Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

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Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

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Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

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While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

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The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

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Joel Robinson

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

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Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

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A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

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The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

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The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370648]

Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

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The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

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The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

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Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Rooftop pool, private dining and skyline gardens to crown West Village's final apartment release, Callista on Park

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a>’s enduring appeal has long been tied to its balance of bushland, established amenity, and access to some of Sydney’s most respected education and healthcare institutions.

Along Fox Valley Road, that combination is becoming increasingly sought after by buyers looking to remain connected to the Upper North Shore lifestyle while prioritising walkability, wellbeing, and convenience.

Developer Capital Corporation's initial vision of a 62-hectare site on Fox Valley Road was that they could create their own walkable community, bordered by&nbsp;more than 25 hectares of bushland and adjoining Coups Creek.

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b84917a1-0d75-49b9-888c-ddf7ebfd6692" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/NEW2026_Wahroonga_Walkway.gif?VersionId=Gk3_xi5ssYfalmwuQQ5umQakddceC31j" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> draws directly on the area’s natural landscape, with walking trails and green corridors linking into sections of Lane Cove National Park. The surrounding network of bushwalks, cycling tracks, and reserves reinforces the suburb’s long-standing reputation as one of Sydney’s most nature-oriented residential pockets, while still maintaining close ties to village retail and transport infrastructure.

The address places residents within minutes of Wahroonga and Turramurra villages, where cafés, local grocers, boutiques, and everyday services support a highly localised lifestyle. Popular nearby venues including The Fox Café and Breeze Valley Café provide easy options for morning coffee or casual dining, while longstanding retailers such as IGA Wahroonga Fresh and Novella Fine Books continue to anchor the area’s village character.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4a950f7-4f05-4370-b360-b106359788e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2026_Wahroonga_Entry_Gates.gif?VersionId=7n5kh9ymu.azYEYDemJkPgiIAfSw44oj" />

Healthcare access remains one of the defining locational advantages of the estate. Sydney Adventist Hospital, known locally as The San, sits directly adjacent and is one of the largest and most respected private hospitals in New South Wales. The hospital precinct incorporates specialist medical services, radiology, physiotherapy, and outpatient care, contributing to growing buyer demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking long-term convenience and peace of mind.

Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that health and wellbeing considerations are increasingly influencing downsizing decisions, particularly among buyers wanting to remain within familiar neighbourhoods while accessing medical infrastructure more easily.

Education has also historically underpinned demand across Wahroonga and the broader Upper North Shore. The estate sits close to several of Sydney’s leading private and independent schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Pymble Ladies’ College, Ravenswood School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst. Co-educational options including Wahroonga Adventist School and Sydney Adventist School further strengthen the area’s appeal to established families looking for long-term schooling pathways within a tightly held catchment.

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Transport connectivity supports the suburb’s liveability without compromising its quieter residential character. Wahroonga and Turramurra train stations provide direct rail access into the Sydney CBD, while the nearby Pacific Highway and M1 motorway strengthen links across the North Shore and broader metropolitan area. At the same time, the heavily treed streetscape and low-density character continue to distinguish the precinct from more urbanised parts of Sydney.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate forms the first stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>’s broader masterplanned vision for the precinct, delivered alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=364995]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, the development integrates landscaped communal spaces including a pet-friendly Green Spine, resident lounge, BBQ pavilion, and direct bushland access, reinforcing the project’s focus on outdoor connection and community-based living.

Now under construction by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate will deliver a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments priced from $990,000, with completion anticipated in 2027.

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Capital Corporation to cater to Upper North Shore downsizers by creating walkable community at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

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.

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<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?

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

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released building approvals data for April 2018. Looking specifically at dwelling approvals, there were 18,701 houses and units approved for construction in April 2018.
The number of approvals is remarkably resilient considering that dwelling values are falling and there has been a significant volume of new housing approved over recent years.
In fact, building activity data for the December 2017 quarter showed there was a record high 46,359 dwellings approved for construction that had not yet commenced.
Since December 2017 a further, 77,634 dwellings have been approved for construction, it will be interesting to see just how many actually are built in the short-term given the backlog which already exists awaiting commencement.
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In April 2018, the 18,701 dwelling approvals were split between 10,618 approvals for houses and 8,083 approvals for units. The 18,701 approvals was the lowest monthly number of approvals since December 2017 however, house approvals were 0.7% higher over the month while unit approvals were -11.6% lower.
The 10,618 house approvals was actually the greatest monthly number of approvals since April 2015 while the 8,083 unit approvals was the fewest since December 2017. House approvals in April 2018 were just -2.2% lower than their recent cyclical peak while unit approvals were -31.9% lower than their peak.
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Taking a closer look at units the data shows that approvals for high rise and townhouses fell over the month while low-rise unit approvals increased moderately. The chart also highlights the magnitude of the surge in high-rise approvals over recent years.
Historically the number of high-rise units and townhouse approvals has been fairly similar however, over recent years high-rise units have well and truly dominated the landscape.
With high rise unit projects becoming harder to make stack-up and presales more difficult as values fall, it’s expected that going forward there will be fewer high-rise approvals and potentially an uplift in medium density approvals such as low- rise units and townhouses.
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The above chart shows a six month trend of the monthly house approvals data across each capital city. The charts show a clear declining trend in house approvals across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. At the same time, approvals have remained steady over recent months in Melbourne and Darwin and have started to lift in both Hobart and Canberra.
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On average over the past six months there have been far more units approved for construction in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and far more units approved in each of the other capital cities.
Although unit approvals have eased back of late, they remain close to historic highs in Melbourne and remain well above long-term average levels in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra.
After years of booming unit approvals and a more moderate lift in house approvals, the recent falls in unit approvals comes at a time in which house approvals are climbing. As the data has shown, the recent declines in unit approvals are being led by high-rise units approvals which have surged to record levels over recent years.
Difficulty with getting finance and the necessary presales to proceed with large scale projects is likely to mean that moving forward houses and lower-density unit projects are likely to be the preferred options for developers.
That’s not to say that high-rise projects still won’t occur but they aren’t expected to be occurring at the magnitude seen over recent years.
Of course just because a dwelling is approved for construction doesn’t mean it will get built immediately.
The building activity data for the end of 2017 showed a record high volume of dwellings approved for construction but not commenced. If anything we would anticipate the number of dwellings in this category to increase further over the coming quarters, especially given the ongoing weakening of the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Building approvals remain resilient in face of falling dwelling values: Cameron Kusher

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Australian dwelling values slipped 0.1% lower in May, taking the annual change (-0.4%) into negative territory for the first time since October 2012, according to CoreLogic.
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In a sign the housing market downturn is becoming more entrenched, May marked the eighth consecutive month-on-month fall since the national market peaked in September last year, taking the cumulative fall in dwelling values to 1.1% through to the end of May 2018. 
Similar to the current softening in housing market conditions, the previous downturn, which ran briefly from late 2015 to early 2016, was also driven by tighter credit conditions. 
It lasted for only five months nationally, with national dwelling values falling by 97 basis points before surging higher again on the back of two 25 basis point cuts to the cash rate which led to a rebound in housing credit growth.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/1/index.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said Sydney and Melbourne performance has a big effect on the nation's figures.
“The negative headline growth rate is a symptom of weakening housing conditions across the capital cities, led by Melbourne and Sydney where previously, capital gains were nation-leading," Lawless said.
"Sydney and Melbourne comprise approximately 60% of Australia’s housing market by value, and 40% by number, so the performance of these two cities has a larger effect on the headline market performance.”
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/1/annual.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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Melbourne has taken over from Sydney as the weakest performing housing market over the past three months Drilling down across the individual capitals shows Melbourne has taken over from Sydney as the weakest housing market, recording a 0.5% fall in values over the month to be 1.2% lower over the three months ending May. 
This is the largest decline in Melbourne dwelling values over a three month period since February 2012. Melbourne’s housing market was previously looking more resilient to value falls relative to Sydney. Recently however, auction clearance rates have been deteriorating, inventory levels are rising and transaction activity is tracking 12.9% lower than one year ago. 
Dwelling values slipped lower over the month across five of Australia’s eight capital cities. Apart from Melbourne, dwelling values recorded a month-on-month fall in Sydney (- 0.2%), Perth (-0.1%), Darwin (-0.2%) and Canberra (-0.1%), however, Sydney was the only capital city other than Melbourne to record a decline in dwelling values over the past three months, with a 0.9% fall. 
Hobart’s impressive run of capital gains continued and is showing little signs of slowing down with dwelling values jumping 0.8% over the month to be 3.7% higher over the rolling quarter and 12.7% higher year-on-year.
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Perth and Darwin showing signs of levelling. In Perth and Darwin where dwelling values have been trending lower since 2014, both cities recorded a subtle fall in values over the month, however, in a further sign that conditions are levelling out, dwelling values were up over the past three months across both cities. The annual rate of decline across Perth, at -1.2%, was the smallest annual fall in two years. 
The more expensive end of the housing market was the primary driver for weaker conditions. Nationally, the only value-based segment of the housing market to record an annual decline has been the most expensive quarter of the market where values were down 1.3% over the past twelve months. Simultaneously, the most affordable quarter of the market saw values rise by 1.0% and the broad middle of the market recorded a 2.3% rise in dwelling values over the year. 
At a national level, the weakness across the most expensive properties is heavily influenced by the Sydney and Melbourne markets where dwelling values are higher than other cities. 
In Sydney, the most expensive quarter of the market has seen dwelling values fall by 7.1% since peaking compared with a 1.4% fall across the least expensive quarter of the market and a 3.3% decline across the broad ‘middle’ of the market. Similarly, in Melbourne, the most expensive quarter of the market is down 3.3% since peaking, while the broader middle market saw dwelling values fall by 0.8%. The most affordable quarter of properties did not decline at all, remaining at record high values. The resilience across the most affordable quarter of the market in Sydney and Melbourne is likely attributable to the higher proportion of first home buyers, which, since the middle of 2017, appear to be propping up demand across the lower price points.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney property prices down 4.2 percent in first annual national decline since 2012: CoreLogic

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The busiest suburb for auctions this weekend is Reservoir in Victoria, with 20 homes set to go under the hammer, followed with 17 auctions scheduled in Port Macquarie in NSW and Bentleigh East in Victoria.
CoreLogic is tracking 2,121 capital city auctions this week, down slightly on last week’s 2,297 auctions held, with weekly volumes remaining relatively steady over past month while the weighted average clearance rate has continued to weaken. Over the same period one year ago, there was a considerably higher 2,578 auctions held.
As usual, Melbourne and Sydney are the two busiest capital city auction markets this week, with 990 and 791 homes scheduled to go to auction; down from last week’s final result which saw 1,132and 814 auctions held across the cities respectively.
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Auction activity is expected to be lower week-on week across Brisbane, Perth and Tasmania, while Adelaide and Canberra are expected to be the only capital cities this week to see a rise in volumes.
A Reservoir two bedroom unit priced at $550,000 - $600,000 has been scheduled for auction on June 2 (pictured below).
It is offered by Andrew Montalto and Lillian Akkari from Hockingstuart.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-reservoir-128288882" target="_blank">Situated at 1/116 Boldewood Parade, Resevoir,</a> the unit comes with two bedrooms,  living area adjoined by a dining space and a kitchen, and secure single garage. 
It is close to Broadway shops, public transport, the recreation facilities of Gibson Reserve and bike paths by Darebin Creek.
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Another scheduled auction on Saturday is a Port Macquarie four bedroom house with a price guide of $660,000 to $710,000 (pictured below).
It is listed by Jenny Magill from Percival Property. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-128208890" target="_blank">Located at 12 Cathie Rd,</a> the house on a 1270 sqm elevated lot features four bedrooms,  spacious dining/lounge room, enclosed patio and game room.
It is just a five minute walk to Emerald Downs Shopping Centre and tavern, and only a five minute walk to Watonga Street shopping precinct.
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Summary of Last Week’s results
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The combined capital city final auction clearance rate fell to 56.2 per cent last week; the third consecutive week where the combined weighted average has progressively declined. There were 2,297 homes taken to market which was only slightly higher than the week prior when 2,100 auctions were held and 56.8 per cent cleared. The last time clearance rates were tracking at a similar level was in early 2013 when volumes were less comparable over what was the January low period (667).
There were 1,132 Melbourne homes taken to market last week, increasing on the 1,033 over the week prior. The higher volumes saw the final clearance rate drop below 60 per cent, with 59 per cent of auctions successful down on the 62 per cent the previous week.
In Sydney, both auction volumes and the final clearance rate increased last week, with 814 auctions held returning a final auction clearance rate of 56.1 per cent, which was higher than the 54 per cent over the previous week when 672 auctions were held across the city.
Adelaide, Canberra and Perth all saw a week-on-week improvement in clearance rates, while Brisbane and Tasmania’s clearance rate fell.
Across the non-capital city regions, the highest clearance rate was recorded across the Hunter region, with 72.4 per cent of the 54 auctions successful.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Reservoir ranks again as busiest weekend auction suburb

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Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie, Piccolo have unveiled its sequel to the multi award-winning success of Upper House and The Garden House.
Set in bayside Melbourne, on the cusp of Elwood village, the recently completed Elwood House delivers 30 boutique apartments.
Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie were the design team behind Piccolo’s 2011 Carlton apartment project The Garden House, a winner of six major property and design awards.
Piccolo director Michael Piccolo said there had long been a desire to replicate the success and timeless design of The Garden House elsewhere, but logistics had proved difficult, particularly when the project’s architect and Woods Bagot Design Director Nik Karalis moved overseas.
With the purchase of the former Elwood RSL Club site at 2 Pine Avenue in 2013 – a site Piccolo had his eye on for years when living just around the corner – as well as the return of Karalis to Australia, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Located on the corner of Pine Avenue and Ormond Road, Elwood House features one, two and three bedroom apartments across four levels.
The building’s calming façade melds exposed concrete, slender profile brickwork handmade in Denmark and irrigated balcony planter boxes overflowing with greenery.
One bedrooms average a generous 50 to 80 square metres, while two bedrooms provide space to grow at 100 to 115 square metres and three bedrooms at 130 to a large 170 square metres.
The individual apartment interiors by Hecker Guthrie are entirely bespoke, with considered additions that surprise and delight.
Director Paul Hecker said the finest finishes include grey Aether natural stone floors and American Oak timber cabinetry adorns kitchens and storage areas. 
Created for Garden House, Apaiser’s ‘Piccolo’ bathtub sit in larger bathrooms.
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The project also features two retail tenancies fronting Ormond Road, beauty salon The Skin Boutique and the latest offering by Sixty One Group, the team behind favourites including Prahran’s Tall Timber, Richmond’s Touchwood, Hawthorn’s Short Straw, Fitzroy’s Marquis of Lorne and Carnegie’s Left Field.
The Group’s as yet unnamed café, to open in the coming months, will offer breakfast and lunch seven days, also serving dinner a few nights a week.
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Architects Woods Bagot and Hecker Guthrie unite for Elwood House

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EXPERT OBSERVATIONS
Building approvals held up well in April 2018, still tracking at 19,000 per month in trend terms.
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It's still very much hammer time for Melbourne apartments, but Sydney unit approvals continued their decline to sit at the lowest level since August 2015.  <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWI4D2EE_r8/Ww4PpJabroI/AAAAAAAAqRM/M1fKllaWLEICWZtZt-RWUEF2Wjfvwkx_gCLcBGAs/s1600/A2.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWI4D2EE_r8/Ww4PpJabroI/AAAAAAAAqRM/M1fKllaWLEICWZtZt-RWUEF2Wjfvwkx_gCLcBGAs/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="364" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1392"></a>
 
I've been watching the budding Hobart supply response with mild interest, as well as noting some of the subdivisions and, shall we say, rather ambitious sticker prices for townhomes.
And like many things in Tassie, the supply response been rather slow.
That said, it is now happening, with annual approvals at an 82-month high in rising to the highest level since June 2011. 
 
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Overall, the headline numbers were pretty good, thanks to more houses and semis now being approved, notably following population flows into Melbourne and Greater Brisbane, while Perth finally recorded a bit of an uptick, having fallen so sharply since December 2014. 
 
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Annual house approvals in Perth are 45 per cent below their 2014 peak, but the sentiment and the clouds appear to be lifting a little. 
Summarily, pretty solid then.But - and this is a fairly big but - many apartment projects seem to be struggling with pre-sales and therefore with financing, and in turn the residential construction cycle appears set to fade.
There is already a record number of apartments <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com/2018/04/bust-looms-for-sydneys-apartment" target="_blank">approved and not yet commenced</a>, especially in Sydney, and approvals to non-resident approvals have been <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com/2018/05/foreign-investment-in-new-apartments" target="_blank">curbed dramatically</a>.
Queensland infrastructure lift-off.
The total value of building approved remained strong in the month at more than $10 billion, but arguably a fair chunk of that residential building work approved will never see the light of day, and non-residential approvals are now sliding too.
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The one shining light is Queensland, where all the talk of commercial projects is now finally translating into action stations.
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However, the sugar-hit for Melbourne and Sydney eventually looks set to wear off.
Overall, then, these figures appear consistent with the construction cycle rolling over this year.
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Hammer time for Melbourne apartments, but Sydney unit approvals continue decline: Pete Wargent

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Set on the banks of the Werribee River, the RiverEdge mixed use project will comprise 100 one, two and three bedroom apartments across nine levels, two ground floor retail tenancies and a 119 square metre residents-only rooftop area, as well as three levels of residential car parks totalling 79 spaces.
The 1,664 square metre site overlooks Wyndham Park and Werribee River with apartments priced from $330,000 to $707,500 and ranging in size from 51 to 104 square meters internally.
Designed by Rothelowman, the Edge One marketing suggests it will introduce design-focused living to Werribee’s city centre by fusing metropolitan design with the timeless appeal of nature.
Each residence features up to 10-metre wide frontages with generous inset terraces ranging from eight to 22 square metres to maximise the breathtaking views of Werribee River, Wyndham Park and the You Yangs Regional Park to the north, and Melbourne’s CBD and Port Phillip Bay to the south.
It is located at 59 Comben Drive, Werribee.
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“Werribee is a rapidly growing and evolving city and the introduction of premium residential precincts like RiverEdge support the urban regeneration of the region and will help transform the Werribee City Centre into the capital of Melbourne’s west,” says Neil Anderson, General Manager Developments of the Burbank Group.
A central green glass spine visually connects the main entry with the residents’ rooftop garden overlooking Werribee’s natural surrounds, says Stuart Marsland, Principal at Rothelowman.
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It is expected life at Edge One will be walkable with shops, parks and Werribee Primary and Secondary schools within close proximity.
The Werribee train station is 550 metres away, providing access to the CBD in 30 minutes.
Located between Melbourne and Geelong with the Westgate Freeway at its doorstep, Edge One is a 30-minute drive to Melbourne’s CBD, a 20-minute drive to Melbourne Airport and a 40-minute drive from Geelong.
Residents will be able to explore the extensive network of cycling tracks in the west, including The Federation Trail and the Werribee River Bike Trail, as well as other outdoor pursuits, with secure bike and private apartment storage available.
Construction of Edge One is expected to commence in mid 2019 and is due for completion late 2020.
The second stage of the RiverEdge precinct is currently in development. The proposed project will incorporate a new 8,300 square metre Wyndham City Community Learning Hub over five levels, along with additional residences.
will introduce a new level of design sophistication to Melbourne’s burgeoning West with premium riverfront living and improved connectivity to Werribee City Centre and the area’s natural surrounds.
The $47 million Edge One project is the first stage of the landmark RiverEdge precinct and will be delivered via a development agreement between the Burbank Group and Wyndham City Council as part of the Werribee City Centre Structure Plan.
 
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Burbank Group launch Edge One, Werribee project

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Dwelling approvals came in slightly below expectations in April with a 5% fall vs consensus forecasts of a 3% decline. Annual growth slowed to 5.2%yr. The detail was mostly on the soft side.
Private detached house approvals were flat in the month but supported by an abnormally large 20% jump in WA which was coming off very weak reads in February-March. We suspect this relates more to processing issues than conditions on the ground which are still not conducive to a pick-up in the west (Perth house prices still declining and rental vacancy rates above 5%). Ex WA, private detached house approvals were much softer, down 6.7%.
Private units were the main driver of the headline decline, posting a sharp 11.5% drop in the April month. Our estimates indicate high rise unit approvals were down over 20%. While extreme volatility makes this sub-segment hard to read, the monthly series looks to be shaping into a second leg lower, as indicated by site purchase data over the past year. That said, it will still take some time to confirm. ‘Medium density’ approvals also declined sharply, by around 6%mth.
By state, the pull back in units was concentrated in Vic (–8.4%mth but still up 25.8%yr). NSW posted a decent 5% gain and Qld nudged up 1.2% but in both cases approvals are still down on a year ago. Approvals have firmed slightly in SA but are showing clear trends lower in both WA (despite this month's jump) and Tasmania.
The value of renovation approvals dipped 0.3% after a 6.5% drop last month. Although approvals are still up 16%yr the monthly trend has swung into a clear decline.
The value of non-res building approvals fell 4%mth to be down nearly 20%yr. The dominant driver continues to be a sharp fall back in the previously very strong office segment with the slowdown concentrated in NSW and Vic.
The latest Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) annual report has also been released with data confirming the slump in foreign residential purchases. It shows a dramatic 67% drop in FIRB approvals to just 13.2k in 2016-17 from just over 40k in 2015-16. Note that these counts include purchases of existing properties and developer 'off the plan’ approvals, the latter counting projects with multiple properties as a single approval. Our estimates suggest the underlying number of new properties purchased via FIRB approvals saw an even bigger fall, from 52k in 2015-16 to 13.5k in 2016-17. Note that the full impact on activity may take time to come through as developers may still be selling properties in projects that obtained FIRB approval in previous years. More generally, the wider foreign buyer share of total market activity looks to have shrunk from 10-15% to 3-4%.
Overall the April data-flow is broadly in line with our expectations that approvals are tilting towards taking another leg lower through 2018 with the main impact on new dwelling construction coming in 2019.
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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Private units the main driver of dwelling approval decline: Westpac

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Castran Gilbert marketing has focused on the downsizer for BRIQ, their latest Caulfield off the plan offering.
The Hawthorn Road apartment block, featuring an exterior of brick work and classic curves, comprises 13 three bedroom residences.
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Each three bedroom apartment has two bathrooms and private outdoor entertaining areas.
They're accessed through a double height foyer and up a sculptural staircase.
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Architectural firm Tecture designed the development, which will sit in landscaped gardens from Jack Merlo.
Castran Gilbert agent David Howard is handling the sales campaign, with price starting from $1,119,000.
The apartments come with two car spaces in the basement.
For more information, <a href="https://www.projectfriday.com.au/briq/" target="_blank">click here</a> for the project by the boutique property developer Project Friday.  
We are offering a free ebook on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/component/content/article?id=82173" target="_blank">property investment insights for Melbourne here.</a>
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Castran Gilbert's three bedroom BRIQ offerings focus on larger apartment living

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Renters are on the front foot as Sydney’s residential vacancy rate hits levels last seen in September 2012, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW President Leanne Pilkington said the April 2018 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw availability rise 0.3 percentage points to 2.5% for the Sydney metropolitan area.  
“The tide is beginning to turn for tenants with vacancy rates at five-year lows,” Pilkington said.  
“There appears to be a saturation of supply, and agents are noting that previously high rents are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. 
“In Outer Sydney vacancy rates rose 0.2 percentage points to 2.5%, while Inner Sydney and Middle Sydney both increased 0.3 percentage points to 2.2% and 2.9% respectively. 
In the Hunter, vacancy rates rose 0.1 percentage points to 1.7%, with Newcastle up 0.4 percentage points at 2.2%. The Illawarra added 0.3 percentage points to 2.1% with Wollongong increasing 0.1 percentage points to 2.3%. 
Across regional areas, Albury slipped 0.4 percentage points at 1.8%, the Central Coast fell 0.2 percentage points at 2.0%, while the Northern Rivers added 0.1 percentage points to 1.3% and the South Coast gained 0.5 percentage points to 3.0%.
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Sydney vacancy rates turn in favour of tenants: REINSW

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Sales at one of Brisbane’s The Residences at Yungaba House have passed the halfway point.
Launched mid last year, The Residences represents Frasers Property Australia’s restoration of the 130-year-old landmark building fronting the Brisbane River at Kangaroo Point.
Some six of the 10 resulting luxury bespoke apartments have sold.
Amongst the purchasers is a Hong Kong-based ex-pilot who collects heritage properties around the world.
A Brisbane-based couple who have renovated several homes and have another property in Sydney, have also now chosen The Residences.
Other buyers are a Gatton couple in their 60s who use the property during visits to Brisbane, and the Residences’ first buyer, a young family from Bulimba, who secured Residence Five for $3.6 million shortly after the flagship project’s launch.
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Cameron Leggatt, general manager residential Queensland for Frasers Property, said while the purchasers in The Residences come from various backgrounds, they all share a love of unique heritage property.
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One of the remaining residences for sale, Residence Four, is now open for viewing and has been furnished with hints of modern colour and styling while respecting the heritage features of the home.
The Residences at Yungaba House earned a nomination in the upcoming UDIA National Awards for Excellence after winning the Medium Density housing category of the UDIA (Qld) Awards in November. The project is also a finalist in this year’s Property Council of Australia (Qld) Awards in the Heritage Development category.
Dating back to 1887, Yungaba House served as an immigration facility, army refuge, accommodation centre, war-time hospital, design studio and community group hub before its transformation into 10 residences.
Facing east to the water, the three and four-bedroom homes have modern kitchens and amenities, complemented by high-tech security throughout.
Each private residence blends the elegance of history with the ultimate in modern amenities to deliver a rareoffering that is destined to become Brisbane’s most exclusive residential address.
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The homes overlook the 3,000 square metre heritage-listed gardens and lush parklands that surround Yungaba House.
The adjacent Recreation Centre provides residents-only access to a private gymnasium and 25 metre infinity edge pool.
The remaining Residences, priced from $2.85 million, are open for viewing each Saturday from 10am to 10.30am and 2pm to 2.30pm.
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