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.

Joel Robinson

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

Perth development giant Finbar Group has completed its acquisition of the prominent 236 Railway Parade site in West Leederville, a year after first flagging plans for the transit-oriented development that will become its next major apartment project in Perth's inner west.

The ASX-listed apartment developer has secured the 4,997 sqm mixed use-zoned landholding opposite West Leederville Train Station for around $15 million, paving the way for the proposed Rosslyn Quarter development. The project is expected to deliver <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/236-railway-parade-west-leederville-wa-6007">around 240 apartments across two towers</a>, alongside ground-floor commercial space.

The acquisition effectively concludes a process that began in mid-2025 when Finbar announced it had entered into a contract to purchase the site, subject to development approval and the finalisation of planning settings under the West Leederville Precinct Structure Plan. At that time, the company outlined plans for a pair of 18-storey towers with an estimated end value of around $200 million.

The site sits within the emerging Rosslyn Quarter precinct, approximately two kilometres from the Perth CBD and directly opposite the West Leederville Train Station. The location also places future residents within walking distance of the West Leederville Shopping Centre, Leederville's hospitality strip, and the neighbouring Subiaco activity centre.

Finbar CEO Ronald Chan said the acquisition builds on the developer's previous experience in the suburb, where it delivered the Motive Apartments project in 2017.

"We have previously enjoyed great success in developing in the West Leederville area given its excellent existing amenity and close proximity to the CBD, Leederville, Subiaco, and the West Leederville train station," Chan said.

He said the scale of the site would allow Finbar to deliver a well-located apartment project while strengthening its long-term development pipeline.

"The substantial scale of this site, with proposed potential for two eighteen-storey towers, will allow the Company to obtain scale benefits which will underpin the delivery of a medium-cost, well-located project," Chan said. "Importantly, this acquisition diversifies and strengthens our long-term development pipeline across metropolitan Perth, enabling us to time our product delivery strategically in line with market conditions."

According to Sterling Property, which brokered the transaction, the site was one of the most significant development opportunities to come to market in Perth's western suburbs in recent years.

Sterling Property Managing Director Brian Neo said opportunities of this scale in established inner-city locations remain tightly held.

"Sites of this scale and calibre, directly opposite a train station and within two kilometres of the CBD, are rarely offered to the market. When they are, they attract serious capital," Neo said.

The acquisition comes as Perth's apartment market continues to contend with limited development-ready sites in established suburbs, particularly those benefiting from both existing transport infrastructure and supportive planning frameworks.

With the West Leederville Precinct Structure Plan now adopted, Finbar can move forward with design development and the development approval process for what is expected to become one of the largest new apartment projects proposed in the suburb.

Finbar completes West Leederville site acquisition for Rosslyn Quarter project

The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

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The Herald Sun ran a story on Wednesday titled <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-docklands-10-ideas-to-fix-postcode-3008/story-fnkd6ppg-1227105693657">Melbourne Docklands: 10 ideas to fix postcode 3008</a>. The basic premise being that the precinct is somehow broken and requires 'fixing.'

Over the course of its life as Australia's largest urban renewal project Docklands has copped its fair share of criticism, some justified but most unwarranted. I'll comment on and retort where necessary the ideas posed by the Herald Sun article.

<blockquote>
1. Turn the concrete into an urban beach. Danish urban consultants floated this idea in a major report, suggesting the beach could include a sailing school, kayak rentals, diving spots and beach volleyball courts. Sounds like fun.
</blockquote>

The concept of an urban beach would probably be best suited to an area of Harbour Esplanade and was investigated in earlier schemes for the site. More recently Lend Lease's masterplan renders have suggested an enclosed public swimming pool pontoon could be built in front of Library at the Dock.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ll2_vicharbour_med.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A pontoon swimming pool at Victoria Harbour? © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="398" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ll2_vicharbour_med.jpg?itok=MdWgBa44" title="A pontoon swimming pool at Victoria Harbour? © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A pontoon swimming pool at Victoria Harbour? © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure>A sailing school seems like a no brainer considering the maritime history and activity around Victoria Harbour and along the Yarra. The Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub will go some way to addressing that with a community boating hub on the ground floor, which will be home to the Docklands Yacht Club, the Victorian Dragon Boat Association and the Melbourne Outrigger Canoe club.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/boatinghub_lge_cropped.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub. © Lend Lease"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/boatinghub_lge_cropped.jpg?itok=dLVA6vIf" title="Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub. © Lend Lease" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Docklands Family Services and Boating Hub. © Lend Lease</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
2. Build a dome over it. The biggest Docklands gripe is always the wind, which whips fiercely off the water. So a giant dome — just like in The Simpsons Movie — could mean Melburnians could be blown away by the Docklands precinct, just not literally.
</blockquote>

Purely a tongue in cheek idea that will probably also result in one big greenhouse being created. More (mature) trees with greater foliage density would go someway to alleviating the issue.

<blockquote>
3. Embrace the area’s waterfront heritage. Recreating freight sheds by the harbour has been floated before, and could help strengthen the area’s culture, offering a home to food and craft markets.
</blockquote>

This idea gets a big tick from me particularly if it were to result in a much more diverse and rich material palette for the area which extended beyond glazing, steel and concrete. Rebuilding the sheds along Harbour Esplanade could be fraught with danger as they were originally demolished to open the area up to the water; the last thing needed is to create a physical and visual barrier to the water.

Instead the skeletal structure could be reinstated with smaller pods within. Melbourne also currently lacks a maritime museum and has lacked one since the construction of the Convention Centre.

<blockquote>
4. Set up a university campus. It’s the most obvious way to attract young people to the area, who would not only bring a bit of life to Docklands, but would encourage hipster cafes, cosy bars and boutique shops to open.
</blockquote>

Another tick from me. A university down there would mean scores of students coming and going throughout the course of the day not just office workers on lunch breaks.

You need only look at the top end of Swanston Street during a weekday to see how busy Melbourne Central and the State Library can get. There are few sites left but at one stage Digital Harbour was mooted to include a series of buildings for the University of Melbourne, back when it was first announced in 2000.

<blockquote>
5. Find more quality open space. This is an obvious one, and something town planners are constantly working on, but more peaceful parks and gardens are needed in between the high-rise towers that dominate Docklands.
</blockquote>

This is a good one, because while Docklands has open space it could be argued that it lacks 'quality' open space. The City of Melbourne has gone to some lengths to try and address this via the <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/PrecinctsandSuburbs/Docklands/Pages/DocklandsPublicRealmPlan.aspx">Public Realm Plan</a>.

The obvious area is of course Harbour Esplanade but a number of other pocket plans are planned at NewQuay, Batmans Hill, Yarra's Edge and Victoria Harbour in addition to the planned park at Seafarers Rest on North Wharf.

<blockquote>
6. More CBD-style laneways. Hidden little streets are central to Melbourne’s charm but Docklands doesn’t offer much in the way of laneway living. In turn, this might inspire street art to give the precinct some colour and life.
</blockquote>

Easier said than done. Melbourne's laneways have evolved over time to become one of the elements synonymous with present day Melbourne. Contrived Laneways don't work and successful laneways take time to establish.

They also generally connect areas of great activity and interest which are usually busy and popular to begin with.

<blockquote>
7. Open a cat cafe. Melbourne’s first cat cafe opened near Queen Victoria Market earlier this year, so maybe it’s time it got some competition. A Docklands version could help people escape the wind with coffee and cake in a cosy cat-filled lounge.
</blockquote>

Another novelty idea rather than something which would have a profoundly positive impact on the Docklands experience. Docklands has enough cafes but they're not all 'good' cafes. Quality over quantity.

<blockquote>
8. Start up Free Beer Fridays. Probably the only thing better than a rooftop bar is a pub by the water. Fremantle has got the Little Creatures brewery — they’ve got the right idea — and while some good watering holes are open in Docklands, free beer would definitely entice more punters.
</blockquote>

This idea would certainly have the endorsement of Apartments.com.au. Something akin to the 4 Pines in Manly wouldn't go astray either. Again it all comes down to quality, no point offering free beer if it tastes like... you get the picture.

<blockquote>
9. Set up an outdoor cinema. Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is a special summer spot, so why not recreate it in Docklands? (It might just need the dome built over it to keep out the wind.)
</blockquote>

Again another idea that could be implemented down at Harbour Esplanade in a central location, but Mirvac did set up something similar last summer down at Point Park so it's something that each precinct could potentially offer. If a Docklands Moonlight Cinema were to happen similar to the one at the Royal Botanic Gardens ie. during summer wind wouldn't be as big of an issue. This could also be combated with trees.

<blockquote>
10. Build a ferry terminal. The Docklands precinct isn’t a place many Melburnians just stumble upon, but a ferry terminal would attract people to the area, providing easy access to and from Melbourne’s other waterfront destinations.
</blockquote>

The end of Central Pier seems like the perfect location for this to happen. It could possibly be coupled up with some other form of programme into a mixed use building. If the ferries were part of Melbourne's public transport system and allowed the use of myki I think it would be quite a popular mode of transport. I'd catch a ferry from Fed Square to Docklands and vice versa, particularly when you get <a href="/news/cruising-on-the-edge">views like this</a>.

Let us know your thoughts on what you think Docklands lacks or requires to improve the experience. Don't bother with 'demolish it and start again' or 'they should have blah blah blah from the beginning.'
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Laurence Dragomir

Melbourne Docklands: 10 ideas to fix postcode 3008

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A beachfront Balmoral residence - one of only five houses with direct beach frontage - has been snapped up within two weeks of its listing.
It is 918 square metres of terraced tropical gardens with home designed by architect builder Ian Reeler.
Offers were due to close 11 November through Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman agents Stephen Patrick and Robert Simeon.
Inspectees were told more than $11 million would secure <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/4-wyargine-street-mosman-nsw/1807001/" target="_blank">4 Wyargine Street, Mosman</a>.
It last sold in 1983 for $550,000.
A harbourfront Curraghbeena Road, Mosman, trophy home holds the Mosman mantle for 2014's top sale this far when sold for $16.3 million by Nick Bain, former head of infrastructure at Allco Finance and now chief executive of Graphite Energy, and his wife Katherine.
Hong Kong-based expat Kate Spanton, wife of Brand Loyalty managing director Philip Spanton, was the buyer of the four storey trophy home.
There are $18.5 million-plus hopes on the near neighbour harbourfront listed by former Cockatoo Coal executive chairman Mark Lochtenberg.
The house in-between sold at $11 million in June. It was bought by the <a href="/news/wine-entrepreneurs-buy-on-mosman-harbourfront-title-tattle-top-20-update">w</a><a href="/news/wine-entrepreneurs-buy-on-mosman-harbourfront-title-tattle-top-20-update">ine entrepreneurs Katrina and Russell Leslie</a> who bought from Anne Clarke and Greg Clarke, the former head of Lend Lease.
On Domain's website there are 53 properties listed at $4 million-plus in Mosman.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Prized Balmoral beachfront snappily sells at $11 million plus

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The Chatswood development is seeking VIP registrations ahead of its forthcoming launch.
Located in Sydney's North Shore suburb of Chatswood, <a href="https://thechatswood.com.au/" target="_blank">The Chatswood</a> will feature a design from KANNFINCH architecture and thoughtful outdoor creations from Arcadia Landscape Architecture.
Bringing one, two and three bedroom apartments with parking, ground level retail, a central courtyard and private rooftop gardens with views to the skyline of Sydney CBD, there will be BBQ facilities, seating and pergolas, as well as shaded dining areas for functions.
Developed by Toga Group in partnership with Reyhoda Pty Ltd, The Chatswood is marketed by CBRE.
<img src="/images/2014/10/30/chatswood-oct-30-one.jpg" alt="">
Last year, a submission for development approval for 28, 32, 36 Anderson Street, 1 Help Street and 2A McIntosh Street in Chatswood was made for a U-shaped developed of seven to 12 storeys and a landscaped podium.
The application also included basement car parking and lower ground floor car parking for 193 vehicles (34 visitor spaces and 26 commercial spaces, the rest being those for the shop-top homes).
In total, 136 apartments were requested, including 62 one bedroom, eight one bedroom plus study, 23 two bedroom, 33 two bedroom plus study, two three bedroom and eight three bedroom and study apartments.
VIP preview registrations are now open with <a href="https://thechatswood.com.au/" target="_blank">a display suite coming soon</a>.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

The Chatswood in Sydney's North Shore, set to launch soon

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Sales of multi-units hit a new cyclical high in September, even while the total new home sales figure fell flat, according to the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) New Home Sales Report. 
Over the month of September, new home sales were stagnant while an 11% increase in multi-unit sales was recorded.
The 11% rise follows a strong increase in August, with multi-unit sales now up 8.7% for the quarter.
September’s seasonally adjusted detached house sales fell by 2.3% over the month, now down 6.5% over the September 2014 quarter.
Detached house sales were up 13.4% in Queensland over the month, while New South Wales recorded a 9.9% fall.
Further drops were seen in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, at 5.6%, 3% and 2.4% respectively.
Over the quarter, the only state where sales for detached houses increased was New South Wales, which was up 2.6%.
Victoria was down 15.1%, while Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland also recorded drops of 8.5%, 2.8% and 1.5% respectively.
“A moderate decline in detached house sales have been driving an overall loss of momentum in new home sales,” said HIA chief economist Harley Dale.
“Conversely, sales of multi-units have gained a second wind since June this year, driven by both apartments and semi-detached/townhouse product.
“The overall profile for new home sales is consistent with a healthy year for dwelling construction in 2014/15. It would be desirable to see that outcome in detached and low density construction in addition to the high rise sector.”
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Multi-unit sales have hit new cyclical high: HIA

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A new development in Sydney’s Pyrmont, with views of the Anzac Bridge, is taking expressions of interest with a display suite opening soon.
The <a href="https://pier99.com.au" target="_blank">Pier 99</a> development includes studios and one, two and three bedroom. Views span over Blackwattle Bay and Anzac Bridge.
Studios start from $649,000. One bedroom apartments with one bathroom are priced from $740,000. Two bedroom, two bathroom apartments with a car parking space will set you back $985,000 plus.The three bedroom, two bathroom, one car park option are priced upwards of $1,500,000. Podium-level apartments include private gardens.
A collaboration partnership between Galazy Capital, SIV Fund/VIMG and China Venture, the development is designed by JPR Architects.
It is located one minute to the light rail and is walking distance to Darling Harbour. The lift lobby is in Wattle Crescent, while the apartments official address is 99 Pyrmont Bridge Road.
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New Pyrmont apartments with views of Anzac Bridge taking expressions of interest

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Atop the new Eliza apartment building on Sydney’s Elizabeth Street is a 499 square metre penthouse with views of Sydney Harbour.
Seventeen storeys up at 141-143 Elizabeth Street, the four bedroom, six bathroom penthouse also has a private lobby and an internal passenger lift.
With 3.8 metre high ceilings, the rooftop level is an entertainment option, with level 15 and 16 devoted to living and dining, as well as sleeping quarters.  Each floor is connected by a 10 metre high marble staircase.
All up, the penthouse will set back the buyer $15 million.
<img src="/images/2014/10/29/eliza-oct-29-one.jpg" alt="">
The rooftop includes a landscaped terrace, outdoor kitchen and transparent infinity-edge swimming pool.
The master bedroom, at 60 square metres, includes a private study and a walk-in dressing ‘chamber’.
The kitchen includes a walk-in pantry and separate prep area for catering. According to released marketing material, the fridge is worth $50,000. To put that into perspective, it’s more than many first timers put down as a deposit on their first home.
Basement storage and three car parking spots are also included, with a private driveway.
<img src="/images/2014/10/29/eliza-oct-29-two.jpg" alt="">
Industry figure John McGrath said that it is in a culturally significant precinct in Sydney.
“It makes use of the world’s finest materials and finishes in a technologically brilliant way, and everything is over-specified, including double glazing and acoustic innovations to ensure whisper-quiet interiors,” he said.
Built and developed by Ceerose, founded by Edward Doueihi, Eliza was designed by Tony Owen, the man behind the renowned <a href="/news/moebius-house-at-dover-heights-has-price-hopes-pared-back">Dover Heights property Moebius House</a>.
“We wanted to create a building with an architectural point of difference that did justice to our landmark site in arguably Sydney’s most beautiful street,” said Doueihi.
“It took us more than three years to build, but the effort has been worth it.”
All 18 apartments in the Eliza block have been sold, with the penthouse the last to go to market.
The penthouse is <a href="https://www.elizasydney.com" target="_blank">available to inspect by appointment</a> and is being marketed through Savills and McGrath Estate Agents.
It was <a href="/news/nsw/eliza-penthouse-finally-getting-off-the-ground-with-15-million-hopes-title-tattle">previously being marketed through CBRE</a>.
Furnished photographs will be made available next week.
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The $15 million Eliza penthouse has a $50,000 fridge

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World Class Land has offered Singaporean buyers a preview of its Melbourne-based residential tower project, Australia 108.
They were told Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), designers of the St Regis Abu Dhabi, will design the concierge lobbies in the<a href="https://infopub.sgx.com/FileOpen/PR_AUSTRALIA_108.ashx?App=Announcement&amp;FileID=319450" target="_blank"> Fender Katsalidis Architects-designed, 100-storey building</a>.
Carr Design, the firm behind the Triptych and Parque Melbourne developments, will design the interiors. 
The Australia 108 show flat was open for public preview on Saturday in Singapore with indicative prices made available during the preview. 
Measuring 319 metres, it will comprise <a href="https://australia108apartment.com/project-details/" target="_blank">1,105 studio to two-bedroom apartments</a>, including the premium Sky Rise Residences from levels 11 to 67, the ultra-luxury, three bedroom, two bathroom units on levels 72 to 97, and an 815 square metre ‘super penthouse’.
<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-36848" src="https://www.property-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Australia-108_2.png" alt="Australia 108_2" width="300" height="454">
“Australia 108 will be the tallest building World Class Land has ever built and we are exceptionally proud for it to also be the tallest residence in the southern hemisphere,” Koh Wee Seng, director at World Class Land, a unit of Singapore-based Aspial Corporation Limited, told the attendees.
Amenities at the development include a virtual golf room on level 11, a 25 metre lap pool, a gym, steam rooms and saunas.
There will be clubhouses on levels 70 and 71, dubbed Star 70 and Cloud 71 where Australia 108’s sleek exterior is punctuated by the seven-pointed Federation Star – rendered in golden finish. 
Initially planned as 108 storeys that inspired its name, the residential tower will be 100 levels to accommodate flight traffic in the zone.
“Residents will experience the true meaning of living in the clouds,” Koh added.
Australia 108 is scheduled for completion in 2019.
Previous offshore marketing of the had been undertaken by "rogue" agencies when Singaporean agencies started taking buyer interest registrations, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/southbanks-australia-108-marketing-underway-offshore-through-knight-frank-singapore">on which Property Observer reported</a>. Their website pages were <a href="/expert-insights/buying/rogue-marketing-claims-in-offshore-australia-108-registrations">removed after being tracked down t</a><a href="/expert-insights/buying/rogue-marketing-claims-in-offshore-australia-108-registrations">he Australian estate agency CBRE</a>.
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Hirsch Bedner to design Australia 108 concierge lobbies

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Ardoch Youth Foundation will receive a portion of the sale price of a St Kilda East apartment block after it is auctioned today.
Selling agents Hodges St Kilda will also contribute a portion of their commission to the charity.
The apartment block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unitblock-vic-st+kilda+east-118045907" target="_blank">105 Westbury Street</a>, on a 760 square metre plot, was formerly a halfway house. There are now two period apartments on the site and a three level town house at the rear of the plot.
According to listing information, the property falls within the General Residential Zone, which allows multi-unit development, subject to council approval. It's located within walking distance of Carlisle Street and Balaclava cafes and restaurants.
Vendor Andrew Robinson, who has owned the five-apartment block for almost 25 years, will be making a donation. He is a volunteer for the Ardoch Youth Foundation and runs music classes for disadvantaged young people.
The Ardoch Youth Foundation provides education services for young people experiencing barriers to education. They support Port Phillip Bay schools including St Kilda Primary, Elwood College and Elwood Primary School.
The auction of 105 Westbury Street will take place at 1pm, 29 October.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Slice of proceeds from St Kilda East sale to go to local charity

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Guriganya, a pavilion-style residence in Paddington, Sydney, was passed in at auction last night.
The top bid was $5.2 million when auction at Cooley Auctions. Some $5.25 million is being sought.
While not the first pavilion-style house built in Sydney, Guriganya’s design received <a href="/news/paddingtons-guriganya-and-the-pavilion-trend-he-said-she-said">much acclaim when it was built in the late 1970s</a> including a merit award in 1980 from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
Designed by architect Terry Dorrough and his wife, artist and interior designer Helen, the three-pavilion abode was built on the site of Sydney's fourth progressive school, Guriganya Community School.
The single storey pavilion style residence, with a mezzanine level over the garage, surrounds a courtyard garden on its 443 square metre block. 
At its 2006 auction through Ray White Double Bay agents Michael Finger and Kim Hayes, Guriganya sold for $4.83 million to insurance guru John Mills and his partner Greg Clark.
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Guriganya, Paddington passed in at $5.2 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Market Outlook: unchanged - neutral with negative bias
<ul>
<li>Attractiveness of renting as a preferred accommodation option continues (as at September 2014).</li>
<li>Purchase affordability is still very high but declining (as at September 2014).</li>
<li>Confidence in the economy is low but conditions are no longer deteriorating so rapidly (as at October 2014).</li>
<li>Housing Credit Impulse has turned down, indicating change in the underlying demand for residential real estate (as at September 2014).</li>
<li>Actual prices are above what could be expected based on changes in housing credit, making them sensitive to adverse changes in economic conditions (as at August 2014). </li>
</ul>
National Real Estate Price Forecast 
Limited new data was released over the last month hence, the October 2014 report represents only a minor revision of previously released charts.
New data points were added only to the Economic Wellbeing Index and Property Price Gauge; however, both measures register almost no change on the previous month values.
In general, indicators continue to point to softer market conditions. Significant pessimism about the economy, elevated purchase costs, declining affordability and falling demand are well evident in the data.
These conditions do not indicate a crash but without a major turnaround in the indicators, prices are very unlikely to increase for much longer.
In the absence of evidence that demonstrates prices have reached their peak in the current cycle, the outlook for the property market in Australia remains neutral.
Detailed Analysis
#1 optimal accommodation choice: attraction of renting over buying is increasing
 <img src="/images/2014/10/29/BRI_October2014.png" alt="">
The Buy-Rent Indicator (BRI) identifies how cost of buying is changing in relation to cost of renting.
BRI bottomed in June 2012 (indicating the lowest point in the current cycle) and it has been rising consistently since then. The indicator crossed the equilibrium line in March 2014. The September 2014 estimate points to a continuation of an upward trend for this indicator.
BRI is constructed based on the simple concept that renting and buying are substitute accommodation options, hence the optimal choice depends on which accommodation cost is rising in relation to the other.
The practical use of this indicator is for identifying market cycles and for timing purchase and sale decisions.
The crossing of the indicator from the buy to rent zone gives a signal that buying costs are starting to rise faster than rental costs. So, currently, renting appears a more advantageous accommodation option than buying. 
In a market where purchasing costs are rising mainly due to price increases, the optimal point for selling the property will be when the indicator peaks, which should coincide with an interim peak in property prices. That point can be anticipated any time now, within the next 12-24 months.
 #2 purchase affordability: at a historically high level but falling
 <img src="/images/2014/10/29/PAI_October2014.png" alt="">
The Purchase Affordability Indicator (PAI) compares changes in the annual cost of buying to changes in average full time adult income, therefore it identifies how purchase affordability has changed over time.
PAI is still at a historically high level despite the September 2014 estimate falling in value. 
This indicator explains that, relative to incomes of Australians working full time, property prices are still very affordable. There has been no significant change in the estimate since last month. 
The cost of buying a median priced property relative to average income is still lower than in late 1980s.  So, given the expectations of long-term low interest rates, there is still a lot of room for prices to move before Australian property can be considered overvalued.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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#3 perceptions about economy: negative
 <img src="/images/2014/10/29/EWI_October2014.png" alt="">
The Economic Wellbeing Index (EWI) is designed to reflect general perceptions of Australians about the current economic conditions.
The EWI is falling since June 2013. The October 2014 estimate is in negative territory and continues trending downwards. The raw measure estimate recorded a tiny increase in October 2014.
The key premise behind this indicator is that people are generally less inclined to make big purchases when they are worried about the state of the economy.
The reversal of the raw measure in October, and the fact that it did not fall in the previous month significantly below June 2014 low, rise expectations that the outlook for the Australian economy may be stabilising and that perceptions will not deteriorate much further. 
Nevertheless, gloomy perspective on the future still prevails and property prices cannot be expected to advance strongly in such an environment.
 #4 demand: weakening as trend has changed
<img src="/images/2014/10/29/PHCI_October2014.png" alt=""> 
The Private Housing Credit Impulse (PHCI) provides an indication of the level of buyer activity in the residential property market in Australia, hence it reflects underlying demand for properties.
The updated September 2014 PHCI estimate is positive but the turn downwards is now almost certain (final reading of this indicator will be confirmed next month). This is a very strong negative signal indicating change in the underlying demand for properties.
The practical use of this indicator is to provide early warning about impending changes in housing credit uptake, and hence, changes in the underlying demand for residential property.
A positive but declining value of PHCI indicates that credit uptake is slowing down and therefore, that the underlying demand for residential property is softening.
#5 property price expectation: growth to slow further
<img src="/images/2014/10/29/PPG_October2014.png" alt=""> 
The Property Prices Gauge (PPG) is a proxy of a property price index. It becomes a leading indicator when combined with House Price Index (HPI).
PPG did not increase in August 2014 and continue to record value well below HPI.
The PPG is almost flat since June 2014 and changed very little since March 2014, implying that the previously experienced price growth is not sustainable and that prices are vulnerable to sudden halt at current level, or even a small reversal.
Historically, when PPG diverged from HPI over a longer term, this pattern preceded a period of increased turbulence in the Australian property market (as was the case in 2003 and 2007). The likelihood of the same scenario playing out in coming months is high if PPG does not move higher soon (for example, as in 2006 or 2013). 
# Caveat:
The information is provided in good faith and does not constitute financial advice. Use with caution and at own risk.
# Background information:
For more extended description of individual measures and how to apply this information please refer to the first report in this series: <a href="/expert-insights/buying/buying-more-advantageous-than-renting-yet-change-imminent-april-2014-state-of-the-market-analysis">State of the Property Market, April 2014</a>. 
Arek Drozda is an independent property market analyst.
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