are not all bad. The UK’s Property Ladder, hosted by Sarah Beeney, is excellent because it shows the due diligence that renovators apply before selecting a property, details the works and itemised costs, the selling process, and then actual profit margins and time/energy taken. Selling Houses Australia also has some great episodes, though it does conform to a more entertainment format. And last of all, regular segments in various reputable news program sources (Sky News Business has some great regular reporters with segments, as does ABC and SBS more infrequently). Even the commercial networks offer programs with some property insight sections, such as Network Ten’s The Circle.

5) Also emerging in the investment property media space are webinars. Whilst not strictly “video” driven, they are quite interactive and visual, and on the rise in Australian media property sites. Worth a look.

Regardless of whether your investment strategy is buy-and-hold, renovate-for-profit (aka “flipping” a property, then moving on to the next one), renovate-and-hold, owner-occupy-and-invest, or even <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-your-first-property-as-an-investment-and-continuing-to-rent/2012031153777">rent-and-invest</a>; at the end of the day, you are an investor. And a darned capable one at that. So get out there, keep an ear to the wall and a foot in the door (so to speak, of course), and consume media made with investor in mind, not just owner-occupiers. Find strength in others around you in the community – these are your comrades. And, after a hard day’s’ work, don’t forget to switch on to your favourite renovation entertainment program to relax.

Cameron McEvoy is a property investor and maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" href="https://propertyspectator.blogspot.com.au/">Property Spectator.</a>
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cmcevoy-Go82SmsJA9

No matter what it looks like on The Block, property investment is not glamorous

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Channel 9 has been teasing audiences with brief insights into six of the contestant couples for the upcoming series The Block 2012.
Promos have gone been put up on the website.
<img src="/images/stories/blockposter.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
Not all will get through into the final four who undertake the South Melbourne renovations.
<a target="_blank" href="https://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-block-2012-meet-larry-and-jessie-new-couple-for-2012/xgxdbx0">Larry and Jessie</a> are a father-daughter team. Jessie, a full-time student, originally planned to audition for The Block with her mother, Michelle. Tragically, Michelle died in a plane crash in March 2011. Through their grief they searched for ways to honour her memory and decided they would pursue one of her dreams together.
<a target="_blank" href="https://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-block-2012-meet-rana-and-brett-new-couple-for-2012/xwlxwc3">Rana and Brett</a> are a mother-son duo, the first time there’s been such a combination. Brett, a drainer and machine operator, is currently renovating the house that he bought three years ago, while Rana has renovated her last two homes, and on the loose after selling her homewares and fashion business.
<a target="_blank" href="https://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-block-2012-meet-dale-and-sophie-new-couple-for-2012/xm9ynwj">Dale and Sophie </a>are newlyweds. Sophie, a graphic designer turned primary school teacher, and Dale, a landscape gardener have had virtually no renovating experience.
<a target="_blank" href="https://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-block-2012-meet-brad-and-lara-new-couple-for-2012/xsk4ip7">Brad and Lara</a> are boyfriend/girlfriend from NSW having met five years ago in a pub near their home town of East Maitland.
<a target="_blank" href="https://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-block-2012-meet-dan-and-dani-new-couple-for-2012/xleq8kc">Dan and Dani </a>are boyfriend/girlfriend from Melbourne having met in the back of a Hummer. Dan, a carpenter, and Dani, a business analyst, recently purchased their own apartment in Richmond, just around the corner from the last top rating series of The Block.
<a target="_blank" href="https://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/the-block-2012-meet-brad-and-courtney-new-couple-for-2012/xw0m39w">Brad and Courtney</a> are boyfriend/girlfriend from WA. Courtney is a speech pathologist and Brad, a project manager for a commercial property company.
Brothers <a target="_blank" href="https://homes.ninemsn.com.au/theblock/video/?uuid=ee693e7e-af46-4c97-98e3-caf267413230">Andrew and Mike</a> have renovating experience, recently transforming two derelict homes in Sydney’s Bondi.
Newlyweds<a target="_blank" href="https://homes.ninemsn.com.au/theblock/couples/brendan-and-michelle/"> Brendan and Michelle</a>, both 22, are the youngest couple.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/its-back-to-bondi-for-the-block-home-renovation-realty-series-after-they-sell-south-melbourne/2012033054098">The next season of The Block is set to return to Bondi</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Father-daughter and mother-son teams in Channel 9's upcoming The Block 2012

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Missoni Home is set to create an iconic Manila residential tower.
<img src="/images/stories/acqua1.jpg">
The 52-level Acqua Livingstone tower will be the fourth building in Century Properties’ US$316 million (A$302 million) six-tower Aqua Private Residences project in the Philippine capital.
“Bold colours and energetic forms in the lobbies, hallways and elevators will be accentuated by equally arresting furniture,” says Century managing director Marco Antonio.
<img src="/images/stories/acqua2.jpg">
The multi-level amenity area called The Canopy is on the sky deck.
The Canopy’s lower level will have function rooms, a business centre, an indoor and outdoor gym, spa, a library and salon.
The upper level is social space with an amphitheatre, lounge, DJ booth and dance floor and pool bar.
<img src="/images/stories/acqua3.jpg">
An organic wire-mesh tree will climb into a mezzanine dining area, and floating lights, patterned surfaces and Missoni shapes, will decorate the landscape.
<img src="/images/stories/acqua4.jpg">
The tower will have 645 apartments ranging in size from 27 square metres to 140 square metres with price tags between US$82,000 and US$613,000 and penthouses for more than US$1million.
“Our brand is an experience of happiness, excitement, beauty, creativity, style and elegance. We are inspired by the seasons of nature and we play with colour because life is more beautiful with colour,” says Missoni’s Vittorio Missoni.
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Missoni to build 52-storey Manila tower with bold colours and shapes

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Melbourne’s chic inner-city residential project The Garden House has collected the prestigious President’s Award at the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National Awards in Perth.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh1.jpg">
The collaboration between Piccolo Developments, architect Woods Bagot and interior designer Hecker Guthrie produced a $50 million, 49-residence project that sold out within two weeks of its launch late last year for between $500,000 and $5 million per unit. Since then one apartment has been listed for resale for $975,000 but it was withdrawn. The same unit was relisted this month for $900,000 and remains available.
It is the second major award for the project, which recently won the Victorian chapter of the UDIA’s Medium-Density Development Award. The building was completed late last year.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh2.jpg">
On the corner of Queensberry and Rathdowne streets, Carlton, the building has a mix of townhouses and apartments across five levels – including three terraces with private courtyard – overlooking Carlton Gardens and the World Heritage-listed Exhibition Building.
According to Woods Bagot design director Nik Karalis, the aim was to create a property influenced by Renaissance palazzos and make great use of the character of Carlton and its tall trees.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh3.jpg">
The Garden House’s top floors are finished in zinc reflecting European attic architecture.
“The Royal Exhibition Building and adjoining Carlton Gardens set a beautiful 19th-century European backdrop for the project, which demanded attention to detail. Our approach to the design was to capture a slice of tree canopy into each apartment. The inspiration for the final form of the building was to preserve the important vistas,” Karalis says.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh4.jpg">
The Garden House is the flagship project for the Piccolo family, which is a mother-and-son team led by Mima Piccolo.
Michael Piccolo says that Carlton is an area rich in historical significance and deserves great Australian design talent.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh5.jpg">
“Our vision for The Garden House was to exceed our customers’ expectations and deliver a superior lifestyle experience,” says Michael.
The interiors produced by Hecker Guthrie have bespoke fixtures and curved walls, with no two residences the same.
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Melbourne’s chic The Garden House takes out UDIA President’s Award 

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The first Australian building designed by prize-winning American architect Frank Gehry has been approved with construction to start within months.
The 12-storey structure was designed for the University of Technology, Sydney.
Excavation of the Ultimo site near the ABC is under way.
<img src="/images/stories/gehry.jpg">
The $125 million tower for about 1,300 students and 300 academic staff is due for early 2014 completion.
The tower will be called the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, named after the Hunters Hill Australian-Chinese businessman and philanthropist who has donated $20 million to help build it.
The crumpled-looking 15,470 square metre building will be the university's new business school. Only two public submissions were received against the project during the public exhibition period last June, although the initial design was changed slightly to improve privacy in nearby apartments.
The tower will be built on a site now occupied by the former Dairy Farmers Milk Co-op warehouse building.
It will include parking for 177 bicycles and 20 cars, with onsite showers and lockers.
The new building will generate its own electricity with a gas-fired tri-generation plant, an initiative backed by the City of Sydney.
The new buildings are part of a UTS campus master plan, estimated to cost a total of $1 billion.
 
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Frank Gehry’s first Australian building approved for University of Technology, Sydney

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Port Coogee, the planned coastal community south of Perth, is one of Australia’s largest coastal renewal projects. And now the project set on 86 hectares of industrial wasteland has won recognition from the 2012 Urban Development Institutes of Australia (UDIA) National Awards for Excellence.
Australand landed the Best Residential Development along with the gong for Environmental Excellence for its Port Coogee Marina development, 23 kilometres south of the Perth CBD. The planned coastal community is one of Australia’s largest coastal renewal projects and set on 86 hectares of industrial wasteland.
Australand general manager Tony Perrin says the developer has been working hard to deliver what it promised the public with this sometimes controversial $2 billion project.
<img src="/images/stories/portcoogee1.jpg">
“We have attach a great deal of value to the environmental award because there was so much negative spin put on the site and what we planned for it particularly with the marina, which some sections of the public did not want,” he says
The ecological issues ranged from protecting seagrass beds through to ground water contamination and reducing toxins that hit the ocean.
“We managed and executed it responsibly, and the award is an affirmation of that,” Perrin says.
<img src="/images/stories/portcoogee2.jpg">
The marina will accommodate about 300 powerboats and sailing boats to a maximum of 20 metres. The first 60 boat pens were snapped up last year, and another 95 pens will be released this year.
The project will eventually have a residential community of about 5,000 people moving into it over the next 10 years. Since December 2006 more than 350 blocks of land have been sold from a starting price of $425,000. About 80 houses have been built, with another 45 underway. As demand increases 1,000 apartments will be built, and a large retail village with cafes and restaurants will be central to the site. It is tipped the project will create about 1,200 jobs locally.
<img src="/images/stories/portcoogee3.jpg">
The WA government first offered the site for redevelopment 18 years ago. Australand became involved 15 years ago. The zoning process swallowed the first decade, and the past five years has been dedicated to active development.
<img src="/images/stories/portcoogee4.jpg">
“It is incredibly encouraging to win the UDIA’s Best Residential Development nationally in such an early stage of the project. We perceive there is still a lot of work to be done to get the vision that we set out to create. I feel that the commercial areas in the centre of the project will represent that vision in years to come. The award is a recognition of the planning and the roundedness of the project, landscaping, streetscapes, roads and parks and the unique environments that exist in the project which integrates beach’s with parks and micro environments,” Perrin says.
Hardy plants and endemic species will landscape the site, and the streetscape, from lighting to lookout features and materials used, has been influenced by the industrial and marine history of the land. The partly exposed shipwreck of the Omeo has inspired the public art that will be part of the community.
 
 
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Australand’s controversial Port Coogee project wins top development gong at UDIA awards

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The Hermitage, a master-planned community in the brand-new Sydney suburb of Gledswood Hills, has attracted considerable buyer interest, with 28 of the first 59 lots in the first release sold just days after the project's official early March launch. Pre-sales began in early January.
<img src="/images/stories/hermitage.jpg"> 
Developer Sekisui House is behind the 260-hectare development, which is the Japanese company’s first Australian master-planned community.
The first release is called Hardy’s Rise and comprises lots ranging from 400 square metres to 700 square metres. Prices for the lots begin at $215,000, and house-and-land packages begin from $450,000.
Hardy’s Rise is named after visionary Australian architect, artist and author Hardy Wilson, born in Campbelltown.
In 1920 Hardy published an illustrated history of the local area called The Cowpasture Road, which featured Gledswood Homestead and its garden, which stimulated a revival of interest in the simpler forms of architecture of the early years of the colony.
Set on about 50 hectares, The Hermitage will include more than 10 kilometres of bike and walking paths. A 27-hole golf course is also proposed.
<img src="/images/stories/hermitage1.jpg">
The development is set to make use of the Japanese concept of “satoyama", which means the preservation of the environment while encouraging human interaction.
“The Hermitage features a central three kilometre green corridor that aims to attract an array of recreation activities, such as dog walking, cycling and weekend family barbecues,” says Craig D’Costa, Sekisui House senior development manager.
<img src="/images/stories/hermitage2.jpg"> 
Sekisui House’s other Australian projects in Sydney include The Waterfront at Wentworth Point and Central Park, in partnership with Frasers, in Chippendale.
Gledswood Hills is about 55 kilometres south-west of Sydney, and it is named for nearby convict-built mansion and winery The Gledswood Homestead and Winery.
“Gledswood Hills has been a welcomed addition to the south-west corridor, an area that is set to boom in the coming years. The Hermitage will be the focal point of this blossoming new suburb,” D’Costa says.
 
 
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Environmentally minded buyers snap up Sekisui's western Sydney project The Hermitage, perhaps drawn by satoyama

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Anecdotal evidence from the Housing Industry Association suggests that small renovation work is on the rise while the overall renovations market remains flat.
According to the HIA, 80% of the national renovation market consists of jobs valued at $10,000 or less.
Refinancing for the purpose of renovation declined by 7% in 2011, according to ABS statistics.
At the same time, David Hallett, general manager of, the building advisory service run by the Australian Institute of Architects, says there has been an increase in clients approaching architects about renovations.
He says the main request for any house renovation is always more space and creating an open-plan kitchen and integrated outdoor living space.
“The biggest trend in the last several years is the development of an outdoor living space; that's the top of the list of things to have in the home," Hallett told The Weekend Australian.
"(But) sometimes they want to put extra bedrooms in, which usually means another bathroom.”
According to Archicentre, moving is an expensive exercise and can cost up to $50,000 when loan fees, agent fees, removalist fees and stamp duty costs are included.
Another reason for considering renovating now is the availability of skilled labour.
According to Dale, skilled labour is greater now than at times when housing activity is more buoyant.
"That's a tick in the box [for a house renovation] straight away," he says.
For tips and tricks for getting the most out of your renovation and what costly mistakes to avoid, watch Property Observer’s free webinar: Renovating for Profit.
 
 
 
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Smaller renovation work on the rise: HIA

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More home owners are undertaking renovations from savings rather than borrowing the money to do so, according to mortgage broker Loan Market.
“We're seeing many consumers saving money instead of borrowing to fix up their homes,” says Loan Market spokesperson Paul Smith.
Smith says that consumer feedback this year has largely prioritised debt reduction in uncertain economic times.
“We also suspect many Australians would be carrying out their own home renovations to cut costs,” he says.
These findings are supported by end-of-year ABS housing finance figures, which revealed a 7% decline in the value of renovation refinancings compared with 2010 despite an overall rise in the number of home loan customers refinancing their mortgages.
Property investors or owner-occupiers who are considering renovating and adding value to their property should sign up for Property Observer’s free webinar: Renovating for Profit on Wednesday, February 29 at 12.30pm
 
 
 
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