A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.

The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.

The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.

The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.

"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.

"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.

“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.

Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.

The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.

According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.

The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.

Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.

The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" />

Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.

Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."

The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" />

The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.

The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.

The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."

A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.

Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.

The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.

<img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" />

The application follows Arada Australia's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.

Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.

First look: Arada Australia doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans

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?

For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.

But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.

While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.

The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.

In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".

The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.

Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.

Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.

While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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Frasers Property Australia has been given the green light by the NSW Department of Planning &amp; Environment to develop the final residential stage of Central Park.
The project includes a 292 apartment mid-rise building in the $2 billion Central Park precinct in Sydney's Chippendale.
Frasers Property Australia is developing block 11, a long sinuous building, stretching along the length of Wellington Street.
A design competition was organised for the building under the 2009 concept plan approval for Central Park and Francis-Jones Morehen-Thorp (fjmt) was selected in October 2013, chosen by a panel that included Lucy Turnbull, then a member of the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority and Chris Johnson, chief executive of Urban Taskforce.
The final piece in Central Park’s residential offering, Block 11 will complete the delivery of over 2,200 apartments across the 5.8 hectare Central Park precinct which has won several awards for urban planning and revitalisation.
The development incorporates a building, ranging from 8 - 13 storeys in height, which curves in the centre to make space for two new public gardens. It will include a mix of one-bedroom suites, two and three-bedroom apartments and a range of two-bedroom dual-key apartments (planned to be launched in late 2016). The design will also incorporate a small amount of mixed-use ground floor retail as well as a childcare centre with capacity for 90 children.
Central Park project director Mick Caddey said the project delivery team is pleased to receive DA approval for this final residential stage of Central Park.
“At its completion, scheduled for 2018, Central Park will have involved a complex nine-year program of design, planning and construction and we are now approaching the last stages of this multi-staged precinct,” Caddey said.
Richard Francis-Jones, design director of fjmt said the practice’s design for this final residential stage of Central Park introduces a curvilinear and fluid architecture.
“The most critical element of the design is the unique façade, which is designed to integrate the outdoor spaces, such as the loggias and balconies, while providing shading and privacy where required,” Francis-Jones said.
“The building is divided into three individual parts, each with its own unique foyer. The western foyer is located directly opposite Chippendale Green. The central foyer is directly opposite Park Lane and the eastern foyer opens onto the northern landscaped area and retail terrace."
Some of fjmt’s recent projects include the harbour-front apartments at Barangaroo South, the Auckland Art Gallery which won the 2013 World Building of the Year award, the University of Sydney Law School, the Surry Hills Library and Community Centre, and The Mint historic restoration.
Sales and marketing of Block 11 are expected to start in mid 2016.
Frasers Property have a free eBook to download titled Australia aspires to global green leadership: The Living Building Challenge <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">which you can get here</a>.
 
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Final residential stage of Sydney's Central Park development gets nod

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An historic coach house built in the 1880s in Brisbane is now under contract having been auction earlier this month.
The dilapidated Teneriffe house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-teneriffe-122072822" target="_blank">17 Teneriffe Drive</a> was the coach couse of Teneriffe House.
Of recent times Arthur Henricks and May Hickling who married in 1915 had ten children, with Merle residing up until this year.  In 1854, James Gibbon, former MLA and property speculator, known locally as 'Street Corner Jimmy' because he bought corner blocks, bought a parcel of land between Newstead and New Farm and named it Teneriffe, after Teneriffe Peak in the Canary Islands. Gibbon was living at Kingsholme in New Farm before commissioning the construction of Teneriffe House in 1865, on what became known as Teneriffe Hill.
The magnificent house cost 1715 pounds to build, and was constructed of rendered brick on a stone foundation.
The house changed hands several times in its history and was converted to flats in the late 1960s.
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1880s Teneriffe coach house under contract

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Melbourne-based property group and fund manager OpenCorp has come up with a financial product which it says offers Australians with moderate incomes the chance to become property developers.
The ‘Open Access Fund’ allows investors to invest in the fund and receive a monthly return at a fixed interest rate. Investors receive priority access to OpenCorp’s property funds as they become available, says a media release.
Clients can invest as little as $10,000 into the fund. From there, as new development funds become available, they can choose to direct any nominated amount into a new project.
The first property fund to become available for Access Fund investors will be OpenCorp’s apartment development in Albion, six km north of the Brisbane CBD.
The project has received planning approval for 154 apartments across six levels and is expected to give a 60 percent return on equity over the 3.5-year life of the project. The end value of the development is an estimated $90 million.
“There is a common perception that property development is just for wealthy people, and once upon a time this was the case,” said Michael Beresford, director of investment services at OpenCorp.
“We are now entering a new era for property development.”
More and more Australians are taking over their own investments, due to the volatility of the stock market since the global financial crisis, according to OpenCorp founding director Matthew Lewison.
“We are seeing more and more people taking over their finances, including setting up self-managed superfunds, and looking for innovative investment options,” Lewison says.
“Australians love property and the performance of investments in this sphere can make property development an attractive option.”
OpenCorp has been using a 'crowdsourcing’ model since 2009. The company has an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL # 417371) that has allowed it to create and operate crowdsourced funds for OpenCorp’s development projects.
Its pipeline includes over $500 million in developments, with a focus on the Brisbane and Melbourne markets.
“Investors can be across different markets at the same time and therefore benefit from the ups in each cycle,” said Lewison. 
OpenCorp says it has generated an average return of 20 per cent per annum for its investors over the last six years.
“People who haven’t saved enough money for a deposit for their own property can use this financial product as a stepping stone, or as a long-term investment option,” said Beresford.
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OpenCorp says its fund helps Australians with moderate incomes become property developers

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There were no bids when Invergowrie, the Tudor-style NSW Southern Highlands estate, offered by the former Liberal politician, turned businessman and commentator John Hewson, went to weekend auction.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.randw.com.au/property/0000278286" target="_blank">seven bedroom Exeter house</a>, that comes with studies, library, ballroom and billiard room, dates back to the 1930s when built for the BHP industrialist Sir Cecil Hoskins.
The Richardson &amp; Wrench auctioneer Geoff Speers sought bids at $7 million for the 10 hectare estate that last sold for $5.5 million in 2004.
"This is an extraordinary estate," the auctioneer said.
Hewson has had an ongoing love of things Tudor. His first home in the Highlands was Redlands, also Tudor-style and in Paul Sorenson gardens, which he bought for $106,000 in 1977 and sold for $380,000 in 1985, just before he became the Federal Liberal Party leader with the red Ferrari.
Hewson and his wife, Jessica Wilson, who had Invergowrie listed through Michael Maloney at Richardson &amp; Wrench Bowral, want to move closer to Bowral.
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John Hewson's Southern Highlands estate passed in no bid

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The Living Future Institute of AustraliaTM (LFIA) has launched the Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition, pressing the go button for designers, built environment professionals and students around the world to conceptualise what the world’s most sustainable retail centre ought to look like.
The Living Building Challenge™ (LBC) is the built environment’s most aspirational and rigorous performance standard. It calls for the creation of building projects at all scales that operate as cleanly, beautifully and efficiently as nature’s architecture.
“It asks us to imagine buildings that function as elegantly and efficiently as a flower: informed by its bioregion’s characteristics, that doesn’t just drain its environment of resources, gives back more than it takes. Compare this to a ‘green’ building which is often just a ‘less bad’ version of an average building,” Stephen Choi, Vice-Chair of the Living Future Institute of Australia says.
The LBC is an international sustainable building certification program, advocacy tool and philosophy. To be certified under the Challenge, projects must meet a series of ambitious performance requirements, including net positive energy, waste and water, over a minimum of 12 months of continuous occupancy.”
The Challenge is comprised of seven performance categories called ‘Petals’: Place, Water, Energy, Health &amp; Happiness, Materials, Equity and Beauty.
The Living Building Challenge has never before had a retail centre as its centrepiece, nor has an Australian project been subject to such a design competition before.
The LFIA is also opening the Challenge to local primary school students, who will have the opportunity to win solar panels for their school as an enduring legacy of the design competition. The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition is casting a global net to elicit truly innovative and progressive designs to unlock new possibilities for sustainability in retail, a traditionally wasteful sector in need of new ideas, according to Stephen Choi.
The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition, run by the Living Future Institute of Australia with Principal Partner Frasers Property Australia, aims to explore the boundaries of sustainable design within the retail environment and redefine ‘best practice’ for the sector.
For more information, click here.
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The Living Building Challenge seeking design entrants

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Sydney's auction clearance rate stayed below 70 percent yesterday, but the battered McGrath Estate Agency bucked the weekend trend.
There was an overall 69 percent sales rate, though McGrath, whose shares were suspended from trading on Friday, secured a 75 percent success rate. 
Sales across Sydney ranged from $340,000 for a one bedroom Surry Hills unit to a pre-auction $5.775 million five bedroom Woollahra house.
CoreLogic RP Data had 330 scheduled auctions given reduced school holiday activity.
The McGrath agency secured secured sales ranging between $395,000 at Tumbi Umbi to $3.57 million at Coogee, a contemporary five bedroom home which had been tipped to fetch $3.5 million.
The real estate company asked to go into a trading halt until Tuesday as its reviews its earnings forecast from when it was listed on the ASX share market last December.
Floated at $2.10 a share, it last traded at $1.30 a share. 
McGrath, founded in Paddington by John McGrath in 1988, has a network of more than 70 offices.
The suspension came before the Reserve Bank released its half-yearly snapshot of the financial system which warned the growth in big city apartment developments was a key risk to Australia's financial system.
Sydney's declining established home sales activity and the declining auction clearance rate have not helped the McGrath share price.
Sydney's clearance rate last April was well above 80 percent.
CoreLogic figures have put the Sydney clearance rate at below 70 percent for the past five weeks after a strong February start.
Strathfield was Sydney's busiest auction suburb yesterday with the preliminary results showing four of the five offerings finding buyers, with two sales through McGrath.
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McGrath secures auction success

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Sydney recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 69 percent at weekend auctions compared to 67 percent in the prior week.
The weekend’s top performing Sydney sub-region was the Eastern Suburbs with a clearance rate of 87 percent, followed by Sutherland on 84 percent and North Sydney and Hornsby at 80 percent. 
Sales across Sydney ranged from $340,000 for a one bedroom Surry Hills unit to a pre-auction $5.775 million sale of a five bedroom Woollahra house.
CoreLogic RP Data had advised there were 330 scheduled Saturday auctions given reduced school holiday activity. 
Sydney's clearance rate in April last year was well above 80 percent. 
CoreLogic figures have now put the Sydney clearance rate at below 70 percent for the past five weeks after a strong February start. 
Strathfield was Sydney's busiest auction suburb yesterday with the preliminary results showing four of the five offerings finding buyers.
Some 880 Melbourne residential homes were taken to weekend auction with a preliminary clearance rate of 71 per cent, falling from 73 per cent last week and lower than one year ago when it was 79 per cent. 
The busiest auction activity was held in the inner region where 170 homes went to auction and 73 per cent of reported auctions were successful.  
Melbourne's results ranged between a $260,000 Ormond one bedroom flat and $4,375,000 for a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-122191682" target="_blank">1960s Brighton home</a> (above) on an 830 sqm Middle Crescent block, that reportedly fetched $900,000 over reserve.
The cheapest house was $267,000 at Drysdale, on the outskirts of Geelong.
The REIV noted the Melbourne outer suburbs have seen a significant increase - about 25 percent - in the number of properties sold at auction this year. 
Reservoir had the highest number of auctions listed with 17, followed by Glen Waverley with 13. Of the 15 reported results, only two of the Reservoir offerings did not sell. Some four did not sell at Glen Waverley's 13 results. 
The preliminary clearance rate across Brisbane was 53 percent, up from 47 per cent and also higher than the 46 percent last year.
Some 145 Brisbane auctions were held, but with the two upcoming public holidays, it is expected that Brisbane’s auction market will be relatively quiet over the next two weeks. 
Adelaide saw 99 auctions with a clearance rate of 66 percent.
Preliminary results for Canberra show the clearance rate for this week sitting at 71 percent, sharing the lead as best selling mainland capital with Melbourne.
The nation's cheapest weekend sale was $67,500 for a one bedroom 40 sqm Eagleby villa on the Gold Coast. It last sold at $85,000 in 2010. 
This week saw 1,667 capital city auctions held.
Preliminary results show that 68 per cent of the national auctions were successful, marking the third consecutive week of auction clearance rates below the 70 per cent mark. 
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Melbourne still strong, but Sydney's auction success rate settles sub-70 percent 

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In the Illawarra, the fringe areas tend not to be too far from the main centres of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
These include Cringila, Port Kembla, Unanderra and Dapto, Barrack Heights and Lake Illawarra. While seen as fringe areas, they still command strong prices and below $400,000 is now rare, according to Herron Todd White's property clock for April 2016.
<a href="/images/2016/04/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-15%20at%2012.53.43%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-15%20at%2012.53.43%20PM.png" alt="">
 
In Shoalhaven, the fringe areas are essentially the small coastal towns based around Nowra. These include Shoalhaven Heads, Culburra and Callala Beaches, Greenwell Point, Sanctuary Point, St Georges Basin and Sussex Inlet. All have local shops, local services, parks and schools, but do miss out on high street shops, discount departments stores, modern conveniences and good public transport. Most of all they lack a deep job pool. 
Typically, there is a commute to jobs in the larger towns for these services and employment opportunities (usually a 20 to 60 minute drive). Real estate prices reflect this lack of services but can be somewhat buoyed by tourism and out of area buyers seeking that holiday house dream. Buy in prices in the Shoalhaven fringe areas are typically around $250,000 in Nowra for which you will pick up a 50-year-old three-bedroom fibro in fair condition perhaps with a single garage. Rents are in the order of 5 percent to 6 percent of purchase price per annum in the lower levels. 
In the Illawarra region, the entry-level market is limited at the sub $450,000 price point to older style houses in southern suburbs such as Unanderra, Cringila, Berkeley, Warrawong, Dapto, Warilla, Mount Warrigal and Barrack Heights. These will generally be 1950s to 1960s brick or fibro 2- and 3-bedroom dwellings in fair condition and without major updates.
Look for those closer to the beach where better long term capital growth is achievable. Rental returns will be around 5 percent gross. 
Cringila, close to the steelworks, is generally priced under $350,000, but long term capital growth is likely to be pegged back due to location. 
For units, our pick in the lower price range fringe CBD areas are one- and two-bedroom units close to the CBD in West Wollongong and Keiraville. These will be older 1960s to 1970s walk up style units generally with off street or single car parking. Stock is running out though in the sub-$350,000 market. 
To the northern fringe, Corrimal and Fairy Meadow still have units under $350,000 and are well located near shops and transport routes. The market in these areas is dictated by the other more valuable sectors and therefore over time the prices will move with these, whether up or down. In our experience these areas are the last to have price rises in any period of uplift and generally the last to see a fall.
Interestingly, the Wollongong area overall may be viewed as a separate fringe area for Sydney, a 45-minute drive to the north. As discussed in previous issues, prices here have been tremendously boosted in the past two years by the unprecedented growth in the general Sydney metropolitan area.
Helensburgh to the north of the Illawarra is a fringe Sydney location, with good rail and road links to the CBD and Parramatta. In recent years we have seen market values increase as buyers in the southern parts of Sydney are priced out.
As in all markets there must be base product to buy and demand dictates where this is. As mentioned above the main drivers for stronger prices in the real estate sector are jobs, accessibility to public transport and public services availability. Easy to say but get these right and the rest will follow
Some recent sold properties that Property Observer found on realestate.com.au are: 
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/sparta1.jpg" alt="" width="491" height="368">
<div id="listing_header">
1. A three-bedroom beachside townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-warilla-122080962" target="_blank">3/1 Sparta Street Warilla NSW 2528</a> (above) sold for $437,000
2. A two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-wollongong-122216918" target="_blank">18/21 Bligh St Wollongong NSW 2500</a> (below) fetched $460,000
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/htw2.jpg" alt="" width="469" height="352">
</div>
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Illawarra's fringes command strong prices: HTW

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Victoria's Ballarat is a rising market for houses but on the decline for units, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's April 2016 property clock, which also takes a look at its fringe suburbs.
Ballarat continues to see the $200,000 to $400,000 housing market the most commonly traded. This market reflects the affordability for first home buyers and young families. Within this market suburbs that are performing strongly include Ballarat East, Lucas and Delacombe. Ballarat East provides period, older style housing with a central location in comparison to the more modern suburbs of Lucas and Delacombe.
<a href="/images/2016/04/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-15%20at%201.34.54%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-15%20at%201.34.54%20PM.png" alt="">
Lucas and Delacombe provide a trade-off of location with modern housing conveniences. These fringe suburbs are unlikely to show marked increases in value in the short term due to excessive supply with increasing numbers of subdivisions coming onto the market.
Fringe suburbs on the eastern side of Ballarat such as Brown Hill provide more opportunity for growth with good demand due to the accessibility to the freeway for Melbourne commuters, however with a higher price point due to this factor.
While these fringe suburbs are unlikely to experience growth in value, they continue to provide a good quality, stable, long-term investment opportunity with good rental returns of around 5%. Demand for rentals within this market remains strong. 
Currently, demand for these outer fringe suburbs remains steady with a growing population resulting in expansion of the city boundaries. Lucas and Delacombe both include plans for increased infrastructure such as shopping centres, schools and parks. While planning for these facilities is in place, there remains a lack of transport infrastructure servicing these areas with road access to the CBD becoming increasingly busy with the fringe expansion.
From an investment point of view, both owner-occupiers and investors face a trade-off between inner city, older suburbs with older housing and good potential growth versus the option of low maintenance, modern housing with lower capital growth on the fringes.
Property Observer found a few examples of recently sold properties in Ballarat's fringes on realestate.com.au:
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/rent3.jpg" alt="" width="492" height="369">
1. A four-bedroom house with car space for two at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-delacombe-116968007" target="_blank">5 Earls Square Delacombe Vic 3356</a> sold for $317,000
2. A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lucas-121823070" target="_blank">19 Sutcliffe Street Lucas Vic 3350</a> fetched a price of $327,000
<img src="/images/2016/04/15/rent4.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="354">
 
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Fringe suburbs in Victoria's Ballarat reflect affordability for FHBs: HTW 

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Perth sellers looking for a quick sale for their property should look to auctions, with new data from reiwa.com revealing that auctions in the metropolitan region sell faster. 
Although the percentage of Perth vendors choosing auctions was still small, this method was gaining popularity because of the visibility of auctions on mainstream television, said REIWA president Hayden Groves.
“Auctions are becoming more familiar to West Australians, and Perth sellers are increasingly more open to this selling method. While private treaty remains the most common way to sell a property in Perth, auctions did hit a 15-year high in December 2015, with 3.1 per cent of all sales in the metropolitan region happening under the hammer," she said. 
“This figure did dip in January due to seasonality, but recovered quickly and was back up to 2.9 percent in March.”
Reiwa.com’s analysis found that sellers who go to auction are more likely to sell faster than those selling via private treaty. 
The average selling days for auctions fell steadily in each quarter last year and now takes 26 days less to sell by auction than private treaty,” Groves said. 
REIWA is a member-owned organisation representing over 1,100 agencies and more than 90 percent of operating real estate agents in Western Australia. 
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The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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