<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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The auction market in Sydney is back to strength following the Easter holiday with 650 homes set for Saturday auction, according to Domain's Dr Andrew Wilson.
He said Sydney’s inner west will be the most popular region for auctions on Saturday with 100 followed by the south with 88, the upper north shore (80), the city and east (68), the west (61), the lower north (55), the south west (50), Canterbury Bankstown (47), the northern beaches (35), the north west (30) and the central coast with (18) auctions listed.
"Manly will host the most suburban auctions this weekend with 11 followed by Newtown and Mosman each with 10, Ashfield (8), St Ives, Eastwood and Darlinghurst each with 7 and a number of suburbs with 6 auctions listed including Revesby, Paddington Bexley and Earlwood," he said.
"Auction listings were predictably higher last weekend with 705 homes scheduled to go under the hammer compared to 25 the previous weekend.
"This weekend more than 1000 auctions are listed as the market returns in full after April’s lengthy holiday distractions.
"Melbourne’s eastern suburban regions recorded the highest clearance rates last weekend although most areas and suburbs continue to secure positive results for sellers.
"Top rate was reported by the south-east with 87.7 percent followed by the outer east 86.2 percent, the inner east 86.0 percent, the west 84.0 percent and the most sales at 84, the north-east 83.3 percent, the north 82.7 percent, the inner south 71.7 percent and the inner city with a clearance rate of 61.1 percent."
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Post Easter Sydney, Melbourne auction market back to strength

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The latest CoreLogic figures are likely to show price growth flat-lined in April with Sydney having its first monthly decline since December 2015.
Full-month figures due to be released on Monday will show the country's peak growth phase has possibly paused or passed.
CoreLogic head of research Asia Pacific Tim Lawless noted the CoreLogic hedonic home value index has virtually held steady over the first twenty-seven days of the month for the five city aggregate index, "with a subtle fall in Sydney values over the month to date." 
"Recent regulatory changes aimed at slowing the pace of investment and interest-only lending have pushed mortgage rates slightly higher and slowed the pace of investment demand. These changes appear to be having a dampening effect on housing market conditions."
" The softer results come after a strong re-acceleration in home values that has been evident through the second half of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. 
"Recent regulatory changes aimed at slowing the pace of investment and interest-only lending have pushed mortgage rates slightly higher and slowed the pace of investment demand. 
"These changes appear to be having a dampening effect on housing market conditions." 
The figures had Sydney up 1.4 percent in March - up 18.9 percent over the 12-month period.
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The last decline in Sydney values came in the December quarter of 2015, with a 1.4 percent decline in November and a 1.2 percent fall in December, coinciding the first round of credit curbs.
Monday's report will include figures for the five mainland capitals. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Subtle fall in Sydney values in April: CoreLogic

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The Outer East region of Melbourne scored the highest auction weekend clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 76 auctions in the Outer East region 84.2 percent resulted in a successful outcome.
This was followed by the Inner East with 82 percent and the North East with 79.4 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2010.06.17%20am.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/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2010.06.17%20am.jpg" alt="">
The Inner region had the lowest auction clearance rate with only 65.5 percent of its auctions cleared.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-knoxfield-125088298">81 David Street North</a>, Knoxfield (above) was sold for $1.505 million.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-knoxfield-125102702">3 Azalea Court</a>, Knoxfield (below) was sold for $925,000.
<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/2017/04/27/3%20Azalea%20Court.jpg" alt="">
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Outer East Melbourne area scores highest auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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Chinese developer Wanda has unveiled its $1 billion Sydney harbour-front hotel and apartment tower, One Circular Quay.
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The new 60-storey glass and stone residential building has been designed by Kerry Hill Architects.
The Crone Architects and Kengo Kuma Architects-designed five-star hotel will have 28 levels and just 181 rooms.
Wanda International Projects global head of sales and marketing Michael Purefoy said the hotel doors are expected to open in November 2020.
The apartment sales would start this year.
"I think this is a project that is going to generate interest from a global base,” he told The Australian.
The Circular Quay skyline is to be re-imagined with the creation of the five star Wanda hotel, following a collaboration between Australian architecture firm CRONE and Kengo Kuma &amp; Associates to win an international design excellence competition.
It is part of Dalian Wanda’s $1 billion redevelopment of Gold Fields House at 1 Alfred Street, Circular Quay.
The residential tower uses sandstone, green walls and large windows framing views towards the harbour.
“We are extremely proud to be involved with Wanda’s ambitious reimagining of this prominent site in Sydney, working alongside our colleagues in Japan,” commented CRONE design director Sandra Furtado, who led the design team in Sydney. 
“The Tokyo and Sydney teams worked very hard to make this a true design collaboration, and both firms are delighted with the opportunity to work together, as part of a wider team to deliver Wanda’s vision,” she said.
“Our design aspirations for the Wanda Vista hotel required the crafting of a building with a distinct identity, while being mindful of numerous site constraints, the client’s ambition, as well as the City of Sydney’s plans for the surrounding Alfred-Pitt-Dalley-George precinct.”
The hotel’s five star features include a welcoming lobby which extends visually onto Herald Square, a 300-person grand ballroom with views of Sydney Harbour, two levels of restaurants and a rooftop bar with outdoor areas.
“This is a truly international project, giving us a chance to work with our friends in Australia to offer high-quality design for the City of Sydney. We look forward to Dalian Wanda’s intent to work with us to hone the city’s vision and give something great to residents and visitors alike,” added Kengo Kuma.
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Wanda's One Circular Quay has 2020 completion date

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Capital city auction clearance rates were at their lowest level last week in 11 weeks, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that last week’s auction clearance rate was recorded at 69.8 percent from 1,751 auctions compared to a clearance rate of 73.9 percent from 493 auctions over the week of Easter.
CoreLogic collected results for 88.7 percent of all auctions held.
In Melbourne there were 828 auctions last week with a clearance rate of 75.2 percent.
Volumes were higher than the 102 the previous week while clearance rates were much lower than the 81.3 percent the previous week.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2011.09.48%20am.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/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2011.09.48%20am.jpg" alt="">
Last week’s auction clearance rate for Melbourne was the lowest so far this year.
Sydney’s auction clearance rate last week was 72.4% from 519 auctions compared to 77% from 279 auctions over the previous week.
Sydney’s auction clearance rate last week was the second lowest of this year.
Brisbane and Tasmania were the only regions that recorded higher clearance rates over the last week.
Over the 28 days to April 23 there were 42,128 newly advertised properties for sale nationally and 231,167 total properties for sale.
The number of newly advertised properties for sale rose over the past week while total stock was lower.
Compared to volumes a year ago, newly advertised housing stock is 0.3% higher while total advertised stock is -3.2% lower.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2011.09.58%20am.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/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2011.09.58%20am.jpg" alt="">
Across the combined capital cities there were 25,171 newly advertised properties for sale which were higher over the week and -4.1 percent lower than a year ago.
The only capital cities in which the number of newly advertised properties is higher over the year were: Sydney, Hobart and Canberra.
Over the past 28 days there were 105,364 total properties advertised for sale across the combined capital cities which was lower over the week and unchanged over the year.
Melbourne, Hobart and Darwin were the only capital cities to have fewer total properties advertised for sale compared to a year ago.
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National auction clearance rate at lowest in 11 weeks: CoreLogic

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Geelong had the highest weekend auction clearance rate in the regions, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 41 auctions in Geelong 70.7 percent of them resulted in a successful outcome.
This is followed by the Hunter region with 68.8% and Wollongong with 66.7 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2010.06.23%20am.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/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2010.06.23%20am.jpg" alt="">
The Sunshine Coast had the lowest auction clearance rate with only 46 percent of its auctions cleared.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-east+geelong-125029502">396 Ryrie Street</a>, East Geelong (above) has been sold for $520,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-newcomb-125031902">23 Veronica Avenue</a>, Newcomb (below) was sold for $325,000.
<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/2017/04/27/23%20Veronica%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
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Geelong scores 70 percent auction clearance rate: CoreLogic

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In January a review by former police commissioner Neil Comrie found that the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre (MYJC) in Parkville was no longer fit for purpose. The facility which first opened at the site in 1955 has now reached the end of its useful life as a juvenile detention centre. With the Victorian government now planning a new purpose built facility in Werribee, the future use of the site has become uncertain.

For those unfamiliar with the area, the centre is located on the corner of Park and Manningham Street’s in Parkville West. This land was originally part of Royal Park when it was set aside by Governor Charles La Trobe in 1854. To the North of the site is the now largely residential suburb of West Brunswick, which is undergoing rapid residential development.

To the East and South of the site are health &amp; technology facilities (CSL) and the Royal Park branch of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.  To the West sits the residential area created for the 2006 Commonwealth Games Village.

So what could be done with this sizable piece of government owned land, roughly the size of the flagstaff gardens and less than 4 kilometres from the CBD?  Here are four different scenarios to consider.

Scenario one – Commonwealth Games atonement

Making amends for past transgressions against the public realm, the government decides for the site to have a permanent return to public parklands. A design competition is run by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) to attract the best ideas for the site. This might include the provision of new grassed ovals or active recreation spaces, which could then allow for equivalent facilities in Royal Park to be reclaimed for urban forest.

This scenario also supports the mitigation of climate change impacts by enhancing our vegetation infrastructure in the inner city. As Brunswick and Parkville continue to densify, the provision of green open space nearby gives these places nearby public open space, in lieu of private backyards.

Ultimately a good outcome would be to replicate the quality of space achieved at the opposite corner of Royal Park in the project ‘Return to Royal Park’. This is not to say that we should replicate the design, just that this is the quality benchmark we should aim for. Given the child friendly nature of ‘Return to Royal Park’, perhaps the new intervention could be targeted towards a different demographic such as teenagers.

Opportunities to create or expand public parkland are few and far between. For the State to acquire land and turn it into parkland is rarely done due to the expense. Serious consideration should be given to this option as component of future proofing the city live-ability of the inner North.

Scenario two – The strategic long game

Whilst the juvenile detention centre is nearby to the existing Royal Park boundaries, it is also in close proximity to our high-tech medical research precinct. Under the State Governments big picture planning document Plan Melbourne, this is defined as a National employment and innovation cluster (NEIC). This city cluster is rapidly pushing ahead with recent new buildings such as the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Central to the success of this precinct is the dense grouping of research labs, university facilities, hospitals and other medical technology facilities.

“Each cluster needs to be investment-ready for knowledge-intensive firms and jobs. To support the development of clusters, effective governance arrangements—including key stakeholders and landowners—are required.” Plan Melbourne

So the question becomes, how could the MYJC site support the continued growth of this precinct?

One such method would be to execute a long term strategy to guarantee available land to upgrade medical technology facilities within the precinct. Under this strategy the MYJC site would be returned to basic parkland in the short term, but set aside for a medical research facility recycling program.

Before existing facilities become obsolete, organisations such as CSL or the Royal Melbourne Hospital, could have a new purpose built facility placed on the MYJC site. Once the new facility is constructed they would then decommission their existing site and return it to parkland. New facilities can be designed and built whilst the existing facilities are still operating. This avoids the need to relocate outside the precinct once their facility has come to the end of its useful lifespan. It also would limit the temptation to take further parkland from Royal Park in the future.

Scenario three – Homes of the future.

Politicians at all levels have woken up to the fact that we are currently experiencing a housing affordability crisis. The temptation will be great for the State to move quickly to sell off the MYJC site under the guise of providing more housing (see option 4 real estate rampage below). However this site, although it is large, will not make a substantial difference to housing affordability on its own. For meaningful impact, the site needs to be leveraged into a roadmap for best practice medium density housing on many other sites.

To achieve this, the State Government could look to forge a partnership with Nightingale Housing to create an ambitious, design led, inner city housing precinct. The Government would use its buying power to support the latest innovations in sustainable building technologies, such as structurally insulated panels, cross laminated timber and prefabrication.

Importantly it would be an opportunity for the government to turbocharge the innovations that Nightingale Housing have developed, enabling them to deliver substantial change in the provision of homes for the 21st century. Given the size of the project and the investment of public funds, the project could also have the benefit of design review from the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.

This approach would also unlock funds from the site upon the sale of the apartments. It would also offer an investment opportunity for the government to borrow funds with a low interest rate and reap the 15% profits offered to Nightingale ethical investors. Given the very high demand for Nightingale apartments (they currently have a waiting list of 2360) and the lower than usual planning risks this might even be the most financially lucrative of the options.

With the right level of ambition and forethought this site could be everything that the Commonwealth Games Village lacked.

Scenario four – Real Estate rampage.

Sold to the highest bidder, no strings attached! No ambition, no strategy, just show us the money. Turn this prime piece of land into a line on a spreadsheet.

Under this scenario the public interest is limited the benefit of a financial transaction. A single once off payment that will have virtually zero longer term public benefits. If this scenario eventuates watch for the political spin doctoring. “A $100 Million dollar economic bonanza!”, “Five hundred (temporary) jobs will be created”.

Once the land is sold and subdivided into hundreds of owners, the opportunities for this site are rapidly expunged. To reverse this process and return it to a single parcel of land is politically impossible. This is precisely why, the future of this site must be thoroughly considered now. It is a currently a public asset, let’s make sure the public gets the greatest benefit.

Architecture is for everyone.

 

Michael Smith is a principal at Ateiler Red+Black. This article originally appeared on the <a href="http://www.theredandblackarchitect.com/unlocking-the-public-interest/">Red and Black website</a>.
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redblackarchitect

Unlocking the public interest

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More than 500 apartments are set to be built above Melbourne's The Glen shopping centre in Glen Waverley.
The air rights to the shopping centre have gone to Jeff Xu’s Golden Age Group by retail landlord Vicinity Centres and co-owner Perron Group.
Three residential towers are set for the site.
The first stage of the retail development was set to open late 2017 with and expected to be completed by 2020.
Vicinity said the apartment deal had cut the redevelopment costs to $460 million, from $490m, of which Vicinity’s share was 50 percent.
"After completion of the redevelopment, an initial yield of more than 6 per ent and an internal rate of return of more than 10 percent were likely," Vicinity said.
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Apartment development slated for Melbourne's The Glen shopping centre

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Adelaide’s housing market has remained dormant when compared to the rest of the country with detached-home values rising only 12 percent since 2013, according to CoreLogic-Moody’s Analytics Australian Home Value Index Forecast, 2017Q1.
The report said South Australia’s uneven economic momentum can be attributed to the cool state of Adelaide’s market.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-11%20at%201.39.30%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-11%20at%201.39.30%20PM.png" alt="">
"Detached-home values have risen only 12 percent since 2013, while apartment values have increased a slight 2.3 percent," it said.
"Unemployment of 7 percent in greater Adelaide is well above the national average, although it has trended down from 7.8 percent in late 2015.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2012.38.35%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2012.38.35%20PM.png" alt="">
"Detached-home values are forecast to remain relatively flat, rising 0.9 percent in 2017 and 0.5 percent in 2018.
"Apartment values are expected to decline a little, by 0.1 percent in 2017, with a mild recovery of 0.5 percent in 2018."
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Adelaide property market still dormant: Moody's Analytics

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The performance of house and unit resales across Canberra has continued to diverge over the past quarter, according to CoreLogic’s latest Pain and Gain report.
While only 8 percent of all dwellings resold at a loss over the quarter, this was split by 1 percent of houses and 23 percent of units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-21%20at%201.56.28%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The property data firm says that while only 8.6% of all dwellings resold at a loss over the quarter, this was split by 1.1% of houses and 23.2% of units.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-21%20at%201.56.39%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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