<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>

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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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The recent predictions by US economist Harry Dent, claiming that <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/property-crash-is-like-popping-popcorn-especially-in-melbourne-harry-dent/2014020567560" target="_blank">Australia’s ‘property bubble’ is going to burst</a> and that prices will be slashed by half, is somewhat an extreme view. Though it pays to be aware of these economists and the alarming claims, which pop up from time to time, it pays more to check the data they are providing as proof.
Dent is saying that US real estate prices will fall by 60 to 65%, Australia by 50% and that stock markets and China will crash – heralding a new ‘Great Depression’. But his claims don’t appear to be based on any data – there are little to no facts supporting that we are in for a depression.
Dent offers up no hard explanation for his predictions, apart from the income to house price ratio, and this is very high in a lot of cities where people want to live such as Sydney, Melbourne, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Auckland and London. The reality in these places, is that there are rising populations and limited supply of housing in their most popular areas.
The ratios are of course much lower in less high-demand areas where there is slower growth, or where populations and prices drop when an industry such as mining or manufacturing goes into decline. Big cities however, are much more insulated as they have many economic strings to their bows.
If anything, Australian markets are getting stronger.
While residential property in many of our capital cities could now be deemed borderline ‘unaffordable’, I would contend that because a market has an asset that is somewhat unaffordable does not mean that it is overvalued.
Value is after all a function of the preparedness of a buyer to pay a price for the asset based on its unique attributes and its scarcity. So, while there are buyers at the current price, it is not overvalued.
Australian capital cities are unique in that our populations are generally concentrated in them. And, due to the cost of providing infrastructure to new land areas, our cities do not easily provide supply. Populations in Australia are growing and hence there is always some level of demand for housing assets.
Unaffordability is generally a measure based on the capacity of a median family to be a first home owner. There are many buyer types in a market, including investors and existing home owners.
An unaffordable market simply causes the type of buyers in the market who are active to change.
An unaffordable market for the first home owner simply causes a higher level of families to rent.
A population in an unaffordable market finds solutions to making a market affordable. For example, they may increase people density per dwelling, or alter the size of dwellings to reduce costs. They don't tend to sell into the market because it is unaffordable unless they have to as a consequence of unemployment or similar income failure.
But this point is the important issue: whilst there is no significant oversupply due to selling pressure or development of new properties, the increasing population will hold demand at current values and consequently our property markets will not be overvalued – and therefore we are not experiencing a bubble.
To be honest, I am not hugely surprised that Dent predicted the GFC (if this is actually true) as his predictions do seem to follow a similar theme. As with many economist naysayers, one would have to be right about something sooner or later – it’s a bit like predicting a dice will throw a six, if you keep throwing of course it will.
What I would suggest for buyers is to take a long term approach based on the data. Work on the basis that economic growth and prices trend higher and higher over time, and although it may be interrupted by recessions and other negatives, the general theme is up.
It’s important to be on top of these sorts of startling predictions – but take them with a certain level of cynicism.
John Edwards is consulting analyst for <a href="https://www.Onthehouse.com.au" target="_blank">Onthehouse.com.au</a> and founder of <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/" target="_blank">Residex</a>.
 
 
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jedwards-8kHM8GNY6d

Bursting Harry Dent’s own bubble

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To a limited extent inequality and the ‘rich/poor’ gap is tolerated within society. Economists have historically seen it as a necessary platform to stimulate ‘economic progress’, or even activate a sense of competitiveness within individuals in order to elevate themselves up the social ladder.  
Certainly in the housing market this is evident.  Who hasn’t aspired to their ‘dream’ home – or visualized some improvement similar to that of their neighbours?  
It’s what the success of programs such as Grand Designs thrive upon - the emotional aspect of ‘wanting’ bigger and better - and a proportion of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/ing-first-homes-buyers-increasingly-spending-a-million-dollars/story-fncq3era-1226820981579">home owners</a> will stretch their budget in order to achieve their desired property of choice, taking on a larger mortgage to do so.  
However, whilst a degree of inequality may be tolerated as an inevitable consequence of the benefits offered in a capitalist society, a widening gap can become disabling to progress, or even dangerous if items of basic need are perceived to be increasingly out of reach.  
In their 2012 ‘Global Risks’ annual report, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.weforum.org/">Word Economic Forum</a> put it like this;  
“When ambitious and industrious young people start to feel that, no matter how hard they work, their prospects are constrained, then feelings of powerlessness, disconnectedness and disengagement can take root. The social unrest that occurred in 2011, from the United States to the Middle East, demonstrated how governments everywhere need to address the causes of discontent before it becomes a violent, destabilizing force.”  
The comments build on research undertaken by Andrew Berg and Jonathon Ostry, two senior staff in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2011/09/berg.htm">IMF’s Research Department</a>, who found that once a country had entered a period of economic growth, the more equal the distribution of wealth over the ensuing period and the longer it lasted. They conclude that: “sustainable economic reform is possible only when its benefits are widely shared.”
 
Inequality in Housing  
The consequences of inequality in the housing market are painful and slow. The trend is increasingly evidenced over a lengthy period of years – not in the volatility of month to month first home buyer statistics - always marginalizing those at the bottom of the income stream, whilst advantaging those at the top.  
Effects include;
<ul>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/housing_information/review/evrev035">Social polarization</a>,
</li>
<li>
A decrease in the number of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/housing_information/review/evrev014">low income buyers</a> obtaining ownership,
</li>
<li>
A drop in the number of affordable <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/housing_information/review/evrev004">rental dwellings</a> with demand outstripping supply,
</li>
<li>
Greater requirements for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/housing_information/review/evrev008">public housing</a>,
</li>
<li>
A rise in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/publications/projects/p80516">homeless</a> percentages, and those who drift in and out of secure rental accommodation.
</li>
<li>
A rising percentage of <a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130513194216/http:/nhsc.org.au/publications/">long term tenants</a>, and falling percentage of property owners, - across all demographics, – but particularly families with children.
</li>
<li>
Fewer Australians – across all demographics - owning their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/themes/home_ownership">homes outright</a>.
</li>
<li>
Evidence of <a target="_blank" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130513194216/http:/nhsc.org.au/publications/">severely crowded</a> accommodation…. And so forth.
</li>
</ul>
  The list, which names only a few of the prevailing concerns, creates a growing body of evidence that we have more than an affordability issue in Australia which focuses overwhelmingly on first home buyer figures.  
We have a growing structural problem, which, if allowed to continue, with have a societal impact, chipping away at the future growth and stability of the property market, affecting the majority – not just a ‘few.’  
Why?  
The reason this has occurred is down to our property cycle – or perhaps better-termed a ‘land cycle’ – which has been further accentuated by poor housing policy, restrictive planning conditions and generous tax incentives, which are ultimately destructive.  
Rising prices and the expectation of such are initially seen as a ‘good’ thing, because they drive the economy, increasing consumption (the ‘wealth’ effect), stimulate economic growth, infrastructure investment, construction activity and demand for ‘durables’.  
This in turn flows through to wages – which advantage the workers at the top of the income stream, rather than the labourers at the bottom. Andrew Leigh’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.blackincbooks.com/books/battlers-and-billionaires">Battlers and Billionaires: The Story of Inequality in Australia </a>(2013) points out that since the mid-1970s, earnings after inflation for the bottom tenth of the population has grown 15%, in comparison to 59% for the top tenth.  
The gains are subsequently capitalised into rising land values, as investors, buoyed on by inflationary expectations, easier lending conditions and ‘fear of missing out’, lead a bull market of speculative activity (such as we’re seeing in Sydney) - until reality eventually steps in and the trend inevitably turns.  
In other areas of the economy that suffer from inflation, some form of substitution can typically occur. However land - and the infrastructure that gives it its value - is fixed in supply and an absolute necessity to all business and personal needs. Therefore, as land values rise, there is an inevitable strain on <a target="_blank" href="https://press.anu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/14-1-A-4.pdf">productivity</a>, affecting job growth, private debt, small business, and unemployment (such as we’re seeing in Australia presently).  
Whilst monetary policy and the interest rate ‘lever’ are employed to moderate the damaging effects of a property cycle, at every step of the process, real estate has been used as collateral for further economic investment; a revenue generating machine for government; and ‘wealth’ fund for retirement. Therefore, whilst the aim is to prevent a ‘hard’ landing, the motivation is always bent on protecting existing values, rather than letting them fall.  
Hence why demand side subsidies are favoured as a ‘Band-Aid’ to affordability, rather than cure.  
The result  
Without direct political intervention to rectify the damage, the greater and more destabilising the divide becomes; not only placing pressure on the welfare system, but evidenced ‘vocally’ as rising numbers enter the housing market later, pay far more over the lifetime of their loan, and risk reaching retirement still servicing household debt – as is the case in Australia.  
This was noted back in 2012 in a CPA study entitled <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/cps/rde/xbcr/cpa-site/household-savings-retirement-report.pdf">‘Household Savings and Retirement – where has all my super gone?’</a> And most recently by executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, Mark Bouris, who ‘concerned’ about lump sum superannuation payments being used to pay off mortgages, made a submission to Joe Hockey’s parliamentary financial inquiry. He suggested we can ‘solve’ the above impacts, with additional tax breaks to allow people to pay down their housing debt faster.  
It doesn’t take much of an economist to understand that subsidies – no matter how attractive they may seem - are ultimately capitalised into prices, thereby raising the entry costs for first home ownership further and increasing the pain for the next generation of aspiring buyers.  
The self-perpetuating cycle  
To some extent, it's a self perpetuating cycle – after 30 years of mortgage repayments dedicated to paying off their principle place of residence, vendors obviously don't want to see the price of their biggest asset drop.  
Investors are similarly motivated; an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/">AHURI</a> study released in December 2013, identified the typical investor as one who expects their property to ‘double every 10 years’ as a strategy to finance retirement.  
Incidentally, the same study also noted that three-quarters of the investors surveyed, do not see negative gearing as a reason to purchase, but merely as 'an added bonus'.  This contrasts with the myth of an ‘investor lead exodus’ should the policy be scrapped.  
However a system that tries to both feed speculation, whist creating unaffordability through supply constraints, is ultimately set to fail, as low-income households are continually forced to the outskirts, whilst the higher income individuals get to purchase the front row seats.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Social polarisation  
This results in social polarisation, which is clearly visible on the Melbourne map below, taken from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">REIV</a>, which illustrates the median house price by suburb, relative to the metro median.  
The colours coded with the darkest blue indicate house prices more than double the metro median, and orange, house prices that are more than 25% below the metro median (The white spaces are areas for which there is insufficient data).  
<img alt="cashmore_feb_14_one" height="477" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/14/cashmore_feb_14_one.jpg">
Source: REIV
This aligns very closely to a map constructed using data from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/seifa?opendocument&amp;navpos=260">ABS</a>, which ranks geographic areas in terms of their relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage, highlighting diversities such as incomes, education levels, occupations, rent and mortgage payments, family structure and unemployment.  
Once again, the beetroot red and bright orange ‘fringe’ suburbs sit well away from the affluent dark blue vicinities, which contain the top schools, medical facilities, shopping strips, high paying jobs, train and tram networks, childcare centres, social amenities, and so forth - all of which our tax payer dollars collectively fund. Yet under the current structure, only the local home owners get to advantage.  
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="cashmore_feb_14_two" height="223" width="320" src="/images/stories/2014/02/14/cashmore_feb_14_two.png">
Source: ABS
This would include not just the various social benefits offered, but the additional on-flow of capital gains each property attracts from a squeeze of consistent market demand.  
The top performing government schools in Australia do not reserve places for those showing merit (with a few exceptions). Instead, the families both willing and able to pay the 20-50% premium are able to afford housing in a desirable school’s catchment zone.
In case you need further convincing, you can chart how the trend has evolved using the image below, which is taken from a previous <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/housing_information/review/evrev014">AHURI</a> investigation, showing how the percentage of affordable dwellings available for low to moderate-income purchasers, has changed in Melbourne, between the years of 1981 and 2006.  
The darker areas are the ‘most’ affordable, whilst the white patches are the least.    
 <img alt="cashmore_feb_14_three" height="261" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/14/cashmore_feb_14_three.jpg">
What of the ‘price’ ripple effect?  
Even heading 45 kilometres or so away from the CBD, low-income purchasers can only acquire affordable accommodation – in the range of $200,000 to $400,000 - if the lot size is much smaller than 600 square metres, which is still deemed ‘standard’ in many middle suburban regions of Melbourne.  
Further more, any hope of a game of backyard cricket is unlikely, as the new developments are littered with homes that have a footprint which extends to the boarders of each block.  
The graph below highlights why this is.  It was put together by a colleague, Steven Armstrong, using <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/property-and-land-titles/valuation/government-valuations/valuer-general-victoria">valuer general</a> statistics, and it charts the extraordinary rise in land values per square metre in Hume City - an outer metropolitan growth zone in north-western Melbourne – between the years 1983 to 2012.  
<img alt="cashmore_feb_14_four" height="241" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/14/cashmore_feb_14_four.png">
Source: Steven Armstrong, Valuer-General Victoria
The remarkable escalation in prices had nothing to do with homeowners wanting the castle, when a modest suburban home would do. Rather the issues I outlined <a target="_blank" href="/news">last week</a> in regard to planning restrictions (false scarcity), tax and infrastructure overlays, land speculation (the underlying cause of ‘all’ bubbles), that are exasperated further by ineffective supply side policy.  
It’s important to make this point, because whilst most people assume the ‘price/ripple’ effect works outwards – under the current system, the causation works both ways.  
It’s the marginal price of land at the fringes of our capital cities that sets the ‘base’ value for the better-located plots further in.  
In other words - it’s not supply that ‘solves’ affordability for low income purchasers, but the cost at which that supply can be delivered to the home buyer (not speculator) market.  
Is property overvalued? A bubble? A concern?  
When I was recently <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/is-australian-property-overvalued-the-experts-have-their-say/2014020667606">asked</a> comment on whether Australian real estate was overvalued or not, I sensed the intention was to take the traditional view and assess whether job growth, population expansion, demand for credit, housing turnover, wage growth, interest rates, mid-term supply were supportive of a future sustained increase.  
However, whilst the above data will give a mid-term indication over whether current process are ‘serviceable’ at existing rates, or if market turnover can maintain pace, it gives little indication as to the long-term effects I’ve highlighted above, which in my mind, present a far greater destabilizing force, as we bear witness to a slow generational shift, eating at the edges of home ownership in the months and years ahead.  
I’ll leave the reader to come to their own predictions on market movements as we traverse through 2014. Albeit, in light of the government’s response to previous housing ‘affordability’ enquiries, I think the above concerns will merely worsen rather than improve – and at some point, we’ll all feel the impact.
Catherine Cashmore is a market analyst with extensive experience in all aspects relating to property acquisition.
 
 
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catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

The widening inequality and economic growth gap: What does this mean for housing?

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People often fail to see value if they can’t relate to the setting.
In 2007 a Grammy Award-winning musician - violinist and conductor Joshua Bell - stood in a metro subway in Washington DC and played for 45 minutes on a $3.5 million Stradivarius. Over 1,000 people walked past. Only seven stopped, briefly, to listen. A three-year-old boy was the only person who paid any real attention to the world-class violinist, who two days earlier had sold out a concert hall in Boston at $100 a seat.
{qtube vid:=hnOPu0_YWhw}
This experiment, conducted by a newspaper columnist, created quite a stir at the time, for all sorts of reasons. One was that people generally assumed the musician was no good if he was busking in a railway tunnel. They failed to recognise the quality because of the setting. They missed a unique opportunity for a free concert from one of the world’s best musicians.
The story has real estate parallels. Most investors fail to recognise the quality in property that’s in a setting that doesn’t meet their expectations. Real estate snobs often miss the best investments because they think quality means expensive.
Why would anyone want to live there? Is often heard from people who personally would choose somewhere swankier. The answer, not that they ever stop to hear it, is: lots and lots of people, for all kinds of valid reasons.
Sydney is strong right now and the pattern of sales activity suggests further price growth in 2014. The list of locations recording the greatest increases in sales is dominated by more affordable areas. The municipalities of <a href="/news">Blacktown</a>, <a href="/news">Parramatta</a>, <a href="/news">Canterbury</a> and <a href="/news">Bankstown</a> lead the Sydney pack, although the City of Sydney also has plenty of activity in its apartment markets.
Blacktown City is the individual star. It has a dozen suburbs with strongly rising market activity. This is the population growth leader in New South Wales and one of the most popular areas for first home buyers. It offers affordable homes, good infrastructure, strong transport links and proximity to major jobs nodes.
For these and other reasons, more people are buying there than in <a href="/news">Vaucluse</a> or <a href="/news">Mosman</a>. Many people aspire to live in those silvertail suburbs but that aspiration does not translate into market demand because relatively few can afford them.
Price growth is driven by the weight of mass demand and, overwhelmingly, the great bulk of buyer demand goes to the places with attainable prices. Affordability rules in real estate. Affordability plus infrastructure (such as commuter train links) is one of real estate’s power combinations.
Quality in property investment is not dictated by the luxury features of the property or the prestige of its setting. It’s defined by superior capital growth rates and stronger rental returns.
In Sydney, right now, quality is more likely to mean Blacktown than <a href="/news">Balmain</a>.
There are similar stories to tell throughout capital city Australia. In Perth, the average growth in 2013 was around 8-9% but many precincts did much better than that. They were not the millionaire enclaves west of the CBD beside the river or the beach. They were the affordable areas some distance from the City, including the municipalities of Swan, <a href="/news">Gosnells</a> and <a href="/news">Armadale</a>.
Closer to the CBD, but still relatively affordable, the municipality of <a href="/news">Belmont</a> also delivered strong price growth.
To be a successful investor, avoid the syndrome that was evident in the Washington experiment involving one of the world’s best musicians.
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

A quality property investment is not dictated by prestige or price, but by growth and returns

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The forecast is grim for housing affordability in Sydney, according to a recent government <a target="_blank" href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/B3D723202932C63ACA257C61001D07AF/%24File/Trends%20in%20home%20ownership%20-%20FINAL.pdf">briefing paper</a>. In the last decade median rent for all properties in the inner ring of Sydney more than doubled from A$195 to A$560.
We can expect little policy movement on private housing subsidies by the federal or state governments. <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-why-negative-gearing-is-bad-policy-21882">Negative gearing</a> has increased the wealth of middle and high income Australians. Developers endlessly lobby governments for taxation concessions. No major political party would dare propose reform.
Whether the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy has been successful in providing affordable housing is debatable. The strategy does more to <a target="_blank" href="https://db.tt/j7ZibMAR">underwrite the problem</a> of housing affordability than address it.
<a target="_blank" href="https://strategies.planning.nsw.gov.au/MetropolitanStrategyforSydney.aspx">The strategy</a>, part of the “Global Sydney” vision from the NSW state government, is almost 10 years old. Updated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Portals/0/HousingDelivery/Population_projections_Brochure_NSWGrowing.pdf">government forecasts</a> suggest Sydney’s population will grow to 5.8 million by 2031 - approximately 200,000 more people than predicted in 2010.
Young (under 15) and elderly (over 65) people will account for the biggest growth rates. People aged 18-25 are already feeling the housing affordability squeeze. As are elderly private renters.
The Global Sydney vision
The strategy set out plans for the provision of 770,000 additional homes, 760,000 new jobs, and new transport networks to meet the demands of a growing city.
In 2005 the NSW Premier stated in the opening pages of the strategy text:
"Sydney is Australia’s only truly global city and one of the world’s great metropolises."
At the national level, the globalisation of Sydney is inevitable and useful in geo-political and economic terms. But at the local level, the Global Sydney vision leads to costs and benefits for different social groups. The government’s eagerness to position Sydney as a global city has important local repercussions for urban planning and affordable housing provision.
Crucially, it represents a fundamental reorganisation of the way we think about the city. Rather than thinking about Sydney as an urban space within which the rights of the city’s inhabitants might be protected, the global city of Sydney is pitched as facing the harsh economic realities imposed by the global world.
Global cities and urban zones
Central to the vision is an assumption that global cities move foward to betterment. Ideas such as social progress, economic growth, and increased property prices are all contingent on moving the city from its blemished past to an improved future.
In Sydney, this has resulted in a rethink of the purpose of the greater Sydney region. Some sections of the city were promoted as sites that could be used to capitalise on specific locational advantages, such as “growth centres” and “business parks”. Visually, the city was represented as a network of zones made up of a “global economic corridor” connecting the “powerhouse of Australia’s economy” to the “airport”, “major shipping networks”, and the “shopping districts and malls” within the “regional hubs”.
<a style="font-size: 0.8em;" href="https://c479107.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/40730/area14mp/xcc63v9h-1391567906.jpg"><img width="470" src="https://c479107.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/40730/width668/xcc63v9h-1391567906.jpg"></a>
<a style="font-size: 0.8em;" href="https://c479107.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/40730/area14mp/xcc63v9h-1391567906.jpg"></a>The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy highlights key regions for economic activity. NSW Government
The strategy commodifies the urban space of the city. In other words, the various zones of the city are thought of as a tool through which the government might better integrate Sydney into the global economy. But to enable this Global Sydney vision, changes had to be made at the local level.
Urban renewal, housing affordability and privatising public property
Historically, public housing has been a key housing affordability policy mechanism. Evaluated through the Global Sydney vision and metropolitan strategy public housing estates are portrayed as outdated places that are preventing the future economic progress of the city.
NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure says:
"What do we mean by renewal? Renewal is not simply about increasing housing densities. Urban renewal is about transforming under-used or dilapidated areas…"
Sydney has many underused or dilapidated areas, but how the Department measures these two criteria is important.
For example, in terms of land-use planning, many consider the low housing density profiles of some Sydney suburbs close to the city and transport centres to be an underuse of urban space. “80% of the city will be untouched” by the strategy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.be.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/upload/research/centres/cf/CFpresentations/mayorsforumhandouts.pdf">argued</a> Professor Bill Randolph in 2006.
There has been local <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/public-housing-no-bar-to-property-gains-20131025-2w6zbhttps://www.smh.com.au/nsw/public-housing-no-bar-to-property-gains-20131025-2w6zb.html">resistance</a> to housing affordability programs that threaten to impinge on the housing landscapes of wealthier Sydney suburbs.
In the strategy, measuring an underused or dilapidated area was conditional on the commodification of urban space. A place is defined as underused or dilapidated so that it can be redeveloped to extract a financial return from this undervalued urban commodity.
In the case of public housing estates, they are not defined as dilapidated to provide much needed maintenance, or as underused to increase the public (i.e. affordable) housing supply. Estate redevelopments do not revitalise the rights of poor urban populations.
Instead, they label these urban spaces as “economically unproductive” and the tenants as socially dysfunctional. Both the housing stock and tenants are thought of as dilapidated.
Announcing a public housing estate redevelopment by <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/funding-the-future-after-the-demise-of-ppps-18869">public-private partnership</a> in 2005 the <a target="_blank" href="/news">state government</a> said, “much of the public housing stock is either at the end of its economic life or requires significant refurbishment”. They suggested that public housing estates were “burdened with more than their share of problems, made worse by low concentrations of private housing”.
During redevelopments, changing the housing-tenure profile or dispersing tenants across the city in pursuit of global city credentials, irrespective of the disruptions to the often long-term residents of these estates, is justified.
Australia needs a new housing vision
The strategy’s criterion for defining urban spaces as underused or dilapidated means public housing and tenants are viewed as part of the city’s dilapidated past. It also reinforces private and non-government housing as part of the city’s global future.
Infilling affordable housing projects into the parts of the city where it is most needed has generated strong local opposition within this context. This threatens the rights of low-income citizens to long-term affordable housing in the city.
Reducing public housing supply, increasing non-government housing supply or providing <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/why-falling-house-prices-arent-the-calamity-the-media-would-have-you-believe-4547">taxation concessions</a> for mum and dad investors and developers has not addressed the housing affordability problem in Sydney.
Australia needs a new housing vision from which progressive affordable housing policies can be built. A vision that is not conditional on private housing subsidies and the privatisation of public property.
Dallas Rogers is a research fellow with the Urban Research Centre within the University of Western Sydney’s School of Social Sciences and Psychology.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/sydneys-global-vision-bad-news-for-local-housing-affordability-22761">original article</a>.
<img width="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/22761/count.gif" height="1" alt="The Conversation">
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drogers-JvoVgMGDGm

Australia needs a new housing vision from which progressive affordable housing policies can be built

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It's gone. Car manufacture and assembly is dead in Australia.  It is now time to break that emotional bond with locally-produced cars and it's time to rapidly retrain and redeploy this vast workforce.

The recent announcements from Holden, Ford and now Toyota regarding the winding down of their manufacturing operations in 2016/2017 has naturally caused a lot of angst among the aforementioned company employees as well as the workers of the companies in the respective supply chains.   That being said, the skills these people possess are too valuable to simply wither away into the ether.

Urban.com.au has previously reported on the pre-fabricated building sector in action (<a href="/news/one9-hall-street-moonee-ponds-34-apartments-5-days" target="_blank">One9, Hall Street Moonee Ponds, 34 apartments, 5 days</a>) as well as examples from overseas (<a href="/news/avi-friedmans-outside-the-box-thinking-on-affordable-housing" target="_blank">Avi Friedman's outside the box thinking on affordable housing</a>) and we now feel it to be even more necessary to champion an expanding pre-fabricated building sector in Australia.

Jemma Green and Peter Newman from Curtin University, writing in the <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-a-housing-industry-from-the-relics-of-a-car-industry-23195" target="_blank">Conversation</a>, best explain it:

<blockquote>
While many of the Australian modular builders are focused on single and two storey dwellings, one company has setup a factory in Melbourne which is making multi-storey dwellings: <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/unitised-building">Hickory Group</a>. Although the company has been building using conventional methods for generations, five years ago it established a modular factory which now employs more than 150 people and is producing more than 500 apartments every year. Many of the employees are drawn from the depleted Victorian automotive manufacturing sector. Since inception, the factory has produced multi-storey modular residential and hotel projects across the country, and engineered a system that can achieve architecturally diverse high-rise buildings.
</blockquote>

Green and Newman furthermore <a href="https://theconversation.com/building-a-housing-industry-from-the-relics-of-a-car-industry-23195" target="_blank">explain</a>:

<blockquote>
The workforce for modular building requires skills that are usually associated with auto manufacturing, rather than traditional building skills. This includes factors such as design upfront, proactive rather than reactive thinking, procuring materials upfront and warehousing components. There is a clear opportunity to up-skill the auto manufacturing industry to building manufacturing.

...
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
Modular will never completely replace conventional building approaches, but it will take a much greater share in the market, particularly for multi-storey buildings. This 21st century innovation offers a much more sustainable option for the construction sector.

Australian manufacturing has a window of opportunity here - to turn around the manufacturing industry from ailing to growing. If we don’t seize the day in building manufacturing, foreign companies will certainly fill the gap in the market, which could lead to job losses in traditional building.
</blockquote>

We agree.

There is a threat any Royal Commission into unions operating in Australia will suck the oxygen out of any potential momentum the manufacturing and construction sectors may gain in the short term and we call on the Victorian and Federal Governments to:

<ul>
<li>demand the corporate entities operating the Holden, Ford and Toyota brands play a major financial role in up-skilling their soon-to-be retrenched workforce for transition into other manufacturing sectors.</li>
	<li>not get bogged down by ideological schadenfreude but rather engage directly with the urban industry and relevant trade unions so that the construction sector can freely innovate and place itself in a position to grow and soak up the talent which will be let go from the automotive sector in the next few years.</li>
	<li>focus Public Transport policy on obtaining a greater public return out of existing road assets by priortising investment in road-based public transport over new commuter freeway projects.  This should involve: bus route straightening, shortening and most importantly of all, dramatically improve frequency and operating hours of all bus routes.</li>
	<li>significantly lift the paltry amount of money spent on expanding non-motorised public transport infrastructure such as bicycle lanes and other pedestrian infrastructure throughout Metropolitan Melbourne.</li>
</ul>
Post 2017 as car manufacture and assembly in Australia ceases, the nation will no longer have an emotional bond with "our" cars and the car will just become another imported commodity.  And with the right public transport policies and budget priorities local bus body builders such as <a href="http://www.volgren.com.au/" target="_blank">Volgren</a> are well positioned to grow and take on laid-off Holden, Ford or Toyota employees. 

Will the pre-fabricated building industry or bus body manufacturing industry supply the sheer number of vacancies required to provide the entire automotive industry workforce with a job over the next 3 years?  Not likely, however they are well positioned to grow considerably if Government, Unions and Industry work together to ensure the environment exists for a dramatic upswing in innovation and growth within the construction sector and demand is boosted for more numerous cleaner and greener vehicles to operate a better bus network for Melbourne.

Preserving the skillsets and providing for the least painful transition for effected automotive workers into other manufacturing sectors is paramount and policy-makers should grasp the opportunity to reshape our cities from the outer suburban edges to the inner urban areas around more sustainable transport solutions that Holden, Ford and Toyota could never provide.
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The factory line worker's skillset: long may it live

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released housing finance data for December 2013 yesterday.  The data provides a good summary of the mortgage lending environment throughout 2013.  It shows that 2013 was clearly a year where there was a strong rebound in demand for mortgages.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2871" alt="Chart 1" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chart-1.jpg" width="470" height="173" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
The total number of owner occupier housing finance commitments in December 2013 was 14.1% higher than in December 2012.  This figure is split into refinances of established dwellings and non-refinances or new loans.  The number of refinance commitments is 12.5% higher over the year and the number of new loan commitments is 14.8% higher. 
The data shows that demand for mortgages has increased measurably throughout 2013.  This is also reflected in home values data, the RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index showed that capital city home values rose by 9.8% in 2013.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2872" alt="Chart 2" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chart-2.jpg" width="470" height="172" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
The number of owner occupier finance commitments for the construction of new dwellings was 14.5% higher over the year, commitments for the purchase of new dwellings were 13.2% higher and non-refinanced commitments for the purchase of established dwellings were 15.1% higher over the year.  It is important to note that non-refinanced purchases of established dwellings accounted for 75.8% of all owner occupier new loan commitments in December 2013.
Over the 12 months of 2013 there were 598,364 total owner occupier housing finance commitment, up 9.5% from a year ago.  Refinance commitments accounted for 32.4% of all housing finance commitments in 2013 and the remaining 67.5% was for new loan commitments.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2873" alt="Chart 3" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chart-3.jpg" width="470" height="171" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
In December 2013, the total value of housing finance commitments (the amount borrowed) was $27 billion.  From a banking perspective, the money lent is much more important than the number of loans and the total value of finance commitments was 27.0% higher over the year.  
Looking at the value of commitments, commitments to owner occupiers for refinances were 20.4% higher year on year, owner occupier new loan (ex-refi) commitments were 19.0% higher while investment loan commitments increased by 40.7%.  The total value of housing finance commitments, excluding refinanced loans increased by 28.5% year on year.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2874" alt="Chart 4" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chart-4.jpg" width="470" height="170" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
Looking at the proportion of housing finance commitments provides further insight into how much is being lent to different cohorts of the market. 
As a whole, 60.2% of lending over the month was to owner occupiers made up of 43.4% for new loan commitments and 16.8% for refinances.  The rest (39.8%) was lending for investment purposes.  The 43.4% of lending to owner occupiers for new loans was the lowest proportion since January 2004.  The 16.8% of lending for refinances by owner occupiers was the lowest proportion for that segment since September 2010.  The 39.8% of lending for investment purposes was the greatest since October 2003 (41.2%).  The 41.2% of total lending for investment in October 2013 was also the highest proportion of investment lending on record.
In my opinion the level of investment lending is a concern from the market, given it is currently at near record levels.  Obviously with mortgage rates low and returns on relatively risk-free asset classes so low, investors are moving into other, slightly more risky, asset classes such as residential property.  This is what the RBA was hoping for – however, the high level of lending to investors is not without potential risks in the future. 
The move to residential property investment seems to be purely a move chasing capital growth.  In strong investment driven markets such as Sydney and Melbourne home values increased by 14.5% and 8.5% respectively in 2013.  Gross rental returns on residential property in these cities is extremely low at 4.0% and 3.5% respectively at the end of last year. 
If these investors are not necessarily committed to the housing market long-term, then we could potentially see an influx of investment-grade properties come to the market in the future as these investors look to exit the housing market and place their investment dollars elsewhere.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2875" alt="Chart 5" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Chart-5.jpg" width="470" height="171" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
Despite the fact that we have near record low mortgage rates and home values had been falling through 2011 and the early part of 2012, the level of activity by first home buyers has been extremely low. 
In December 2013, the number of first home buyer finance commitments was actually 1.9% higher than the previous December (note these figures are not seasonally adjusted).  Throughout 2013 there were 82,599 first home buyer housing finance commitments indicating that they accounted for just 13.8% of all owner occupier finance commitments over the year.  The number of first home buyer finance commitments in 2013 was a record low for a calendar year period.
Overall the data highlights that 2013 was a strong year for mortgage lenders with escalating demand for mortgages.  The increase in demand has largely been driven by subsequent purchasers (upgraders or downgraders) and investors. 
The rising level of demand for mortgages has subsequently resulted in an increase in property sales and fuelled the 9.8% annual increase in capital city home values.  As noted the heightened level of activity by investors in the market is potentially a cause for concern and no doubt one that the RBA and APRA will be keeping a close eye on. 
Keep in mind that in many instances investors are using interest-only loans and these are obviously attractive when interest rates are at record low levels, but potentially not as attractive when/if interest rates are normalised.
With mortgage rates still at low levels and the market expectation that there will be no increase in the cash rate until 2015, it is difficult to see how there won’t be a further lift in housing finance commitments throughout 2014.  It will be interesting to see if we see a further lift in investment activity in the market and whether or not we see a rebound in first home buyer volumes throughout the year.
Cameron Kusher is senior research analyst at <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
 
 
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Near record level of investment lending a concern for the market

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Is it the hip pocket (or if you like it, the head) or the heart that currently rules the residential property market?
While not always expressed in those exact words, I suggest that almost every time we plan a project or plan a marketing campaign this thought is always lurking in our thinking.
Marketing almost always involves a big dose of emotion – it’s the fuel of many an auction. We know that even the most hardened consumer will at times be in a sort of conundrum. Are they being ruled by their heart or by their heads? And when we have markets that are full of change, with limited opportunities (supply), does this lead to anxiety, or is this simply the excitement of the times?
Markets are tied up with many different emotions. It’s the stuff that fuels the constant media attention and chatter, and we are seeing this now almost everywhere. Buyers and vendors are anxious not to miss out on the best price, on that ideal home or block of land, or on a great investment. The mixture might be different, but it creates a very active atmosphere and I suggest this makes a good starting point to consider how we might best approach development, marketing and buying residential property in 2014.
So with the sway of both our hearts and heads in mind, let's look at the three familiar topics of infrastructure, investment and supply. If we do that, I think we can shine a light on some key aspects of the market and thus balance out some of the ‘emotions’ we see developing.
Infrastructure
No matter if we’re dealing with an inner-city apartment or a new housing estate – the need for infrastructure is a constant.  Developers can find their projects delayed or made less attractive, and buyers have always had infrstructure as their priority. Without the right services and facilities, they stay away or they look for big price incentives.
Infrastructure is also linked to employment opportunities and with possibly higher unemployment headed our way this entire area will be a big hot spot in 2014. We are also set to see the community turn from expectation and planning to a fervent desire to see real action, which in some areas is happening.
Almost without exception buyers are, along with much of the general community, looking for delivery, be that new light rail, improved motorways, more schools or even very big ticket items like a new airport for Sydney. These projects need to move into the build phase. While there might be some planning issues, private developers will then move to deliver their part of the agenda with new shops, offices and industrial facilities. Again we need to remind ourselves that the current Prime Minister has stated that he wants his government to be known as the ‘infrastructure government’.
However, given how important this topic is, there must be room for better and quicker funding, and this might be a fertile area for SMSF investments. In 1994 there were 70,000 such funds, while today it’s in excess of 510,000 worth $520 billion – so infrastructure bonds might be welcome. At the same time, this would help secure new development which is another key area of investment sought out by the SMSF sector.
From a buyer’s point of view, quality infrastructure has always been a constant need, no matter how far you go back in history buyers always want well located homes, close to shops, employment, schools and with transport access. In the city they might also want access to parks, bike lanes, child care and cafes – that’s only going to continue in 2014 and we all know that emotions run high when infrastructure is lacking or under pressure. Developers understand this reality but the lag between government responsibility and the delivery of private facilities needs to be closed.
Investment
In 2013 we saw a strong trend towards some parts of the residential market being dominated by investors, and at the same time there has been a big drop in the numbers of first time buyers in the market. Investors have also been active at a time when prices have also been on the increase, again this is not ideal for the FHB. Although a rise in consumer confidence over the past six months has in part been linked to higher house values, it is often said that Australian consumers are more content and happier to spend when home values are on the increase.
Some parts of the investment market have also been strongly influenced by off-shore buyers, and with recent falls in the Aussie dollar this is a trend that may even accelerate in 2014. The SMSF sector is also unlikely to have any less of an appetite for real estate in 2014, although there are some concerns being raised about over-lending to such funds. However as Sydney in particular retains its spot as the third most unaffordable city in the world, after Hong Kong and Vancouver our residential market remains an attractive investment. Here, the key question is this: will population growth and demand remain strong enough to absorb supply, both as owner-occupiers and of course with enough people to rent investment stock?
In 2014, the flow-on impact of a robust housing market with improved levels of construction will be a key economic imperative as we move from reliance on the mining sector, which any tax review will almost certainly take into account.
Supply
There is no doubt at all that in 2014, we will be dealing with a demand led environment in almost every market. In some markets, like Sydney, the lag in supply may take a decade or longer to re-balance and that will be captive to a great extent to what happens with infrastructure and investment. We have also yet to consider how climate change may soon start to impact future supply, extreme summers and more bushfires might place increased cost pressures on development and this may in fact further hinder supply.
Demographics will also have a very big impact on supply, the delays with changes to planning laws in NSW are in part a demonstration of how sweeping changes to demographics are clashing. Established areas are going to have to adjust to the realistic demands of a growing city. An argument about more apartments in established areas, or more homes on the outskirts of the city is partly being sustained by a shift in demographics.
In any community we can see how different waves of immigration are in part leading to greater acceptance of apartment living. In 2011 apartments accounted for 25.6% of where we live, but currently approvals are running at 75% in favour of apartments and so within 20 years 50% of us may well be living in apartments.
If the need for more housing is to be satisfied, no matter where people want to live, then despite the hurdles involved government planning has to respond and developers in turn need to deliver a quality of product to meet demand and thus help to create valued communities.
In 2014, there will also continue to be huge demand for new land releases. In June 2013 land sales reached an eleven-year high, partly reflecting that fact that supply has been running at about 20% per annum below the level of demand and there is also no retreat from the strong desire for detached homes alongside more demand for apartments. It’s simply the varied requirements and aspirations of the demographics involved.
The outlook for 2014 is complex, but given the nature and size of the market that is not unusual or unexpected. Interest rates, the fate of the Aussie dollar, rising unemployment, the Federal Tax Review and Budget and China’s growth prospects are big picture issues.
Planning and infrastructure delivery are also big issues, while demand will continue to out-strip supply. However, if robust demand pushes prices ever higher then investors, who are usually more flexible with their buying options, will start to look at all options across the country.
Any of the points discussed are major topics in themselves, however, developers need to ensure that new product meets the changes in demand that are always taking place with shifting market demographics, while committed buyers are sure to remain fully engaged with their market and should seek a good relationship with local real estate agents and keep both head and heart in balance.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colliers International.</a>
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Is it the head or the heart that currently rules the market?

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Property investors need to be ever vigilant. Many feral creatures prowl the real estate domain looking for ways to devour consumers, often using deception to lure buyers. A significant part of my 30-plus years as a researcher and writer have been spent investigating real estate scams and I know property to be a dangerous place for the unwary.
Many developers are using marketing companies to shift stock at the moment. These specialist marketers can earn massive fees, way beyond the commissions paid to mainstream real estate agencies who sell properties on behalf of vendors.
Why would developers pay 6% or 10% commissions to marketers when agencies will do the job for 2% or 3%? Because the stock in question is proving difficult to move, usually because the local market is oversupplied or otherwise in serious decline. They need an outfit which is happy to use dodgy methods to flog this unwanted stock to distant investors, often at above-market prices.
Right now developers are struggling in oversupplied regional centres like <a href="/news">Gladstone</a> and <a href="/news">Mackay</a> or in mining towns with falling markets such as <a href="/news">Moranbah</a> in Queensland and <a href="/news">Port Hedland</a>, <a href="/developments/karratha-wa-6714">Karratha</a> and <a href="/news">Newman</a> in Western Australia.
No informed investor would buy in any of these places at the moment because they are all in serious decline and the bottom has not been reached. All are locations that will recover in time, but that time has not yet arrived.
The glossy promos pumped out by the marketers make no reference to the parlous state of these markets. They speak of vibrant local economies, strong markets and the prospects of double-digit rental returns – all claims that are blatantly false.
Sometimes real estate media will publish the propaganda from these organisations, without providing any journalistic filter to the “information”. One property magazine last week published verbatim a press release from a marketing company which claimed Moranbah was “on the cusp of another property boom”. This was written by the team marketing a unit development in Moranbah so there was an obvious vested interest in talking up Moranbah’s prospects.
When a magazine publishes this kind of rubbish it’s dangerous for consumers because it’s presented as genuine editorial and credible information.
I have no doubt Moranbah, which has been a real estate growth star in the past, will recover in the future. But right now it’s the nation’s  number one no-go zone. Rents are about one-third of their previous levels and the median house price declined 42% in the past 12 months. The coal sector, which is Moranbah’s only industry, is still in downsizing mode with commodity prices low and costs still way too high. The biggest miner in this region, the BHP-Mitusubishi joint venture, has just announced further job sheding to trim costs.
Another alarming example of marketing hyperbole which casts the truth to one side was a promo from marketers seeking to peddle high-priced townhouses in <a href="/news">Wandoan</a> in Queensland.
The promo said the new townhouses were in “the heart of the Wandoan CBD”. Anyone who knows Wandoan will laugh at the notion of it having a “CBD”. Wandoan is the quintessential one-horse town, with a population around 350.
The project was proclaimed “Wandoan Central, The Property Investors Dream”. The marketers claimed investors would “easily earn up to an amazing 14.4% return”. The townhouses had asking prices around $450,000, in a town where you can buy houses on land for $100,000 to $150,000 less than that.
Let’s be clear about Wandoan. The only reason anyone would build a unit development here is because international mining company Xstrata (now Glencore Xstrata) was planning a $6 billion coal mine and there were also plans for $1 billion rail link to the coast from this region. We have alerted our clients to this because, if those projects go ahead, Wandoan will become a much larger town.
But, as I’m sure the marketers of Wandoan Central know, both those big projects have been deferred. The new Glencore Xstrata is scrapping projects to trim costs and the Wandoan mine is one that’s been chopped. And without projects like this, the rail line is not feasible.
There are also companies pumping out propaganda on Karratha and Port Hedland, oblivious to rising vacancies and falling prices and rentals. The claims made about the yields that can be achieved in the current market are patently untrue.
Karratha prices are on a serious downward path. Locations which previously had median houses prices in the $800,000s are now down in the $600,000s and vacancy rates have hit 7-8%. Sales volumes are dropped and prices have followed.
These locations will recover in time, but the time to re-consider their prospects for investors is a considerable way off.
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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Dodgy marketing tactics luring unwary investors into regional and mining town no-go zones

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Auction clearances in Sydney and Melbourne continued to ride high on the weekend following a solid start to the selling year last week.
The news comes amid expert warnings of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/35505-will-there-be-a-property-apocalypse-economists-warn-house-prices-will-plummet-if-interest-rate-stays-low">potential property bust</a>, if banks keep loaning increasing sums of money at low interest rates.
In Sydney 84.4% of properties that went to auction were sold, while in Melbourne the clearance rate was 75.6%.
The average price for houses sold by auction in Sydney was $970,000, up from $835,000 for the same weekend last year. For Sydney units, the average median price was $672,500, up from $622,000 last year.
The most expensive auction sale in Sydney was a four bedroom home in Strathfield at $2.28 million, while the most affordable was a two bedroom unit in Auburn, selling at auction for $400,000.
Australian Property Monitors senior economist Andrew Wilson told SmartCompany that in Sydney, it was the second week in a row of solid clearance rates, however last week there were small numbers of properties on the market.
“We need some more auction results to get a true sense of what is to happen…it is no surprise that the energy from last year is continuing into this year, at a higher level than where the market ended (in 2013),” he says.
He says as the property year warms up, the higher priced properties in the more exclusive areas will start to appear on the market, giving a better indication of the sorts of average median sales figures likely to dominate this year.
“We have anecdotal evidence to say that the sales in Sydney were above the reserves set,” he says.
In Melbourne, the average median house price was $695,000, up from $576,250 for the same weekend in 2013, while the average price for units sold at auctions was $430,000, up from $456,000 last year.
The most expensive auction in Melbourne was a three bedroom house in Elsternwick, selling for $1.22 million. The cheapest was a one bedroom apartment in Richmond, at $282,200.
Wilson says while the figures look solid for Melbourne, more time is needed to get a reliable indication of the trends. He says Melbourne’s outer east belt is proving a hot spot, with a strong clearance rate on the weekend, while the inner east was also performing well.
He expects to see a greater flood of properties on the Melbourne auction market throughout February as people try to get in before the Labour Day long weekend.
“With bank mortgage rates heading downwards and banks getting more competitive, there is more incentive for buyers,” he says.
However he warns with more job losses at factories in Victoria, confidence to borrow may wane as people become more concerned about their job security.
In Brisbane, where there are fewer auctions, the clearance rate was 57.7%, with the median house price at $626,000, up from $446,000 for the same weekend in 2013.
This article first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au">SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
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Property sales take off over the weekend, but expert warns time will tell

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New dwelling starts are, well...starting.  Approvals are near all time highs.  Actual commencements are on the rise.
The Australian economy is now at a stage where offsets to the downturn in mining capex are starting to come through.
It's great news (for now).
 <img alt="matusik_feb_10_one" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/10/matusik_feb_10_one.jpg">
<img alt="matusik_feb_10_tweo" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/10/matusik_feb_10_tweo.jpg">
<a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dwelling-starts-1.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dwelling-starts-2.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/dwelling-starts-3.jpg"></a>
<img alt="matusik_feb_10_three" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/10/matusik_feb_10_three.jpg">
New dwelling approvals are close to a high point in Australia.  Dwelling commencements totalled 165,000 last year.  They are expected to reach 180,000 during 2014.  This is much higher than the 150,000 annual average over the last seven or so years.  This lift in new housing starts - my boffin friends tell me - will add significantly to the country's economic growth.  In short, more jobs.
The lift in new housing approvals is across most states and territories.  Victoria is coming off a very high base.  Tasmania has little need to build much, given its low population growth.
One chart that reads best if the lines head down is our 'dwellings yet commenced' graph.  The lines are now heading in the right direction.  Only one in 10 detached houses approved across Australia have yet to start construction.  This ratio is one in five for apartments and townhouses.  These ratios are dropping.  All smiles.
It takes, on average, about three months from approval to start building a detached house in Australia.  About five months for a townhouse, nine months for walk-up flats and 18 months for mid to highrise apartments.  Sadly, it takes years, more often than not, to actually get a new development approval. But enough whinge.
Dwelling prices are on the rise, up 10% over the last 12 months.  Australia's two largest cities are mostly driving this growth.
House price growth - despite <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/property-crash-is-like-popping-popcorn-especially-in-melbourne-harry-dent/2014020567560">Harry Dent's recent efforts</a> - is not showing any signs of slowing down.  And really, why would it?  Strong population growth, very low-interest rates (so far), an undersupply of stock and an expectation of further house price appreciation are fuelling demand. 
Yes, I do think that there is an element of 'irrational exuberance' now taking hold in Sydney and even Melbourne.  It may even find its way up north to South East Queensland by the end of this year.  We haven't had a party up this way for yonks and we look forward to a bit of cheer.
Until new dwelling supply now starts to respond - i.e. dwelling commencements rise in line with approvals - then upward pressure on dwelling prices will remain whilst interest rates are low.
An increase in new dwelling supply is now coming.  Given this trend, interest rates are now likely to remain steady.
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History has a way of repeating - hence there is a property cycle - and this coming lift in new housing supply (which is great for job creation and actually housing people) will most likely peak when interest start to rise.  These twin lifts will see the housing market soften.  But for mine, that is some 18 to 24 months away.  And the 'soft' should be nothing like a fall of 30% to 50%!
Michael Matusik is the founder of <a style="font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.matusik.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matusik Property Insights</a>, which has helped over 550 new residential projects come to fruition. 
Read <a href="https://www.matusikmissive.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael’s Blog</a> or follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelmatusik" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a> or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.
 
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