<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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Strong buyer demand for Villa World’s Augustus project at Hervey Bay has pushed the masterplanned residential development past the half-way mark.
The 763-lot project has clocked more than 400 sales since its launch, driven sharply in recent months by a strong cohort of first-home buyers and retirees.
The latest sales run came ahead of the March 31 expiry of the $12,000 Hervey Bay Housing Affordability Grant, which has been complemented by the state government’s boosted first home owner’s grant of $20,000.
Villa World development manager Gary Hunter said the project has attracted consistent buyer interest over many years.
However the combination of the two government grants has generated an influx of buyers for the project.
“In recent months, we’ve seen record sales figures at Augustus from first-home buyers and retires alike,” Hunter said.
“Villa World has a great reputation in providing an affordable, quality product to market. The grant was just the icing on the cake.”
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The latest sales have led first-home buyers to account for 70% of sales at Augustus, with 20% to retirees and only 10% to investors.
Sales have almost doubled in recent months with 33 contracts secured in the March quarter of 2017.
Augustus property consultant Ric King said sales momentum and figures have reflected the success of the government grants.
“Augustus has seen a clear upsurge in first-home buyers and retirees lapping up the savings from the two government grants,” King said.
<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/2017/04/18/AUG1609%20Lots231-233%201530_RT.jpg" alt="">
It is just 4 kilometres from the Hervey Bay Esplanade and 13 kilometres from the airport.
The contemporary residences feature an extensive range of quality inclusions including stone kitchen bench tops, stainless steel appliances and they are NBN ready.
New homes are now selling from $337,000.
Villa World, an ASX-listed developer, is one of Australia’s largest housing providers with more than 40,000 people calling a Villa World address home.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Augustus, Hervey Bay sales pass the half-way mark

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New South Wales continues to remain at the peak of market, with the Central Coast, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle at the top of valuation firm Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest National Property Clock for houses in April.
NSW continues to dominate even in ‘approaching the peak market’ position with Sydney and NSW North Coast the new entrants, highlighting just how hot the property market is in the state.
The bottom is made up by Darwin, Gladstone and Mackay, while approaching the bottom are Perth, Alice Springs, Gippsland and Rockhampton. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/20/April21HTWHouses.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/20/April21HTWHouses.png" alt="">
NSW Central Coast 
By far, the strongest performing location in the region both now and for the past several years has to be peninsula suburbs at the southern end of the region. This includes Umina Beach, Woy Woy and Ettalong with records being set and broken in very short periods of time. 
“Almost daily, we talk to people and hear the surprise at the prices being paid,” says the HTW update.
These areas have become a magnet for renovators, value adders with those looking to exit the Sydney market finding these areas particularly attractive due to the comparative level of affordability, says HTW.
“It’s this exodus from the Sydney market that is seen to be driving the values in these locations.”
Prices have rocketed past the $700,000 mark when the same property could have been purchased for much less just a few short years ago. 
Newcastle 
The Newcastle market is the strongest it has been in quite a while. 
Recently there has been plenty of media attention repeating the mantra that Newcastle is an up-and-coming Sydney, with less population, less gridlock and lower property prices. 
Agents are fielding plenty of enquiries from out of town buyers and they can definitely compete favourably with the locals at auctions; when you sell your property at Sydney prices, its gives you plenty of dollars to spend at Newcastle prices. 
Take for example Mayfield East; houses in this suburb have smashed through the $500,000 barrier and powered up to join neighbouring suburbs in the $600,000 to $700,000 range, say HTW.
Property Observer found a three-bedroom house (pictured below) in the suburb that recently changed hands for $670,000.
The address is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mayfield+east-125159346" target="_blank">34 Kitchener Parade, Mayfield East, NSW 2304</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/2017/04/20/Newcastle1.jpg" alt=""> 
Coffs Harbour 
The Coffs Coast is known for its lifestyle benefits with demand traditionally being driven by population growth from retirees and more significantly families moving from the southern regions looking for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle.
The appeal of the area is a reflection of the climate, attractive nature of the locality including its many beaches and diversity of housing product close to the coast with good regional facilities.
These features make the area a popular tourist destination with various larger scale resort developments located in the northern section of the town. 
“Due to the geographical features of the area, supply is generally in the coastal localities and it is no surprise this is where we see the strongest levels of demand,” say HTW. 
The northern beach localities of Sapphire Beach, Moonee Beach, Emerald Beach, Safety Beach and Woolgoolga have all been strong performers in recent times which is a reflection of the increasing demand brought about due to these lifestyle factors, good level of services available, easy access to the main centre of Coffs Harbour, continuing low interest rates and decreasing supply of product. 
This has resulted in significant increases in values over the past 12 months and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to find quality property within the affordable sub $500,000 market. As a result, the secondary or cheaper beach side locations of Sandy Beach and Corindi Beach have now also increased in popularity and value accordingly. 
Centrally, the sought after beach side suburbs within Coffs Harbour of Diggers Beach, The Jetty and Sawtell are the best performers in terms of strong capital growth. There is a mix of residential properties available appealing to a wide variety of purchasers looking for lower end units in the $275,000 to $350,000 range to the high end prestige properties in excess of $1 million. 
To illustrate the point, Property Observer found a two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-sawtell-124705458" target="_blank">28 Eleventh Avenue, </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-sawtell-124705458" target="_blank">Sawtell, NSW 2452</a> (pictured below) that recently sold for $624,000.
<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/2017/04/20/CoffsHarbour1.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

NSW regions at the top of HTW property clock for houses in April

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Mosaic Property Group is taking luxury living to a new level at Kings Beach with Solis, a $23 million project on the Sunshine Coast.
Solis comprises 33 one, two and three-bedroom apartments over eight levels, crowned by three sub penthouses and two exclusive penthouse apartments. 
All apartments have been designed to take full advantage of the Kings Beach location with spacious interiors and large private balconies.
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Solis comes on the heels of Mosaic Group’s latest success, the $20 million Cyan at Kings Beach which has sold out.
Mosaic Property Group’s Managing Director Brook Monahan said Solis is the product of extensive market research designed to create modern living spaces that specifically target the needs of local buyers.
“The Sunshine Coast is a great place to live, work, invest and play, so we’re very excited to be bringing Solis to the market,” he said.
They have also decided to embrace a pet-friendly environment for residents.
Solis features six open-plan three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments.
These will be crowned by three luxurious three-bedroom, two-bathroom sub-penthouses and two prestigious three-bedroom, two-plus-bathroom, three car park penthouses.
Apartment prices start from $405,000 for the one-bedroom, while two-bedrooms are priced from $520,000 and three-bedrooms from $790,000. Apartments range in size from 100sqm to 265sqm. 
Penthouse inclusions are a cut above standard apartments featuring ducted air conditioning, a fully integrated fridge/freezer, 900mm cooktop, multifunction zip tap, free standing solid surface bath and additional designer accessories throughout. 
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The beachside location at 31 Mailman Street is just metres from magnificent Kings Beach and close to the shops, restaurants and cafes of Caloundra’s CBD
A private resort-style pool with tropical surrounds creates a luxurious secluded getaway for residents and their guests.
John Robertson, Principal Architect at OGE Group Architects, said the allowance of pets has led to the inclusion of a facility where people walking back from the beach can wash their pet off.
“It might sound like a little thing but it’s something that some developers might shy away from.”
Construction of Solis is set to commence in May 2017, with completion anticipated a year later.
Solis is the second of five projects totalling $175 million planned by Mosaic Group for the Sunshine Coast.
<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/2017/04/18/Solis%20by%20Mosaic_Pool.jpg" alt="">
Mosaic’s development pipeline will create 635 direct and indirect full-time equivalent positions, with 380 of those positions on the Sunshine Coast.
Mosaic will inject $33 million in wages for local workers, accompanied by a $94 million economic benefit to the Sunshine Coast region.
<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/2017/04/18/Solis%20by%20Mosaic_Exterior%20Main.jpg" alt="">
For more information on Solis, visit <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/mosaicproperty.com.au" target="_blank">mosaicproperty.com.au</a>.
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Solis hits the shore at Kings Beach

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AFG has reported promising signs in the first home buyer (FHB) market as the 17 year old scheme, introduced to offset the effect of the GST on home ownership, receives a shake up.
The national First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme funded by the states and territories has largely been hailed a success as it seeks to ease the hefty upfront costs for new entrants to the market. 
The effectiveness of the scheme however has been questioned of late and it appears this may have encouraged governments to act. 
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“The Victorian state government has recently announced a number of changes to the scheme in that state and New South Wales is currently examining their options to help counter rising house prices in those states,” said AFG interim CEO David Bailey.
AFG data shows positive signs amongst the FHB market with lodgments lifting back up to 10% for the first time since the first quarter of 2014.
“First home buyer numbers have been in the single digits for some time. 
It is good to see state governments looking to support those trying to get a foot on the property ladder. 
Time will tell if the proposed changes to the scheme go far enough to assist those looking to buy their first home in our two most populous states.”
APRA-imposed lender policy changes have had an impact on both the investor market and refinancers as many lenders lift interest rates for borrowers.
“Lenders have been told by the regulator to rein in their exposure to the investor market and APRA continues to monitor growth in lending to investors,” said Mr Bailey. 
“As a result many lenders have embarked upon a series of rate increases and a tightening of credit policy for investors to comply with APRA’s guidelines.
“This activity has seen investor loans drop from 34% to 32% across the quarter.”
Those looking to refinance have also been impacted, with that segment of the market dropping from 38% to 35% last quarter – its lowest level since the third quarter of 2015.
In overall lodgment numbers, AFG has reported a lift of 8% on Quarter 3 last year driven primarily by increasing activity of upgraders.
“With a significant amount of changes being made to the appetites and pricing of lenders, help from a mortgage broker can be vital for consumers trying to navigate the dynamic market that is home lending,” said Mr Bailey.
“A result that should please the regulators is a drop in the loan to value ratio (LVR) in all states apart from South Australia where a marginal increase of 0.4% was evident. 
The national LVR is now down to 68.6%, the lowest level since the first quarter of 2013,” he concluded.
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AFG sees promising signs for first home buyers

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Residential vacancy rates have fallen across the Sydney market led by solid falls in availability in Middle Sydney, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW).
REINSW President John Cunningham said the March 2017 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw the Sydney metropolitan market down 0.2% at 1.7%.
"Middle Sydney led the fall in rental accommodation on offer with a 0.4% decline at 1.4%," Cunningham said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%2012.38.36%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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%2012.38.36%20pm.jpg" alt="">
"Outer Sydney fell 0.1% at 2.1% and Inner Sydney was down 0.1% at 1.6%."
The Hunter also saw a drop of 0.1% at 2.0% with a 0.7% correction in Newcastle at 2.0%.
In the Illawarra, vacancy rates rose 0.4% at 1.5% with Wollongong adding 0.1% to 1.2%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%2012.39.06%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Across regional areas, the Northern Rivers has the lowest vacancy rate at 1.0%, down 0.1%, the South Coast dropped 0.7% at 1.4% and Albury was down 1.0 at 2.2%.
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Sydney rental market continues to tighten: REINSW

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Villa World has sold out the 81-lot land-only Riva development on Brisbane’s northside just over two years since its launch.
Villa World development manager Gary Hunter said the Joyner development benefited from a flurry of first home buyer activity as buyers looked to lock in the boosted first-home buyers grant before its expiry at the end of June.
“Riva’s success is attributed to the fact that the development has provided the market with a quality product with a modest price tag,” Hunter said.
Villa World launched the development at the end of 2015 targeting local second and third homebuyers looking to upgrade, but Hunter said the government grant had helped Riva attract a broader demographic in the past year.
Villa World recently released the second stage of Haven on Greens, further south at Griffin.
Haven on Greens comprises 66 architect-designed homes with a select range of larger home sites available.
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Villa World's Riva land development in Joyner sells out 

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Building activity data released by the ABS showed there were more newly built units completed over the December 2016 quarter than houses, the first time on-record this has occurred.
The number of new dwellings approved for construction has recently fallen from historically high levels which will over time result in fewer commencements and completions moving forward. 
The latest building activity data for the December 2016 quarter, showed that dwelling commencements and completions were actually higher over the quarter. 
Meanwhile, the number of dwellings under construction and the number of dwellings approved but awaiting commencement fell.
Over the December 2016 quarter there were 28,690 new houses that commenced construction and 27,887 new units which commenced construction. 
While new house commencements were 3.4% lower, new unit commencements increased by 3.9%. 
Since the end of 2016 there has been a substantial decline in house and unit approvals so it is reasonable to expect that dwelling commencements will follow the lead of approvals and start to trend lower over the coming quarters.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.27%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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.27%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In terms of dwelling completions, 28,102 new houses and 28,527 new units completed construction over the December 2016 quarter. 
This marked the first quarter on record that more new units had been completed than new houses. 
New house completions rose by 0.7% over the quarter while new unit completions surged 26.1% to a new record-high.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.34%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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.34%20pm.jpg" alt="">
At the end of the quarter, there were 64,332 new houses under construction and 152,635 new units under construction. 
There has been little change in the number of houses under construction over recent quarters while new unit construction remains historically high but has begun to fall. 
Interestingly when you look at the individual state data, the number of new units under construction in New South Wales is continuing to climb to new historic highs while the number under construction in Victoria and Queensland, where concerns around inner city unit supply are more pronounced, is now clearly trending lower.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.39%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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.39%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Finally if we look at the number of new houses and units approved for construction but not yet commenced, there were 9,814 houses and 29,044 units yet to start the construction phase. 
The number of new houses approved but not commenced increased by 5.0% over the quarter while the number of new units fell by 11.7% from its historic high the previous quarter.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.43%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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%202.58.43%20pm.jpg" alt="">
With dwelling approvals having fallen quite significantly from record high levels since December 2016 it is reasonable to expect that there will be fewer commencements going forward, particularly for units. 
Completions on the other hand could remain high for some time given that there are still many houses and units under construction. 
New house and unit completions have averaged 43,497 a quarter over the past five years, even if there were no additional new commencements based on this run-rate it would take almost five quarters for the stock to clear.
It is also important to note the fact that the number of units under construction has started to decline in Victoria and Queensland while it continues to rise in New South Wales. 
Commencements data shows that the number of starts have also fallen in Victoria and Queensland while they continue to trend higher in New South Wales. 
The pull-back in Victoria and Queensland for commencements is probably related to unit oversupply concerns in the inner city areas of the state capitals. 
In fact the rate of growth for units is already dramatically lagging that of houses in Melbourne and Brisbane while the same trends are not evident in Sydney.
It is clear that the market is responding to the heightened level of dwelling construction over recent years. 
While it appears that in most states commencements are now falling they have continued to climb in New South Wales which ultimately is positive given it is the state with the largest overall undersupply of housing.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Newly built apartments outnumber houses for the first time on record: Cameron Kusher

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A luxury top-floor penthouse has surged past property price records in the Sydney suburbs of Green Square, Zetland and Waterloo this month when it sold for $3,598,650.  According to RP Data records, the highest price for a residential apartment situated in Zetland, Green Square and Waterloo was previously held by a three-bedroom penthouse at 8 Sam Sing Waterloo.
Located in the Infinity by Crown Group development, the three-bedroom apartment represents the final sale at the 401-apartment development, which is now officially sold out.  Crown Group recorded $380 million dollars in sales in one day when it first launched the project in 2015.
<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/2017/04/19/Infinity2.jpg" alt="" width="416" height="286">
The 20-storey building will feature an infinity-edge pool, spa, gym, music room, media theatre, a roof-top terrace, 30 retail outlets, restaurants and cafés; plus a conference centre to hold 450 people. Crown Group global head of sales and marketing, Julian Sedgwick, remarked that the penthouse allowed buyers to own a prestigious home in the city’s next architectural centrepiece.
“The penthouses at Infinity by Crown Group represented a chance for buyers to secure a top-tier, luxury retreat with stunning views of Sydney’s CBD,” he said. “This is a sign of strength within Sydney’s prestige property bastions.”
The 150sqm three-bedroom penthouse features custom-made, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a spectacular rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Sydney’s CBD.
Boasting bright, naturally-lit living spaces and lavish interior finishes, the luxury penthouse included technology geared for entertainment such as multimedia touch-controlled home automation systems.
“This penthouse at Infinity by Crown Group will be arguably Green Square’s most outstanding apartment showcasing all the benefits of luxury living in Sydney,” added Crown Group sales and marketing director, Roy Marcellus.
“This record-breaking sale reflects customers’ awareness of the premium quality and exclusivity of Crown Group’s apartments. The sale of this penthouses is proof that Sydney’s luxury market is alive and well,” he said.
Additionally, Crown Group has now sold all four level-27 penthouse apartments in its $250-million Arc by Crown Group, which is under-construction in Sydney’s CBD. The $575-million development is located on the corner of Bourke Street and Botany Road and scheduled for completion in 2019.
The next project in the works is the recently Waterfall by Crown Group, located less than 1km from the now sold-out Green Square development, will be launched for sale in June this year.
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Green Square Infinity penthouse smashes suburb price record 

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Vacancy rates dropped across all Australian capital cities in March, falling to just 1.5% in Melbourne and 1.7% in Sydney, with upward pressure likely to be maintained on rents in the two cities, according to the latest data from SQM Research.
Overall, the national vacancy rate fell to 2.3% in March from 2.4% the previous month, based on 73,554 vacancies. 
The numbers reflect a seasonal tightening in vacancy rates. Vacancies usually drop in the early months of the year as people return to their jobs after the summer break and students go back to universities in March, according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
Among the capital cities, Hobart’s vacancy rate was the lowest at just 0.6% while Canberra had the tightest vacancy rate of 0.8%, down from 0.9% in February. In Adelaide it was 1.8%, down from 2%.
Vacancies dropped in Perth and Darwin, as well as Hobart and Brisbane, which has the most listings at 11,028 of any of the capitals.
Christopher pointed out that the vacancy rate continued to fall in Melbourne despite much talk of an apartment oversupply. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/19/SQM-2.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/2017/04/19/SQM-2.jpg" alt="">
“Even in the spots where we would have expected to see oversupply, such as Docklands and Southbank, we are not seeing it, where there are thousands of apartments, new and old,” he said.
Reflecting its lower vacancy rate, asking rents rose in Melbourne over the month to April 12, up by 1.6% for units and 0.7% for houses. 
Annually, asking rents for houses is growing fastest in Melbourne at 7.1%, reflecting tightening vacancy rates.
Sydney unit rents too jumped by 1.6% over the month, as well as a 1.5% rise for Canberra units, though housing rents fell in those two cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/19/SQM.jpg" target="_blank">In Sydney too, despite high levels of inner-city apartment construction, the vacancy rate is just 1.7% across the city and just 1.3% in the CBD. </a>
“We may, however, see a bounce in April across cities as demand for rental properties drops back,” Christopher said.
Perth recorded the highest vacancy rate at 4.7%, down marginally from 4.8% in February, followed by Darwin at 3.5%, a drop from 3.8%.
In Brisbane, the vacancy rate dipped slightly to 3.2%, and in Adelaide it fell to 1.8%. 
Darwin asking rents continued to fall, down 2.6% for houses over the month, while unit rents were down 1.1%.
Perth has again posted the largest yearly declines, with unit asking rents down 9.6% and house rents down 7.3%.
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Vacancy rates tumble across capital cities as Brisbane takes top spot: SQM Research

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Between January 2000 and February 2007, capital city dwelling values increased by 98.2% compared to an increase of 44.9% over the period from January 2010 to February 2017, according to CoreLogic's latest Property Pulse.
The property data firm says that so far this decade, dwelling values growth is less than half that over the same period last decade.
While values consistently moved higher over the previous decade, there has been very little growth in values so far this decade.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.15.43%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/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.15.43%20am.jpg" alt="">
Sydney dwelling values increased by 61.1% compared to 78.3% over the same period this decade between January 2000 and February 2007.
Early in 2000, values rose rapidly before starting to fall in 2004.
By comparison, values fell early in this decade but have been trending higher since June 2012.
Sydney is the only capital city that has recorded a greater increase in values so far this decade compared to the previous decade.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.36%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/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.36%20am.jpg" alt="">
Melbourne dwelling values increased by 95.6% between January 2000 and February 2007 compared to an increase of 55.1% so far this decade.
Brisbane dwelling values increased by a mere 6.6% since January 2010 compared to an increase of 147.2% between January 2000 and February 2007.
Similar to Brisbane, growth in Adelaide dwelling values has been much softer this decade compared to last.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.43%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/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.43%20am.jpg" alt="">
Between January 2000 and February 2007, dwelling values rose 124.4% compared to an increase of 11.0% between January 2010 and February 2017.
Perth dwelling values declined by -3.3% between January 2010 and February 2017, by comparison they increased 199.4% between January 2000 and February 2007.
While values in Perth rose continuously throughout the first 86 months of last decade, they’ve declined since the end of 2014.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.51%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/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.51%20am.jpg" alt="">
Hobart dwelling values increased by 198.0% while over the same 86 months so far this decade, values are just 3.4% higher.
Growth in the Hobart housing market slowed shortly after February 2007 and has only recently started to show signs of a sustained recovery.
Darwin dwelling values increased by 97.3% between January 2000 and February 2007 compared to a fall of -5.0% between January 2010 and February 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.58%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/2017/03/30/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-30%20at%2011.22.58%20am.jpg" alt="">
So far this decade growth has been sluggish with values having fallen since the middle of 2014; by comparison values trended higher throughout the previous decade.
Canberra, dwelling values have increased by 23.8% between January 2010 and February 2017 compared to an increase of 133.4% between January 2000 and February 2007.
According to research analyst Cameron Kusher, Sydney and Melbourne were the only cities to record dwelling value increases of more than 25% since the beginning of 2010.
“As a comparison, the weakest growth in values between January 2000 and February 2017 was 61.1% in Sydney which is actually higher than the growth in all capital cities except for Sydney so far this decade,” he said.
“Our research reinforces concerns around over-valuations in the housing market, if any, are very much focused within Sydney and Melbourne.
“For the remaining capitals, the reality is that since the beginning of the decade there has been very little value growth.”
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