<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Joel Robinson

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Newstead apartment boom continues with Longland Street tower plans

ALAND has taken the next major step in delivering its vision for Leppington Town Centre, lodging State Significant Development plans for a $549 million residential precinct that would bring more than 1,200 new homes within walking distance of Leppington Station.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, forms the Residential Core Precinct of the broader Leppington Town Centre masterplan and would transform a 4.3-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/156-166-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">156-166 Rickard Road</a> into a high-density mixed-use neighbourhood comprising nine residential buildings rising between six and 25 storeys.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc20982d-a0a9-4989-8fb3-680ca9fdcd10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=l5EEyS6Dkf_SLDQkwDeyAU2nXkSZP2RW" />

The development has been designed by Rothelowman and is being pursued through a State Significant Development Application alongside a concurrent rezoning request under the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

If approved, the project would deliver 1,206 dwellings, including 784 build-to-sell apartments, 208 build-to-rent apartments, 189 affordable housing units and a nine-storey serviced apartment building containing 112 rooms. The proposal also includes around 7,400 sqm of non-residential floor space, new public open space, communal recreation areas and a new internal street network.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f80d3b-cb05-4068-8a87-808317807a99" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KfPqh1JBuxc53IWntEzGHAeBaCLmRmum" />

<h2 data-end="1990" data-section-id="s6350" data-start="1941">A key piece of Leppington's future town centre</h2>

The site sits around 250 metres from Leppington Station, which opened in 2015 as the terminus of the South West Rail Link and has long been earmarked as the catalyst for the suburb's transformation from a rural fringe location into a major strategic centre for Western Sydney.

Leppington has become increasingly important following the announcement of the Western Sydney International Airport and the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, with government planning identifying the precinct as a significant location for future housing and employment growth.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ca0f098-affc-48c0-80d3-468ea090a20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o3mwgBFT6H9YUllI0JR.JfLsUYQy1CTa" />

According to Rothelowman, the proposal responds directly to Leppington's unique position between its agricultural past and its urban future.

"The site offers an opportunity to weave together multiple layers of history, from its ancient connections to Country along the ridgeline between two waterways and its origins as part of the Cumberland woodland, to its more recent agricultural uses, and its future as a new residential community," the architects said in the design report.

The architects said the project aims to establish a high-density residential typology that combines apartment living with extensive landscaping and public open space.

"The design responds by establishing a high-density typology that combines the convenience and amenity of contemporary apartment living with a renewed native landscape."

<h2 data-end="3541" data-section-id="1ko88s2" data-start="3485">Nine buildings arranged around parks and public space</h2>

The proposal has been designed around a landscape-led framework rather than a traditional podium-and-tower approach.

Across the site, approximately 7,500 sqm of public open space would be delivered through a network of north-south and east-west linear parks, connecting into the wider Leppington Town Centre open space network. A further 8,000 sqm of communal open space would be provided for residents.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5113abf-5440-4610-9cdc-60a0d41a407e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=k8zLMj4yZS4hStmGzZJfosjj5iArwIek" />

Rothelowman said the design seeks to maximise landscaping at ground level by concentrating development into compact tower footprints.

"Buildings are carefully lifted and distributed to minimise disturbance to the natural terrain, allowing the ground plane to remain open, permeable, and led by landscape," the design report states.

Rather than creating a continuous podium edge, the design team has focused on allowing landscaping to extend beneath and around the buildings.

"The ground plane is conceived as an extension of the surrounding environment, allowing landscape to flow up to and beneath the built forms."

The architectural language also draws on the area's natural landscape, with Rothelowman describing a material palette influenced by local gum trees, bark textures, creek systems and sandstone tones.

<h2 data-end="4971" data-section-id="s69utu" data-start="4922">Affordable housing and build-to-rent component</h2>

One of the more significant aspects of the proposal is the diversity of housing typologies.

In addition to traditional apartments for sale, the scheme includes a dedicated 25-storey build-to-rent building with 208 apartments and a 22-storey affordable housing building containing 189 homes.

The affordable housing component represents almost 16 per cent of the total dwellings proposed within the Residential Core Precinct.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f87e6808-e462-44c6-bfa8-a3de1816f2e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WTsRKiUAyWw18S5S98yQB5oVuDcnJTxB" />

Community consultation undertaken ahead of the lodgement found support for additional housing in the area, particularly given ongoing affordability challenges across South West Sydney. Survey work conducted with local residents found housing affordability was one of the poorest-rated aspects of living in Leppington, while a majority of respondents were open to additional housing within the local government area.

The site's proximity to Leppington Station was identified as the most positively viewed aspect of the proposal, while public open space and affordable housing provisions also received majority support.

<h2 data-end="6184" data-section-id="1ngkie4" data-start="6140">Part of Leppington's broader expansion</h2>

ALAND will be a significant contributor to the broader vision for Leppington Town Centre, which is expected to accommodate more than 25,000 residents as the precinct evolves over the coming decades.

Located within Sydney's South West Growth Area, the 440-hectare Leppington Town Centre has been identified by the NSW Government as a strategic centre spanning both the Liverpool and Camden local government areas.

In 2023, Liverpool City Council and Camden Council, supported by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, prepared a draft planning proposal to rezone land and amend development controls across a number of sites within the town centre.

The proposal outlines a new vision for Leppington Town Centre, reducing the amount of land allocated for business park uses while increasing land zoned for commercial development, housing and open space. The changes are designed to optimise land use across the precinct and support the delivery of a more walkable, transit-oriented centre anchored by Leppington Station.

&nbsp;

ALAND plots 1,200-home Leppington masterplan

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a>&nbsp;has enlisted renowned architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects to design its latest new apartment development.

The new 34-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/57-berwick-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">57 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley</a>,&nbsp;will have 189 apartments, complete with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">byCULPRIT</a>. The upper levels&nbsp;capturing views across the Story Bridge, city skyline, ranges, bay and river.

Residents will have access to a rooftop amenity floor with facilities including a pool, spa, sauna, hot and cold treatment, meditation garden, gym, yoga studio, private dining, BBQ, games lounge, wine display wall, work library, meeting rooms and outdoor work areas.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK</a> Founder and Managing Director, Arpan Kohli, said it will be a project "Brisbane hasn't seen before."

&nbsp;

"To deliver a project of this calibre, you need the right people involved," Kohli said.

"Koichi Takada Architects and byCULPRIT set the benchmarks for design excellence, and this project reflects that - a building of genuine architectural significance in one of Brisbane's most coveted locations, sitting between Howard Smith Wharves and the James Street precinct."

TRK recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/laya-residences-taigum-203-beams-road-taigum-qld-4018">LAYA Residences in Taigum</a>, 88 three-bedroom townhouses starting from $1,495,000. They have another apartment site in Indooroopilly, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/140-central-avenue-indooroopilly-qld-4068">140 Central Avenue</a>. That will have 131 apartments.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

TRK proposes Koichi Takada-designed apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

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ABC Melbourne radio broadcaster Libbi Gorr and her TV producer partner Stewart Burchmore doubled their money when they secured $3.23 million for their redundant Sydney home at its weekend auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-north+bondi-125279338" target="_blank">The three bedroom North Bondi auction offering</a>, (above) which has been a $1350 weekly rental earner over the past four years, cost $1,605,000 in 2007.
Phillips Pantzer Donnelley had four bidders - all above the signalled $2.9 million reserve - on the offering which was marketed as as having potential to live in, renovate or completely rebuild.
Gorr, growing up in Murrumbeena, got her big break with Andrew Denton's ABC sports comedy program Live and Sweaty, where her satirical character Elle McFeast emerged in 1991.
By coincidence nearby Glen Huntly saw the nation's cheapest weekend result when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-glen+huntly-125226550" target="_blank">a one bedroom apartment</a> (below) sold for $260,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.09.20%20AM.png" alt="">
Having recently had a makeover, Woodards agent Ruth Roberts got a sale having previously sought unsuccessfully to secure $310,000 when it was scheduled for 2013 auction.
The first floor 131 Grange Road property traded last in 2005 at $175,000. The 44 sqm 1965-built apartment was advertised in 2015 for a $275 a week rental.
Auction markets have remained resilient, with both volumes and the preliminary clearance rate rising week-on-week, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the strong auction results add some complexity to speculation that the housing market is moving through its peak rate of growth.
"At face value, auction markets are continuing to indicate continued strength in selling conditions across Sydney and Melbourne, however it’s harder to know whether vendors are adjusting their reserve pricing in order to clear their property," Corelogic's auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
Sydney returned to be the capital city with the highest clearance rate - and it also secured the top sale when records fell in Strathfield, with an $8.8 million sale by Sanity boss Ray Itaoui and wife Rachel. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-125164754" target="_blank">Their Frank Lloyd-Wright inspired mansion</a> (below) that cost them $5 million in 2010 sold through Georges Ellis &amp; Co agent Joseph Georges.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.10.27%20AM.png" alt="">
The suburb record has been set four times in the past year.
There were 2,376 auctions held across the capital cities over the week to Saturday, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 76.2 percent.
Last week, a final clearance rate of 73 percent was recorded across 1,689 auctions.
It was a better performance that the corresponding period last year, auction volumes were lower at 1,876 properties taken to auction and a clearance rate of 69.5 percent.
Melbourne had the highest number of auctions with 1,092 properties going to market, with a lower preliminary rate of clearance week-on-week at 76.8 percent, down on the 77.5 percent across 792 auctions.
This time last year, 871 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 71.3 per cent was recorded.
Melbourne's top sale was a five bedroom house at Kew that sold for $4.515 million.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-kew-125252722" target="_blank">8 Mawson Street</a> (below) property offered through Marshall White agents Mike Beardsley and Scarlett Hang.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.11.25%20AM.png" alt="">
Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil sold their Maribyrnong house which was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
Listed so they can move on to their next project, the pair had added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-maribyrnong-125216890" target="_blank">the house at 12 Grandview Avenue</a> (below).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.12.15%20AM.png" alt="">
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rending told The Herald Sun prior to auction the buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
The House Rules contestants Joe and Fil sold for $1.27 million after it was passed in at $1.11 million
In Sydney, 938 auctions were held this week, up from 592 over the previous week, with 700 plus held on Saturday.
The preliminary clearance rate of 79.4 percent was up from 73.8 percent last week.
It was higher than this time last year, when a clearance rate of 76.2 percent was recorded across 647 auctions.
The Northern Beaches region recorded the strongest clearance rate of 91.4 percent across 94 auctions.
There were 127 Brisbane homes taken to auction with the preliminary clearance rate for the city at 61.8 percent, up from 59.6 percent last week and higher than one year ago, when just 49.3 percent of the 151 properties taken to auction were successful.
A three bedroom Brisbane townhouse at Richlands sold for $280,000, making it Brisbane’s most cheapest weekend auction result. It sold at $339,000 on its 2009 completion
Located at 23/20 Kathleen Street, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-richlands-125226690" target="_blank">the Progress Park property</a> (below) was marketed as suitable for investment or first home buyers when offered through MTR Property Group agent Marilyn Thurtell.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.16.27%20AM.png" alt="">
Brisbane's dearest sale was a renovated 1910 Nundah house at $2.46 million. The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-nundah-125274330" target="_blank">33 Oxford Street</a> (below) property captures bay breezes and city skyline. The two storey house with pool and tennis court was offered through Ray White having last sold at $1,905,000 in 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.17.22%20AM.png" alt="">
Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.8 percent, with 71 reported results across a total of 100 scheduled auctions.
In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 62.5 percent and 66.3 percent one year ago.
A four bedroom house at Trinity Gardens sold for $1.47 million making it Adelaide’s most expensive weekend auction result.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-trinity+gardens-125273854" target="_blank">115 Ashbrook Avenue</a>, (below) the property sits on a 841 sqm block of land. The 1900 home last traded at $505,000 in 2004.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.18.23%20AM.png" alt="">
The property was offered through Klemich Real Estate agent Steve Alexander who had advised $1.25 million expectations.
There were 31 Perth auctions this week and so far 14 results have been reported, with 42.9 percent selling.
Last week there was a 43.8 percent clearance rate for Perth.
Across Canberra a total of 79 auctions were held compared to 58 last week and 52 at the same time last year.
Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 75.8 percent is higher than it was the previous week's 64.7 percent.
A modern two-storey house at Deakin sold for $1.694 million making it Canberra’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-deakin-125275538" target="_blank">13 Newdegate Street</a>, (below) the four bedroom property offered through LJ Hooker who had a $1.5 million price guide.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-15%20at%209.19.41%20AM.png" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Radio's Libbi Gorr doubles money in weekend auction sale

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A developer is offering apartments with free stamp duty till June 30 in Adelaide.
East End Apartments, located at 293 Pirie Street, are positioned with the CBD and come with all the lifestyle benefits of living in the city, according to the description on their website.
Located on the edge of Rymill Park, the apartments are close to the food and wine mecca of Rundle Street. The are close to venues of all the festive events and activities that Adelaide enjoys and is known for on the world map – Clipsal 500, Adelaide Fringe and so much more, it says. The development is also close to schools and universities.
A partnership project from developers Wellstone and Regional Pacific Capital (RPC), East End offers 145 apartments in combinations of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedrooms with or without car parking. 
Prices start from $379,000 for a two-bedroom, one bathroom apartment and go up to $599,000 for a three-bedroom, two bathroom apartment.
East End Apartments were also named in the national top 10 of most clicked-on apartments, according to a post on www.realestate.com.au.
Colliers International, which is marketing the project, said the free stamp duty offer is for apartments at or below level 8.
Not just that, the ad says there are rental guarantees on some apartments.
The campaign says rental yields are expected to go up to 6.11 percent in the years to come as Pirie Street evolves.
The marketing for East End Apartments is by Colliers’ Nick Pelvay and James Polacek.
The project is expected to be completed by 2018 end.
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Adelaide's East End development offers free stamp duty on apartments

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Melbourne's strong home auction market continues this weekend with just over 900 homes are scheduled to go to auction on Saturday, up from the 655 conducted last weekend, according to Domain's Andrew Wilson.
"Melbourne’s north east is the most popular suburban region for auctions this weekend with 148 followed by the west (137), the inner city (131), the inner east (130), the inner south (123), the outer east (109), the north (87) and the south east with 46 auctions.
"Reservoir is again the most popular suburb for auctions in Melbourne this Saturday with 18 followed by Preston 15, Mt Waverley, South Morang, Camberwell and Kew each with 13 and a number of suburbs with 11 auctions listed including Glen Waverley, Brighton and Glen Iris.
"Nearly 800 homes are scheduled to go under the hammer this Saturday in Sydney which will be significantly higher than the 458 conducted last weekend and also well ahead of the 505 listed over the same weekend last year.
"The upper north shore will host the highest number of auctions of the Sydney regions this weekend with 111 followed by the city and east (104), the inner west and the south each with 100, the south west 71, the lower north 67, the northern beaches 66, the west 57, Canterbury Bankstown 41, the north west 31, the central coast 21 and the Blue Mountains with just 1 auction scheduled this weekend.
"Mosman is the most popular suburb in Sydney this weekend for auctions with 13. 
"Next highest is Castle Hill with 11 followed by Marrickville, Ashfield, Randwick and Turramurra each with 9 and a number of suburbs with 7 auctions listed including Eastwood, Dee Why and Chatswood."
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Bumper weekend for Sydney, Melbourne home auctions

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Henzell Construction is set to build a $15 million residential development overlooking the new Pelican Waters marina on the Sunshine Coast.
The Carlyle Terraces will feature 25 three bedroom, double storey terrace homes sized from 200sqm to 254sqm.
Mclean Henzell of Henzell Construction said Carlyle Terraces was the first terrace home project for the masterplanned Pelican Waters community.
<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/2017/04/4/CT01M2.jpg" alt="">
“Its prime location at the gateway to the emerging town centre and marina means a vibrant mix of waterfront dining, shopping and professional services is a short 100m stroll away, accessible by private pedestrian access from each residence,’’ he said.
"Priced from $540,000 to $660,000, the terrace homes would appeal to retirees, downsizers, professionals and small families.
“The terrace homes offer the choice of upstairs or downstairs master bedrooms, water and marina views, low maintenance pet-friendly yards plus shared facilities including elevated tropical pool, private putting green and barbecue with kitchenette.
Other nearby features include Pelican Waters Golf Course, bowls club, local supermarkets, Caloundra CBD, patrolled beaches, numerous parks and waterways, health services, a range of primary and secondary schools and easy access to the Bruce Highway.
<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/2017/04/4/f02.jpg" alt="">
The Carlyle Terraces features 21 superbly-crafted three-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom terrace homes and four villas and is presently being sold off the plan, with construction expected to be completed by 2017.
<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/2017/04/4/f24.jpg" alt="">
Visit The Carlyle Terraces onsite sale office at Coral Sea Drive Pelican Waters, open daily except Friday from 10am to 4pm.
For more information visit <a href="https://www.thecarlyle.com.au/">https://www.thecarlyle.com.au/</a>
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Henzell Construction launches $15 million residential sanctuary The Carlyle Terraces

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Dora Creek has the fastest median price growth for houses in New South Wales, according to a recent Investar report.
The property investment firm says that the median house price in Dora Creek has grown by 52 percent in the past year.
This is followed by Green Point with 51 percent and Airds with 46 percent.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
Current median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
Median price 1 year ago
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Growth in 1 year
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Dora Creek
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2264
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$579,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$379,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
52%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Green Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2428
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$750,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$494,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
51%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Airds
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2560
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$563,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$385,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
46%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Dural
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2158
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$2,298,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$1,600,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
43%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Barrack Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2528
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$637,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$460,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
38%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Culburra Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2540
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$484,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$350,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
38%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Leumeah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2560
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$420,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Warners Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2282
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$499,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$377,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
32%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Suffolk Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2481
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$1,187,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$899,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
32%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Manyana
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
2539
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$695,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="83">
$526,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
32%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-culburra+beach-124872850" target="_blank">5 Plimsoll Place</a>, Culburra Beach (below) was sold in April this year for $487,000.
Similarly a two bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-culburra+beach-124954410" target="_blank">2 Mowbray Road</a>, Culburra Beach (above) was sold in March this year for $460,000.
<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/2017/05/11/2%20Mowbray%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Culburra Beach ranks sixth behind Dora Creek for fastest NSW median house price growth: Investar

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The majority of apartments in Melbourne are failing to meet all the minimum requirements, according to Secret Agent’s latest report.
Secret Agent said compared recently built apartments with the Better Apartments Design Standards and found inner Melbourne's apartments lacking.
"What we found only confirmed our intuitive assumptions of inner Melbourne’s apartments: they’re generally hard to live in,” the report stated.
"Of the 3000 apartments that were surveyed only 9 passed.
“While our full report dove into detail about each standard, this bulletin sums up the results of the overall study to shed light on the bigger picture (see Table 1).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-03%20at%2012.11.00%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/05/03/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-03%20at%2012.11.00%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"We sampled 3000 apartments built in the last 6 years across 21 suburbs in Melbourne.
"Overall, 99.7 percent (2,991 apartments) failed to meet all the minimum requirements.
"Only 9 apartments passed the seven standards we assessed (main bedroom dimensions, smallest bedroom dimensions, living room dimensions, private open space, windows, room depth, storage).
"Out of these, 4 were 1 bedroom units, and 5 had 2 bedrooms,” the report advised.
The group then went to list the errors or faults that they found in the surveyed apartments.
Private open space
94.2 percent (2,826 apartments) had balconies that were too small, or had none at all.
Bedroom and living room dimensions
92.3 percent (2,770 apartments) were too small in terms of both bedrooms and living rooms, failing to meet all minimum dimensions.
Accessibility
84 percent (2,520 apartments) had either bathrooms or corridors that were too small. These failed accessibility standards.
Natural ventilation
70 percent (2,100 apartments) were not well-ventilated. Most of these only had windows on one side of the apartment, with the opposite wall facing the internal corridors.
Windows
52 percent (1,560 apartments) did not provide adequate sunlight to bedrooms. More than half of our sample either had no windows to their bedrooms, or had ‘snorkel’ windows that were deeper than allowed.
Room depth
15.6 percent (468 apartments) were too deep, reducing natural light in parts of the living and dining areas,” the report stated.
For more information, <a href="https://secretagent.com.au/">click here</a>.
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Majority of Melbourne apartments fail to meet minimum requirements: Secret Agent

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While the financial position of households has been fairly resilient, vulnerabilities persist for some highly indebted households, especially those located in the resource-rich states, the recent RBA's Financial Stability Review has noted.
Household indebtedness (as measured by the ratio of debt to disposable income) has increased further, primarily due to rising levels of housing debt, although weak income growth is also contributing.
Rising indebtedness can make households more vulnerable to potential income declines and higher interest rates.
This is of most concern for households that have very high levels of debt.
Low interest rates are helping to offset the cost of servicing larger amounts of debt and hence total mortgage servicing costs remain around their recent lows (Graph 2.5).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/13/Graph%202.5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/04/13/Graph%202.5.jpg" alt="">
In this regard, lenders have tightened mortgage serviceability assessments in recent years to include larger interest rate buffers, which should provide some protection against the potential effects of higher interest rates.
Prepayments on mortgages increase the resilience of household balance sheets.
Aggregate mortgage buffers – balances in offset accounts and redraw facilities – are high, at around 17 per cent of outstanding loan balances or around 21⁄2 years of scheduled repayments at current interest rates.
However, these aggregate figures mask significant variation across borrowers, with available data suggesting that around one-third of borrowers have either no accrued buffer or a buffer of less than one month’s repayments.
Those with minimal buffers tend to have newer mortgages, or to be lower-income or lower-wealth households.
Weak economic conditions, and declining housing prices, continue to present challenges to the financial health of households in regions with large exposures to the mining sector.
For example, the rate of personal administrations in Western Australia increased further over the second half of 2016.
While commodity prices have increased, this seems unlikely to translate into significantly improved labour market outcomes in these regions in the near term.
If housing prices continue to decline in these locations, then banks may face additional losses on their mortgage portfolios.
Find the RBA's latest Financial Stability Review 2017 <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Households continue to have high levels of debt: RBA warns

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Government charges are dissuading property owners from selling their homes, driving up demand and impacting affordability, a survey by LJ Hooker has shown.
The survey of 2,700 home owners showed 44 percent of respondents who wanted to sell in 2016 but decided against it, cited transactional imposts such as the stamp duty they would pay on their next property as the reason for staying put.
If stamp duty was lessened, 51 percent of respondents said they would likely go to market, but that figure increased to 61 percent of respondents if the charge was scrapped entirely.
As the Commonwealth and state governments prepare to tackle affordability in their 2017-18 Budgets, pent-up demand has been a significant contributor to price rises in capital cities.
Nationwide, listings were 8.9 percent fewer in 2016 than the previous 12 months according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The reduced level of choice – accompanied by a record low cash rate - resulted in the number of transactions dropping by 9.2 percent over 2016.
LJ Hooker’s Head of Research Mathew Tiller said the survey found 60 percent of survey respondents who requested a market update in 2016 decided against selling.
“A market update is the first critical step in the selling process,” said Mr Tiller.
“The fact that six out of every ten people who had a market update, also known as an appraisal decided against listing suggests there is a deterrent in the selling process,” he said.
“When pressed for the reason why they chose not to sell, almost half (44 percent) indicated the costs involved with selling then buying a new home, including stamp duty, were too high.
As stamp duty is pegged by the state governments to property prices, we’ve seen transactional costs rise exponentially.
In Sydney, the sale of a median priced property costs a buyer around $40,000; in Melbourne, the 5.3 percent duty adds $37,520 for buyers.
While Sydney and Melbourne sellers have enjoyed strong price growth, respondents have reported the accompanying increase in stamp duty, on the purchase of their next home, as a reason to not sell.”
Mr Tiller said the high response rate to “cost of change” such as stamp duty could give governments ‘food for thought’ during their budget preparations.
“A drop off in the number of transactions has a bearing on the amount of stamp duties collected by governments and place strains on their programs.”
LJ Hooker Network Chief Graeme Hyde said while the efforts of governments to increase new supply assisted in improving market affordability, established homes overwhelmingly accounted for the bulk of real estate transactions.
“Home owners are staying in their properties for longer periods of time which is reducing the necessary turnover of stock.
With an increasing and ageing population, it’s important all market demographics have the confidence to buy and sell in the marketplace to aid sustainability,” said Mr Hyde.
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Stamp duty stopping Australians from selling

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Auction volumes are expected to rise this weekend with CoreLogic predicting some 2,196 properties across the combined capital cities listed for the forthcoming weekend.
According to CoreLogic Victoria has the busiest suburbs for auctions, with 17 homes scheduled to go under the hammer in Reservoir, while Kew and Preston are each set to host 16 auctions, followed by Brighton and Craigieburn with 14 auctions each.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-11%20at%2010.29.09%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-11%20at%2010.29.09%20AM.png" alt="">
"Melbourne will be host to the highest volume of auctions this week, with 1,001 homes set to go to auction across the city, up from 792 last week, however Sydney will see the largest increase in volumes week-on-week, with 877 auctions scheduled, up from 592 last week," CoreLogic said.
"It is expected that auction activity will increase across Brisbane, Canberra and Tasmania, while decreasing slightly in Adelaide and Perth.
"Overall activity is set to be higher than what was seen over the same period last year (1,876)."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-11%20at%2010.33.16%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Auction volumes to rise this weekend: CoreLogic

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Crown Group has unveiled Waterfall by Crown Group, a new project in Sydney’s Green Square precinct featuring Australia’s largest man-made waterfall.
Located at 18 O’dea Avenue Waterloo, the project is designed by architects SJB.
It will feature a seven-storey waterfall cascading down one of the development’s four elemental buildings.
“This development is something entirely unique inspired by the power of nature,” commented Crown Group chairman and group CEO, Iwan Sunito. 
“With this design, we are breaking with tradition.
"The green spaces and natural elements create a luxurious, balanced environment for residents to relax and recharge,” he said.
The development offers a collection of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments - as well as courtyard apartments and double-storey penthouses.
Mika Utzon Popov, grandson of Sydney Opera House architect Jørn Utzon, is also creating a large-scale artwork on selected exterior walls.
“Landscape has been fundamental to Crown Group’s developments and with Waterfall by Crown Group we want to take that to the next level, bring nature back into the city,” Sunito added.
“Waterfall by Crown Group is a testament to our continual push to create contextually appropriate and innovative residential developments which are relevant to today’s society,” he said.
“Creating the tallest man-made waterfall is just one of the ways we are bringing nature back into the lives of our residents.”
Residents’ amenities include pool, gym, function room, music rooms, a rainforest-inspired bamboo-covered walkway and a private rooftop lounge.
Construction is scheduled to begin this year with a targeted completion in 2020.
For more information, <a href="https://waterfallbycrowngroup.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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