<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make

The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?

A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.

As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.

One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.

We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.

Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.

That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.

Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.

<img alt="iCIRT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcbb59af-3d5a-43aa-b28e-a66e55a83568" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Announcement.png?VersionId=6OD8r.v.oucEF01BWxR85urzoD9seQ9e" />

Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.

The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.

It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.

<a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.

That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.

Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.

However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.

Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.

<img alt="mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c11c691-e8cd-46c3-88fd-6c8d614e8357" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mirvac.png?VersionId=ZqDqNL36WJOOCmNMmmO93Q2GTrFOBomz" />Mirvac is a 5 Gold Star iCIRT rated developer, the highest possible rating a developer can get: Harbourside by Mirvac

Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.

Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.

For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.

According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.

According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.

The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.

As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.

The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.

For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.

For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.

<img alt="iCIRT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="958e1497-8151-4689-aadc-baf59f6e6122" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.png?VersionId=7KyVcwSo4vCLXBYBdq382e3Si.R.9PWQ" />

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne? How independent iCIRT ratings are set to change Victorian property

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Today I thought I’d share a little about my own personal property investing journey in the hope that it may be of interest or maybe if I’m lucky, encourage you to move forward on your own journey if you haven’t already.
As I cast my mind back 12 years, I remembered very clearly my own experience.  When I started thinking about property I was pregnant with my first son. I had an overwhelming urge to do something to start setting up my family’s financial future. I have no idea why I felt so responsible for this, but after reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki my world flipped upside down.
I think I’m pretty responsible by nature and his books explain that we all need to be responsible for our own futures. This really hit a chord with me; perhaps it was the pregnancy hormones or just that I’d never really had time to reflect on this in the past. Whatever the reason, I decided to make things happen.
Whilst I should have been shopping for baby clothes and decorating the baby’s bedroom, I was sitting in an auditorium hungrily soaking up information that I hadn’t come across before. As my ankles swelled and my back ached, I feverishly took notes on all the different strategies you can use to make money from property. My plan was to work whilst my baby slept, little did I know how little babies sometimes sleep! But that’s exactly what I did and what I missed out on in sleep, I gained in knowledge. With bleary eyes, my property investment journey began.
That baby son started high school this year and so he’s a reminder of when and why I wanted to invest for our futures.  Since his birth, I’ve built a decent investment portfolio and a thriving property development project management business.
I love following the property market and tracking the property cycles. Since I started investing in 2000, we’ve had what may be ‘once in a lifetime’ anomalies that have impacted on the cycle. Firstly, the very rapid growth in most capital cities between 2000 to 2003; then the global financial crisis in 2007 and the credit crises that followed.  A change in government coincided in the same year and a turbulent period for the Labor government followed until the Coalition was elected in 2013.
We’ve seen a resource boom, a mining slowdown and now the lowest ever cash rates in history. And between 2001 and 2011 we’ve seen major shifts in population growth patterns. Natural fertility reversed a long run decline and migration rose to record levels, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://home.id.com.au/">id</a>. You can’t really say this is a ‘typical’ property cycle.  But, is there ever one?
As part of our research process, we track the quarterly median value of the Hunter Region cities that Property Bloom develops in.  Back in March 2003 one city had a median value of $179,566 today it’s $363,500.  That’s an increase over the past 10 years of 203%.  There are strong indications that this growth will continue.
The Hunter Region offers an affordable entry point into property and history has shown that the capital growth is there too. Combine this with an adding value development strategy and your journey will be even more worthwhile.
Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Starting your own property journey

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1) Mentors and modelling
Who should you look to for mentoring guidance? The simplest way I know of to achieve a goal is to find someone who has achieved your targets and to find out what has worked for them.
If you want to start up a major airline, study Richard Branson's books until the ink falls off the page. If you want to build a large share portfolio through making regular contributions and a dividend reinvestment plan (DRP), find someone who has done exactly that. Ditto if your goal is create a dividend rich portfolio and live off fully franked dividends which exceed your expenses. If you want to achieve financial freedom through building a very large portfolio of properties, find someone who has done it.
Could you come to someone like me if your goal is own a factory in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mount Druitt</a>? Well, you could, I suppose, and being a diligent kind of bloke I'd probably do an OK job, but I'd strongly suggest that you'd be better advised to find someone with 15 years of experience and expertise in Western Sydney commercial property acquisition.
Unfortunately, when it comes to personal finance and investment, too many folk take advice from people who never invest in anything ("it's too risky") or have shambolic personal finances themselves. The advice might be well-meaning enough, but ultimately it can be destructive. I'd say that there can be as much, if not significantly more risk, in inaction as in taking action.
2) Where are the customers' yachts?
Warren Buffett once said: "Wall Street is the only place that people drive to in a Rolls Royce to take advice from people who ride the subway." Like most Buffett quotes, this one is a ripper, but unfortunately it's not quite true.
In Australia, financial advice is governed under ASIC's RG 146, and advisers who wish to sell financial products must comply with the training and CPD requirements and hold an appropriate financial services licence.
Be wary, though, for licences are in no way a guarantee of good advice. Before accepting any stockbroker recommendation at face value, for example, make sure you check (a) their long-term track record from previous 'buy' recommendations, and (b) their level of independence from the recommended securities (e.g. do they underwrite capital raisings or are they otherwise involved in transactions for those companies etc.).
It's amazing some of the dross that can be shovelled your way, and this is particularly so if you qualify as a sophisticated investor for the purposes of Chapter 6D, whereby no product disclosure statement or prospectus is required.
As for real estate, although deep down we all know that property investment advice is also financial advice, properties are not treated as financial products in the same manner, and as such are not regulated in the same way.
Bizarre though it may seem, you can end up with a situation where a higher rate taxpayer seeking financial and property investment advice can take advice from someone who has never been a higher rate taxpayer, is not a financial advisor and has never invested in anything. Strange, but true.
So for once, it seems, Buffett's quote is not quite on the money.
3) Asset allocation
Portfolio asset allocation is the domain of the financial advisor and should remain as such.
If you go to a property pundit, rest assured that you will be told that property is the best and safest asset class, and that real estate is the only asset class you should turn to for building wealth. No matter that, if pressed, that property adviser would likely be unable to give you a coherent explanation of what preference shares or convertible bonds (or whatever) even are, instead falling back on bluster.
The regulatory loophole means that property advisers can continue to make outlandish claims unchecked - "nothing safer than bricks and mortar...it's a sure thing...the market is forever under-pinned...market set to boom!" - you've seen the kind of thing.
Of course, I'm not saying that hybrid instruments or even fixed interest investments are necessarily for you. I'm just saying that if is someone is financially illiterate then they aren't in a great position to advise you either way.
A good property adviser should be able to discuss what IRR might be expected from an investment, and how that might compared to the risk free rate, or returns from other asset classes.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
                      
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4) Property, shares or both?
Personally I believe that the best portfolios have a balance of assets and some level of diversification across asset classes and countries. Others prefer to concentrate on one asset class and become a specialist.
For all the talk of which the 'better' or 'best' asset class, there really is no answer to that. Different asset classes suit people at various stages of their lives and one must take into account age, risk profile, income requirements, living arrangements, tax and estate planning and a whole host of other factors.
Notably, the level of property market commentary on this subject is poor. Here's a tip: if you ever stumble across an article comparing returns from property and share markets (an income asset) which fails to mention the word 'dividends', click on the little red cross in the top right corner of the screen (the same sometimes goes for articles written by goldbugs).
As for when property punditry veers off towards commentary on the economy and monetary policy...oh dear. Let's be generous and say that it tends to be a trifle mixed. Another of the old favourite lines is that "with property you can use 80-90% leverage, but with shares only 50%" (really? Prove it). And so on...
5)  Experience counts
If I was looking to find a investment adviser I'd find one who had personally experienced investing with a substantial portfolio of assets through downturns. We've all confused bull markets for being smart, but it's when the market turns south that you find out who really has a solid investment portfolio and plan.
Why does experience matter in investing? Because successful investment is all about two things: the (1) the numbers, and (2) the psychology.
Property advisers frequently throw out a few platitudes about "tax benefits" but try to pin them down about how an investment might impact your marginal tax rate or how negative gearing and depreciation works in practice. You often find that, unless they are experienced investors themselves, their grasp of the figures is tenuous at best. If you want a really good chuckle, ask them to step you through how franking credits flow through to your tax schedule and the basics of the dividend imputation system. Hmm.
If you're looking for a mentoring program, find one where the mentor has decades of experience. Investing is not like our school days where people who make errors are put on report or on detention. Mistakes are how investors learn.
When it comes to personal finance and investing, if you've ever burned through $50,000 messing around with the 'penny dreadfuls', or lent pain-inducing sums of money to unscrupulous mates who never paid you back, or diverted funds towards a shonky business venture...you'll know how to avoid making those mistakes in the future. Trust me, as someone who has done all three of those things (twice in the case of lending money to mates), experience changes your outlook.
6) There is some risk in every course of action
We should all understand that there is some risk in every course of action - and that includes the inaction of doing nothing. Poor old Steven Keen has copped a lot of flak over the years for advising people that their homes in Sydney <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/clarifying-my-40-drop-call-and-what-s-still-driving-housing-prices-up/2014021867863">would fall by 40% in a few years</a>...when the median price was around 40% lower than where it is today. Yet, if I'd taken his advice, I guess I'd be pretty annoyed too. He's hardly been Robinson Crusoe on that front, though.
As the internet chat forums forever take great delight in reminding us, there are property crash predictions in Australia every year. One day, Australia will get a sharper correction that we've had to date, but a belief in an ability to time the market accurately appears to be something of a fallacy.
<img width="470" height="348" src="https://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x308/LPShadow/Australian-Property-Bear-Chart-Of-Shame-1.png~original" alt="Posted Image">
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://australianpropertyforum.com/topic/9994160/6/">Australian Property Forum</a>
I know this isn't what a lot of people want to hear, but as the chart above shows, with a few ups and downs, Australia's house price index has broadly tracked household income growth for a decade now, which is not typically bubble behaviour. Household incomes will continue to grow over the next decade too, and through the decades after that.
Of course, it's not quite as simple as that, as certain popular suburbs will continue to outperform incomes while others will lag and likely become more affordable cheaper in real terms. That's how markets work. My strategy has been simple enough over the years, and has seen my UK and Aussie portfolios invested through a couple of colossal property booms (UK 1990s-2008, Sydney 2008-2014) and another London/UK property boom is in the post right now.
In today's crowded modern capital cities, people are increasingly realising that the commuting rat race sucks, so I just keep acquiring properties that are no more than 10-15 minutes from the city employment hubs in mature and growing property markets like Sydney and London.
It's simple geography, really, for there is almost no more inner city land upon which to build, while the city population is exploding - as compared to far weaker demand and acres of space on the outer - so aim to own well-located properties with a reasonably high land value content and your longer term outcome should be a good one.
<a imageanchor="1" href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w347MwOKf9s/Uv6yX9_iSzI/AAAAAAAALg8/KNnP-MT4Pok/s1600/Outer+inner.jpg"><img width="400" border="0" height="368" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w347MwOKf9s/Uv6yX9_iSzI/AAAAAAAALg8/KNnP-MT4Pok/s1600/Outer+inner.jpg"></a>
Pete Wargent is the co-founder of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">blogger</a>.
His new book '<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' was released on 1 September 2013.
                   
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Six weekend things to consider about investment advice

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There’s a history of heart disease among my ancestors and I tend towards high blood pressure, but no one’s pronounced me dead just yet.
I know someone with a condition that may require drastic surgery some time in the future, but no one’s pronounced him dead either.
I’m wondering why so many have declared Geelong a dead duck.
Major industries, notably Ford, Toyota and Alcoa, have announced shutdowns which affect Geelong. Toyota has said it will halt manufacturing in 2017 and Ford plans to shut down in 2016. The Alcoa shutdown is more immediate, expected to happen in August 2014.
None of this is good news for Geelong, but it’s not terminal either.
Newcastle was written off when BHP left town in the late 1990s with the loss of 2,000 jobs, but the city fought back strongly and quickly. Today Newcastle is a thriving city and, together with the Hunter region, runs a diverse economy which supports half a million people.
Some believe the BHP exit was the best thing to happen to Newcastle, because it forced the city to diversify and it has benefited from the process.
Another regional city to have the last rites performed prematurely is Wollongong. The city has been hit by a number of economic reversals, including job cuts by BlueScope Steel, which are estimated by the University of Wollongong to have cost the Illawarra 2,500 jobs, $208 million in household income and a loss of $740 million from the local economy.
But Wollongong continues to be a thriving city and its property markets, contrary to earlier predictions, are rising at the moment.
In 2011 when BlueScope announced its cutbacks, some of the more hysterical media coverage predicted property values would drop 20-30%. Nothing of the sort happened. I wrote in The Australian in 2011 that Wollongong would absorb the BlueScope Steel cutbacks and move on – and it’s done just that.
Indeed, the Illawarra region, encompassing the neighbouring Wollongong and Shellharbour municipalities, emerged in my research for the Price Predictor Index as the number one growth star for markets in regional New South Wales.
Cities can take significant blows and fight back, sometimes by reinventing themselves. The thing Geelong has in its favour is that the reinvention process has been going on for years.
Geelong’s economy and employment base these days is more about the education, medical and IT sectors than it is about manufacturing.
While the impending plant closures have made headlines, there have been several good news announcements for Geelong as well. In February alone, we’ve learnt that Geelong will host a major statewide tourism conference, that there are plans for a factory where cars are converted to LPG fuel, that the new suburb of Lara West has been approved to house about 10,000 residents, that the Shell refinery has been bought with Swiss oil company Vitol, that a new call centre for EnergyAustralia will be based in Geelong and that a high-rise building with student accommodation is planned by developers.
Geelong is, and will continue to be, a happening city.
A key factor is that the car plant closures are two to three years away. The city has time to respond ahead of the greatest impact. If Geelong community and business leaders sat around and did nothing in the interim, the impact would be considerable.
But they won’t. My visits to Geelong in recent years have shown me that this is a vibrant city with proactive leadership.
If you own property in Geelong, I wouldn’t be selling it just yet.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">hotspotting.com.au</a>.
You can contact Terry via <a href="https://mailto:%20ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>.
 
                
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

I wouldn’t be selling in Geelong just yet

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The economics textbooks will tell you that markets are self-correcting. Is that true?
When markets becomes overvalued buyers will become scarce and the the market will fall back into equilibrium, say the rule books. And when they are undervalued rational profiteers will buy them back up to their point of fair value.
The tech stock bubble of the late 1990s and early 2000s was a favourite case in point.
<img style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ebebeb; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bc5xYfGMSII/R1S3vOTxt3I/AAAAAAAAEb8/Z5HAYSkDf_o/s400-R/Growth_Page_3.jpg" height="231">
A lot of technology stocks, some of which never even made a profit in their entire lifespan, had PE charts that looked something like this.
For a period of time, the market wanted to own anything which was remotely related to technology or the internet and valuations soared.
Even experienced heads said that the rules had changed and you had to be "in to win it".
Companies with no profits were instead valued on number of page views ("price per click") and other strange metrics.
When the bubble burst, the market returned more or less to where it was before the bubble - valuing companies on their earning potential.
Ultimately, an asset or company which has no cash-generating ability has no value. If a company cannot generate profits then eventually it will have to sell its assets to survive and will ultimately be worth zero.
Free markets?
The rule books say that loss-making companies will fail and markets will value companies and assets accordingly.
But do we live in a free market world? Not really. When you stop to consider the news of recent weeks, there are no end of market distortions.
For years, car companies have recent subsidies, Qantas is set to receive a bailout, in the US and the UK we saw banks being bailed out, and so on.
Markets are not free in the textbook sense. We have a minimum wage and wages awards, copyright laws and patents, trade unions, distorting taxes, state-supported monopolies, and, rather importantly for asset price valuations, an inflationary monetary policy.
The answer?
The answer, then is that markets are indeed self-correcting to a point. The economics textbooks are correct, but they are not really talking about the world which we live in. Markets are self-correcting, but only within the existing framework and market distortions.
Australia's big banks will never be allowed to fail, for example. A lot of people don't seem to like that, but the economy could not function without bank liquidity, so the banks receive an implicit guarantee. The cost of that should probably be tighter regulation.
In the traditional free market, struggling companies would be allowed to fail, with the idea that in the long run, the stronger companies will survive and make the economy more efficient.
That's not how the real world is.
Real estate
In a similar fashion, property markets are also distorted by tax incentives and policies such as stamp duty, negative gearing rules, and land taxes.
Markets are also distorted by first home owners grants, land zoning rules and supply constrictions, and a whole range of other factors.
But even within this distorted framework, markets are self-correcting to a point.
If prices become too low, rational profiteers appear and push them back up again.
Periodic corrections are welcomed by governing bodies, but prices which fall continually for years are considered poisonous to economies and intervention becomes likely, in the form of low interest rates or other incentives.
If prices rise too, high, on the other hand, buyers become cautious or even disillusioned, and gradually drift away.
Where is the evidence for this? The RBA has shown that repayments on new housing loans have tended to comprise between a fifth and a third of household incomes for decades.
At times, repayment levels have jumped to over 30% of household disposable income, but that appears to be about as far as Aussies are prepared to go.
<img style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ebebeb; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="315" src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2013/images/sp-so-230413-graph11.gif" height="320">
Similarly, for all the debate and counter-debate, since home ownership became common after the war, ownership rates have barely shifted. Most people elect to own a home, and some never do, but the ratio hasn't changed a lot.
If anything, the chart is most remarkable for how consistent it has been in a country with a growing population.
<a style="text-decoration: none; color: #7f7f7f; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" imageanchor="1" href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxM2TNavZwg/Uwu7YivdIVI/AAAAAAAALn0/r5DeJVfxbtc/s1600/Census.jpg"><img style="border: 1px solid #ebebeb; position: relative; padding: 5px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" height="189" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxM2TNavZwg/Uwu7YivdIVI/AAAAAAAALn0/r5DeJVfxbtc/s1600/Census.jpg" border="0"></a>
The net result of this is home prices tend to rise with incomes over time. You could try to be clever and time the market, but over the past 15 years, there have been crash warnings every year, many of which never eventuated.
However, it remains true that markets are self-correcting to a point.
If the RBA's chart shows that repayments on new loans are starting to fall outside that 20-30% band, this may be a signal that the market may become due to self-correct.
Pete Wargent is the co-founder of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">blogger</a>.
His new book '<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' was released on 1 September 2013.
                  
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Are property markets self-correcting?

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When I started my career in property development marketing about a decade ago,over 50% of enquiries would come from on-site signage and having a website was optional. A lot has changed in the industry.
In fact, thinking back 10 years a lot was different in all aspects of life. I had a Nokia phone with a two-tone screen, I certainly couldn’t check out my own groceries at the supermarket and I watched normal TV.
When we launched projects a decade ago the aim was to target local markets, build urgency, hype and with quite a bit of secrecy get people to wait and wait for project launch day. On one such occasion we managed to get people to camp out overnight to secure the property they wanted (now I feel this is quite disrespectful to your customers). This ‘almost’ still happens in Sydney and certainly people still do physically queue for hours in stores to get their hands on the latest gadgets like iPhones, but these days there are a lot of changes in the way products of all kinds are bought and sold.
The birth of the internet and online shopping means consumers now have access to products from all around the globe from the comfort of their own homes and certainly without any interaction with salespeople. It also means that local Australian businesses can now market their products internationally without necessarily leaving their domestic office. We are certainly living and working in a global marketplace.
So what does the technology revolution offer the Australian property industry? We can’t ship property around the world like we do iPhones.  And what impact does it have on our domestic sales people and how we go about marketing projects these days?
The answer is that the technology revolution is transforming the property industry like it has many other industries and for the better!
Obviously salespeople are vital to executing sales. The property industry is a people’s business and that certainly isn’t changing any time soon. But technology now offers property developers, project marketers and salespeople, opportunities that they previously never had.
Today’s buyers are both national and international and developers and agents need to take projects to the international marketplace, particularly the booming Asian market. Currently, most marketers do this by hiring a meeting room in a five star hotel, shipping models and brochures half way around the world and running a traditional campaign. But this is slow, expensive and often the sales teams on the ground are not well briefed and don’t feel they have a strong relationship with the key personnel from the developer.
Today’s innovative technology means that the geographical constraints domestic sales people currently face can be alleviated considerably.  Internet speed is now making it possible to stream events live to international audiences and even facilitate online audience participation. Called hybrid events these online interactive experiences have been taking the business world by storm, but until now property has been pretty much left behind.
Launched late last year Investorist has already run three successful hybrid events with members attending in person and online nationally and internationally. The major benefit of a hybrid event is that the key people in a property development organization can actually communicate directly with the international audience and therefore the ability to foster relationships is much stronger. It also means that the team on the ground internationally can be better briefed and in turn more enthusiastic.
Hybrid events benefit developers, project marketers and sales people by opening up new sales channels and offering a way of building trust and rapport with prospective international clients.
Technology is adding to the power of the project launch by providing greater access to information and empowering sales people making them even more effective than before. I envisage a day where even the public are logging in, probably on their phone and watching project launches in real time.
The growth of international buyers in the domestic property market opens up many opportunities for developers and property marketers. Those who leverage new technology to expand their markets and networks will continue to thrive in this global marketplace. The others will undoubtedly become just as redundant as my old Nokia.
Jon Ellis is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.investorist.com/">Investorist</a>.
    
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jellis-x6KqRa4kcG

How are project launches and the sales process affected by the internet?

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Last weekend was the first big auction week back for 2014, a Super Saturday in fact (around 150 $1 million plus auctions in Bayside and the inner east).
Has the mood changed from the good times for buyer (<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/tag/choice/" class="st_tag internal_tag" rel="tag" title="Posts tagged with choice" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: #000000;">choice</a>) and seller (competition and price) pre-Christmas times to a more challenging market?
Absolutely not – in fact it has gone up a notch for now and especially at the higher end!
What we saw this weekend can be read no other way than "bang!" A very strong start. If the market continues at this level, prices will rise quickly and substantially.
Of course, we do need to wait and see what happens once the traditional first flush of the new year dissipates a little. But it is certainly the case that this time, leading up to Easter, is a good time to be selling a $3 million plus home.
Why?
Well, because after the long Christmas break, after Australia Day has been and gone, a number of buyers and sellers are fired up ready to do something, anything, just to get a home sold or buy a home now. Last weekend’s Super Saturday proved this commonly-known fact within the industry.
So the old girl (the market) has started like a train, house on fire, out of the blocks fast, whatever cliche you want. But let’s see how she settles before we declare that the sky has fallen in, or you’ve hit the jackpot – depending on which side of the transaction you sit.
Let’s see how she settles now that this first wave of activity has satisfied a number of the early birds.
Mal James is principal of<a title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. 
Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.
             
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

Early birds out in force at the year's first Super Saturday

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Time to gaze into the crystal ball after <a href="/news/victorian-government-announces-suite-of-super-tuesday-approvals">yesterday's announcements concerning 'Super Tuesday'</a>; or the approval of five residential towers through inner Melbourne.

Reading over the press release, much could be derived from the short few paragraphs which were provided. Here's my interpretation:

<h2>Backyard Blitz</h2>

Yesterday's release made reference to Plan Melbourne and reformed residential zones which protect established suburbs from high rise development.

I can't help but think that the certain council's implementation of this policy has left a few noses out of place on a state level. Expect some further announcements on this topic in coming weeks.

<h2>Having a bender</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/art-ipad2310fishermansBend_729-620x349.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy of The Age."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/art-ipad2310fishermansBend_729-620x349.jpg?itok=vbZuZ97W" title="Image courtesy of The Age." width="580"></a>

The first glimpse of justifying relaxed heights limits for Fishermans Bend may have been contained in yesterday's press release. "Melburnians have made it clear that they want their suburbs protected from high-rise apartment development. To achieve this we're delivering density in defined locations like Melbourne's CBD and Docklands - not in our quiet suburban streets."

Prediction: the above coupled with strong population growth will form the nucleus of the argument to relax height limits in Fishermans Bend. 40 level towers in four level zones may not eventuate, nor will they stay at 4 levels either.

<h2>Western World</h2>

<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/254444-cbd.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image courtesy of the Herald Sun."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="327" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/254444-cbd.jpg?itok=xqrFzwGp" title="Image courtesy of the Herald Sun." width="580"></a>

If one development epitomises the change in decision-makers stance toward high-rise living it just might be 420 Spencer Street. The best part of eight years ago a squat development was proposed for the site, drawing disgust from local residents. Fast forward to yesterday's announcement and a 38 level, 131 metre tower with 438 apartments gains approval.

It sets a precedent for projects such as <a href="/buildings/melbourne-village-377-spencer-street-west-melbourne" target="_blank">371 Spencer Street</a> nearby which are of a similar height. Will West Melbourne/Dudley become the next Southbank? Yes it will.

<h2>Super CBD</h2>

Unless it's proposed around the Parliament precinct, it'll likely to receive planning approval and at a substantial height. The suburbs are safeguarded but tall towers within Melbourne's CBD will become all the more common.

Good, bad or otherwise, the change and the rate at which it occurs for Melbourne's CBD over the next decade will be immense with at least a tripling of the number of 200 metre plus towers in the big smoke. Prediction: welcome to mega Melbourne.
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silvermb

Ramifications of 'Super Tuesday'

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The Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia says in the current strong sales market it is important to keep your emotions in check.

Their top five smart tips for buying in a rising market include:
* Get your finance pre-approved so you know your limits you show potential sellers that you are serious about buying.
* Don’t carelessly speed up the research and buying process to take advantage of a perceived deal.
* Avoid low-ball offers for a property, as this will result in you not being taken seriously.
* Act decisively when you know it’s the right property and have done your research, or others are likely to jump ahead of you.
* Avoid asking for favours or adding complications to the deal. That may work in a falling market, but not a rising one.
And they add just because property prices are rising doesn’t mean you’re going to be left behind.
I'd add make sure you are capable of the long hold as many of these extraordinary sale prices will be hard to match on the inevitiable dip.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
             
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Five smart tips for buying in boomtime conditions

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The house next door to the apartment block I live in, in Sydney’s inner west, went under the hammer last Saturday. The four bedroom house, on a small 450 square metre block, was very old and required a lot of work. It was passed in at $995,000, though will likely settle for over $1 million via a private offer.
Channel 9 News was there, reporting the coverage of what has been a very strong auction summer season in Sydney. Most market commentators agree that Sydney is currently in the boom – or peak as it is also known – phase of its property cycle. This has resulted in auction clearance rates remaining fiercely strong; amidst some of the most competitive interest rates on offer in many years.
So I thought I’d look at purchasing investment properties at auction, versus private sale. But first, let’s take a step back and identify why some properties go for auction, whilst other properties are advertised at a set price, for private sale.
Top reasons why properties go to auction:
<ul>
<li>
Property type. If the property is unique or a rarity for its area, the true value may not be clear. Owners may hedge their bets that an auction might drive a better sales price. Properties needn’t be hugely different or unique either, to set them apart. 
</li>
<li>
In smaller markets or postcodes where there have not been many comparable recent sales, owners may benefit from may also be a better environment for auction instead of private sales
</li>
<li>
Sometimes auction can be the preference to hasten a sale. Listed-price properties on the other hand, can risk spending too much time on the market if priced incorrectly. Then, in this digital property age we’re living in, the property appears month after month with the same list price, and buyers avoid those online listings like the plague. They do this for three reasons; firstly they assume the property has been purchased already and the listing hasn’t been updated. Secondly, property buyers think there is something seriously wrong with the property, and last of all, the market knows the property is incorrectly priced. Auctions avoid this from happening.
</li>
</ul>
Top reasons why properties are listed for private sale: 
<ul>
<li>
Owners who understand the likely true value of their property in relation to others may prefer to set a fixed sales price. Even if this is negotiated slightly during the sales process, fixed asking prices help property owners who need the security of a more precise sales price early on
</li>
<li>
In areas where an owner is selling a very common property type. For instance, say if over 80% of housing stock in your suburb are two bedroom, one bathroom, no parking apartments and your apartment is this exact same specification, the maximum likely sales price is likely very evident based on so many similar recent sales.
</li>
<li>
The jury is still out on this one, but some property sellers argue that fixed list price properties sell faster than auction properties. This is because if the seller has unrealistic expectations at auction and is not willing to sell for anything less; there may be several ‘passed in’ auction results over numerous months before a sale is identified.
</li>
<li>
Non-auctioned properties tend to attract more genuine seekers. It is said that some 70% plus of attendees at an auction are either nosy neighbours – much like myself today – or property buyers just doing their research and not seriously entertaining the idea of bidding on it.
</li>
</ul>
Bringing this in to an investor context, in my experience I’ve generally avoided properties going to auction. Here’s why:
I don’t typically consider ‘rare’ or ‘unique’ properties for investment
Regardless of the property type I am purchasing – be it house, semi, townhouse, apartment – I rarely would look for properties that are unique or substantially different from the status quo of that suburb.
This is because, as investors, it is not in our interest to do so. We’d rather hedge our bets on a property type that is high demand, so that we know it’ll always be desired by renters. This helps avoid the risk of vacancy (which can crush an investors’ bottom line if months and months of vacancy occur)
 
During due diligence phases, I find non-auction properties that deliver more ticks on my shopping list
This extends back to property investment 101: Do your due diligence on your chosen suburb to make sure the property type you are buying, is the type that renters are wanting the most.
Financially, auction properties just do not stack up for me
As investors we are driven ultimately by the bottom line. Financially, there is added risk to buying investments at auction.
Another investor 101 tip is this: You should never go looking for investment properties before you’ve calculated how much you can spend. You’d be surprised at the number of beginner investors who ignore this cardinal rule!
Not only should you know your budget, but you should have your deposit amount calculated and your pre-approval set already (so you can move quickly when you need to).
Deceptive agents can set investors up for disappointment
The other reason I avoid auction is timeliness and, well, real estate agent lies! Agents frequently low-ball the expected sales price, in the weeks leading to auction in order to get more foot-traffic on the day.
Let’s say you’ve done your research as mentioned about, and you’ve calculated you can buy a property to a maximum buy-rate of $320,000. You speak to an agent about an auction property where they agent feels it’ll end up at the $300,000 mark. You think to yourself: "Great, I can confidently go, maybe even bid a little higher than $300,000 and still be in-budget, and possibly win this property." Alas you get to the auction and the auctioneer calls for an opening bid of $340,000!
Already it is beyond your budget, and it only adds insult to injury when the romance-enthused home buyers (who you are also competing with at auction), bid with their heart about this and the property goes for $370,000.
Worse still, you’ve wasted weeks of research and due diligence, and you are now back to square one. It’ll be weeks before you’re ready to bid on another property at auction
Property investment is not about the romance people develop with their ‘dream home’. As investors we do not live in these houses, nor are we likely to. Auctions tend to attract head strong and heart strong buyers who have fallen in love with a property. This wildcard addition to the sales process usually only ends up benefitting home buyers, whilst hurting investors.
I am aware there may be other views on buying investment properties at auction, but in my experience, steering clear of auction properties in the best step investors can take to minimise risk and expedite property purchases.
Cameron McEvoy is a NSW-based property investor and maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertycorrespondent.com.au/">Property Correspondent.</a>
                  
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cmcevoy-Go82SmsJA9

Why I don’t buy investment properties at auction

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The reasons being offered at present as to why consumption and confidence are down make for compelling reading, given there are so many theories being offered. I don’t believe blame should be cast at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for holding the official cash rate too high for too long. Rather I believe the main reason why so many businesses are not doing well lies with their very own business strategies that thus far have failed and will continue to do so.
Over the last decade I have watched aghast at how so many businesses have continued to ignore the all-powerful online cataclysm, which explains why business confidence is down. Transitioning your business online is just the beginning, the most important move is aligning the business with consumer sentiment.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has recently released its first estimate of the amount Australian shoppers spend on overseas based retail websites. The ABS believes about $6.23 billion of goods worth less than the government’s low value threshold were imported in the 2011/12 financial year. I suspect the amount would have increased a further fifty per cent in the 2012/13 financial year. One would have to think with the upcoming federal budget that the Treasurer will be closely looking at grabbing this revenue.
Heeee’s back! <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bursting-harry-dents-own-bubble/2014021467757?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=latestnews" target="_blank">Harry Dent keeps predicting</a> that Australia’s property prices will be slashed by half – and by the way he has a book you might want to buy. I’ve lost count how many times he has predicted this and to a certain degree he is probably a little bit right as some of the overheated areas will face value calibrations.
I am of the belief that the only logical and feasible way you can predict a value correction is when supply exceeds demand. We are not seeing that anywhere (that I can see) given the market roar is that there is not enough properties on the market.
<a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2014/02/18-02-2014-2-56-49-PM.jpg"><img alt="18-02-2014 2-56-49 PM" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2014/02/18-02-2014-2-56-49-PM.jpg" width="470" height="258"></a>
Source: Digital Finance Analytics Blog
An interesting point I noted from <a href="https://www.digitalfinanceanalytics.com/blog/household-housing-finance-ratios/" target="_blank">the author of this graph</a> was “Some have argued recently that house prices have not really grown that much, if you take inflation into account: The important thing to keep in mind however is that when you consider inflation, dwelling values remain lower than their previous peaks in every city.”
<a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2014/02/11-02-2014-11-15-30-AM1.jpg"><img alt="11-02-2014 11-15-30 AM" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2014/02/11-02-2014-11-15-30-AM1.jpg" width="470" height="279"></a>
Source: Digital Finance Analytics Blog
Another contributing factor is that state and federal governments are behind approximately 300,000 houses in their new housing construction quota which again puts pressures on the housing markets. The simple fact that investors are hording real estate in their self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) adds another dimension to the supply v demand debate.
Again as the federal budget gets closer we will see strong <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-why-negative-gearing-is-bad-policy-21882" target="_blank">arguments presented for the abolition of negative gearing</a>: “In Australia owner occupiers compete with investors for housing property; and there is also competition within these groups. A small increase in the number of superannuation funds and foreign investors purchasing property can have a significant impact on demand; while first home buyers are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the market. Each of these groups is impacted differently by the tax system.”
In 2010/11 the tax statistics revealed that 2.5 million property schedules were lodged by individuals, identifying nearly A$30 billion of rental income received during that year. The deductions claimed against this income amounted to A$37.8 billion, of which A$22 billion was interest on loans.
On that basis if the federal government were to look at abolishing negative gearing (and I don’t believe they will simply because of the gearing) property prices would crash and in turn the banks would too.
Again, Mosman houses are a long way off hitting triple figures given in 2013 it hit and bettered that number on 33 occasions. In 2012, it managed triple figures on just four occasions which were February 21 and 28, and March 7 and 13. So based on that data there is a very strong possibility that in 2014 we won’t see Mosman houses breaking the 100 mark.
It really is not that hard to analyse property trends when you break it down suburb by suburb. The only problem for so many real estate commentators is that such an exercise is all too time consuming.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" title="RWM" style="font-size: 14px;">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. 
He has also been writing real estate blog <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Virtual Realty News">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
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