Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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?

ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

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Units had a strong auction weekend with a 75% national success rate after the auction of 684 units.

The prior week's clearance rate sat at 77% after the auction of 578 units.

Sydney was the best of the major capital city markets for apartment auctions, according to CoreLogic.

Sydney vendors secured an 82% success rate from 319 listings. Houses in Sydney performed even better with 90% of the 729 houses finding buyers.

Melbourne was the busiest capital for unit offerings with CoreLogic putting the auction tally at 330. 

There was a 73% success rate, as against the 989 houses which recorded an 80% clearance rate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29912]

Some 75% of Perth's 21 apartment listings were sold.

Brisbane saw 38% of its 18 listings find buyers.

Sydney saw a Bondi Beach penthouse sell for $20.1 million at weekend auction, becoming the most expensive apartment ever sold at auction in Australia.

Melbourne's top apartment sale was $2.36 million for the four bedroom townhouse (above) at 2/17 Olinda Street, Caulfield South through Gary Peer &amp; Associates.

Melbourne had the nation's cheapest apartment sale which was secured before its scheduled auction when $255,000 was paid for a two-bedroom Harkness offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29910]

The 2010-built ground floor unit in the Parkside Apartments complex at 1/9 Petrea Place was offered through Russell Parker at First National Melton.

It came with a $250,000 to $260,000 price guide having last sold at $215,000 in 2011. 

The 80sq m ground floor space first sold off the plan in 2009 at $215,000.

Its last advertised rental asking price, according to CoreLogic, was $240 in late 2019.
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Units had another strong auction weekend with a 75% national success rate after the auction of 684 units, up from the prior week's 578 units

jchancellor

75% of weekend apartment offerings find buyers

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The property boom is officially everywhere.

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that every capital city record a rise in residential property prices in the December quarter.

The three per cent gains were the biggest recorded since the December quarter 2019.

The pent up demand from Melbourne's prolonged locked down drove the Victorian capital to be the joint best performer over the three months, with prices up 3.4 per cent, the same as Canberra.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

Hobart followed, with prices up 3.1 per cent, then Sydney, up three per cent.

Perth's 2.9 per cent gains came in slightly below average, as did Brisbane's 2.7 per cent and Adelaide's 2.6 per cent gains. Weighing the average down was Darwin, however the Northern Territory capital still posted gains of 2.2 per cent.

<img alt="" height="868" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/abs_prices.jpg" width="1800">

ABS head of prices statistics Michelle Marquardt said the rise in property prices is consistent with a range of housing market indicators.

"New lending commitments to households, auction clearance rates and days on market all improved during the December quarter."

Annually, residential property prices rose 3.6 per cent, the ABS data found.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7864]

"This is the first time that all capital cities have seen an annual rise since the December quarter 2014," Marquardt said.

Hobart prices jumped 6.4 per cent, followed by a 5.2 per cent gain in Canberra and 4.2 per cent in Perth.

House prices rose 3.9 per cent in Sydney and 3.7 per cent in Melbourne, while attached dwelling prices rose 1.4 per cent in Sydney and 2.5 per cent in Melbourne.
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The three per cent gains were the biggest recorded since the December quarter 2019

Property boom officially everywhere as all state and territory capitals see December quarter growth: ABS

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Expert Observer

The big dilemma facing many Australians is whether to confront the frenetic markets in many parts of the nation – or wait for things to settle down before seeking to buy.

I can understand people wanting to avoid the circumstances they currently face in so many locations: properties are selling very quickly, sometimes even before being formally marketed, and often for prices well above the asking price or price guide.

If you want to buy safely and sensibly with due diligence, it’s difficult to compete with cash buyers purchasing properties sight-unseen via a phone call. Surely it would be more sensible to wait until the frenzy dies down and conditions become more normal.

Actually, no. I think it’s a mistake to wait.

I don’t think the boom is a short-term fad, as some in media have suggested. This market scenario has been building for the past six months or so, it’s underpinned by multiple strong factors and it will extend throughout 2021 and into next year.

It’s a genuine nationwide real estate boom, the kind that we see only rarely in Australia. The last one was 2001-2002-2003 and before that it was in the late 1980s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

These events happen for identifiable reasons and this one has many factors. My list of influences, which I published in this space a month ago, has 16 dot points. It’s not about low interest rates and it won’t be stalled by the end of JobKeeper. The Reserve Bank might change its mind and lift the official interest rate, but the boom will roll on.

So if you wait until it dies down before buying, you may be waiting a long time and you’ll be paying a lot more for your next home or investment property. If you delay until saner times, you could conceivably be paying 20% more. That means a property worth $500,000 now will be priced around $600,000. A $1 million property will cost $1.2 million.

We already have many suburbs and towns across Australia where the median house price is now 15% or 20% higher than it was a year ago.

Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast has risen from $1.23 million to over $2 million in the space of 12 months.

A $600,000 purchase a year ago on the Sunshine Coast is now worth between $700,000 and $750,000, based on the growth in median house prices for locations such as Birtinya, Mt Coolum and Coolum Beach.

An investment of $550,000 to $650,000 12 months ago in the Central Coast market north of Sydney would now be worth $90,000 to $100,000 more, based on the growth in median prices in locations such as Long Jetty, Berkeley Vale and Umina Beach.

But many markets are only just getting started. Rapid price escalation is likely to continue well into next year. The most conservative of the forecasters, the bank economists, are predicting big growth this year and next year.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

So if you’re ready to get into the market now, don’t wait. You need to find a way to cut through the current frenzy and get the property you want.

If you’re an investor, there are locations in Australia with the credentials for long-term price growth but not yet “bonkers”.

The best way to proceed is to get your finances sorted, engage a reliable buyers’ agent, give them clear parameters and let them go find you a good investment property in a location with long-term growth drivers.

Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au

ryder@hotspotting.com.au

twitter.com/hotspotting
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I don’t think the boom is a short-term fad, as some in media have suggested

terryryder

Buy in a frenetic market, or wait it out? Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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The home buying spending intentions, part of the Commonwealth Bank Household Spending Intentions (HSI) series, saw further gains across February, reaching its highest level since the data series began in 2015.

Both mortgage applications and Google searches were up in February in comparison to the month and year prior.

CBA chief economist Stephen Halmarick said the overall improvement in the HSI data is consistent with other signs that Australia’s economy continued to recover in the early months of 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3303]

"We continue to expect the home buying market to be a key source of support for the Australian economy in 2021 – driven largely by the very low level of interest rates," Mr Halmarick said.

CBA are continuing with their forecast that property prices will be up eight per cent in 2021 and six per cent in 2022, with house prices expected to be nine per cent higher this year.

Mr Halmarick said Commonwealth Bank now expect the Australian economy will grow by 4.4 per cent in 2021 following the economic growth improvement at the end of 2020 pointing to a V-shaped recovery.

One risk to this outlook is the upcoming expiry of the JobKeeper program, though Mr Halmarick said recent CBA research suggests any effect from removing the labour market support measure is likely to be temporary.

“Our view is that the negative impacts of the end of JobKeeper will be short-lived and that the strength in the labour market, the large savings pool generated throughout 2020 and, as shown by the HSI, the solid momentum in spending and home buying, will see the economy transition successfully through the end of JobKeeper,” he said.
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Both mortgage applications and Google searches were up in February in comparison to the month and year prior.

Commonwealth Bank's home buying spending intentions hit record highs in February

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EXPERT INSIGHT

Despite the pandemic, Australia is in the midst of a hugely competitive auction market. Sydney, in particular, is experiencing dizzying auction clearance rates and the Reserve Bank’s decision this week to keep interest rates extraordinarily low will no doubt keep auctioneers busy.

If you’ve ever taken part in an auction, you’ll know emotions can run high, and sometimes drive us to bid more than originally intended.

Our paper, published in the journal <a href="https://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-020-00259-w">Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications</a>, found the way auctions are designed and run can vastly increase competitive arousal in bidders.

That’s obviously valuable information for sellers. But if you’re a buyer, the good news is there’s a lot you can do to ensure your competitive spirit doesn’t leave you with a bad case of buyer’s remorse.

To see just how far people were willing to go to win, we studied people’s behaviour in one of the most competitive bidding environments possible: a Dutch auction.

What is a Dutch auction?

<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dutchauction.asp">Dutch auctions</a> are a special auction format where the price starts unrealistically high and then comes down in increments and the first person to bid wins.

Originating in the Netherlands for the rapid sale of perishable goods such as flowers, these auctions are fast, exciting and ultra-competitive. Bidders put everything on the line with the timing of a single bid.

Bidders must trade-off between certainty and price: bid early to secure the item and you pay top dollar; bid later at a lower price and you risk losing to another bidder.

Dutch auctions run this way are not common in the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-04/dutch-auctions-a-grey-area-in-real-estate-industry/9614392">Australian property market</a>, but by studying how people behave in them we can learn a bit about how competitive spirit influences decision-making in other settings.

A strong sense of competitive spirit may be a <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/comment/887180#comment-887180">human trait</a> honed by years of evolution, but in a heightened competitive environment you may become more willing to take risks you otherwise would not.

You might find your focus drifting toward a different (and possibly dangerous) form of motivation — the desire to win at all costs.

Burning through the budget

Our recent study looked at people’s bidding behaviours during a series of simulated Dutch auctions where we asked participants to imagine being managers of a warehouse.

They were asked to bid against their competitors to buy goods and fill up their warehouse, while staying within their allocated budget.

By bidding early, they stood a better chance of filling up their warehouse quickly but risked paying too much for the goods and running out of money before the warehouse was full. Wait too long and they risked losing the chance to buy stock at all, and watching it go into their competitors’ rapidly-filling warehouses.

In this tense environment, we found people were willing to sacrifice a better long term financial outcome for the sake of simply beating their competitors. In other words, they often burned through their budget too quickly just to “win”.

People initially made well placed and reasonably priced bids early in the auction series.

As the auctions continued, however, we watched participants place bids that unnecessarily, and perhaps irrationally, drained their budget for the sake of a short term victory.

Three ways to win without losing in the long term

Our study helps shed light on bidder behaviour in lots of markets, whether it is property, eBay, auction houses or any setting where the competitive spirit can take hold.

If you’re attending an auction, and don’t want to be a winner who loses in the long term, here are three ways to avoid falling victim to your own competitive spirit:

<ol>
<li>
	be aware that your decisions when in “competition mode” can push you past your budget. Separating the emotion from the decision can help minimise your risk of overspending.
	</li>
	<li>
	set your spending limit before you start and know when to stop. Our findings suggest that competition can easily drag us past that point. While winning is nice, it can also be a curse.
	</li>
	<li>
	give a friend your budget and have them bid for you. Beware their sporting nature, though; they might also be tempted by the thrill of victory.<img alt="The Conversation" eibjtljsu="" height="1" neutgmxam="" nh14kg3yh="" ns="" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/156371/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1">
	</li>
</ol>
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/murray-bennett-1207043">Murray Bennett</a>, PhD candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-newcastle-1060">University of Newcastle</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-the-competitive-spirit-can-take-over-in-auctions-and-how-you-can-stay-in-control-156371">original article</a>.
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jordan_55689

Why the competitive spirit can take over in auctions and how to stay in control

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As developers commit to greener designs and more sustainable developments, environmentally conscious property buyers are spoilt for choice.

Finding green and energy-efficient housing not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps you lower your bills.

Urban takes a look at seven of Australia’s leading sustainable developments implementing efficient features, green spaces and facilities that alleviate residents’ impact on the environment. 
 

1. Canvas, Brunswick 
Address: 272 Barkly Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 
One-bedroom apartments from $440,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

As recent forecasts emerge, revealing property investors are increasingly concerned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) credentials, developments are forced to match the increased environmental awareness of their buyers.

ID_Land’s Brunswick development, Canvas, does just that. The development includes solar technology in communal areas, no gas connection to any apartment, rooftop gardens and greywater harvesting.

“Sustainable living is no longer an option, it’s a prerequisite”, said ID_Land’s Matthew Belford. 
 

2. Waverley Park, Mulgrave 
Address: 6 Goodison Court, Mulgrave VIC 3170 
Four-bedroom townhomes from $935,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22700]

As you’ll soon discover, Mirvac is among the developers leading the transition towards renewable and sustainable residential projects with a target to become net carbon positive by 2030.

The developer’s Waverley Park project offers sustainable and energy-efficient design in Melbourne’s Mulgrave.

Among its features include cross-ventilation, superior insulation, LED lighting, solar hot water and energy-efficient appliances. 
 

3. Quay Waterfront Newstead 
Address: 57 Skyring Terrace, Newstead QLD 4006 
One-bedroom apartments from $475,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90553]

Set in Brisbane’s Newstead, Mirvac’s Quay Waterfront aims to rehabilitate the previously heavily industrial site into a transformed and green community.

The riverfront parcel of land will be reinvigorated with green open space, creating parklands that residents can call home and locals can enjoy.

Set on 5.5-hectares of parklands, this biophilic tower will weave gardens throughout its façade and around its apartments, which Mirvac will hand over 50 per cent back to the Brisbane City Council upon completion. 
 

4. Folia, Doncaster 
Address: 59 Stables Circuit, Doncaster VIC 3108 
One-bedroom apartments from $400,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584]

Situated on Doncaster Road, Folia forms part of Mirvac’s larger masterplanned community, Tullamore.

Achieving the highest environmental certification in Australia, the development has achieved a six-leaf EnviroDevelopment accreditation, thanks to its many sustainable features.

These include a 70kWh solar panel array, renewable energy and battery storage and the possibility of including a Tesla Powerwall II battery within each residence. 

The broader development site also boasts 20 per cent of open, green space and an integrated water management plan. 
 

5. The Fabric, Altona North 
Address: 188-198 Blackshaws Road, Altona North VIC 3025 
Two-bedroom apartments from $695,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22699]

Yet another Mirvac development, the Fabric has committed to contributing to a more sustainable feature, designed for liveability and increased comfort year-round.

Leafy green tree-lined streets, contemporary architecture and private front gardens form the walkable masterplanned community, which boasts a seven-star NatHERS energy rating.

Renowned landscaping architects, Eckersley Garden Architecture, have designed courtyards with edible planter beds and a custom-designed Patchwork Park. 
 

6. Tullamore Homes, Doncaster 
Address: 11 Heritage Boulevard, Doncaster VIC 3108 
Four-bedroom townhomes from $1,450,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803]

Another stage in the masterplanned Tullamore development, Tullamore Homes’ many sustainable features align with the increasing importance homebuyers place on environmental credentials.

According to Mirvac, the vision for the residential neighbourhood is defined by lush landscape, open parklands and walking trails.

The project will retain a large nature reserve to protect the homes of local Rosellas and other birdlife, as well as feature solar gas-boosted hot water services, recycled water connections and five-star WELS tapware to the bathroom. 
 

7. Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights 
Address: 15 Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3196 
Two-bedroom apartments from $599,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136]

Developed by the Aultun Group, Chelsea Heights’ Sixth Ave. delivers sustainable design features with the green transition in mind.

Achieving a ‘Best Practice’ rating for BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard), the project boasts a five-star instantaneous gas hot-water system, energy-efficient glazing, water-efficient tapware and bicycle parking.

Other features include expansive private courtyards, outdoor clotheslines, thermal insulation and four-star WELS-rated toilets.
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“Sustainable living is no longer an option, it’s a prerequisite”, said ID_Land’s Matthew Belford

max.kwok_55688

Seven of Australia's leading sustainable developments for 2021

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Housing affordability in Australia declined nationally in the December quarter 2020 although overall it improved over the year by 0.7 percentage points. 
  
The REIA president, Adrian Kelly said that the decline in affordability is largely attributable to higher house prices and larger loans. 
  
“The market defied the doomsday predictions with median house prices rising across the country in 2020 with demand driven mostly from first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227] 
  
“First home buyers increased their market share by 50.4% over 2020, motivated by low interest rates and the range of first-home buyer incentives on offer.”

“Seeing this trend in conversion to home ownership is particularly great news given the challenges many tenants and investors faced over the pandemic however surging house prices could see housing affordability obliterated unless measures to improve supply are implemented. 

"This particularly applies to regional parts of Australia,” he said. 
  
Mr Kelly said the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments increased to 34.8% or 0.9 percentage points.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201] 
  
“The measure for housing affordability – the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments – ranged from an increase of 0.1 percentage points in Victoria to an increase of 2.3 percentage points in New South Wales. 
  
“New South Wales is the least affordable state, where the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments is 44.6%. 
  
The Northern Territory is the most affordable with the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments 21.9%.

"It is now more affordable to buy than rent in the Northern Territory,” he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798] 
  
Mr Kelly said rental affordability over the quarter declined, with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing to 24%. 
  
Rental affordability declined by 0.2 percentage points over the quarter but increase of 0.4 percentage points over the past 12 months nationally. 
  
Tasmania is now the least affordable state to rent with the proportion of income required to meet rent repayments now a staggering 29.5%, 5.5 percentage points higher than the national level. 
  
Western Australia is the most affordable, despite the proportion of income required to meet median rents increasing to 17.8%.
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The NT is the most affordable place to buy

NSW ranks as the least affordable state to buy residential property: REIA

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For the last few years, property trends have reflected the importance of resort-style amenities and private resident facilities for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

These mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia, according to Cromwell Property Group, with developers increasingly combining commercial, retail, leisure and residential.

Whether you’re an eager investor or an owner-occupier who desires resort-style facilities at your doorstep, here are five apartments with 5-star hotel amenities selling in March 2021. 
 

1. Seafarers, Docklands 
Address: 731 Flinders Street, Docklands VIC 3008 
One-bedroom apartments from $825,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

Partnering with Australia’s first 1 Hotel, Seafarers integrates luxury residences and s luxury hotel amenities, management and services.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis, the project provides countless amenities to its residents including an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, full-service fitness centre and spa.

To complement the convenience of hotel luxuries, Riverlee offers residents private amenities, including a library, dining and lounge. 
 

2. Beyond, Hurstville 
Address: 93 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW 2220 
One-bedroom apartments from $585,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

Fridcorp’s latest Hurstville development, Beyond, features a number of on-site amenities that match the quality of the world’s best hotels.

Facilities include an outdoor dining and teppanyaki grill, gardens, lobby bar and residents’ dining.

For health and fitness, entertaining or quiet contemplation, residents can enjoy exclusive access to Beyond’s two podium platforms, which feature barbeque and dining areas as well as a yoga and meditation retreat. 
 

3. Cabana, Palm Beach 
Address: 1 Nineteenth Avenue, Palm Beach QLD 4221 
Three-bedroom apartments from $2,325,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=84861]

Delivered by Ignite Projects, Cabana offers the best in luxury resort-style living.

The island-like oasis is located across from the recently completed Palm Beach artificial reef and includes its own private beach club.

A key feature of the development’s design, the private beach club includes day beds on and off the water, beachfront and poolside cabanas. 
 

4. Melbourne Grand, Melbourne 
Address: 560 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
One-bedroom apartments from $489,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3490]

With an entire tenth floor dedicated to resort-style facilities, Central Equity’s Melbourne Grand offers an outstanding living experience rising 58-storeys above the CBD.

Designed by Guildford Bell and Graham Fisher Architects, the development features an indoor pool, gym and yoga studio, residents’ lounge and 17-seat luxe theatre.

A coffee bar and banquet room also provide the ideal setting for entertaining family or friends. 
 

5. Grand Central Towers, Phillip 
Address: 15 Bowes Street, Phillip ACT 2606 
Apartment prices available at request

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7660]

Inspired by New York’s Grand Central Station, Geocon Group’s Grand Central Towers delivers a breathtaking balance of hotel-style luxury and amenity.

Designed by Cox Architecture, the project includes an infinity pool, gym, residents’ dining room, lounge and library.

A rooftop retreat with reflection pond, secure resident parking, car wash and bike workshop are among its other features.
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Mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia with developers increasingly combining commercial, retail, leisure and residential

Urban's top 5 apartments with 5-star hotel amenities selling in March 2021

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Queensland’s top auction sale at weekend auctions was $3.7 million for an apartment on the Gold Coast. The Liberty Pacific sub-penthouse was sold by an upgrader in the 1999 Mirvac built complex.

It sold through Jackson Paradise from Ray White Prestige. He had eight registered bidders for the four-bedroom Main Beach sub penthouse at 1181/1 Lennie Street.

The Lennie Avenue apartment sold to a couple from Sydney who flew up to see their desired holiday home property last Friday. “We are seeing a huge amount of interest in the Gold Coast prestige market, both from holiday home buyers and relocators,” Paradise said. It last sold at $2.3 million in 2014. It first sold at 1.35 million in 1999.

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CoreLogic calculated 53 percent of Queensland's apartment offerings were sold on the weekend, compared with 83 percent of its house offerings. The top weekend auction result was a Point Piper penthouse that sold on Friday evening, just hours prior to its scheduled Saturday auction at $16 million plus. The whole-floor apartment in the tightly held Wentworth Place block comes with three bedrooms and three-bathrooms. It has views to the Bridge and Opera House.

The Wentworth Street penthouse has 300sq m of internal space plus 300sq m rooftop terracing. It traded 28 years ago at $3,325,000 and at $3.85 million in 1989. CoreLogic data showed that 86 percent of Sydney apartment listings found buyers at weekend auction, just lower than the 90 percent success rate for houses.

The national weekend unit clearance rate was 73 percent, compared to 84 percent for houses. There were 2,451 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities last week, up from 2,128 over the previous week, although lower than this time last year when 3,026 auctions were held.

Of the 2,053 results collected so far, 81.9 per cent reported a successful result, down from last week’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 84.4 per cent, which revised down to 79.6 per cent at final figures. Over the same week last year, 73.9 per cent of reported auctions were successful across the combined capital cities.

The final auction clearance rate has held above 75 per cent since auction reporting re-commenced in late January after the seasonal slowdown and this week will likely be no exception despite higher volumes. In Melbourne, 1,273 homes were taken to auction, compared to 1,095 over the previous week and 1,612 this time last year.

Of the 1,091 auction results collected so far, 77.7 per cent were reported as successful, down from the previous week’s preliminary clearance rate of 82.2 per cent, which revised down to 77.4 per cent at final figures. Sydney was host to 844 auctions this week, increasing from 768 over the previous week, although lower than this time last year when 1,087 homes were taken to auction across the city.

The preliminary clearance rate came in at 88.9 per cent this week, up slightly from the previous week’s preliminary clearance rate of 88.2 per cent, which revised down to 83.4 per cent at final figures.

This time last year, 76.6 per cent of reported auctions were successful. "It is likely that Sydney’s final clearance rate will come in around the low to mid 80 per cent range for the 4th consecutive week," CoreLogic's Tim Lawless said. Across the smaller cities, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate at 84.7 per cent, followed by Adelaide (82.5 per cent) and Brisbane (79.0 per cent).
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It was the last auction weekend of summer

Gold Coast penthouse tops Queensland apartment sales in weekend auctions

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Renders have been revealed for the two penthouses atop Residences Two, one of the towers in luxury Barangaroo project One Sydney Harbour.

The three level penthouse in the neighbouring Tower One made history in 2018 when it sold for a record $140 million, the most expensive residential transaction in Australia's history. It was bought as two separate apartments, the sub-penthouse below added to the double-storey penthouse.

The two Skyhomes in Residence Two span a whole floor each, ranging between 540 to 670 sqm. They both will have three-metre high ceilings throughout, as well as gun-barrel views overlooking Sydney Harbour's famous icons.

<img alt="" height="892" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/one_sydney_harbour_2.jpg" width="1200">

The Skyhomes, accessed through their own private lobby, will each have their own Sky Terrace which will have an entertaining space and a pool. The apartments have been designed in collaboration between Daniel Goldberg, the creative director at State of Craft, and the internationally acclaimed Pritzker award winning architect Renzo Piano.

The pair have collaborated before, on The Shard and Shard Place in London in 2012, and Goldberg was behind the interiors of the $140 million penthouse. 

Estimated to be completed in 2025, One Sydney Harbour will be made up of 808 apartments across three towers. Tower One is set for completion in 2023 and will home 317 apartments across 72 levels.

 

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We wanted to create two unique, world-class homes in the sky that capture the essence of living high above Sydney Harbour. The experience of being in the Skyhomes was inspired by life onboard private yachts with their seamless transition from inside to outside spaces, and the feeling of freedom and elegant comfort. 

Daniel Goldberg, Founder and Creative Director - State of Craft
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"All places have a story to tell, you just have to listen to that story and I think Sydney has a great story to tell. We immediately started to think about these buildings being like crystals, playing one to the other. In this case I think it’s very much about this, about making something that tells the essence of this city that is about sense of lightness, a sense of light, the sense of transparency."

Renzo Piano, Chairman and Founding Partner – Renzo Piano Building Workshop
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“The design collaboration between Renzo Piano and Daniel Goldberg continues to bring Lendlease’s vision for One Sydney Harbour to life, setting the tone for this landmark residential offering. Following the record-breaking Residences One penthouse sale, we are now showcasing the Residences Two ‘Sky Homes’, which pay homage to Goldberg’s design expertise and luxury living vision.” – Ben Christie, Head of Residential, Property - Lendlease
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Renders have been revealed for the two penthouses atop Residences Two, one of the towers in luxury Barangaroo project One Sydney Harbour.

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