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.

Joel Robinson

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

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

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 majority of one bedroom apartment and penthouse stock at the 37 storey Opus Tower has been sold or is under reservation, presumably going to offshore buyers prior to the tower's Australian launch on May 29. Only 31 two bedroom apartments and 40 premium residences remain, with prices starting at $665,000.
The property, which was heavily marketed in Hong Kong and mainland China, comprises 246 residences, including one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses. Marketing efforts include a cross promotional deal with Qantas, where registrants were entered into a draw to win 1 million Qantas Points, and the opportunity to earn 1 point per $1 spent on property purchases in the tower. Opus Tower is not the first off-the-plan property to be promoted through Qantas points by LK Properties, who <a href="/news/melbourne-off-the-plan-units-sell-with-bonus-qantas-frequent-flyer-points">launched the Qantas deal mid last year</a>.
Construction has been approved after four years of delays. 
Plans for the residential tower first emerged in 2010 after Tapil Pty Ltd obtained a planning permit for redevelopment at 57-61 City Road, Southbank for 246 apartments, two retail premises, three offices and parking for associated cars (see below).
<img src="/images/2014/04/11/planning%20details.png" width="460" height="264">
Planning details from the City of Melbourne, 2010
However, after submitting plans for the building, Tapil ran into a series of roadblocks over minimum boundary setbacks on the building's east and west borders. Amended plans were submitted to the City of Melbourne, who were ordered to approve the amended plans by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Council in April 2011.
Tapil then listed the 912 square metre site with planning permits through Lemon Baxter in May 2011.
<img src="/images/2014/04/11/jr-arpil-11-tear-out.jpg" alt="">
57-61 City Road's listing through Lemon Baxter. Source: The Age
It was then listed again in <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/News/News-details.aspx?NewsId=%7b030DCF51-D335-40A5-BDC7-ED719E20B588%7d" target="_blank">September 2011</a> through Colliers International. Reportedly, the site sold for $11.9 million last year with final plans greenlit in late February 2014.
Opus Tower will be located at 57-61 City Road, Southbank, near the Eureka Tower, fronting onto Fawkner Street and City Road. Designed by Artisan Architects, the tower will have a white, black and gold façade with textured concrete and metal components. There will be a ground floor retail precinct, and internal features will include curved, gold chained walls in the building’s lobby.
Larry Kestelman’s LK Property Group is currently accepting registrations from Australian for pre-release access to the project’s two bedroom residences. The apartments, marketed by Amity Real Estate, will offer floor to ceiling windows, timber flooring and Essastone benchtops in the kitchens. In May developers will launch the remaining stock to local buyers, including a premium selection of 40 residences in the tower. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/11/600_floorplanT06.png" alt="">
Floor plan for penthouse option A at Opus Tower, Melbourne.
<img src="/images/2014/04/11/2.jpg" alt="">
Floor plan for two bedroom apartment Opus Tower, Melbourne.
 
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Majority of stock sold prior to local launch of Southbank's Opus Tower development

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Shanghai-based Greenland Group are behind <a href="https://www.greenlandcentre.com.au" target="_blank">Greenland Centre</a>, the tallest residential tower in Sydney and their first foray into the heart of the CBD, and they are set to launch their second stage tomorrow with expected significant Chinese interest.
It seems Chinese buyers are, unsurprisingly, being actively marketed to - with the entire site, at a click of a button, translatable to Chinese, and a similar tower, Wuhan Greenland Centre, under construction in Wuhan, China, from the same developer. Marketing efforts are expected to be rolled out in Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong. In fact, Wuhan's building has also been reported overseas as likely to be the third tallest building in China, and the fourth tallest in the world at around 600 metres, making them no stranger to heading skyward.
<img src="/images/2014/04/11/greenland-april-11-one.jpg" alt="">
Above: Screenshot of the Greenland Centre Sydney website, translated into Chinese
The $680 million development’s Stage 2 will see 200 apartments and penthouses released to the market, adding to the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/greenland-centre-launches-second-sales-stage">300 released and sold in Stage 1 in a sellout</a>.
Greenland Centre, at 115 Bathurst Street, looks to include new technology to re-use the existing structure and rejuvenate the building, with a design from BVN Donovan Hill and Woods Bagot.
It includes views to the ocean, mountains, across the Harbour and Hyde Park.
There will also be commercial and retail spaces at the site, as well as a boutique hotel with a swimming pool, roof terrace and concierge. The tower residents will also be able to use the roof terrace.
The public launch of Stage 2 is today, 12 April, with the entire development set for completion in late-2017.
Half of the apartments will have parking spaces.
In Stage 2 it’s yet to be confirmed how many of each type of property will be available, but the range will include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, studios and penthouses.
Studios range from $595,000 upwards, with an unconfirmed internal size. One-bedroom apartments, from 38 to 66 square metres, also range from $595,000 upwards. Two-bedroom apartments, from 70 to 91 square metres, the prices are set to be from $1.1 million, and three-bedroom apartments, at 105 to 144 square metres, will be from $2.175 million.
An opportunity to buy the highest penthouse in the area, with the entire building estimated to be 235 metres tall, may just be on the tickets tomorrow in what will prove to be a coveted position. However, you'll need to pay dearly for the property. Penthouse prices, despite the Saturday launch date, are still to be confirmed, estimated at up to $10 million each. In the Stage 1 release, Bloomberg reported that the most expensive sale was a three-bedroom unit on the 55th floor for $3.7 million, that sold to a Chinese buyer living in Australia. Whether they have citizenship was not mentioned. Sub-penthouses are also available.
Next to the site, 339 Pitt Street, the former Sydney Water head office site, is also slated to be turned into a hotel, according to<a href="https://development.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Datasource/DANotifications/1128322_049.pdf" target="_blank"> the Preliminary Construction Management Plan</a>. It is on the state heritage council register of NSW, and the plans suggest "adaptive reuse" of the building and remedial work to the facade. Building works are suggested to maintain hours from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 5pm on Saturdays.
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Opportunity to buy the highest penthouse in Sydney

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When first home buyer numbers are weak, some policy setters look towards incentives to urge the buyers back into the market.
However, warns Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW chief executive, Stephen Albin, this would exacerbate the problem.
Albin warned that pushing up the incentives for first home buyers, which are currently focused at those looking to buy new or build themselves, would cause a flood of demand into the market and push up property prices even higher than at present.
Instead, he thinks that we need to address other issues before encouraging first timers to jump back in.
“The NSW property market, particularly in Sydney, is highly competitive due to low interest rates and a chronic lack of housing supply in the market,” said Albin.
“Now is not the time to be encouraging further housing demand by increasing incentives for first home buyers."
He said that the stock for first home buyers isn't available and that, before making decisions to increase incentives, the government should instead look to the proposed planning reforms.
“For more than 10 years, NSW has suffered a chronic undersupply of housing and now needs more than 40,000 homes per year to be delivered to fill that void and bring demand back to stable levels,” he said.
“The proposed Planning Reforms reduce unnecessary duplications in development processes and ultimately streamline the industry’s ability to get on with the job of delivering housing and infrastructure for our growing population.”
Property Observer readers, what do you think? Should we be providing more incentives for FHBs?
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Don't encourage FHBs into NSW, we don't have the supply for them: UDIA

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The housing market, in at least Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin, has seen growth recently, and it's causing a knock-on effect, according to the ANZ Research team, with developer confidence now picking up.
However, they also said that it would be the mining states that record the most pronounced growth rate for gross state product in the coming years.
All non-mining states saw growth rates strengthen in the second half of 2013.
Cherelle Murphy, Dyslan Eades, Tony Morris and Zoe McHugh, from ANZ Research, recently provided a market analysis that pointed to five factors lifting the growth rates and outlooks in all states and territories.
THE FIVE FACTORS
<ol>
<li>Improved global economic conditions 
</li>
<li>Low interest rates 
</li>
<li>The lower Australian dollar 
</li>
<li>Better business confidence 
</li>
<li>Better consumer confidence</li>
</ol>
"The mining states, which are on the cusp of an export expansion, will continue to record the strongest growth rates over the coming years in our view. But the non-mining states are expected to improve most compared to the growth rates recorded over the past few years," they recorded.
Interestingly, they also noted that the convergence in growth rates between the states is as expected.
"The mining states are coming off very strong economic performances as the resources construction pipeline dries up, while the non-mining states are steadily firming."
MINING STATES
Queensland: Major LNG projects still under construction, recording high activity levels.
Western Australia: More advanced through resources contruction work, seeing a more rapid slowdown.
Northern Territory: The exception, seeing a boost from INPEX Ichthys LNG Project.
NON-MINING STATES
New South Wales: The best performer, with trend unemployment falling to 10 month low (5.5%) in March. Business conditions have picked up.
Victoria, Tasmania: Sluggish but recently improving outlooks. More exposed to manufacturing, which continues to shrink. Business conditions have picked up.
South Australia: Sluggish but recently improving outlooks. More exposed to manufacturing, which continues to shrink.
Australian Capital Territory: Sturdy, but "will shortly bear the brunt of the not yet wholly known Commonwealth fiscal tightening."
All states, they noted, saw a sharp pick-up in housing market activity "related in part to the expansionary setting of monetary policy," they noted.
<blockquote>
FIVE FACTORS LIFTING GROWTH RATES
IMPROVED GLOBAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
LOW INTEREST RATES
THE LOWER AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
BETTER BUSINESS CONFIDENCE
BETTER CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
</blockquote>
"Prices have bounced off their lows and have risen especially sharply in Sydney, Melbourne, and Darwin. This has translated to an improvement in developer confidence, with residential building approvals rising strongly, implying dwelling investment is likely to contribute solidly to growth going forward," they said.
Among all the non-mining dominated states and territories, the non-mining business investment is not forecasted to see any notable improvement until next year.
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Mining states expected to see strongest growth rates over coming years: ANZ Research

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There are 1,412 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 626 this time last year.
With 1,400 also scheduled in Sydney this weekend will provide a rare opportunity to compare the two capital city auction markets.
The unprecedented increase in the number of auctions is part of a wider rise in homes on the market over the last month.
There are now 22% more new listings compared to last year across Victoria which ensures a high level of choice for buyers.
This high level of volumes should also keep the clearance rate in the mid 60s.
In the month ending 6 April, there were 60,820 homes on the market in Victoria of which 33,209 were in Melbourne.
The total number of homes on the market is reducing due to the higher number of buyers compared to a year ago. 
This is also evident in the level of vendor discounting recorded for homes for private sale. 
Vendor discounting for houses was 6.1% compared to 6.7% in February a year ago.
Key data
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 6 April: 63.6%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 13 April: 1412</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 6 April: 34 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 6 April: -5.5% (houses)</li>
</ul>
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

Unprecedented increase in auction numbers: RP Data's Melbourne auction preview

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With the properties on The Block going for record prices, everybody is wondering who paid $2.47 million for Steve and Chantelle’s apartment at 1/47 O’Grady Street.
According to Advantage Property Consulting managing director Frank Valentic, who represented the winning apartment’s buyers at Tuesday’s auction, 1/47 went to a young professional couple who had been seeking a home in Melbourne’s blue chip inner south.
The surgeon and marketer from Southbank were keen on an Albert Park residence after missing out on a property in St Kilda earlier this year. Valentic, who bid on all four apartments, said of his three interested clients, the couple that secured 1/47 were the most emotionally motivated.
“They’re in their thirties, looking to start a family and Albert Park is a great location for it,” he said.
The other two buyers Valentic represented on the night were businessmen looking to purchase apartments at O’Grady Street as investments, who both missed out.
“The investors were very disappointed, but they were unemotional buyers. When we reached our limit, we pulled out.”
The $2.47 million sum was approaching the owner occupier’s maximum price threshold, said Valentic.
“That last bid – we were right on the edge there,” he said. “We got in by the skin of our teeth on the last one.”
Independent valuer and WBP Property chief executive Greville Pabst agreed that emotions were a significant factor in the record-breaking prices seen last night.
“This was never going to be about price or valuation or property fundamentals,” said Pabst.
“There were other drivers – the amount of promotion and marketing by Channel 9, euphoria, the celebrity factor – that really drove the price. It was more about the experience rather than the property.”
“Buyers are thinking, ‘I can afford to buy that property, I want almost to brag to my friends that I bought The Block.’ So price was a secondary factor.”
Pabst pointed to another big celebrity sale which had similar results.
“Another example of that was the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s house in Altona. We were expecting high $600,000s to early $700,000s, and it ended up at $950,000 plus.”
On Channel 9’s A Current Affair, Pabst gave Brad and Dale’s apartment the highest value at $2.25 million, followed by Kyal and Kara’s, Alisa and Lysandra’s and finally Steve and Chantelle’s – the exact reverse of the outcomes on auction day. (For what it’s worth, Property Observer predicted that Brad and Dale’s apartment would win, with Steve and Chantelle’s coming in second)
The final results: 
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
According to Pabst, the sales order played into the final result. Brad and Dale's property was auctioned first, then Kyal and Kara's, the twins', and Steve and Chantelle's.
“The order of proceedings was definitely a factor. It does come down to supply and demand. If there are seven or eight buyers and three have sold, then you have three or four people competing for the final apartment. But it’s an emotion driven purchase, rather than a purchase based on fundamental value,” he said.
“Apartment 1 was the most inferior but got the highest result.
“The quality of the cabinetry was inferior. The position of the staircase (it was a spiral metal staircase), the general layout of the apartment and the quality of the fixtures and finishes - when you’re spending $2 million plus, these details count.”
While he believes the final sales prices were 10-15% above the properties’ true values, he said the rarity and location of the properties would also have driven up prices.
Valentic, who had also picked Brad and Dale’s apartment as the winner, thought that if the order of sales was shaken up, the final results may have been different.
“The order will always have an influence,” he said. “So if the order was reversed and Brad and Dale weren’t first – if they were close to last, they would have had a better chance.”
While the young couple who bought Steve and Chantelle’s renovation preferred that apartment, they would have bid on the other properties if they had missed out on 1/47 early on.
“We were going for the two north facing ones for the home buyers, and the preference was for Chantelle and Steve’s apartment. But if those two north facing ones had gone earlier, they would have had a go at the other ones. They just wanted to be in the area,” said Valentic.
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The buyers behind The Block: Fans v Faves

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There is an estimated $1.1 billion in property available for purchase this weekend across Sydney. And it includes one of the last Paddington unrenovated terraces with backyard dunny (pictured above).
It's among the record offering of 1,107 houses and units up for auction across Sydney this weekend with a potential $935 million in houses available for purchase and $175 million in apartment stock going under the hammer.
There are 1,261 offerings in Melbourne, with an $870 million worth of stock with around $640 million in houses set to be offered under the hammer and $230 million worth of apartments.
The Saturday before Easter weekend is traditionally a big weekend for auctions, ahead of the quieter winter hibernation.
This year carried the spring 2013 momentum, and the later Easter on the calendar allowed the chance for more vendors to join the listings rush.
Australian Property Monitors research assistant Neil Tan has advised that this weekend's 1,107 Sydney offerings is some 196% higher than the same weekend last year. And Melbourne's tally is 142% up.
The last Sydney record auction bonanza was the 970 offering on 14 December in the lead up to Christmas 2013 when $584 million in sales came based on a $900,000 median house price and a $605,000 median unit price. There was another $584 million in sales secured on the 22 February weekend based on a $1.08 million house median and a $720,000 unit median sale price.
So it will the busiest Sydney Saturday on record, with official records being compiled since Australian Property Monitors started keeping the data in the late 1980s when Sydney was only just beginning to take a shine to onsite auction with the lead from the trend setter Andrew Gibbons agency.
The long mooted possibility that Sydney would break the 1,000 auction barrier for the first time occurs at a time when auction clearance rates sits at historically high levels on the back of buyer demand.
The initial Saturday figures from APM have been running at 80% for 10 consecutive weeks, but increasingly revised down to around 75% after final results have been tallied. This week at a mid-week auction a 53% auction clearance rate was secured at Double Bay, suggesting the deterioration might be setting in.
Melbourne's 1,261 auctions this saturday will be its fourth weekend above 1,000 this year, so that total is no news for them.
Indeed late last year Melbourne had three consecutive weekends with auction numbers over 1,300 from 30 November to 14 December. And Melbourne has also been showing signs of auction success rate weakness the further into autumn the weekends went.
So while a 100% success rate simply won't happen, the weekend $1.1 billion tally is huge based just on the offering. It is based on the median weekend house price last weekend which was $1.1 million in Sydney and the median Sydney auction unit price which was $700,000. These weekly auction medians have been ratcheting up, as witnessed in the figures given above for December and February super Saturday results.
Of course the auction offerings always reflect a much higher price than the typical $765,000 median for houses and the $540,000 median for typical units.
This weekend there are about 250 units and 850 houses for scheduled Sydney auction.
This weekend there are about 450 units and 810 houses for scheduled Melbourne auction.
Melbourne's median last weekend for house prices was $790,000 and the median unit price was $510,000.
And again, that's much higher than the typical $568,000 Melbourne median for houses and the median for typical $420,000 Melbourne units.
Listing agent Susie Peica and Dean Jarman of Ray White Paddington gave initial around $1 million price expectations for 54 Underwood Street which has been<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/paddington/1109943/" target="_blank"> listed for auction this weekend</a>.
It is an 1885 weatherboard terrace on an 185 square metre holding. The agents are now saying $950,000 plus after a bit of buyer feedback.
According to RP Data, the median house price for <a href="/news">Paddington</a> sits at a record $1.52 million.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Sydney's $1.1 billion pre-Easter Super Saturday offering - backyard Paddo dunny thrown in

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Renovation first timers Steve and Chantelle surprised Australia when they were <a href="/expert-insights/buying/steve-and-chantelles-auctioneer-david-wood-on-the-blocks-record-breaking-win">revealed last night</a> as the winners of The Block: Fans v Faves. Property Observer spoke to auctioneer David Wood, who secured a $2.47 million sale price for the couple.
The Geelong chimney sweep and milliner attracted the highest ever price above reserve on the series. They are also the first Victorian team to ever with The Block, a factor Wood said is not lost on the Victoria-based hockingstuart team.
“We’ve helped them sell a property before, some years ago,” said Wood. “So to be involved with them now, and to be able to create this result with them, is a great outcome.”
The first item of the Tuesday afternoon auction was to decide on the order of sale, a decision Wood believes played into the final result.
<blockquote>
“We’re thrilled with the win, and to set a record price for The Block.”
</blockquote>
“It was determined that we were going to go last,” said Wood, director of hockingstuart Albert Park. “We had substantial interest in the home, so we weren’t afraid to go last.  There were two buyers in particular who had come through before the auction and were very interested in the apartment.
“I think its value was probably underpinned by the previous sales. It was quick to start, and to start at a level that was already pre-determined by the other sales, rather than having to go through a slower start.”
As for hockingstuart’s strategy for the sale, Wood said that the team applied the same fundamentals to selling the underdogs’ apartment as they would for any other property.
“A well conducted auction can play a huge role in maximising price gains,” said Wood. “It’s all about timing – if you go too slow or too fast for someone, you can throw them off the scent.
“As for the marketing, we applied the same approach marketing their property as we would with any other property.
“I think it’s fair to say we came from behind; we were coming last at the turn. We really had to rally the troops and do everything we could to ensure that every potential buyer was covered.
“We took it offshore with a couple of Chinese websites that generated a lot of interest, in addition to going to local markets.”
In the end, the property went to a young local couple. The family had been seeking a property in the area for some time, in what Wood said has been a strong year for the local market, with the last sale of a comparable residence in the village attracting $2.6 million.
As for the chances of a repeat performance, Wood said that he would go back to The Block again if the opportunity arose.
“We’d be delighted to,” said Wood. “We’re thrilled with the win, and to set a record price for The Block.”
 
For our full coverage of The Block: Fans v Faves, click below
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">Substance over style as Chantelle and Steve win The Block 2014 Fans V Faves</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/building/on-the-auction-block-our-faves-for-the-finale">On the auction Block: Our faves for the finale</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/kyal-demmrich-on-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-the-block">Kyal Demmrich on the trials and triumphs of The Block</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/the-block-on-show-at-this-weekends-open-for-inspection">The Block on show at this weekend's open for inspection </a>
Open for inspection: The Block Fans v Faves doors open to the public this weekend
<a href="/news/raw-timber-and-red-brick-industrial-design-on-the-block">Raw timber and red brick: Industrial design on The Block</a>
<a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">Art styles for apartment décor: Lessons from The Block</a>
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Steve and Chantelle's auctioneer David Wood on The Block's record breaking win

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Riverside Tower will be a $250 million precinct development on Parramatta’s riverfront, and the largest multi-function event centre outside of Sydney’s CBD, provided the development application goes through as planned. It will also likely take its place as one of the tallest towers in Parramatta.
It appears the new tower, to see residential apartments across 37 storeys, may also take the spot of 'tallest' residential tower in Parramatta - a title currently held by the at-present under-construction V by Crown. Suggestions that V by Crown would soon lose the title had been <a href="/expert-insights/buying/slab-to-be-set-on-highest-residential-tower-in-parramatta-v-by-crown-today">heard by Property Observer for some time</a>. Meriton's as-yet unbuilt <a href="https://www.meriton.com.au/properties/altitude-apartments" target="_blank">Altitude West</a>, "coming soon" at 330 Church Street, at a suggested 53 levels (far surpassing Altitude East at 30 storeys) is also in the running for the tallest title. With completion for Altitude suggested for 2016, and entire project completion for Riverside Tower for 2017, it'll be a race as to who holds the title and shapes Parramatta's skyline first.
The DA, submitted to Parramatta City Council last week, has requested approval for 413 residential apartments, entertainment facilities, cafes, restaurants and a visitor/exhibition facility ‘Discovery Centre’.
The project, set to be a public/private partnership between PCC, LIDIS and Dockside Group, will complement a number of significant buildings in the Parramatta area, which has been going from strength-to-strength.
The riverfront location will see a number of exciting residential features, including 37 of the 41 storeys containing apartments with river views, that are said to never be built out. The homes include studios to three-bedroom residences, sky-homes and penthouses, with first sales anticipated this year.
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/parramatta-april-10-two.jpg" alt="">
Project completion is expected for 2017, with the apartments boasting access to a lap pool, gym, spa, sauna facilities, enclosed sun terrace, terraced gardens, BBQ facilities and lounge spaces.
“Riverside Tower will play a significant role in supporting Council’s commitment to growth and the evolution of Parramatta as a thriving centre for business, leisure and living,” explains official material of the development.
It is located between Lennox Bridge at Church Street to the East and Bernie Banton Bridge (Marsden Street) and is expected to bring 720 direct and 1,400 indirect jobs, with the Conference Centre expected to add $20 million a year to the local economy.
Discovery Centre is registered with the Green Building Council of Australia.
The City of Parramatta appears to be very much behind the proposal, with Lord Mayor of Parramatta John Chedid explaining that the proposal involves major upgrades to more than 4,400 square metres of public domain and foreshore land.
“As Parramatta continues to expand, access to the river and surrounding foreshore will be critical to the city’s recreational and cultural future. We are pleased to be working with LIDIS and Dockside Group who share our vision of refocusing Parramatta’s CBD towards the river,” said Chedid.
“The centrepiece of the Riverside Tower is the Discovery Centre which will replace the CBD’s existing Visitor and Heritage Centre and deliver a spectacular entertainment and dining experience that befits the geographical heart of Sydney.”
The Council will own and manage the Discovery Centre.
<ul>
<li>Construction partner: Hutchinson Builders 
</li>
<li>Lead architect, landscape architect, urban designer and interior designer: Johnson Pilton Walker 
</li>
<li>Project developer: LIDIS 
</li>
<li>Venue managers: Dockside Group</li>
</ul>
It appears it will be a busy time for Parramatta, with <a href="/expert-insights/buying/v-by-crown-development-reaches-150-million-in-sales">tallest residential offering, 29-storey V by Crown, seeing a significant number of sales as it undergoes construction</a>.
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Development application submitted for one of Parramatta's tallest towers

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Across the March quarter, the national median weekly asking rent for houses increased by a subtle 0.2%, with unit rents increasing by 1.7%, however the picture is mixed across the country, explains Australian Property Monitors’ latest statistics.
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-one.gif" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-two.gif" alt=""> 
Source: Australian Property Monitors 
SYDNEY
National housing rents for the year ending March saw Sydney retain strength as the most expensive major capital for tenants, with median weekly asking house rent over the March quarter sitting at $500, and units at $490, explains APM’s senior economist, Andrew Wilson. As discussed yesterday, Sydney’s expensive rental market will come as no surprise to anyone looking to live there.
Despite this, Sydney’s house rents have remained flat for 12 months, “indicating underlying affordability barriers constraining rental growth,” said Wilson.
Sydney unit rents, however, continue to rise driven by the affordability advantages of units over houses and the growing preferences for apartment living and inner–city locations. Based on current trends, unit rents will be on parity with house rents sooner rather than later in 2014.”
MELBOURNE
Pointing to the recent rend of rising house rents, Melbourne has seen some of the best performance of all the capital cities – up 4.1% over the year, with the March quarter seeing a 1.3% increase.
“Melbourne unit rents have staged a revival after a lengthy period of subdued growth,” he said.
“Despite March quarter increases in rents, Melbourne remains relatively affordable for tenants with only Adelaide recording lower rents of all the mainland capitals.”
BRISBANE
However, the picture differs when looking at Brisbane, where the market was weaker over the March quarter, with house rents staying flat and unit rents actually dropping by 1.3%.
“Over the year ending March 2014, no growth was recorded in unit rents, however, house rents rose by +2.6%. Significant numbers of new inner city apartments continue to place downward pressure on rental growth,” said Wilson of the yearly statistics.
Note: Wilson explained that in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, a low number of first home buyers could be responsible for creating some demand-based rental pressure, however increased supply with investor activity and new apartment building should impact rental growth in these cities.
Rental yields also have some interesting implications across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. In the latter two capital cities, yields remain the lowest of all capitals for units and houses, however Melbourne appears to see some increases in yield suggesting weakness in price growth for inner city apartments. Brisbane, however, provides the highest gross rental yield of all the major capitals.
ADELAIDE
Currently, Adelaide is the most affordable of all mainland capitals, with subdued rental growth over the March quarter. In fact, over this period house rents fell by 1.4% and units remained flat.
PERTH
In Perth, the quarter recorded flat rents for house and units, as the “market continues to adjust after the unsustainably strong rental growth seen in the first half of 2013,” he said.
“House rents in Perth are now down by -2.0% over the year with no growth in unit rents,” said Wilson.
DARWIN
Despite flat rents for houses and unitsover the March quarter, a 7% increase over the year ending March was recorded.
HOBART, CANBERRA
Flat or falling rents for houses and units were recorded over the March quarter.
 <img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-three.gif" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/04/10/apm-chart-april-10-four.gif" alt="">
Source: Australian Property Monitors
Further mixed results for all capital cities are expected through 2014, as price growth moderates in most capitals, explained Wilson.
“Choppy capital city rental market performances over the March quarter reflects, to some degree, the uplift in home buying activity which was driven by sharp improvements in housing affordability over the past year,” he said.
“With prices growth likely to accelerate this year, expect increased house investor activity although yields may weaken.”
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