An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

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?

<html><body>
Some economists expect a rebound in Australia's declining property markets after Labor's failed to win the election and get the chance to implement controversial changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax.
Goldman Sachs economists even forecast a "meaningful positive shock in the housing sector".
<div>
Election day predictably saw further subdued auction numbers across already quiet autumn auction markets.
But weekend clearance rates remained solid.
With the quieter winter selling hibernation now approaching fast, hopes for a market revival, likely rest on a spring bounce.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/20/May20.jpg" alt="">
It was a close call between the top sales across the two big auction capitals.
Sydney secured a $4.65 million sale in Bronte, while the top sale in Melbourne was $4.6 million in Camberwell.
The Bronte sale was a five bedroom house <a id="LPlnk203061" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/eastern-suburbs/bronte/400903" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">14 Blandford Avenue</a> (below) which sold through McGrath agent Chris Volpatti who had a $4.3 million price guide.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/5/20/Bronte1.jpg" alt="">
It was a modernised home behind its two storey art deco facade.
It had last sold at $1.78 million in 2012 before its extension.
Three of the four bidders were local families looking to upsize.
The Camberwell sale came after the property at <a id="LPlnk768860" href="https://kayburton.com.au/real-estate/house-61-prospect-hill-road-camberwell-vic-3124-1118302" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">61 Prospect Hill Road </a>(top) was passed in with just one bidder at $4.55 million.
The top bidder was assisted by the agencies' China desk, represented by Isabella Lu, an international client relationship manager.
Set on the corner of Kingsley Street, the 1886 Victorian residence sits on 1672sqm without pool.
Listed with $5 million hopes, it had last traded in 1949.
Concerned neighbours handed out a flier to the onsite auction attendees saying "local residents will strongly resist any plans to demolish the house, or any development plans that are not appropriate."
In Melbourne there was a preliminary auction clearance rate of 62.9 per cent making it the best performing auction market with 427 auctions.
There were fewer homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities, as the nation stopped amidst the Federal election hype.
Of the 917 homes that did go to auction across Australian in the past week, the preliminary national result saw a 57 percent success rate..
The week prior saw 1,218 homes auctioned across Australia with the final 54 percent auction clearance rate the highest final result since September last year, according to CoreLogic.
Comparing results from the same week last year, 2,100 homes were taken to auction returning a 56.8 per cent final clearance rate.
<div title="Page 1">
<div>
<div>
<div>
Sydney’s final clearance rate has come in at the high 50 per cent range for the last two weeks.
"The last time Sydney’s clearance rate was in the high 50’s was mid-May last year," CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
There were 270 auctions this week held in Sydney, with just under 200 on Saturday, returning a preliminary clearance rate of 60.7 per cent.
Last week, a higher 445 homes were taken to auction returning a 59 per cent final Sydney auction clearance rate.
There are more than 550 scheduled for next Saturday, and 490 currently scheduled for the first auction day of winter, according to Domain.
</div>
<div>
Looking at the smaller auction markets, Canberra came in with the strongest preliminary result with 56 per cent of homes selling at auction this week, while only 25 per cent of homes in Perth sold.
Canberra's top sale was $1.02 million when the four bedroom house at <a id="LPlnk433386" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://raywhitecanberra.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/act/cook-2614/house/2099782" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">9 Grylls Crescent, Cook</a> was sold through Ray White.
The three level home came with spacious gourmet kitchen with Corian and stainless steel bench tops and quality Miele appliances.
Canberra's cheapest was $550,000 when the three bedroom at <a href="https://www.luton.com.au/7356492/37-livingston-avenue-kambah" target="_blank">37 Livingston Avenue, Kambah</a> was sold.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
It last sold at $220,000 in 2002.
The 858 sqm holding was marketed as a RZ2 redevelopment block or first home.
Brisbane' had the cheapest sale across the nation, with <a id="LPlnk376948" href="https://pinnacle.harcourts.com.au/Property/788045/QAP34762/16-9-Houghton-Street" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">16/9 Houghton Street, Petrie</a> sold at $240,000 through Harcourts.
It was a 2017 built one bedroom apartment with 78 sqm space.
It had been on and off the market since 2017 when it was listed at $285,000 and a $275 a week rental.
</div>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Subdued election weekend auction offerings see Bronte and Camberwell vie for top spot

<html><body>
The first residents have moved into the riverfront Yungaba House estate, the repurposing of a heritage building at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.
Built just two decades after Queensland became a separate colony to New South Wales, the 130 year old building recently underwent its residential conversion by Frasers Property. 
With its 3,000 square metre private heritage gardens, the building has been reconfigured to have 10 house-sized residences.
The home’s combine history and luxury with original woodwork, high ceilings, chandeliers, large wooden doors, modern kitchen and bathrooms, and high-tech security.
The grounds feature a 25 metre infinity lap pool, a gym and a covered barbecue entertaining area with private access to the river.
The Residences were priced from $1,795,000 to $4.25 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/5/16/L1005950%20copy.jpeg">
A young family from neighbouring suburb Bulimba has paid $3.6 million for Residence Five, one of the flagship homes of The Residences, following the highly-anticipated project’s official launch last month.
Spanning four levels, the three-bedroom home can be considered one of The Residence’s ‘penthouses’, incorporating its own turret with stunning CBD and Story Bridge views and an expansive basement level.
Residence five was the second most expensive offering, surpassed only by residence six, which was priced at $4.25 million at the east-facing riverfront site only 800 metres to the CBD.
The sales were off the plan two years ago, with two residences up for sale.
Place Kangaroo Point agent Simon Caulfield is asking for offers in the high $2 millions for Residence 10.
Spanning 425 square metres, the home features painted exposed brickwork walls, raked timber ceilings, solid hardwood timber flooring and a galley style kitchen.
Each of the four ensuited bedrooms opens to covered decks. The main living space flows to a wraparound balcony with views of the Brisbane River underneath the Storey Bridge. 
Residence 1 has been put up for lease by the owners, a couple who are involved in architecture and interior design.
After committing to a long-term project in New South Wales, the couple who split their time between Sydney and Brisbane, have sought a $2,250 a week tenant. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/5/16/YungabaHouse%20QLD%20copy.jpeg">
North South Real Estate Brisbane leasing agent Tom Kralikas said the enquiry had been varied.
"Interest has been quite varied, with several local enquiries from downsizers looking to sell their current larger residences and move in to an exclusive, heritage listed property," Kralikas said.
"Additionally, I am working with several interstate business people who are relocating to Brisbane and are specifically looking for something unique."
Kralikas says there are very few comparable buildings to Yungaba House and the design of the property is truly stunning, with the modern touches complementing the heritage structure extremely well. 
The building on its construction in 1887 by colonial architect John James Clark was known then as Yungaba Immigration.
On arrival on the river, immigrants were ferried to Yungaba by way of smaller tugs where they were then accommodated before settling elsewhere.
During the late 1800’s Yungaba House was used to house and accommodate bush children.
<div>In 1901 Yungaba House was temporarily for Australian troops returning from the Boer War in South Africa.</div>
It was added to Queensland's Heritage Register in 1992.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
</body></html>

First residents move into repurposed historic Yungaba House at Kangaroo Point 

<html><body>
Laila in Carnegie, Steller’s latest apartment development has incorporated a new ‘flexible space’ product into it's one bedroom apartments.
Located at 7 – 11 Belsize Avenue, all Laila one-bedroom apartments now include a flexible space component which allows purchasers to choose between incorporating a butlers pantry, study or nursery into the floor plan.
With the addition of this space, one-bedrooms are now 54 to 70 square metres.
According to James Cirelli, Steller’s Project Sales &amp; Marketing Director, this product offers an affordable way for purchasers to add value to their homes while adapting to their own individual requirements.
“Design expectations for off-the-plan developments continue to rise as buyers become savvier about their home and how it needs to function. This flexible space component opens up a world of possibilities for our Laila first home buyers, downsizers and expecting families,” said Cirelli.
With 35 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across four levels, Laila has been designed by architects Ewert Leaf.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/Steller%202.jpg" alt="">
Alongside its expansive one-bedroom apartments, two-bedrooms range from 69 to 100 square metres and three-bedrooms from 125 to 138 square metres.
Cirelli said that Laila caters to the evolving needs of the modern buyer, who want to be close to cafés, shops and recreational facilities.
“Steller’s approach to development is community-centric and we recognise that buyers are now considering a multitude of factors in their purchase, including aesthetics, interior design, location, amenities and community,” he added
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/Steller%203.jpg" alt="">
“The flexibility of Laila’s location allows for unrivalled access to coveted school catchment zones. Iconic Caufield Racecourse is just 10 minutes away and offers a range of family- friendly and sporting events throughout the year.”
“Close proximity to nearby Koornang Park and Lord Reserve is an added bonus for Laila residents who can enjoy a weekend stroll or spontaneous family picnic,” he said.
The Laila display suite is now open and prices start from $550,000.
Steller’s flexible space component has also been incorporated into its recently launched Maude Residences at 7-11 Maude Street, Cheltenham and Sora at 13-15 Hamilton Street, Bentleigh.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Laila in Carnegie development adds 'flexible spaces' to its one bedroom units

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
On housing, the contrast between the two major parties couldn’t be clearer.
The Coalition is still pretending that you can help first homebuyers without hurting anyone. Labor isn’t.
This matters, because Australian governments have been <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/901-Housing-affordability.pdf" target="_blank">pretending</a> for decades that there are easy and costless ways to make housing more affordable. And over that time the problems have become worse.
The Coalition’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme is the <a href="https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2019/05/12/helping-australians-buy-their-first-home" target="_blank">latest plan</a> that is supposed to arrest the decline in home ownership among younger Australians.
The Coalition’s First Home Deposit Scheme
Housing costs are a big problem for young people. Home ownership is <a href="https://theconversation.com/three-charts-on-poorer-australians-bearing-the-brunt-of-rising-housing-costs-87003" target="_blank">falling fast</a> in Australia, especially among the young and poor. Fewer than half of 25-34 year olds own their home today. Home ownership among the poorest 20% of that age group has fallen from 63% in 1981 to 23% today. At this rate <a href="https://theconversation.com/retiree-home-ownership-is-about-to-plummet-soon-little-more-than-half-will-own-where-they-live-115255" target="_blank">almost half of retirees</a> will be renters in 40 years time.
Saving a deposit is the <a href="https://insidestory.org.au/why-should-we-care-about-housing-affordability/" target="_blank">biggest hurdle</a>. In the early 1990s it took six years to save a 20% deposit on the average home. Today it takes 10 years. That’s bad news for younger Australians without access to the “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/house-prices-even-the-head-of-the-treasury-is-becoming-a-mum-and-dad-bank-20161019-gs5ii5" target="_blank">Bank of Mum and Dad</a>”.
The Coalition’s new plan seeks to arrest the decline by lending would-be buyers up to 15% of the purchase price, provided they’ve saved at least 5% for themselves.
It would also mean that single first home buyers on less than $125,000 a year, or couples earning less than $200,000, could <a href="https://www.yourmortgage.com.au/calculators/mortgage_insurance/" target="_blank">save</a> $10,000 or more by not having to pay the <a href="https://www.anz.com.au/personal/home-loans/first-home-buyer/guide/key-things-you-need-to-know-about-lenders-mortgage-insurance/"></a><a href="https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/home-loans/fees" target="_blank">lenders mortgage insurance</a> that is normally required when a purchaser has a deposit of less than 20%. There would be a cap on the value of homes purchased through the scheme, still unannounced, which would vary by region.
The Coalition is budgeting just $500 million for the guarantees. Labor was quick to <a href="https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-quick-on-the-draw-labor-matches-morrisons-first-home-owners-scheme-116969" target="_blank">match</a> the scheme, partly because it doesn’t cost very much (unless there are unexpected losses).
Most likely, the scheme won’t have much impact.
It would increase home ownership, but only a little. It might also push up prices – but by even less. Some people saving for their first home might buy earlier. Others just priced out of the market at the moment could afford to pay a little more for a house given that they would not have to pay lenders mortgage insurance.
Most of those taking up the scheme would probably have bought anyway. Those with access to the Bank of Mum and Dad already have already been able to use such a scheme. And the income thresholds are set too high, cutting off only the top 10-15% of income earners. The New Zealand <a href="https://www.govt.nz/browse/housing-and-property/buying-or-selling-a-home/buying-your-first-home/" target="_blank">scheme</a>, upon which the Coalition’s plan is based, cuts out at incomes of only $85,000 for singles or $130,000 for couples.
The biggest barrier for many first home owners isn’t the deposit. Their problem is <a href="https://www.afr.com/opinion/when-responsible-lending-becomes-a-credit-slowdown-20190130-h1ant1" target="_blank">qualifying</a> for a mortgage when banks assess their ability to repay the loan assuming an interest rate of 7%, much higher than the typical 4%.
The Coalition has capped uptake at 10,000 loans every year, or about one in every ten loans (based on loans last year to first homebuyers). Even if none of them would have bought a home without the scheme (most unlikely), home ownership would be only 1% higher in a decade’s time.
But a bigger scheme might well be worse. If it “succeeded” in rapidly expanding demand from first home buyers, it would push up prices for everyone, not least all the other first home buyers trying to get into the market. Instead of being ineffective, it’d become counterproductive.
And the bigger the scheme, the greater the risks of <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/home-loan-scheme-could-increase-negative-equity-risk-economists-say-20190512-p51mke" target="_blank">dodgy lending</a>, which could leave the government on the hook if buyers default.
The underlying problem with the Coalition’s latest plan – like the First Home Super Saver Scheme it introduced in 2017, or the Howard and Rudd Government’s first homeowners grants – is that it tries to fix the housing affordability problem by adding to demand for housing.
Because it costs the budget less, the new scheme is less bad than its predecessors. But it shares their critical flaw: it pretends we can make housing more affordable without hurting anyone.
Its political virtue might be that it sends a signal to first home buyers that government is on their side.
Yet the Coalition <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/experts-warn-of-glaring-issues-with-new-first-home-buyers-scheme/news-story/79b2fb2992b074104a6defc43730659a" target="_blank">won’t pursue</a> the one thing happen that would actually help home buyers the most: letting housing prices fall.
Labor’s negative gearing plan
Labor’s plan to abolish negative gearing on existing homes and halve the capital gains tax discount creates losers.
Labor would prevent new investors in existing homes from writing off the losses from their property investments <a href="https://alp.org.au/policies/reforming-negative-gearing-and-capital-gains-tax-arrangements/" target="_blank">against the tax they pay on their wages</a>. And investors would pay tax on 75% of their gains, up from 50% now.
Its plan takes away tax breaks worth $1 billion to $2 billion a year in the short term, and <a href="https://www.alp.org.au/media/1878/2019_labor_fiscal_plan.pdf" target="_blank">more</a> in the long term.
Existing homeowners would lose a little: The Grattan Institute <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/901-Housing-affordability.pdf" target="_blank">estimates</a> that house prices would be 1% to 2% lower under the Labor plan. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-08/govt-negative-gearing-claims-contradicted-by-official-advice-foi/9309736" target="_blank">Commonwealth treasury</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/confirmation-from-nsw-treasury-labors-negative-gearing-policy-would-barely-move-house-prices-116736" target="_blank">NSW treasury</a> have reached similar conclusions.
Prospective investors who had planned to buy and negatively gear an existing house would miss out on a lot. Some might buy anyway, others wouldn’t. Despite the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-16/fact-check-negative-gearing-under-80000/10387552" target="_blank">noise</a>, the bulk of these people would be among the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/negative-gearing-changes-will-affect-us-all-mostly-for-the-better-20190208-p50wjn" target="_blank">top 10%</a> of income earners.
By reducing investor demand for existing houses, Labor’s policy could provide a genuine boost to “genuine” home ownership, by owner occupiers. Fewer investors would mean more first home buyers winning at auctions.
Recent <a href="https://insidestory.org.au/what-comes-after-the-housing-boom/">restrictions</a> on lending to investors imposed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority have already resulted in an <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/5601.0Feb%202019?OpenDocument" target="_blank">increase</a> in the share of lending to first homebuyers. Labor’s policies would accelerate it.
The bottom line on housing? Changing rules on negative gearing and capital gains tax is more likely to increase home ownership than guaranteeing part of the deposit.
But no policy proposed in this Commonwealth election affects the really big lever for home ownership: <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-make-housing-more-affordable-this-is-what-state-governments-need-to-do-105050" target="_blank">increasing housing supply</a>.
Brendan Coates, Fellow, Grattan Institute
John Daley, Chief Executive Officer, Grattan Institute
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-brutal-truth-on-housing-someone-has-to-lose-in-order-for-first-homebuyers-to-win-117010" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

The brutal truth on housing: Someone has to lose in order for first home buyers to win

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
The Coalition has put forward a scheme to help first home buyers get into homes, under which the government will <a href="https://www.liberal.org.au/our-plan-support-first-home-buyers" target="_blank">underwrite a loan of 15% of the value of the home</a>, to be treated as part of their deposit, taking a deposit of 5% up to 20%. Labor adopted it within hours of the announcement on Sunday, meaning that in one form or another it seems likely to become part of housing policy.
Home ownership benefits from significant tax advantages, which are at their strongest when owners have built up their equity. Partly for that reason, it has always been a major pillar of savings for Australians. But the benefits tend to be priced into the cost of housing, which helps explain why it is so expensive. Yes, it is not only those pesky investors.
Home prices are high because of tax breaks…
Blaming investors for this situation can be politically acceptable, but blaming homeowners more broadly or even hinting that tax advantages are to blame is political poison.
Blaming an insufficient supply of new houses is also unacceptable as it can be portrayed as a cop out, even though it is probably the biggest factor explaining the high cost of housing in Australian cities and cities in other countries and states such as Canada and California. In any event it is seen as a “states issue”.
This means the first point to make is that efforts to assist first home buyers are second-best options. Given that we are not tackling the problems we’ve got, whatever things we do do won’t be perfect.
…and an insufficient supply of homes
The latest proposal isn’t the first or only measure directed at first home buyers. The first home buyers grant introduced in 2000 as part of the goods and services tax package was similar but, at <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/BudgetReview200910/Housing" target="_blank">A$7,000</a>, on a smaller scale. State government concessions on conveyancing tax have also helped.
These measures have been criticised as simply putting upward pressure on prices, and as a result not benefitting first home buyers. This criticism is not correct. They benefit first home buyers by much more than they push up prices. They would only harm first home buyers if all buyers got the concession and it didn’t result in extra houses being built.
Neither is the case.
It is possible to help first home buyers…
In recent years we have seen a substantial supply response which should have put to rest notions that the market does not respond to shifts in demand. And first homes don’t make up that much of the market; <a href="https://to.ly/1yXXK" target="_blank">less than 20% of buyers overall</a>, although more in some sectors.
Measures to help first home buyers do have an upward impact on prices, but nothing like to the extent that they help first home buyers.
They hurt people swapping homes. They have to pay marginally more, as do investors, meaning renters have to pay more.
The major concern with the proposal is the risk that buyers might enter the market and then get into trouble.
…but they’ll need to be careful
One of the big problems in the US in the lead-up to the global financial crisis (GFC) were policies designed to get low-income households into the market.
When the GFC hit, they were the biggest losers. So policymakers will need to be very wary in designing the policy.
First home buyers will win, but they will need to be cautious.
Housing is not risk free. House prices can fall as well as rise, as recent history has confirmed only too well.
Nigel Stapledon, Research Fellow in Real Estate, Centre for Applied Economic Research, UNSW
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/that-election-promise-it-will-help-first-home-buyers-but-they-better-be-cautious-116993" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

The Coalition's election promise will help first home buyers, but they better be cautious

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
Across the combined capital cities, there is currently 5.3 months of housing supply available for sale.
If no more properties were advertised for sale it would take 5.3 months for current advertised supply to be purchased.
For this time of year, this is the highest months of supply figure any time since 2012.
To put the figure into context, at the same time last year there was a much lower 3.9 months of supply.
The lift in months of supply is a function of a lift in the amount of stock available for sale and the ongoing fall in transaction volumes.
The months of supply metric measures the volume of stock advertised for sale against the run rate of settled sales.
The result, expressed in months, provides an indication about how long it would take the market to absorb all the residential properties that are advertised for sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%201.JPG" alt="">
Currently, there is 4.1 months of housing stock available for sale in Sydney.
Although this still may seem like quite a low supply of stock for sale, in comparison to the previous seven years, the months of supply figure is now the highest it has been at this time of year any time over that period.
Months of supply is elevated due to much lower transaction volumes and an elevated volume of stock for sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%202.JPG" alt="">
In Melbourne there is currently 5.9 months of housing supply for sale.
Although that figure has reduced slightly over recent weeks, it is still currently higher than over the same period during any of the previous seven years.
Much like Sydney, a much slower rate of sale and much higher stock for sale has led to the heightened supply.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%203.JPG" alt="">
There is currently 5.9 months of housing supply for sale in Brisbane, which is the highest for this time of year since 2012.
The elevated volume of stock for sale coupled with falling transaction volumes are the factors driving the heightened supply.
Although stock is elevated relative to recent years it has been fairly steady at 5.9 months over recent weeks
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%204.JPG" alt="">
Months of supply in Adelaide is trending higher, transaction volumes are steady if not slightly higher than a year ago however, the volumes of stock for sale is much higher.
There is currently 3.8 months of supply on the market and although that figure is lower than most other capital cities it is slightly higher than at the same time last year (3.7 months).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%205.JPG" alt="">
The ongoing weak housing conditions in Perth whereby values and transaction volumes continue to fall and stock for sale mounts has led to further increases in months of supply.
At 7.7 months of supply, supply is the highest it has been at this time of year, any year since 2012.
7.7 months of supply is also one of the highest amongst all capital cities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%206.JPG" alt="">
A major contributor to the surge in dwelling values in Hobart over recent years has been the lack of stock for sale.
More recently, the volume of stock for sale has risen however, it remains quite low reflected by the fact there is just 2.8 months of supply on the market currently.
Although that figure is low, it is higher than at the same time last year (2.0 months) and 2017 (2.7 months) but it remains much lower than previous years.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%207.JPG" alt="">
The months of supply for sale in Darwin is higher than any other capital city at 9.0 months.
Darwin has a high supply of stock for sale and low rate of sale resulting in the high months of supply.
Despite the high figure, it is actually lower than it was at the same time of year for each of the past three years.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%208.JPG" alt=""> 
Canberra currently has 3.6 months of housing supply advertised for sale.
Although that is a comparatively low figure, months of supply in Canberra hasn’t been as high as it is currently since 2013.
Like most other capital cities, months of supply is elevated due to a heightened volume of stock for sale with sales actually higher than they were 12 months ago.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/MoS%209.JPG" alt="">
The months of supply figure highlights why the housing market is generally falling.
Credit conditions are tight which means fewer buyers and generally leads to a slower rate of sales.
Although vendors have responded by bringing fewer new properties to the market, total stock for sale remains elevated leading to a heightened months of supply figure.
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/taxonomy/corelogic-people/cameron-kusher" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Australian housing supply reaches seven year high: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
The Melbourne suburb of Brighton is host to the highest volume of auctions this weekend, with eight homes set to go under the hammer, according to CoreLogic.
Tied with Brighton are Bentleigh East and Malvern East, also in Melbourne, with an equal number of auctions scheduled, 8 each.
Overall numbers are down given the clash with the Federal election.
This week, the number of auctions scheduled to take place across the combined capital cities is expected to fall, with 868 currently being tracked by CoreLogic, down from the 1,218 auctions held last week at final results.
Over the same week, last year a much higher 2,100 auctions took place across the capital cities.
Both Melbourne and Sydney are expected to see a decrease in activity this week, with 398 homes scheduled for auction across Melbourne, while Sydney is set to host 259 auctions, decreasing on the 546 and 445 auctions held last week respectively.
The smaller auction markets will also see a lower volume of homes auctioned week on week with the exception of Perth where more auctions are scheduled and Tasmania where there is no change.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/Upcoming%20auctions%20May%2018.JPG" alt="">
The busy auction weekend in Brighton sees <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-131021202" target="_blank">34 Rusden Street</a> (pictured in title) offered.
The property going under the hammer is a three bedroom two bathroom house.
It comes with an indicative price guide of $1,650,000 - $1,750,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/Brighton%20Upcoming%20Auction%202.JPG" alt="">
Another example of the breadth of auctions taking place in Brighton is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-brighton-131009934" target="_blank">1/31 New Street</a> (pictured above).
The property going under the hammer is a three bedroom one bathroom townhouse.
It comes with an indicative price guide of $900,000 - $990,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/16/Brighton%20Upcoming%20Auction%203.JPG" alt="">
A third property going to auction in Brighton this week is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-131041874" target="_blank">145 Male Street</a> (pictured above).
The property going under the hammer is a three bedroom two bathroom house. 
It comes with an indicative price guide of $2,475,000 - $2,700,000.
</body></html>

Brighton tied as busiest election weekend auction hotspot

<html><body>
There were 2300 first home buyers (FHBs) in March across NSW.
The average NSW FHB spends about $465,000 on their purchase, based on the commonly expected 20% deposit and ABS data showing a typical $387,000 NSW mortgage.
There is a lower $359,000 average mortgage in Victoria and $300,000 in Queensland.
The typical Australian first home buyer $342,000 mortgage is around 25% lower than the $462,000 non-first time owner occupier buyer's mortgage.
The ABS data also highlights the price gap between capital cities and the regions.
Sydney established detached house prices sit at around a $900,000 median, with houses in the rest of the state coming in at $466,000.
It is $700,000 for Sydney attached dwellings (terraces, semi and units) with the rest of NSW having a $405,000 median attached dwelling purchase price.
The gap is narrow in Queensland with established detached houses costing $530,000 in Brisbane against $430,000 in the rest of Queensland.
In Victoria, established Melbourne homes cost $705,000 slightly more than double the $350,000 in the rest of the state.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison's proposed deposit guarantee scheme will seek to pioneer a differential recognition of prices across the nation in deciding what priced homes will qualify.
It will have an as yet to be determined different cap on home purchases eligible for the scheme which will underwrite the topping up of buyers with just a 5% deposit who find lenders prepared to lend to them.
The current grants fully fund purchases up to $650,000, petering out on an $800,000 purchase.
The new scheme is likely to attract buyers to think about hiding to the regions and also into apartments in the city.
Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson noted the average apartment in Sydney is likely going to be $400,000 cheaper than the average house.
"So many younger people, including families will see the benefits of a new type of living where they share large gardens, share swimming pools that they don’t have to maintain and often have child care centres next door.”
During March, first home buyers enjoyed the largest share in the Northern Territory, with 42% of owner occupier housing loans.
This was followed by Western Australia (36%), Victoria (30%) and Queensland (27%). 
FHB participation was lowest in Tasmania (20%), followed by South Australia (21%), the ACT (22%) and New South Wales (24%).
With more than 500 first home buyers over the past year, the 2170 Liverpool postcode retains its status as NSW's biggest beneficiary of government grants.
Over 11,000 Liverpool buyers have secured grants to get themselves onto the property ladder since the FHOG's commencement in 2000, introduced in the wake of the goods and services tax.
The outer ring south western buyers have secured $11.7 million in grants and concessions over the past year, and $213 million in the past 19 years.
The median Liverpool house price currently sits at $740,000, with its median unit price $440,000.
Westmead and Campbelltown follow as next busiest FHB hotspots.
</body></html>

How will the price difference between capital cities and regions impact the new FHB policy?

<html><body>
The mortgagee in possession of a home in Paralowie, in the north of Adelaide, has secured $209,000.
The 1990s built home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-paralowie-130551434" target="_blank">42 Magdalena Crescent</a> last traded for $177,500.
It sold for its asking price after 51 days on the market.
Set on 570 sqm, it has two bedrooms, one bathroom and an open plan family and dining area.
The dining space opens to a rear verandah and the yard on 570 sqm.
Paralowie has a <a href="/developments/paralowie-sa-5108">median house price</a> of $302,000, according to CoreLogic.
</body></html>

Paralowie mortgagee secures $209,000

<html><body>
Discounting is measured by comparing the original list price of a property to its ultimate selling price. At CoreLogic, auction sales are excluded from the calculation of the discounting measure. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20National.PNG">
Nationally, over the three months to April 2019, 75.6% of properties sold for less than their original list price. Typically the majority of dwellings sold sell for less than their original list price. The 75.6% of properties selling at a discount was above the decade average of 69.3% of properties. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Capital%20Cities.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Capital Cities.PNG">
It is a little bit of a different story across the combined capital cities. Although the combined capital cities are recording larger declines than the national index, a lower 72.9% of properties sold over the past three months did so for less than the original list price. While this is a much higher share than the decade average (62.3%) it is interesting to note that despite the weak conditions there are still more than a quarter of properties selling for more than the original list price. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Sydney.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Sydney.PNG">
Across Sydney, 78.1% of all property sales were at a price below the original list price over the past three months. During the boom in Sydney housing (2013-15) a majority of properties were actually selling for more than their list price. That phenomenon has changed substantially since dwelling values began to fall over recent years. The decade average shows that 59.4% of properties sold at a discount to the original list price. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Melbourne.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Melbourne.PNG">
Over the past decade, an average of 49.2% of Melbourne properties have sold at a discount to the original list price. This highlights the strength of the Melbourne housing market over recent years with sales at a discount much less prevalent than elsewhere. The recent weakness in the Melbourne market has seen this trend shift with 76.3% of sales over the past three months at a discount to the original list price. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Brisbane.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Brisbane.PNG">
Over the 14 year period, Brisbane has never seen a greater share of properties selling above than below the original list price. Over the past decade, an average of 71.4% of properties sold at a discount from the original list price compared to 67.2% over the past three months. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Adelaide.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Adelaide.PNG">
For most of the past 14 years a majority of Adelaide properties have sold at a discount however, in 2007 when dwelling values were booming the share of properties selling at a discount was as low as 29.9%. Currently, 75.4% of properties are selling at a discount which is above the long-term average which is recorded at 68.2%. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Perth.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Perth.PNG">
The ongoing weak housing market conditions in Perth has seen an average of 73.6% of properties sold over the past decade selling at a discount. You have to go all the way to 2006-07 when Perth’s housing market was booming to see a majority of properties not selling at a discount. Over the past three months, 74.1% of properties sold at a discount. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Hobart.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Hobart.PNG">
The recent strength of the Hobart housing market has seen a significant reduction in the share of properties selling at a discount however, over recent months the share has started to rise again. Over the past three months, 32.5% of properties sold at a discount, compared to the decade average of 55.2%.
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Darwin.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Darwin.PNG">
The ongoing weak housing market conditions in Darwin has seen a large share of properties selling for less than their original list price. On average over the past decade, 84.9% of properties sold at a discount with the figure slightly higher over the past three months at 85.4%. 
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dwellings%20selling%20below%20list%20price%20-%20Canberra.PNG" alt="Dwellings selling below list price - Canberra.PNG">
Over the past decade an average of 54.1% of properties sold transacted at a price below the original list price. Although the share of sales at a discount has increased in Canberra over recent months, a majority (45.8%) sold for less than the original list price. 
As dwelling value growth accelerates, vendors can find it difficult to price properties, in-turn strong housing conditions typically result in fewer sales at a discount. With the national housing market continuing to see value declines it is expected that over the coming period relatively few properties will be selling at a price above the original list price. 
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic.
</body></html>

Latest Buying Insights

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Buying Insights

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News