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?

ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

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The recent share market turmoil strangely did not weaken the weekend's auction success rate.
Indeed, Sydney’s clearance rate was 60.5%, compared with 54.3% last weekend and almost par with the 64.2% for the same weekend last year. Melbourne’s clearance rate was 57% compared with 54% last weekend and 67% last year.
SQM Research property analyst Louis Christopher says the weekend clearance rates were surprisingly strong in both capitals.
There were 299 properties offered for auction across Sydney compared with 261 last weekend and 372 on the same weekend last year.
Of the 214 reported auctions, 144 properties were sold for a total value of $116.4 million at an average value of $800,000.
The median price of houses sold was $855,000 and for units it was $685,000, according to Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist for Australian Property Monitors.
“There are indications that Sydney's housing market is still subdued but stable, with just a hint of growing confidence,” Wilson says.
With 51 results yet to be tabulated there where 431 auctions reported in Melbourne. Of the 187 passed in, 123 of those were on a vendor’s bid.
“Those looking to sell their home over spring will be hoping that speculation of an interest rate cut last week becomes a reality as it would boost buyer confidence just at the right time,” Real Estate Institute of Victoria chief executive Enzo Raimondo says.
Next weekend the REIV expects around 490 auctions. And Clinton McNabb at Australian Property Monitors expects 303 properties to go to auction in Sydney next weekend.
<img src="/images/stories/6725.jpg">
The most expensive house sold across Australia was a $6,725,000 Gold Coast riverfront auction.
Dan McVay’s Admiralty Drive property in Paradise Waters went under the hammer. McVay paid $5 million for the property in 2006.
It was on the market at $5.85 million and sold well above its reserve through Michael Willems at Ray White. It’s a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on a 1,351-square-metre block. The house also comes with an office and six-car garage. There is a 12-metre enclosed swimming pool.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/431.jpg"> 
Melbourne’s highest reported sale was a <a target="_blank" title="Trophy home" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/well-renovated-kew-property-has-a-lot-to-recommend-it/2011081151129">Sackville Street, Kew</a> house. Bidding for this five-bedroom, three-bathroom renovated 1920s property began with a vendor bid of $3.7 million before four bidders joined the bidding, according to James Buyer Advocates. It was announced on the market at $4,175,000 through James Tostevin of Marshall White Armadale.
It was built in the mid-1920s but since extended and renovated. The house last sold for $2.3 million in mid-2004 when bought by mining magnate Tony Manini, the former Oxiana exploration manager. There was a higher undisclosed sale when a Walsh Street, South Yarra house sold after auction for $4.8 million plus. This accords with the trend detected by JPP Buyer Advocate Catherine Cashmore, who senses an increased preference to negotiate after auction for top-end listings. Buyers at the executive top end have become more stubborn about price, especially after the events of last week, Mal James from James Buyer Advocates says.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/237.jpg"> 
The most expensive Sydney property sold was a five-bedroom house in Strathfield that last sold at $832,000 in 1998. About $2 million had been expected by its Devine agent Greg Emerton.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/227k.jpg"> 
Sydney’s cheapest sale was a two-bedroom unit in Wiley Park through Allan Dale Real Estate that last sold for $107,000 in 1993.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Weekend auction wrap: where the hammer fell

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Sydney’s auction clearance rate slumped from 63% to 53%, hardly instilling much market confidence. But it’s not as if new low levels are being set; rather, the rate is merely back to the 52% clearance recorded in mid-July. Things could have been far worse in July but for Sydney’s weekend auction volumes being about 20% down on July 2010, and Melbourne’s volumes being down 15%, according to Australian Property Monitors. Last year August was the quietest winter auction month for Sydney and Melbourne, and the preliminary estimates of listings for next four weeks suggest it will happen again in Sydney. For Melbourne there’s’ an average 509 auctions scheduled for upcoming weekends, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, compared with 496 over the previous five years. The Queensland flood-affected properties continue to yield the country’s cheapest sale prices.
Melbourne prestige buyers agent Mal James from James Buyer Advocates says the buyer demand does seem to be there – “for some properties anyway.”
"But there’s no real depth of auction numbers over $1 million, even taking into consideration we are historically in winter hibernation.
“In fact, [that market] has been non-existent in the last few weeks, what with the school holidays, the start of a new fiscal year and the traditional winter lethargy. Our benchmark for a strong auction weekend is 100 million-dollar auctions in bayside and inner-east Melbourne.
“This weekend we saw numbers in the mid 40s; next fortnight we predict around 50 and, the week after, 70 auctions to go under the hammer at $1 millionand above,” James says.
Despite the downturn, agents recommend sellers consider auction this spring. Today's three Observers, LJ Hooker Greenwith principal <a target="_blank" title="Michael Fenn article" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/auctions/auctions-motivate-buyers/2011080150981">Michael Fenn</a>, Raine &amp; Horne chief auctioneer <a target="_blank" title="David Scholes article" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/auctions/auctions-still-the-best-way-to-find-committed-buyers/2011080150980">David Scholes</a> and auctioneer <a target="_blank" title="Damien Cooley article" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/auctions/an-auction-won-t-save-a-badly-marketed-property/2011073150923">Damien Cooley</a>, agree
<img src="/images/stories/53.jpg" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; padding: 2px; border: 0px initial initial;">
Sydney’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 293 results compiled by Australian Property Monitors. There were 340 scheduled auctions in Sydney. On the same Saturday last year the clearance rate was 57%. Clinton McNabb at APM says there are about 270 auctions due next weekend. After some further results came in from the July 23 auctions, Sydney recorded a 63.4% clearance rate, just higher than the initial 63% published figure.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/58percent.jpg">
Melbourne’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 512 results compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. There were 585 scheduled auctions held in Melbourne. On the same Saturday last year the clearance rate was 69%. REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo says there are about 500 weekend auctions scheduled over the next few weeks. After some further results came in from the July 23 auctions, Melbourne recorded a 57% clearance rate, slightly lower than the 59% published figure from the initial Saturday results.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2385.jpg">  
The weekend’s highest reported sale in NSW was a three-bedroom<a target="_blank" title="Bronte" href="/news"> Bronte, NSW</a>, bungalow with district views of the Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The Yanko Avenue house on 424 square metres had been listed through McGrath agent Trent Knox. The deceased estate was offered for the first time in six decades. It’s the 12th sale on the avenue to fetch above $2.3 million, the most recent being a three-bedroom house on 557 square metres with ocean views that sold through McGrath in April for about $3.3 million when offered for the first time in over 50 years. In February the hand surgeon Jennifer Green and her husband, Wing Commander Guy Wilson, an RAAF pilot, sold their contemporary four-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-level residence for $3.7 million, having listed it with $3.5 million-plus expectations. Knox issued ninecontracts during the campaign. There were four registrations of which three people bid. The reserve was $2.2 million
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2point2.jpg">  
<a target="_blank" title="Albert Park" href="/news">Albert Park </a>continued its regular placement as Melbourne’s weekend auction hotspot. It was a Hocking Stuart listing that had been tipped to fetch between $2 million and $2.2 million. It was a renovated Barrett Street house set behind a single-fronted Victorian façade. Buyers' agent Mal James reported there were no bidders at the auction, but it was sold after auction.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/402500.jpg">  
The five-room <a target="_self" title="Plenty Road, Bundoora" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/auctions/friday-form-guide-yields-of-up-to-7.4-in-bundoora/2011072850938">Bundoora, Victoria townhouse</a> currently leased to tenants at $555 per week was sold by Ray White Bundoora agent Joshua Allison. It had been listed with price hopes of $390,000 plus. The sale price reflects a 7.1% yield, well above the indicative rental yield for <a target="_blank" title="Bundoora" href="/news">Bundoora </a>houses of 3.7%, according to RP Data. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom house is between RMIT and La Trobe University.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/16.jpg">  
The photographer Hugh Stewart didn’t get to sell his Bondi Beach home, which had been listed through goodyerDonnelley agent Alexander Phillips, who had pre-auction expectations of about $1.6 million. Offers over $1,375,000 are now being sought. Set on a level block in a tightly held cul-de-sac, the property is two minutes' walk from the southern end of the beach. Stewart shot the Chanel No.5 advertising campaign featuring Nicole Kidman. It cost $406,000 in 1997.
 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; padding: 2px; border: 0px initial initial;" src="/images/stories/9num.jpg"> 
There was a buzz when a Montclair Avenue, <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="/news" title="Brighton" target="_blank">Brighton </a>house sold through Peter Kennett at Hocking Stuart for $1.82 million. The well-located property attracted nine bidders frantically vying to buy after the $1.5 million opening bid. The property was on the market at $1.62 million, David James at James Buyer Advocates says.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/132thou.jpg">
 
A four-bedroom house at Patrick Estate was the weekend’s cheapest sale. Set in Queensland’s south east, the 1.7-hectare property was flood-affected earlier this year. “Prior to the floods this was an immaculate family home and now needs moving and raising to minimise any future flooding,” Brett Barry, the Ray White Lowood agent, says. “My owners can’t afford to re-build and are totally traumatizsd. They just want to sell the thing and move on.” It last sold at $165,000 in 2002.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/268thou.jpg">  
Adelaide’s cheapest weekend sale was a three-bedroom brick residence on 659 square metres at <a target="_blank" title="Modbury" href="/news">Modbury North</a>,which had been listed with $260,000 hopes through LJ Hooker Hope Valley agent Vincent Davies.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/865k.jpg">  
Author Christine Armarego and medico Adam Fraser, who co-authored Sugar Daddy (a book about diabetes and a healthy lifestyle), sold their double-fronted Federation house <a target="_blank" title="Leichhardt" href="/news">Leichhardt </a>in Sydney’s inner west through Luke Holden of Sarah Lorden Real Estate. The two-bedroom brick residence on 143 square metres had initial expectations of more than $880,000. It last sold for $708,000 in 2007.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/60years.jpg">  
A four-bedroom 1950s house fetched $781,000 on in the Sydney suburb of <a target="_blank" title="Kingsgrove" href="/news">Kingsgrove</a>. Still held by the original owners, it was the first time the well-cared-for Beresford Parade house had been offered in six decades. It had gone to auction with $750,000-plus hopes through Romeo Safetly of PRD Nationwide Bexley North.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/3mil.jpg">  
The weekend’s highest reported sale was at the Melbourne suburb of <a target="_blank" title="Glen Iris" href="/news">Glen Iris</a>. The Irymple Avenue property sold through Iain Carmichael at Bennison Mackinnon with five bidders after opening with a vendor bid of $2.45 million. It was on the market at $2.6 million, which Adam Woledge at James Buyer Advocates deemed was a strong result.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/3mplus.jpg">  
The result wasn’t reported, but James Buyer Advocates suggest a tick over $3 million was the unconfirmed price paid on the weekend for a double-fronted four-bedroom Story Street, Parkville period home listed through Tom Roberts of Nelson Alexander. Polector, located close to Melbourne University, sits among <a target="_blank" title="Parkville" href="/news">Parkville'</a>s grandest boom-period residences with a land size of 540 square metres.
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Neither Sydney nor Melbourne has enjoyed any clear ascendancy when it comes to the highest weekend auction clearance rates. Indeed, for most of this year the title of best-performing capital city has yo-yoed between the two. Adelaide briefly took line honours on one weekend earlier this month. It has now been 12 weeks that Melbourne’s weekend auction clearance rate has been stuck below 60%. Sydney’s has been there since February.  
<img src="/images/stories/56.jpg">
Sydney’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 204 results compiled by Australian Property Monitors. There were 242 auctions held in Sydney, which was 22% down on the 314 auctions on the third Saturday in July 2010. Clinton McNabb at APM says there are about 290 auctions due next weekend. After some further results came in from the July 9 auctions, Sydney recorded a 52% clearance rate, slightly lower than the 53% published figure.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/58percent.jpg"> 


Melbourne’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 377 results compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. There were 584 auctions held in Melbourne on the third Saturday in July 2010. REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo says there are about 495 auction due next weekend. After some further results came in from the July 9 auctions, Melbourne recorded a 53% clearance rate, slightly lower than the 56% published figure from the initial Saturday results.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/12.jpg"> 
The release of the REIV's June quarter median prices shows the median price of Melbourne houses sold at auction increased 1.2% to a $730,000 median, while those sold at private sale rose 1% to a $500,000 median.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/1711.jpg"> 
The weekend’s highest sale was a four-bedroom, late-Edwardian residence at Aberfeldie. It had been marketed as likely to fetch between $1.4 million and $1.54 million through Fabian Rosin at Nelson Alexander Essendon. Aberfeldie is nine kilometers north west of Melbourne.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/225k.jpg"> 
A three-bedroom house on Bourke Road in Melton South on the outskirts of Melbourne was the weekend’s cheapest sale.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/286.jpg"> 
Sydney’s cheapest sale was a two-bedroom house at Merrylands through Jas Singh at Laing + Simmons Merrylands. There were three bidders.
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<img src="/images/stories/lattesquote.jpg">
– Real estate agent Sam Kelso, who reckons agents between 20 and 35 have the enthusiasm and social chops to perform well in an industry where the median age is 40. Kelso, who is 22, is a member of Young Professionals in Real Estate, which represents younger agents. 
"It comes down to their ability to have fun and cut deals... And sometimes I can't even tell the difference," Kelso says. 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Quote of the week

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The residence 21 White Street in the Melbourne suburb of Glen Iris sold at well at weekend auction, fetching a price well above expectations.
<img src="/images/stories/whitest.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/21-white-street-glen-iris/Property-Details-buy-residential-3142005_S">21 White Street, Glen Iris, VIC, 3146</a>
Sale price: $1,860,000
Agent quote: $1.5 million plus
% above agent quote:  19.35%
Bidders:  6
Last sold: October 2006 at $1,079,000
Growth since last sale: 11.54%
Median growth for Melbourne: 8.6%
Average tip: $1.71 million
It was among the biggest auctions of the weekend, with well over 100 people looking on as six bidders aggressively competed for the three-bedroom family home.
Since being sold in 2006 for $1.079 million the property has had a cosmetic renovation and landscaping including a pool.
Although renovation costs need to be taken into account this rate of growth is significantly higher than the Melbourne median of 8.6% over the same time frame.
Mark Armstrong from propertytycoon.com.au suggests the result indicated a high level of confidence for home buyers who are looking to upgrade their family home.
He says investors and first-home buyers are a bit more wary, but the home buyers in this price bracket were showing real strength and are currently driving the property market.
Some 8% of the tipsters on <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au">propertytycoon.com.au </a>were within close proximity to the sale price.
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Weekend auction tipping result

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It was a dead heat between Sydney and Melbourne this past weekend, with both capitals recording a 55% weekend auction success rate.
Given the media negativity about the property market and the economy, the spring markets are faring OK.
Much of spring’s resilience is that vendors have adjusted their price expectations to match buyers’ reticence.
Agents have crunched some of their vendors to do it.
But another important aspect has been agents rejecting the listings of those whose price expectations are in cloud cuckoo land.
Vendors are the ones often being appraised in the agents’ pitches this spring when they get to give their initial appraisal of the house set for sale.
Given sales volumes are down quite considerably on spring 2010, estate agents are keen to cherry-pick the better listings that are more likely to bring in the selling commission.
There were 182 sales in Sydney from the 331 reported results, with another 84 results yet to be tabulated.
There were a total of 633 auctions reported in Melbourne of which 349 sold. Of the 284 passed in some 92 were on a vendor’s bid. There are 63 results yet to be tabulated.
Next weekend Melbourne auction numbers will increase again, with 880 homes listed for auction, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
There are about 400 in Sydney, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Both offerings are about 20% down on the same Saturday last year.
 
 
 
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Weekend auction wrap: Where the hammer fell

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Horse racing isn't the only tipping to excite punters' hearts this weekend. There's now a website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where Melburnians can guess auction results, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
But Melbourne auction numbers will fall dramatically to around 440, almost 50% less than last weekend, as many vendors opt not sell over the Melbourne Cup weekend. In this environment we are likely to see clearance rates increase slightly as purchasers compete for less available property.
The property at 12/24B Hampden Road, Armadale is an example of a property that may see a stronger result driven by its blue-chip location and highly sought-after Art Deco style. Many buyers prefer these older-style apartments due to the larger size of the rooms and fewer apartments in each block. 
This week the auction market may also have a reason to feel more confident as inflation numbers indicate a very high chance of an interest rate reduction on Melbourne Cup Day, with the possibility of another one early in the new year.
<img src="/images/stories/hampden.jpg">
12/29B Hampden Road, Armadale
Agent: Hocking Stuart - Andrew James
Quote: $550,000 to $620,000
Last Sold: November 2008
Price: $542,000
Suburb median: $555,000
Five-year median growth: 12.46%
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
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Weekend auction tipping

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Established houses and units priced below $600,000 recorded an 83% auction success rate in Sydney on the weekend. It came just days after the NSW government’s announcement that established homes would lose their entitlement to first home owner stamp duty subsidies from December 31.
There was been a 74% clearance rate for the sub-$600,000 market on the September 3 weekend, according to Australian Property Monitors data.
The cheaper price bracket has recorded a better success rate than the overall Sydney clearance rate for some time, with commentators suggesting the weekend fillip was the first sign of the incentive for first-home buyers to buy over the next 16 weeks. 
There was a 60% clearance rate across Sydney on the weekend, according to Australian Property Monitors, up from 51% on the first weekend of the month.
APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says the stamp duty revelations and 10 months of stable interest rate policy as well as the beginning of spring have given Sydney its highest auction clearance rate in two months.
Melbourne’s 55% clearance rate was a mirror image of the 55% on the September 3 weekend, but considerably down on 70% on the same weekend last year.
“Whilst buyers and sellers alike will have welcomed the decision by the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates stable it has not been enough to cause a substantial improvement in the Melbourne auction market,” Real Estate Institute of Victoria CEO Enzo Raimondo notes.
There have been a total of 561 auctions reported, of which 308 sold and 253 were passed in, 164 of those on a vendors bid.
About 1,400 auctions are scheduled in the two weekends before the AFL grand final in Melbourne.
The 83% Sydney clearance rate was derived from sales results with publicly declared prices. 
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When only around 50% of auctioned properties are selling it can be difficult to work out which half will sell and which won't. Take for example 30 Elwood Street, Brighton and 15 Chastleton Avenue, Toorak. On paper both multimillion-dollar properties in blue-chip locations, with great parcels of land and homes have strong appeal. In a more stable markets both properties would attract strong interest and sell via a competitive auction. On Saturday however the outcome for both properties could not be more different.
While a crowd of 60 people watched the auction of 30 Elwood Street, the auctioneer failed to extract a single bid, and the property was passed in on a vendor bid of $2.4 million, $100,000 less than the agent's quote range. It could be argued that the fear of a European financial meltdown kept buyers away. But Chastleton Avenue, on the other hand, attracted four bidders who competed aggressively for the property before it was finally sold under the hammer for $4,135,000, more than $200,000 above the reserve.
The result illustrates that although there are still purchasers out in the marketplace with money there are not enough to cover all the available stock and selling property at auction this spring is a game of chance.
While the RBA's decision to cut rates will help build some long needed confidence in the market overtime it will take a few more rate cuts next year, as predicted by Westpac's CEO Gail Kelly, before enough buyers come out of the woodwork to re balance the market.
The remainder of 2011 will continue to be a buyers' market.
<img src="/images/stories/elwoodst.jpg">
30 Elwood Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186
Sale price: Passed in on a vendor bid of $2.4 million
Agent quote: $2.5 million to $2.75 million
% above agent quote: 0%
Bidders: 0
Last sold: May 1992 at $620,000
Growth since last sale:  7.19% (calculated on passed in value)
Median growth: 7.44%
Average tip: $2,805,750
% Correct tips 10.78%
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au">Property Tycoon</a> allows punters to guess auction results with no outlay.
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Few expect spring sales activity to gain much price momentum. And prices could comes under serious pressure if late listings swamp the market in the final six-week stretch home after Melbourne Cup, especially if buyers are wanting to see if prices come down further and sit on their hands for a little while to see if they do.
But Dr Andrew Wilson from Australian Property Monitors has made a big call that Sydney auction clearance rates will start to gradually track upwards.
“Growing buyer confidence and Sydney's chronic housing shortage will ensure increased buyer activity over spring,” Wilson forecasts.
He says Sydney will be Australia's most resilient housing market through the remainder of 2011, assisted, it seems, by his suggestion that the number of properties offered for auction each weekend won’t  grow too significantly over the next few months reflecting some ongoing wariness from sellers.
Melbourne buyers’ agent Mal James thinks the market has moved from an overall nothing winter market to a two-speed low-stock spring one.
“During this transition it has dropped in price with a few exceptions – courtesy of the share market malaise.
“If you have an A-grade home and you are priced to market then you are selling strongly and even slightly better than a month ago," James says.
“On the other hand, if you have a home that has issues with position, land content or floor plan, then your end sale result is continuing to ease and doesn’t look like getting any better this side of Christmas.”
During spring’s first Saturday – with barely an uptick in stock levels –auction clearance rates retained their cautious winter persona.
In Sydney, the clearance rate was 54.1%, almost unchanged from the 54.8% previous weekend tally, according to Australian Property Monitors.
The Real Estate Institute of Victoria figures had a 57% clearance – up from the revised 52% in the previous weekend, the lowest clearance seen so far this year. but with results still to come from 63 properties, the final result is expected to ease slightly. There were a total of 470 auctions reported, of which 268 sold and 202 were passed in, 140 of those on a vendor’s bid.
In Ipswich Queensland investors snapped up nine apartments in Ipswich's first high-rise residential tower Aspire.
There had been 44 residential apartments and three commercial units for sale after the developer, Dore Property Corporation, was forced into receivership after only selling about half the units on Ellenborough Street, Woodend.
With 104 units plus four split-level penthouse apartments, the 15-storey building was completed in 2008. The site had been bought for $1.1 million in 2005.
There were 62 registered bidders at the Ray White Ipswich helmsman-style auction.
Estate agent Warren Ramsey secured prices between $210,000 for a one-bedroom studio and $532,500 for a three-bedroom penthouse. The buyers were mostly local.
Initial off-the-plan prices ranged between $304,000 and $1.11 million.
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The weekend’s top sell was a Sargood Street, Toorak house that fetched $4.7 million. It last traded at $2,151,000 in 2005. The 1930s, five-bedroom, four-bathroom house sold though agents RT Edgar after auction. Bidding opened at $4.2 million, according to James Buyer Advocates, and with two bidders it was passed in at $4.6 million.
 
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Melbourne had another two sales above $4 million, including a house on Nelson Road, South Melbourne at $4,215,000 and a house on Coppin Grove, Hawthorn at $4,110,000.
 
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Sydney’s top sale was $1,995,000 for a block of four two-bedroom apartments on Dudley Street, Coogee. It sold through Nelson Dueza at Century 21 Classic. The block was bought by a trio of young investors who are going to renovate the units and lease them long term.
 
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The REIV is expecting a pickup on volumes over the next three weeks in the lead up to the October 1 grand final pause. The are 670 auctions scheduled for the September 17 weekend, according to REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo.
 
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Australian Property Monitors research analyst Clinton McNabb expects about just a slight increase to 360 auction next weekend from the 350 just gone. There are about 470 auctions scheduled for the September 17 weekend.
 
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Adelaide’s highest sale, according to APM, was a three-bedroom Beulah Park house sold through LJ Hooker Kensington agent Andrew Welch and Sam Trowse, who’d been seeking $550,000 plus. It last sold for $315,000 in 2006. It was a 1900 brick cottage on 440 square metres.
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