<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.</p>

<p>A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.</p>

<p>Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]</p>

<p>“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.</p>

<p>From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.</p>

<p>The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]</p>

<p>Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.</p>

<p>A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.</p>

<p>Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]</p>

<p>Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.</p>

<p>“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.</p>

<p>Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]</p>

<p>Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.</p>

<p data-end="8307" data-start="8063">The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.</p>

<p data-end="8543" data-start="8312">“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”</p>

<p data-end="8915" data-start="8548">The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.</p>

<p>The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]</p>


Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

<p>A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.</p>

<p>The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.</p>

<p>Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.</p>

<p>The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.</p>

<p>The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" /></p>

<p>Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.</p>

<p>Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.</p>

<p>The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."</p>

<p>The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" /></p>

<p>Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.</p>

<p>The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.</p>


First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

<p>
<style type="text/css">
</style>
</p>

<p>A 60-apartment building nine storeys tall would be a rarity almost anywhere along this stretch of Moreton Bay, but that's exactly what's been lodged for a modest Deception Bay street better known for its single-storey weatherboard homes.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherlock-construction-homes">Sherlock Construction Homes</a> is seeking to push Deception Bay’s emerging medium-density housing profile higher, lodging plans for a nine-storey apartment building near the suburb’s shopping centre and foreshore.</p>

<p>Dubbed Grosvenor Apartments, the proposal at 14-20 Grosvenor Terrace would replace two detached homes with a new building designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mode">Mode Design</a>&nbsp;which would&nbsp;reach nearly 30 metres, well above the site’s mapped 21-metre building height.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches 9-storey tower for low-rise Deception Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86c21a25-5a97-4ca7-a361-80757137ea5b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Deception%20da%20front.png?VersionId=aXIujfvEhH33sLHOEjHFv9Ii6qxSvAF4" /></p>

<p>The apartment mix is weighted toward larger homes, with 14 three-bedroom apartments, 31 two-bedroom apartments and 15 one-bedroom apartments. Six apartment types are spread across the floors, ranging from 66 sqm one-bedroom units through to three-bedroom apartments of 116 sqm, most with private balconies or terraces.</p>

<p>Levels one through seven follow a consistent layout of six to eight apartments per floor arranged around a central lift and stair core, with the top floor, level eight, trading one apartment for a landscaped community breakout space rather than repeating the standard layout below.</p>

<p>Ground floor is dedicated to arrival and services, with a lobby, mailroom and manager's office, alongside 91 car spaces.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches 9-storey tower for low-rise Deception Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b098bde0-5fe1-4e6c-9601-e5446612e5fc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Deception%20podium.png?VersionId=A0hfENMNxSxkfh9Jl6D4WJ9XIraeOukA" /></p>

<p>Mode Design's brief describes a "serene coastal-inspired design blending soft curves, natural textures and light-filled spaces to reflect the relaxed Deception Bay lifestyle."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The material palette leans on white and grey render, timber-look aluminium screening and stacked-brick-look finishes, with hanging greenery and vine planting proposed across balcony edges and ground-level walls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Balconies feature asymmetrical geometries intended to vary the building's rhythm rather than repeat a single module up the tower, while lush planting is concentrated over the entry and level one balconies to soften the building's base.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches 9-storey tower for low-rise Deception Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c05c5693-3e00-42d0-b075-55c36094f4db" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Deception%20da%201.png?VersionId=cMKJgBsBaaVCd2dA5O22SOT38OT_.BPA" /></p>

<p>The design evolved following an April 2025 prelodgement meeting with council. At that stage, the project was conceived as a seven-storey building containing 45 apartments. The subsequently lodged scheme increases the development to nine storeys and 60 apartments while introducing one-bedroom residences to the mix.</p>

<p>Zone Planning argues the additional scale reflects the site's position within an area earmarked for increased residential intensity. The planning report points to the North Lakes-Redcliffe-Moreton Bay Rail corridor strategy, which identifies Deception Bay as a district-level activity centre and supports greater housing choice within urban neighbourhoods.</p>

<p>Market Square Deception Bay, Deception Bay Sports Centre, Deception Bay State School, public transport, community facilities and the Moreton Bay foreshore are all identified within approximately one kilometre of the site, while the property falls within a 400-metre walking catchment of Market Square.</p>

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

<p data-end="587" data-start="368">Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.</p>

<p data-end="778" data-start="589">The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.</p>

<p data-end="907" data-start="780"><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.</p>

<p data-end="1052" data-start="909">The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.</p>

<p data-end="1311" data-start="1054">The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.</p>

<p data-end="1451" data-start="1313">The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.</p>

<p data-end="1676" data-start="1453">MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.</p>

<p data-end="1908" data-start="1678">Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.</p>

<p data-end="2142" data-start="1910">The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.</p>

<p data-end="2142" data-start="1910"><img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" /></p>

<p data-end="2308" data-start="2144">MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.</p>

<p data-end="2648" data-start="2310">"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.</p>

<p data-end="2797" data-start="2650">"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."</p>

<p data-end="2938" data-start="2799">The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.</p>

<p data-end="3216" data-start="2940">Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.</p>

<p data-end="3325" data-start="3218">Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.</p>

<p data-end="3442" data-start="3327">"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.</p>

<p data-end="3662" data-start="3444">"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."</p>

<p data-end="3818" data-start="3664">MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.</p>

<p data-end="4076" data-start="3820">"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.</p>

<p data-end="4375" data-start="4078">"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."</p>

<p data-end="4503" data-start="4377">Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.</p>

<p data-end="4741" data-start="4505">"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."</p>

<p data-end="4910" data-start="4743">The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.</p>

<p data-end="4951" data-start="4912">MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.</p>


First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
<p data-end="600" data-start="394">Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.</p>

<p data-end="733" data-start="602">But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.</p>

<p data-end="970" data-start="735">Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.</p>

<p data-end="970" data-start="735">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]</p>

<p data-end="1159" data-start="972">The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.</p>

<p data-end="1357" data-start="1161">It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.</p>

<p data-end="1664" data-start="1517">Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.</p>

<p data-end="1826" data-start="1666">Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.</p>

<p data-end="1826" data-start="1666">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]</p>

<p data-end="2045" data-start="1828">Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.</p>

<p data-end="2269" data-start="2047">"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.</p>

<p data-end="2430" data-start="2271">A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.</p>

<p data-end="2606" data-start="2432">It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.</p>

<p data-end="2724" data-start="2608">At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.</p>

<p data-end="2892" data-start="2726">Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.</p>

<p data-end="2892" data-start="2726">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]</p>

<p data-end="3004" data-start="2894">Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.</p>

<p data-end="3214" data-start="3006">"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.</p>

<p data-end="3400" data-start="3216">More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.</p>

<p data-end="3670" data-start="3538">&nbsp;</p>

<p data-end="3670" data-start="3538">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]</p>

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<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>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: 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.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>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.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> 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.</p>


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?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><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></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<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>

<p style="line-height:1.38">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.</p>


Ellen Walker

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

<p data-end="294" data-section-id="19m9s1w" data-start="191">For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make</p>

<p data-end="477" data-start="296">The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?</p>

<p data-end="947" data-start="479">A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.</p>

<p data-end="1099" data-start="949">As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.</p>

<p data-end="1490" data-start="1101">One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.</p>

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

<p data-end="1593" data-start="1521">Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.</p>

<p data-end="1748" data-start="1595">We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.</p>

<p data-end="1930" data-start="1750">Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.</p>

<p data-end="1979" data-start="1932">That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.</p>

<p data-end="2559" data-start="1981">Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.</p>

<p data-end="2559" data-start="1981"><img alt="iCIRT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcbb59af-3d5a-43aa-b28e-a66e55a83568" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Announcement.png?VersionId=6OD8r.v.oucEF01BWxR85urzoD9seQ9e" /></p>

<p data-end="2822" data-start="2561">Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.</p>

<p data-end="3082" data-start="2824">The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.</p>

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

<p data-end="3254" data-start="3128">For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.</p>

<p data-end="3388" data-start="3256">It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.</p>

<p data-end="3773" data-start="3390"><a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.</p>

<p data-end="3837" data-start="3775">That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.</p>

<p data-end="3978" data-start="3839">Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.</p>

<p data-end="4092" data-start="3980">However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.</p>

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

<p data-end="4188" data-start="4140">The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.</p>

<p data-end="4296" data-start="4190">Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.</p>

<p data-end="4296" data-start="4190"><img alt="mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c11c691-e8cd-46c3-88fd-6c8d614e8357" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mirvac.png?VersionId=ZqDqNL36WJOOCmNMmmO93Q2GTrFOBomz" /><em>Mirvac is a 5 Gold Star iCIRT rated developer, the highest possible rating a developer can get: Harbourside by Mirvac</em></p>

<p data-end="4389" data-start="4298">Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.</p>

<p data-end="4538" data-start="4391">Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.</p>

<p data-end="4734" data-start="4540">For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.</p>

<p data-end="4910" data-start="4736">According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.</p>

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

<p data-end="5049" data-start="4964">The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.</p>

<p data-end="5281" data-start="5051">According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.</p>

<p data-end="5612" data-start="5283">The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.</p>

<p data-end="5770" data-start="5614">As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.</p>

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

<p data-end="5855" data-start="5803">Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.</p>

<p data-end="6014" data-start="5857">The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.</p>

<p data-end="6131" data-start="6016">For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.</p>

<p data-end="6261" data-start="6133">For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.</p>

<p data-end="6464" data-start="6263">Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.</p>

<p data-end="6464" data-start="6263"><img alt="iCIRT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="958e1497-8151-4689-aadc-baf59f6e6122" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.png?VersionId=7KyVcwSo4vCLXBYBdq382e3Si.R.9PWQ" /></p>

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
<p data-end="6861" data-start="6471"><em data-end="6861" data-start="6471">The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.</em></p>

<p data-end="7088" data-start="6863"><em data-end="7088" data-start="6863">This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.</em></p>

<p data-end="7191" data-start="7090"><em data-end="7191" data-start="7090">Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.</em></p>


Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne? How independent iCIRT ratings are set to change Victorian property

<html><body>
<p>A four bedroom on an 818 sqm block in Alexander Heights, a suburb of Perth, has been sold for $410,000 by the mortgagees. </p>
<p>It was sold by Jim McConnell from Ray White.</p>
<p>The Western Australian property last sold at $275,000 in 2016.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-alexander+heights-126458186" target="_blank">Located at 4 Chancery Lane</a>, Alexander Heights, it comes with four bedrooms, multiple tiled living areas, and studio room in the rear yard. </p>
<p>It is less than 2km from shops, public transport, parks and primary school. </p>
<p>The suburb's median house value sits on $420,000, according to CoreLogic. </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Alexander Heights four bedroom house sold by mortgagee

<html><body>
<div>Melbourne was the only capital city to see an increase in the number of homes taken to weekend auction, as weakening clearance rates, along with school holidays, impact on April auction activity.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Melbourne had a subdued 64 per cent success rate across 874 auctions, down from 68 per cent across 723 auctions last weekend. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Melbourne's top sale was a renovation opportunity in Fitzroy North.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The <a id="LPlnk524450" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-fitzroy+north-127790186" target="_blank">25 McKean Street double fronted brick Victorian era offering</a> (top) fetched $3.84 million, contested by four bidders in the rain.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Last sold around six decades ago, the home with a classic façade featured soaring ceilings, original cornices, architraves, rosettes and open fireplaces.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Boasting three street frontages, with access also from Jamieson Street and Alfred Crescent, the home sits on a 600 sq m block.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Domain advised the vendors inherited the home in the Edinburgh Gardens precinct after their elderly aunt passed away last year.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The weekend sale price was $220,000 above reserve with Jobe Watson, the former Essendon captain turned buyer’s advocate, the underbidder for his unsuccessful clients.</div>
<div>
<p>The four bedroom, one bathroom house which had $3.1 million to $3.4 million price guidance was instead sold to a young couple with a baby from Carlton North. </p>
</div>
<div>The former Essendon star secured his first buy for a client last month in his new role as a Melbourne real estate buyer’s agent.</div>
<div>
<p>It was when the Infolio Property Advisors director nabbed a two-bedroom Kensington house for interstate clients at $1.03 million.</p>
<p>Watson, whose passion for property saw him initially a client of Infolio, then did some work experience for the group.</p>
<p>He purchased equity in the company in 2016 and began as a buyer’s advocate after his 220-game AFL career came to an end last season.</p>
<div>
<div>Canberra recorded the nation's highest preliminary clearance rate this week with a 74.3 per cent success rate from its 78 auctions.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Prices ranged from $405,000 at Palmerston to $2.95 million at Red Hill.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The <a id="LPlnk794066" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-red+hill-127917522" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">131 Mugga Way, Red Hill home</a> was a five bedroom Gary Williamson-built home with courtyards on 1255 sq m sold through Luton Properties (below).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2018/4/16/mugga.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The official land value was $1,291,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The national capital's clearance rate was next followed by Adelaide's 70.6 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Prices in Adelaide ranged between $385,000 at Bowden and $1,005,000 at Semaphore.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Harcourt Williams sale at <a id="LPlnk656387" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-bowden-127881982" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">121 Gibson St, Bowden</a> was a basic three bedroom 1900 cottage on 292 sqm.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Housing Safety Authority had declared the Bowden property to be substandard with a<span class="x_f"> </span>Housing Improvement Order on the property.</div>
<div> </div>
There were 1,890 homes taken to auction across the capital cities this week, with preliminary results showing a 64.5 per cent success rate, according to CoreLogic.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/16/resultscorelogic.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2018/4/16/resultscorelogic.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>By comparison, 1,839 auctions were held last week with a final clearance rate at 62.8 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the same week last year, auction volumes were lower due to the 2017 Easter weekend.</div>
<p>Sydney had the top result around the capitals with a pre-auction sale in Killara at $5.7 million through McGrath agents Neo Wang and Glenn Curran (below).</p>
</div>
<div>It last traded at $2.95 million in 2003. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><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/2018/4/16/killara.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div>
<div> </div>
<div>The four-bedroom manor at <a id="LPlnk484501" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-killara-127672690" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">28 Wattle Street</a> with sandstone and double-brick fac­ade sits in gardens designed by Peter Fudge, featured in his first book.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The gardens come with pool with Moroccan-style mosaics and a sandstone pavilion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was initial listed with $6 million hopes last last year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney was host to 774 auctions this week, with preliminary results showing a 64.9 per cent success rate, up from 62.9 per cent across 795 auctions last week</div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Brisbane reported 45 per cent clearance of 56 scheduled auctions.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Its cheapest result was $620,000 at Deception Bay, north of Brisbane.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The single story home on 733 sqm at <a id="LPlnk293891" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-deception+bay-127849170" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">91 Esplanade</a> was a waterfront reserve knockdown.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It sold at $480,000 in 2003.</div>
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Fitzroy North and Killara top subdued weekend auction results

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<p>Just over a week ago the City of Melbourne released the first two discussion papers as part of its <a href="https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/transportstrategy">Transport Strategy Refresh</a>. These focused on the themes of 'Walking' and 'City Space' with Apartments.com.au providing commentary via <a href="/news/city-of-melbournes-transport-strategy-refresh-should-it-not-apply-to-other-municipalities">this article</a> and during <a href="/guides/weekly-podcast-episode-10-rowville-light-rail-and-melbourne-airport-rail-link">Episode 10 of the Weekly podcast. </a></p>

<p>The ambitious plan will look to examples from abroad such as Barcelona's proposed "superblock" strategy which creates a series of small neighbourhoods around which traffic will circulate around the perimeter, and in which road space within the interior will be re-purposed into shared public spaces.</p>

<p>The Superblock strategy will commence with the famous gridded neighbourhood of Eixample where a superblock will comprise nine existing blocks of the grid, in a 3 x 3 formation. Vehicular traffic will then be restricted to just the roads bounding the superblock, and they will only be allowed in the streets in between if they are residents or providing local businesses, and at a greatly reduced speed of 10km/h.</p>

<p>The NYC Department of Transport's (DOT) “Green Light for Midtown” pilot project in 2009 paved the way (pun intended) for the Times Square Reconstruction project, enabling temporary paving and street furniture to close Broadway to vehicular traffic between 42nd and 47th Streets.</p>

<p>This initiative originally intended to improve safety and alleviate traffic conditions but the pilot project's success led to NYC DOT permanently reconsidering the function and layout of Times Square via a three-pronged approach that would upgrade critical utility infrastructure, provide event infrastructure for new and expanded public events, and permanently adopt the temporary improvements that were piloted in 2009. </p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/times-square-before-and-after-dec-2016-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Before and After December 2016. Image: NYC DOT"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/times-square-before-and-after-dec-2016-1.jpg?itok=zy-UdQHZ" title="Before and After December 2016. Image: NYC DOT" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>New York's Times Square before and after December 2016. Image: NYC DOT</figcaption></figure><p>London too is getting in on the action with plans to pedestrianise large parts of Oxford Street announced last November, with a target date of the end of this year. The plan aims to improve air quality and congestion in the city and is the first of three phases which will transform Oxford Street, to be followed by the stretch between Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road and then between Marble Arch and Orchard Street.</p>

<p>All east-west traffic will be stopped but some north-south routes will be maintained, according to the plans. More than four million people visit Oxford Street each week.</p>

<p>In Melbourne, the largest barrier is changing people's attitudes and reliance on travelling into the city via private vehicle. Part of addressing this lies in providing an efficient and reliable public transport system which offers an alternative to the car. Likewise providing safe and walkable city streets which encourage people to walk short distances and dedicated bicycle lanes for cyclists is critical to ensuring a quality public realm.</p>

<p>Melbourne Metro will go some way to addressing some of the issues, however significant bottlenecks exist for pedestrians in and around Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station, in morning and evening peak, which is exacerbated when events are on at Etihad Stadium or within Fed Square. </p>

<p>The recently announced redevelopment of <a href="/news/etihad-stadiums-redevelopment-to-improve-links-to-cbd-and-victoria-harbour">Etihad Stadium</a> and the delivery of the <a href="/news/federal-government-wants-to-tip-5-billion-into-a-melbourne-airport-rail-link">Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL)</a> in the next 5-10 years and potential for Metro 2.0 to converge at Southern Cross Station will further reinforce its role as a key interchange node and so providing a safe environment surrounding the station is critical.</p>

<p>Notionally applying Barcelona's "Superblock" approach results in something which looks like this:</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_cbd_plan.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Notionally applying Barcelona's &quot;Superblock&quot; strategy to Melbourne's CBD"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_cbd_plan.jpg?itok=uQd0oLM5" title="Notionally applying Barcelona's &quot;Superblock&quot; strategy to Melbourne's CBD" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Notionally applying Barcelona's "Superblock" strategy to Melbourne's CBD</figcaption></figure><p>However this doesn't necessarily alleviate the problems described above relating to pedestrian congestion at Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations and conflict between pedestrians and cars. </p>

<p>Fundamental to this is understanding and defining the roles and hierarchies of the streets - what is their purpose and how best to manage access and movement for delivery, emergency services, taxis and people with impaired mobility?</p>

<p>Limiting north-south vehicular movement as much as possible allows for improved and safer interchange between heavy and light rail at the city's stations and more pedestrian-focused streets adjacent to the stations.</p>

<p>Additionally, this would create more pedestrian streets with good solar access during the middle of the day. With the CBD short on open space and site acquisition to provide open space costly, the street network offers a potential solution.</p>

<p>One possible outcome might be something like this:</p>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_cbd_plan2.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title='A variation of the "Superblock" with pedestrian zones adjacent to stations.'><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="313" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne_cbd_plan2.jpg?itok=5t7vNSnd" title='A variation of the "Superblock" with pedestrian zones adjacent to stations.' width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A variation of the "Superblock" with pedestrian zones adjacent to stations.</figcaption></figure><p>This would include the pedestrianisation of key streets such as:</p>

<ul>
<li>Spencer Street between Lonsdale and Collins Streets</li>
	<li>Bourke Street between Spencer and Spring Streets</li>
	<li>Flinders Street between Swanston and Queen Streets</li>
	<li>LaTrobe Street between Queen and Russell Streets</li>
</ul>
<p>The 'little' streets would serve the purpose of providing servicing and resident vehicle access, with movements primarily occurring in the east-west direction. </p>

<p><em>Lead Image: David Lock and Associates</em></p>
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Laurence Dragomir

City of Melbourne's Transport Strategy refresh. It's time to walk the walk

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<p>Regions with exposure to the resource and mining sectors dominated the list of areas with the highest delinquencies in November 2017, according to Moody's.</p>
<p>Nine of the 10 regions with the highest 30-plus delinquency rates were in either Western Australia or Queensland, and many of these regions are exposed to employment industries directly or indirectly related to mining and resources.</p>
<p>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/12/WORST%20REGION.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a></p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/WORST%20REGION.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Six of the 10 worst regions — Western Australia Outback, Queensland Outback, Mackay, Western Australia Wheat Belt, Mandurah and Fitzroy — have consistently been among the worst performing regions in the country over the last three to four years.</p>
<p>Among these worst performing regions, Fitzroy recorded the biggest increase in delinquencies over the year to November 2017.</p>
<p>The weighted average current loan to value ratios for the worst performing regions were typically higher than the national average of 63.2%.</p>
<p> </p>
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Outback Western Australia and Queensland as highest delinquency locations: Moody's

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVATION</p>
<p>Over the March 2018 quarter, national data shows that dwelling values were down by 0.5%, however digging below the surface reveals the modest fall in values was confined to the most expensive quarter of the market.</p>
<p>The most affordable properties increased in value by +0.7% compared to a +0.3% increase across the middle market and a -1.1% decline across the most expensive properties.</p>
<p>Over the past year, dwelling values within the least expensive quartile increased by +0.7%, middle 50% values were +2.7% higher and top 25% values were +0.1% higher.</p>
<p>With value growth slowing, the trends of the past are being repeated with the most expensive properties experiencing the most rapid slowdown in value growth.</p>
<p>During the growth phase, it was these same properties that were also recording the highest rate of capital gain.</p>
<p>Of course trends vary substantially across the country.</p>
<p>The stratified hedonic index measures the change in values across three broad value based segments of the housing market: the most affordable 25% of properties, the middle 50% of properties and the most expensive 25% of properties. The Index provides valuable insight into how different segments of the market are performing.</p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/national%20corelogic.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Sydney Over the past 12 months, the most expensive properties have recorded the largest value falls (-5.7%) followed by the middle market (-0.9%) and the most affordable market managed some moderate growth (+0.6%).</p>
<p>Regional NSW The trends were somewhat different outside of Sydney, with the strongest annual growth recorded in the middle 50% (+5.6%), followed by the low 25% (+4.1%) and top 25% (+3.7%).</p>
<p>Melbourne Values have increased over the past year across each segment of the market, with the most moderate increases recorded across the most expensive segment (+1.6%), then the middle 50% (+6.2%) while the most affordable suburbs have recorded double-digit growth (+11.3%).</p>
<p>Regional Vic Outside of Melbourne, the most expensive suburbs have recorded the strongest value growth (+4.7%) followed by the middle suburbs (+3.2%) and finally the most affordable suburbs where values were +2.4% higher.</p>
<p>Brisbane Annual growth has been quite moderate however, the middle valued suburbs recorded the strongest growth (+1.1%) followed by fairly similar growth rates across the most affordable suburbs (+0.9%) and the most expensive suburbs (+0.8%).</p>
<p>Regional Qld The most expensive suburbs were the only ones in which values increased over the past year (+2.4%), with values lower over the middle (-0.8%) and affordable (-3.5%) market segments.</p>
<p>Adelaide Each sector of the market recorded growth over the past year with the greatest increase across the middle market (+1.5%) with the affordable and expensive segments each recording growth of +0.8%.</p>
<p>Regional SA Values have declined across each market segment over the past year with the biggest falls across the most expensive suburbs (-4.2%) followed by the middle market (-1.2%) and the most affordable market (-0.2%).</p>
<p>Perth Values have fallen over the past year across each market sector with the largest declines across the most affordable properties (-4.4%) followed by the middle market (-3.2%) with the most expensive properties recording the most moderate value falls (-2.4%).</p>
<p>Regional WA The most expensive regional properties have recorded the most moderate value falls over the past year (-3.8%) while the middle (-6.4%) and least expensive (-7.5%) market segments have experienced much greater value falls.</p>
<p>Hobart The strongest performing market for value growth has recorded value increases across each segment, the greatest of which has occurred across the most affordable properties (+13.9%) followed by the middle market (+11.6%) and the most expensive market (+10.5%).</p>
<p>Regional Tas Values are climbing across each segment with the greatest annual growth recorded across the most affordable segment (+8.1%) followed by the middle market (+5.5%) and finally the most expensive properties (+2.7%).</p>
<p>Darwin The city has experience substantial value falls over the past year, the largest of which have occurred for the most expensive properties (-9.0%) followed by the middle market (-8.2%) and the most affordable suburbs (-6.8%).</p>
<p>Regional NT Values have increased over the past 12 months for the most affordable properties (+2.9%) while they have fallen across both the middle (-0.6%) and the most expensive properties (-0.7%).</p>
<p>Canberra The most affordable suburbs have recorded the slowest annual growth over the past year (+1.7%) followed by the most expensive properties (+1.9%) and the middle market (+2.6%).</p>
<p>The data highlights, that particularly within the housing markets which have recorded the strongest value growth over recent years (Sydney and Melbourne) that growth across the premium housing sector is slowing more rapidly than the other sectors.</p>
<p>This mirrors the experience in other recent housing market slowdowns/downturns whereby it is the most expensive suburbs which slow first and have experienced the larger downturns.</p>
<p>Hobart and regional Tasmania are seeing values grow at a rapid pace and it is interesting to note that the growth in the market is being led by more affordable properties with the relatively expensive housing lagging in terms of growth.</p>
<p>In Perth and Darwin where the housing markets have been in a downturn for many years different trends are emerging. Perth is showing more signs of a recovery than Darwin and it appears the improvement in Perth is being driven by premium housing.</p>
<p>By comparison, in Darwin where the market shows few signs of improvement the most expensive properties are showing the greatest weakness.</p>
<p>The headline figures tell a broad story about the housing markets performance while the stratified hedonic index highlights the importance of also taking a more micro look at the market.</p>
<p>The data shows that even within cities there are very different trends at play between the affordable and expensive properties which is important to understand.</p>
<p> <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/2018/4/12/corelogic%201%20.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/corelogic%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/corelogic%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/corelogic%204.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><em><strong>Cameron Kusher</strong> heads research at CoreLogic.</em></p>
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Expensive properties' price growth slowing the most: Cameron Kusher

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<p>All of the busiest suburbs for auctions this weekend are in Victoria, with Richmond topping the list with 18 homes set to go under the hammer.</p>
<p>Richmond is followed by Mount Waverley with 14 scheduled auctions, while Craigieburn and Reservoir will each host 13 auctions.</p>
<p>A three bedroom Campbell Street townhouse (below) is expected to fetch the highest price, with a guide of $1.25 million to $1,375,000.</p>
<p>The only other house for sale is at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-richmond-127914014" target="_blank">27 The Crofts</a> (above), which has a reserve price of $1.15 million.</p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/town.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>This week, CoreLogic is currently tracking 1,690 capital city auctions, decreasing from the 1,839 auctions held last week. While one year ago a significantly lower 493 auctions were held over what was the Easter period last year.</p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/AUCTION%202.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>As usual, Melbourne and Sydney are the two busiest capital city auction markets this week, with 795 and 678 homes scheduled to go to auction;down from last week’s final result which saw 720 and 775 auctions held across the cities respectively.</p>
<p>Auction activity is expected to be lower week-on week across each of the smaller auction markets.</p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/AUCTION%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Final auction results for last week show that 1,839 residential homes were taken to auction with a 62.8% final auction clearance rate, down from 64.8% over the previous week when significantly fewer auctions were held (670).</p>
<p>Auction volumes rose across Melbourne last week returning a higher final clearance rate, with 723 auctions held and 68.2% selling, increasing from the week prior when only 152 auctions were held and 65.5% cleared.</p>
<p>There were a total of 795 Sydney auctions last week, increasing on the previous weeks 394 auctions. The higher volumes saw the final clearance rate weaken with 62.9% of auctions successful, down on the 67.9% the week prior.</p>
<p>All of the remaining auction markets saw a rise in activity last week; clearance rates however returned varied results week-on-week, with Adelaide Brisbane and Perth showing an improvement across the higher volumes while Canberra and Tasmania both recorded lower clearance rates.</p>
<p>Across the non-capital city regions, the highest clearance rate was recorded across the Hunter region, with 72.5% of the 45 auctions successful.</p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/AUCTION%204.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><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/2018/4/12/AUCTION%205.jpg" alt=""></p>
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Richmond tops weekend auction offerings: CoreLogic

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<p>A three bedroom villa in Armadale, a suburb of Perth, has been listed by Ian Rankin from Ray White.</p>
<p>It will be auctioned on April 28.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-wa-armadale-127948078" target="_blank">Situated at 6/34 Friar Road</a>, the unit features three bedrooms, good sized kitchen which overlooks the family area, and L-shaped living/lounge area.</p>
<p>It also comes with the private enclosed patio and large double garage.</p>
<p>It's on the right side at the back of the complex.</p>
<p>It last sold at $305,000 in 2009.</p>
<p>It was a $340 a week rental in 2015 and at $340 in 2009.</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic, the suburb's median unit price sits on $230,000.</p>
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Armadale, Perth three bedroom villa listed by mortgagee

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<p>Australia’s largest residential developer, Stockland HAS announced the acquisition of a new development site 4.5 kilometres north of the Perth CBD, adding 100 terrace homes to its Perth pipeline.</p>
<p>The 2.84 hectare site at Glendalough is Stockland’s first standalone acquisition for medium density development in Perth.</p>
<p>Subject to approvals, IT will create 100 architecturally-designed terrace homes in a high quality, liveable and walkable community setting, featuring 2,500 square metres of parklands, including large mature trees, just 600 metres from Glendalough train station. </p>
<p>Ben Cantwell, General Manager, Medium Density and Retirement Living at Stockland, said the location just north of the Perth CBD, within walking distance to a rail station which is only two stops to the city, and in close proximity to Lake Monger, local schools, shops and the vibrant Subiaco and Leederville entertainment precincts. </p>
<p>Col Dutton, General Manager of Stockland WA, said the latest purchase follows its $91 million acquisition of more than 4,600 residential land lots over three sites last year.</p>
<p>"This site is an important opportunity to help deliver on the ‘missing middle’ in Perth’s inner suburbs, increasing choice for home-buyers through well-designed terrace homes, close to everything the city has to offer," Dutton said.</p>
<p>Stockland purchased the Glendalough site from a private vendor for $17.9 million, subject to a leaseback agreement with the current aged care operators on site until completion of their new aged care facility on land immediately to the north.</p>
<p>Located adjacent the Mitchell Freeway, the site is in close proximity to Lake Monger Primary School.</p>
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Stockland announce new development in Perth’s north

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<p>Rental prices varied across Australia’s capital cities over the March quarter, with most showing either increased or flattened growth, according to Domain’s Quarterly Rental Report.</p>
<p>Sydney and Brisbane house rents, and Perth unit rents remained flat over the quarter.</p>
<p>Only Canberra house rents, and Darwin house and unit rents recorded a decline over the quarter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">“Stricter lending standards and varied economic activity within each capital city continued to produce different market conditions over the March quarter,” said Domain's Dr Nicola Powell.<br><br>“Hobart was by far the stand-out city this quarter, delivering the only double-digit annual growth for both house and unit rents.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Looking forward, as tighter lending conditions and serviceability requirements impact investors’ ability to secure finance, they may set their sights on more affordable markets.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Regardless of where they fall on the affordability spectrum, tenants in most capital cities continue to face highly competitive rental markets.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/11/Domain%20March%20Qtr%202018%20-%20House%20Rent%20Table_preview.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><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/2018/4/11/Domain%20March%20Qtr%202018%20-%20House%20Rent%20Table_preview.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p dir="ltr">Gross rental yields for units increased in every capital city over the March quarter. Canberra was the only capital city to record a decline in gross rental yields for houses. Hobart was the top performer for house rental yields at 5.15%, followed closely by Darwin at 5.06%. Darwin and Canberra were the top performers for unit rental yields, at 5.89% and 5.84% respectively.<br><br>Sydney and Melbourne continued to deliver the weakest gross rental yields for houses and units. </p>
<p><strong>Capital city markets </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Sydney</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Median weekly house rents in Sydney remained stable over the March quarter at $550 per week. House rents also remained flat over the year. <br><br>Sydney unit asking rents increased 0.9% over the March quarter to $550 per week. While the final quarter of 2017 saw a rental price decline for units, median weekly unit rents are now back on par with house rents, a trend that first appeared in 2017. Sydney continued to record the highest weekly median house and unit rents of all capital cities over the March quarter.<br><br>“Sydney’s unit rental growth over the March quarter is particularly noteworthy, although it may be a result of the season as students and professionals relocate for work and study. It may also indicate that some prospective investors are struggling to settle on off-the-plan purchases under current lending requirements.<br><br>“Stricter lending standards could impact the market further, resulting in decreased investor activity and a tighter rental market. However, with building completions tracking to record highs, rental pressure may begin to alleviate in the coming months if the lending criteria is met by investors,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Melbourne</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Melbourne’s rental conditions continued to strengthen during the first quarter of 2018, with median weekly house and unit rents reaching record highs. <br><br>House rents increased 1.2% over the March quarter to reach $430 per week, an annual increase of 2.4%. Following two consecutive quarters of unchanged growth, median unit rents in Melbourne increased 2.5% over the quarter and 3.8% over the year, reaching $410 per week. <br><br>“Melbourne’s rental market continues to climb, likely a result of the city’s rapid population growth helping to create a fiercely competitive rental market. Although the value of building completions has been at record highs over the past few years, the faster than anticipated population growth has helped to absorb available rental supply. If investor activity continues to retreat in line with tightening lending requirements rental stock may further deplete,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Brisbane</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Median weekly house rents in Brisbane remained stable over the March quarter at $400 per week, a 1.2% year-on-year decline. Despite the lack of growth, Brisbane’s house rents delivered the third highest gross rental yields of all Australian capitals over the March quarter.<br><br>Unit rents in the Sunshine State’s capital improved for the first time in a year, jumping 1.4% over the March quarter to reach a weekly median of $375.<br><br>“Brisbane remains a tenant’s market, and the city’s increased unit stock is providing tenants with greater choice. This means tenants are likely to shift toward newer apartments and use bargaining power to negotiate lower rents. The added unit stock has had a strong impact on both unit and house rental conditions, as rental prices fall year-on-year.<br><br>“While all signs point to a decrease in investor activity in the coming months, Queensland has the highest internal population flow in Australia, which may improve rental demand and help to turn the tide in favour of investors,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Canberra</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Following a record high achieved last quarter, Canberra’s median weekly house rents fell 1.9% to $530 over the March quarter, the first negative quarterly movement since September 2014. However, median house rents in Canberra recorded a 6% year-on-year increase, the second highest annual growth of all capital cities.<br><br>Weekly unit rents in Canberra increased for the second consecutive quarter, reaching a median of $450, reflecting a 4.7% quarterly jump and an annual increase of 5.9%. Unit rents in Canberra achieved the highest gain of all capital cities over the quarter, and are now back on par with the city’s all-time high achieved in December 2011.<br><br>“Units are the biggest sector of Canberra’s rental market, and the drop in house rents over the March quarter may be a reflection of the type and quality of rental stock leased in Canberra during the first quarter of the year.<br><br>“Despite booming development activity, Canberra’s annual house and unit rental price movements have been on the incline since 2015, suggesting weakened investor activity and increased demand in the region. It remains to be seen whether rates and land tax increases, coupled with changes in lending standards and serviceability, will further tighten Canberra’s rental market this year,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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/2018/4/11/Domain%20March%20Qtr%202018%20Rental%20Report%20-%20Asking%20Rents%20QOQ%20Graph_preview.jpg" alt=""><br><br></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Hobart</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Median house rents in Hobart reached a record high of $420 per week, a 6.3% increase over the quarter and a remarkable 15.1% year-on-year growth. This reflects Hobart’s highest annual growth on record for houses, as well as the highest annual increase of all Australian capitals this quarter.<br><br>Likewise, Hobart’s unit rents also reached a record high median over the quarter, jumping 2.9% to reach $350 per week. Annually, median weekly unit rents in Hobart spiked 14.8%, the strongest annual performance of all capital cities. Hobart was the only capital city to deliver double-digit annual growth for both houses and units.<br><br>“Surging population growth across Tasmania has driven strong economic performance in Hobart and contributed to another impressive quarter of rental market activity. Annually, unit rents in the Tasmanian capital have been on the uptick since December 2013, and median house rents are now only $10 behind Melbourne.<br><br>“Further rental growth in Hobart is dependent on a rise in supply, as recent building approvals and affordable housing proposals offered by the Tasmanian government start to take shape. The availability of affordable rental stock is key to loosening Hobart’s rental market,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Perth</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">The median weekly house rent in Perth grew 1.4% to $355 over the March quarter, marking the first quarterly growth in almost five years. However, house rents in Perth fell 4.1% year-on-year and have continued to decline annually since 2014, although the rate of fall has eased.<br><br>Weekly unit rents in Perth remained flat over the quarter and over the year, sitting at a median of $300 per week. This follows four consecutive quarters of no price movement for the Western Australian capital. <br><br>“Following a prolonged period of price declines and a rise in listings, the rental market in Perth is showing signs of stability. <br><br>“Perth remains the most affordable rental market for houses and one of the most affordable rental markets for units, and its recent rise in gross rental yields may start to entice investor activity in the coming months,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell. </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Adelaide</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Following two quarters of consecutive growth, median house rents in Adelaide jumped 1.4% over the March quarter to $375 per week, a record high in the South Australian capital. This reflects an annual increase of 4.2%.<br><br>Weekly unit rents reached $300 for the first time over the March quarter, following a quarterly and annual increase of 1.7%.<br><br>“Adelaide continues to show consistent rental market growth over the March quarter. While economic conditions in Adelaide are softer than other markets, the affordability and gross yield potential may entice investor activity in 2018,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell. </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Darwin</strong></li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">The median weekly rental price for houses in Darwin fell 3.6% both over the March quarter and over the year, dropping to $530. Despite the decline, weekly house rents in Darwin are the second highest of all capital cities after Sydney, and on par with Canberra.<br><br>Weekly unit asking rents in Darwin also decreased over the March quarter, falling 1.2% to $410, a 2.4% annual decline. <br><br>“As in previous quarters, Darwin’s rental market continues to deliver strong yields for both houses and units, with Darwin’s unit market yields the highest of all capital cities this quarter.<br><br>“Rental stabilisation depends on the overall economic health of the region. Darwin’s rental market continues to be affected by the local economy, shifts in investments, and population changes, which is reflected in the capital city’s decline in median rental price,” said Domain Data Scientist, Dr Nicola Powell.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><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/2018/4/11/Domain%20March%20Qtr%202018%20Rental%20Report%20-%20Asking%20Rents%20YOY%20Graph_preview.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
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Sydney and Melbourne weakest for gross rental yields: Domain Rental Report

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<p>A four bedroom house in Port Kennedy, the outer southern suburb of Perth, has been sold for $360,000.</p>
<p>It was sold by Roz Hollwarth from Professionals Rockingham.</p>
<p>It last sold at $415,000 in 2007.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-port+kennedy-127469326">Positioned at 26 Canberra Close</a>, the West Australian home comes with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, formal lounge /dining, and large living areas.</p>
<p>Other features include solar panels, extensive enclosed patio areas and full side gate access.</p>
<p>According to CoreLogic, the suburb's median house price is $370,000.</p>
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