<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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

<html><body>
Discussing the importance of forging strong relationships with overseas markets, managing director of RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand, Michael Davoren, said that currently a significant amount of stock is being purchased by Asian buyers.
At the RE/MAX Asia-Pacific Rim Summit held in Hong Kong, the major topic of focus was to how the harness the power of the real estate market that flows between all the countries in the Asia-Pacific Rim.
"The volume of movement is significant and increasing," said Davoren.
"We are beginning to see figures showing that just in Australia alone, one in every six new property sales is to a buyer from an Asian region," he said.
Currently, the major issue for those wishing to sell properties abroad is a technological one.
"One issue high on the agenda was technology. We discussed not only new systems but also which of the many portals are the most effective. This is all about improving the experience of our clients in all these countries."
RE/MAX has now expanded into Japan, with master franchise rights being taken up there by Generation Group, LLC.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

One in six property sales to an Asian buyer: RE/MAX

<html><body>
A few weeks ago we completed a dual occupancy project for our client. It was a typical corner block development where we built two freestanding, three bedroom, single story villas and a two lot Torrens title subdivision (pictured below). Our very studious client chose to sell one and keep one as after completing a law degree, she decided she’d like to start a degree in medicine (bless her).  So she asked Property Bloom to help her appoint a selling agent and assist in the process of sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/17/chivers-oct-17-one.jpg" width="470" height="231" alt="chivers-oct-17-one">
The villa she kept was leased quickly. I’ve calculated she took about a 15% discount in rent than she would have achieved about 18 months ago (before the ‘mining slowdown’). Not too bad really.
For the villa she was selling, the first thing we did was get three sales appraisals.  Not surprisingly, they were all a little pessimistic (due to the ‘mining slowdown’) but one agent was more optimistic and open to achieving the valuation figure than others.  Next we managed the styling of the villa to present it in its best way.  I’m a strong believer in styling or staging when selling.
Within one week of listing she had an offer very close to the asking price which was higher than the independent valuation. I was very pleased and it made me reflect on reports that the Hunter Region was now at the mercy of what everyone seems to be referring to as the 'mining slow down'.
Terry Ryder <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/do-your-research-newcastle-is-still-a-great-place-to-investterryryder/2013101465694?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=copyofhotspotting'sterryryder" target="_blank">most eloquently addressed</a> this week a question from an investor asking about what to do given the ‘end of the mining boom?’
The end of the mining boom?  Property Bloom has worked in the Hunter Region for over 10 years and I love to research the local economics closely.  What I’ve found recently is interesting.  I’ve heard comments bantered about: "we’re headed for recession”, “there’s no jobs”, “the mining boom is over” and the most bizarre: “China’s stopped growing!” 
In the meantime, every time I drive to Muswellbrook, I am seeing nonstop coal trains heading for Newcastle Port. Someone is digging this stuff out of the ground and loading it on the trains.
What the Hunter Region is doing is adjusting to the ‘new normal’.  
We’ve seen over the past few years a response to the large increase in commodity prices and the terms of trade, and investment and employment in the resource sector grow strongly. This placed upward pressure on prices and wages. Wages rose more rapidly in the mining industry than in the rest of the economy since the beginning of the terms of trade boom.
All of a sudden, young trade apprentices were being lured to the mines by outrageous pay; this was key in facilitating the reallocation of labour between sectors.  The mining industry could afford to pay the higher wage rate and so draw labour away from other sectors.
This saw builders and other industries that utilised tradies suffering the loss of labour.
Now the mines have moved from the more labour intensive expansion phase where we saw a vast investment in transport infrastructure, such as the soon?to?be?completed Hunter Expressway and the upgrading of the rail links for coal, and considerable private investment in community infrastructure such as shopping centres and also in the expansion of some mines.
Now that phase is coming to an end, we move to the less labour intensive supply phase. I hear that the other sectors, mainly construction are enjoying a choice of highly skilled labour (thanks to the training in the mines) which may mean these other sectors now have capacity to increase production.
So I think there is a redistribution of labour going on, rather than a drain on the region. Whilst some mining employees will move away to other mining locations, others will stay and find new employment (or go back to their old jobs). Their new jobs may not be paying the high rates as the mines had in the past and so the property rental market must adjust, tenants can no longer pay the ever increasing high rents investors were happily achieving over the past few years.
The region is effectively experiencing the downside of the preceding exceptional upturn. The purchasers of our villa are first home buyers who are happy to get the $15,000 NSW First Home Owners Grant as they are buying a new dwelling, and both are working in good, local jobs that are not in the mining industry.
In reality what we are seeing is less growth than we’ve had over the past few years, but still growth.
And investors are also adjusting their expectations. But you know what? The yields being achieved now are still higher than they were before the mining boom, plus there has been some good capital growth so what’s the big deal?  We all need to adjust to the 'new normal' and put things into perspective. Simon Deeming, director of Research of the Hunter Valley Research Foundation, coined the phrase ‘new normal’ in the <a href="https://hvrf.com.au/images/HVRF_Publications/UHEI_June2013.pdf" target="_blank">Upper Hunter Region Economic Indicators, June quarter 2013</a>.
As my friends from the <a href="https://hvrf.com.au/download-publications" target="_blank">Hunter Valley Research Foundation</a> so well summarise below:
“The economic outlook for the Upper Hunter requires perspective. Relative to the construction phase of the coal industry’s expansion, the prevailing period and the short term outlook, feels profoundly soft, as the stimulus for suppliers and construction employment wanes. The passing of the construction phase is being overlaid with the cost efficiency drive...The Region is effectively experiencing the downside of the preceding exceptional upturn and the indirect benefits for other sectors are now being felt as losses. In line with this transition, business expectations for the Region’s economic outlook over the next three and 12 months remain pessimistic. However, relative to business activity prior to the boom, this perspective seems exaggerated.
“The Hunter Region is emerging from this cycle with a larger productive capital base in the mining, trade and accommodation sectors, a more highly-skilled workforce, which is increasingly cost-sensitive, and a larger employment and population base from which to progress. In the meantime, a period of adjustment remains before the ‘new normal’ becomes established. Assuming this rationalisation is modest, the economy will emerge larger than pre-boom, albeit that this base, the ‘new normal’, is yet to be found.”  
Here’s to the new normal, a strong emerging economy and to my studious client for such a quick sale on her villa. Now all she needs to think about are her medical studies.
 
<hr>
 Jo Chivers is director of <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" title="Property Bloom">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
 
 
</body></html>

jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

The next phase of the mining boom, Hunter Region adapts to the new normal: Jo Chivers

<html><body>
Changes in sales volumes are usually a forerunner to changes in prices, both when markets are rising and when they are falling.
On that basis, Queensland can expect good price growth. The state has recorded big changes in the number of house sales over the past 12 months or so.
The REIQ’s market report for the June Quarter shows sales activity in the state improving. House sales statewide rose 22% in the June Quarter, compared to the March Quarter and were 40% higher than the June Quarter of 2012. (We don’t yet have figures for the September Quarter but anecdotal evidence indicates the trend has continued).
“This is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive news,” said REIQ spokesperson Anton Kardash. “The September Quarter last year was a particularly strong one for the Queensland market and that momentum has been sustained in the following three quarters of sales activity.”
The numbers of house sales in Brisbane increased markedly in the June Quarter: up 32% on the March Quarter and up 44% over 12 months. The median house prices in Brisbane City, Logan City, Moreton Region and Redland City all increased in the June Quarter.
In the regions, Toowoomba posted yearly median house price growth of 4.5%, the Gold Coast rose 3.1% and the Sunshine Coast grew 2.3%.
“REIQ estimates of Queensland investor activity also shows that the numbers of investment dwellings financed is tracking at about the historical average,” says Kardash. “No doubt, investors have recognised the strong rental market, including low vacancy rates and are taking the plunge while first home buyers remain relatively absent.”
The Home Value Indexes published by RP Data show that Brisbane’s house price index has risen 1.7% since the start of 2013, lagging some of the other capital cities but nevertheless showing signs of growth. The unit price index has recorded a similar rise.
Most of that rise was in the past three months, confirming the usual pattern whereby prices rises follow increases in sales volumes, but with a lag six to nine months.
Brisbane’s market declined overall in 2011 and 2012, in line with the capital city trend, but with the double whammy brought by the 2011 floods. There has also been impact from the state government’s cost cutting and sacking of large numbers of public servants.
Brisbane is not an auction city so it has not been caught up in the short-term frenzy that periodically afflicts Sydney and Melbourne.
It is, nevertheless, showing signs of a return to price growth – which is inevitable following the significant increase in the number of home sales.
Outside the state capital, we can expect growth in Rockhampton, Townsville and Toowoomba, as well as some of the tourism-based areas that have been poor performers in recent years but are now mounting revivals, headed by Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.
Locations moving in the opposite direction, mostly because of over-supply by developers, include Gladstone, Mackay and Emerald.
<hr>
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">hotspotting.com.au</a> and 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" style="font-size: 14px;">Twitter</a>.
</body></html>

terryryder-YECXbqmri2

With sales volumes rising Queensland can expect good price growth: Terry Ryder

<html><body>
There are a range of reasons for the recent surge in Chinese buyers in Sydney and Melbourne.
Australia currently has very low interest rates and the ability to fix rates for a long period of time at under 5% has stimulated real estate markets domestically.
The falling interest rates since November 2011 have also helped to take some of the heat out of the Australian dollar, making the country’s real estate a more attractive proposition for some foreign buyers.
Market commentators have noted that there has been the biggest inflow of investors in a decade, particularly in the Sydney market, so the trend is by no means only a Chinese phenomenon. Recent statistics from Australia’s largest mortgage financing group showed that nearly 50% of mortgages written in recent months have been for investors rather than homebuyers.
So, why do Chinese buyers look to buy in Sydney in Melbourne?
Sometimes it is to buy for children attending university in Australia, or for buyers to live outside China. Restrictions on buying in China combined with the risk of a speculative bubble have also seen Chinese buyers look overseas.
However, the greatest reason appears to be to find a place to park capital with expectations of capital growth: prospects for the Australian property markets have picked up dramatically since bottoming out in the first half of 2012. Median dwelling prices have increased by 9.5% in 2013 in Sydney and 7% in Melbourne and forecasting houses are predicting very strong growth for Sydney in 2014 of up to 15-20%.
Impact on the market
Due to foreign ownership restrictions, Chinese buyers have long been focussed on purchasing new builds in Australia rather than established properties. Companies such as a Meriton have long noted that at times up to three quarters of their sales have been to buyers from the Chinese mainland.
Statistics on foreign property buyers are notoriously hard to pin down, however.
In certain suburbs of Sydney close to the Central Business District, up to 75% of bidders at auction are said to be of Chinese origin, but given that the city has a large Asian population such trends are not easy to substantiate.
One trend which has confused commentators through 2013 has been that credit growth has remained at historically low levels, and yet dwelling prices have lifted significantly. There may have been an increase in the number of cash buyers, and this may particularly be the case for Chinese buyers in the inner city suburbs.
Suggestions to Chinese buyers
First and foremost, it is vitally important that overseas buyers ensure that they have the appropriate approvals in place before purchasing. Australia has restrictions on foreign ownership of established dwellings.
With respect to buying property as an investment, the normal rules apply. Buyers should focus on acquiring quality properties for which there will be a very strong long-term demand, and should take care not to become involved in bidding wars and thus paying too much for a property.
In particular, buyers from overseas should be wary of over-paying for off-the-plan properties which often include a material developer premium resulting in relatively high entry prices and low rental yields.
As is always the case in the property markets, certain property types and locations – particularly the inner suburbs of Sydney which have low vacancy rates and a booming immigrant population - look set to outperform the wider market."
 
<hr>
Pete Wargent is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.
His new book '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' was released on 1 September 2013.
Pete originally wrote a version of this article for the Chinese language newspaper <a target="_blank" href="https://www.visionchinatimes.com/?">Vision China Times</a>. 
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

What's behind the Chinese buyer phenomenon? Pete Wargent  

<html><body>
We've recently been discussing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/exclusive-melbourne-s-potential-oversupply-the-experts-have-their-say/2013101065633?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus">Melbourne's potential oversupply</a>, with experts generally pointing to apartment-heavy areas as the major culprits.
Docklands, an area mentioned several time, is also the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/docklands-finding-its-feet-after-a-difficult-conception/2013101065628?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus">subject of a new Property Observer series </a>of on the road research, where our reporter went to see just what is happening in the contentious area.
Today, we point to five big residential news pieces covered in the past around Dockland developments and ask you which interests you most for us to cover in more detail. We've picked some of the movers and shakers of the Docklands area.
<img alt="poll-results-oct-16" height="270" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/16/poll-results-oct-16.gif">
 
1) <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/array-s-%248-million-crowning-jewel-penthouses-grace-yarra-s-edge/2013092365105">Array</a>
The apartments are priced from $520,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $7 million for a penthouse, with the $218 million development due to be completed in 2016, with first settlements occurring in mid-2015.
{qtube vid:=sgxJZZgEhhw&amp;feature=youtu.be}
Mirvac's Array (pictured below)  is one of five residential towers planned for Yarra’s Edge, alongside a full-service marina, parklands, a day spa and a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants along the promenade.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/09/24/yarras-esgde-sept-24-three.jpg" width="470" height="273" alt="yarras-esgde-sept-24-three">
 
2) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/docklands-development-exo-almost-two-thirds-sold/2011111652400">Exo</a>
The building will comprise 32 one-bedroom apartments of about 55 square metres, which start at $395,000. It will have 64 two-bedroom apartments, which range from 79 square metres to 93 square metres and start at $665,000.
Exo (pictured below) is part of Lend Lease's $4.5 billion Victoria Harbour, the epicentre of Docklands. Already completed in the precinct are Dock 5, a 30-storey tower comprising 148 apartments; The Mosaic, a mid-rise, nine-storey residential development; and The Montage, sister development to The Mosaic with a rooftop garden.
Construction has completed with residents recently moving in.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/10/15/dock]}
 
3) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/matthew-guy-approves-37-story-hotel-and-apartment-tower-at-digital-harbour-in-docklands/2013072963659">238 Harbour Esplanade</a>
This is a 37-level hotel and residential development in the Digital Harbour precinct of Docklands.
The precinct takes in a block of land bounded by Dudley Street, Wurundjeri Way, LaTrobe Street and Harbour Esplanade, next to the NewQuay precinct of Docklands and the undeveloped E-Gate precinct.
The approved development at 238 Harbour Esplanade (pictured below) - on the corner of Dudley Street and Harbour Esplanade - will comprise 360 apartments, a 4.5 star 176 room hotel with a 200 seat restaurant, swimming pool, gym, conference centre and 255 car spaces.
<img alt="docklandsjuly30two" height="300" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/docklandsjuly30two.jpg">
 
4) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/lend-leases-docklands-project-forte-will-be-worlds-tallest-residential-timber-building/2012052554840">Forté</a>
A 10-storey timber building, the tallest of its kind in the world, has today been launched in Lend Lease’s Victoria Harbour precinct.
Known as Forté, the $11 million will be built at 807 Bourke Street in Victoria Harbour and will be Australia’s first first timber high-rise building.
The building (pictured below) will rise to 32 metres and will be built with prefabricated wooden panels made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) and will feature 23 apartments.
The multiple timber layers are glued and then pressed given them the structural strength similar to concrete or steel, allowing the building to bear the load of the 10 storeys.
There will be seven one-bedroom apartments (59 square metres) priced from the mid-$400,000s, 14 two-bedroom apartments (80 square metres) priced from the late $600,000s and two penthouse apartments with two-bedrooms (102 square metres) priced from $800,000. The ground floor will be for retail space.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/09/13/forte]}
 
5) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/docklands-development-the-quays-two-thirds-sold-after-a-year/2012030453662">The Quays</a>
There are more than 80 configurations of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in this MAB development (pictured below).
One-bedroom apartments range from 49 square metres to 65 square metres, and from $365,000 to $580,000. Two-bedroom units are priced between $440,000 and $1 million, and range in size from 53 square metres and 90 square metres. And the three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 112 square metres to 120 square metres, are priced from $1 million to $1.25 million.
There are 617 apartments in total.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/10/15/dock2]}
</body></html>

Five residential developments shaping Docklands 

<html><body>
Victoria's Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Project announced in July 2012 is in the middle of its community consultation that will inform the Strategic Framework Plan.
A letter drop to local residents' and business owners' properties noted that the community engagement for the project concludes on November 22, 2013, with the framework to then be released in the summer of 2014.
The planned redevelopment of Fishermans Bend from the local government will "transform a large area of industrial land on the city's doorstep," the letter reads.
The plan is to provide 80,000 homes and 40,000 workers within 40 years. Currently, 250 hectares has been rezoned for the purpose.Fishermans Bend is bound by Williamstown Road and Boundary Street to the south, City Road to the east, the West Gate Freeway and Lorimer Street to the north and City Link and Todd Road to the west.
Fishermans Bend has previously been contentious, and professor <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/fishermans-bend-rezoning-remains-contentious-as-montague-site-to-be-flooded-with-apartments/2013062562627&amp;sa=U&amp;ei=umlcUpz7MIiOiAfglIDwCA&amp;ved=0CAcQFjAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;usg=AFQjCNFWNO5NxBkT_iMjJHsbL2SpROJesQRMIT" target="_blank">Michael Buxton has been vocal about the redevelopment</a>.
"You could not get a worse example of how not to develop than Fishermans Bend," Buxton previously said.
</body></html>

Community consultation underway for Fishermans Bend

<html><body>
I’ve been saying all year that the massive spikes in visitor numbers from Asia’s rising middle class will create tourism hotspots for property investors in states such as Queensland.
Places like the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, and Cairns are the obvious choices, and we’re seeing considerable improvement in confidence in these markets.
Even Australia’s property investment ugly duckling, the Gold Coast, has a much healthier market outlook now compared to twelve months ago. Although I still suggest exercise caution before jumping in to the Gold Coast.
But despite the strong predicted growth in tourism, I advise property investors to look beyond the traditional tourism locations to places that offer growth drivers across a wide range of industries.
Queensland will increasingly become more and more popular for international students. Between 2010 and 2030 a massive 2.5 billion extra people will enter Asia’s middle class. They will want to travel to quality tourist destinations, and pay for their children to study. Queensland has world-class universities, a safe environment, affordable lifestyle, and a relatively short direct flight from home.
Brisbane’s benefit from tourism is not to be under-estimated. It is already the third most visited Australian city by international tourists. I am tipping that James Packer will be successful in his attempts to gain a second casino license to attract the Asian high-rollers. I think the state government is on the money with their concept plan to convert the CBD Northbank site in to an entertainment precinct on par with Melbourne’s Crown casino precinct.
We purchased very few investment properties in Brisbane for our clients over the last few years but we have recently become quite active here again.
In spite of its controversy, Clive Palmer’s proposal for a unique tourism experience involving dinosaur theme park, hovercrafts, aquarium, and convention centre is exactly the type of thing which the Sunshine Coast needs. My appetite for the Sunshine Coast’s property market is warming.
We’re presently negotiating some great deals for our clients in several locations in Queensland and throughout Australia with some really strong growth drivers. Tourism is the obvious one because it really will go off.
 
<hr>
 Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/">Propertyology</a>, a full-time property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and the 2012 and 2013 REIA / REIQ Buyer’s Agent of the Year.
 
 
</body></html>

spressley-sBoeMhannA

Tourism hotspots popping up, but look beyond the traditional options: Simon Pressley

<html><body>
I’ve written extensively regarding the various issues that adversely affect our home buying demographics.
Within the real estate industry itself, it’s not a popular subject - obviously time spent analysing concerns related to rising capital prices, which will eventually result an undesirable demographic shift in the makeup of our society, do little to promote a profit making business that reaps rewards from inflationary gains.
Any hint that the cost of accommodation may be unaffordable for a growing percentage of potential purchasers, usually results in an accusation that first time buyers are being picky or just plain unrealistic in their expectations. Whilst low rates may assist existing owners, the short-term frenzy of activity being felt in our largest capital cities is primarily being lead by little more than confidence and speculation, with 50% of Sydney and Melbourne’s current demand is coming from the investment sector alone.
Investors now prop up valuations in the lower price bracket and consequently first-time purchasers without some kind of family assistance to help with a deposit, or dual income, often find themselves forced into a rental trap.
Another reason housing affordability is an unpopular topic, is because it needs to be tackled on a number of fronts.  Hence, why it often seems like an insurmountable problem that successive governments find “too hard” to change within their short-term outlook, albeit, it’s not through lack of educated advice.
Reviews into tax policy, land constraints and development overlays, changes to existing models of funding and so on, have been analysed and researched extensively. However, if the trade-off risks lowering valuations for an asset class which is the retirement and income stream for a large proportion of Australians, it’s considered political suicide to do much outside of maintain the mantra to keep rates low and job security high.
Housing is evidently more about investment than ownership.  The vast majority of programs, publications, and commentary on the housing market, are focused firmly on the investment sector, coupled with plenty of free advice on the expanding array of mortgage products.
It’s a vehicle for making wealth – a valuable asset to tap into when approaching retirement – potentially less volatile than the stock market considering its illiquid nature, and one that when purchased, is held for the long-term, with a view to using the equity to leverage into future acquisitions.
Single first home buyers (if they can be found) need to seek accommodation outside capital city markets to purchase within budget.  Therefore, when you witness half a dozen bidders battling it out for small un-renovated 70s style apartment in an inner area of Melbourne or Sydney, and paying in excess of $500,000 or $800,000 respectfully for the privilege of doing so, with a rental return yielding little more than 4%, you have to wonder at the sanity of it all.
A large proportion of unproductive debt being pumped into a limited area of density, with investors (the supposed ‘unemotional buyer’) playing a game of musical chairs with aging stock, hoping consistent market demand from future speculators will keep valuations inflated, and provide the needed rise in capital to make the loss yielding investment worth the risk after maintenance costs, periods of vacancy, and inflation have all been accounted for.
Commentators often try and play down this influence in the Australian real estate market by stating that just one in seven households owns a single residential investment property.  However, it’s not so much the overall proportion of investment that matters, although this is a factor, but where the concentration is focused.
The percentage of investor-owned apartments in both Darwin and Brisbane for example falls close to 70% – and in the other capitals, it comes in between 60 and 70%. In Australia, investment property contributes 32% of Australian mortgages, compared to 20% in NZ and 12% in the UK.
Local buyers leverage this debt into established dwellings with the low grade, high-density apartments being primarily sold off-the-plan to offshore purchasers which due to cultural tendencies, often results in a significant proportion sitting vacant.
Considering my statement that housing is more to do with investment than occupation, it could be argued that there’s nothing wrong with this - except of course, we all need somewhere to live, and putting aside a small proportion of Australian’s who make the long term lifestyle choice of renting whilst investing elsewhere, most desire a secure place of residence, debt free, upon retirement.
Hence why affordability and increasing the supply of quality stock to provide a feasible entry point for low-income workers into an area that is not devoid of infrastructure, is primary.
Over the next 40 years, Melbourne’s population is set to expand to a projected eight million eventually putting the state in front of Sydney as the most populated.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy is currently responsible for shaping Melbourne and to be fair, he hasn’t got an easy job.
It’s going to be nigh on impossible to please everybody. Years of poor policy have already ensured we have sparse facilities to meet the demands of those who choose to live in fringe suburbs and consequently, the price of commuting frequently forgoes any benefit gained from paying a marginally lower price for the privilege of more space and accommodation further from the city.
The state government are taking a two pronged approach. Firstly, by deciding to enforce a permanent urban boundary to prevent further sprawl, whilst encouraging expansion of regional towns such as Bacchus Marsh, Warragul, Kilmore and Wonthaggi. And secondly, increasing the proportion of high-density accommodation by way of recent changes to residential zones.
So far, the main consensus of opinion on talk radio, television, and social media, has been virulently against all of the above - urban sprawl, increased density, and regional development, with neighbourhood voices speaking strongly against any change to their local landscape.
However, whilst heated emotions are understandable, ease of effective supply is an essential component when combating issues of affordability, and therefore, if this is what the state government intends - as spruiked in the various press releases, it must achieve the following:
<ol>
<li>Drive down land values </li>
<li>Ensure infrastructure is adequately financed </li>
<li>Keep speculative activity in check to make sure supply is suitably priced and attractive to lower income homebuyers and renters.</li>
</ol>
In light of the above, a few cautionary points should be highlighted in regard to Melbourne’s new plan.
When you place a band of restriction around any neighbourhood – with a ‘permanent urban growth boundary,’ you effectively make assumptions about future increases in population, and in doing so restrict the amount of developable land, resulting in a decrease not increase of supply over the longer term.
In addition, larger developers have a tendency to land bank the available plots reducing competition against smaller players who don’t have the financial capital to compete so far in advance of demand.
This inevitably leads to higher, not lower land prices for the predominant demographic this type of accommodation attracts – lower wage dual income buyers.
Families require houses (not apartments) gardens, green areas and local schools.  They need community facilities, a local doctor on hand, good public transport and nearby shopping centres – and they need it all at an affordable price.
Therefore, as much as idealists may not like sprawl, it’s not only important to make land readily available and free of restriction when population growth demands as such, it’s also important to implement a structured and timely plan to fund essential community infrastructure to attract consistent solid demand.
The specified areas closer to town set aside for intensive development of high-density apartment blocks will be immune from council or residential protest.
However, to date, the rush into apartment living has been anything but robust.  The elderly overwhelmingly downsize into medium density accommodation– and although younger generations in their 20s and 30s have a better propensity towards high density dwellings, figures still only peak at around 14% at the age of 27 (as of 2011).
At the root of the problem lay a few issues. The relatively small one and two bedroom units featured as 'affordable' tend to fall into the investment sector of the market, not just because of tight lending restrictions banks impose on first home buyers for this type of accommodation, but also due to high owners’ corporation fees set aside to service the lifts and other security features.
The standard of accommodation is typically low grade and developers are pressured to pay vastly inflated commissions to achieve the pre-sale targets set out by the banking system in order to acquire funding. Hence why such projects are often aggressively marketed to offshore purchasers.
In this regard, the avenue Melbourne is heading toward, is similar to the building initiatives employed in Ireland in the run up to the GFC.
In this region, when supply responded to demand, it was generally too late. Urban growth restrictions ensured new homes were built in locations far from existing amenities, and therefore not appealing to the home buying demographic whilst brownfill sites were filled with high-density poor quality unit stock more suited to investors than the needs of owner occupiers.
Subsequently, in the two years leading up to 2007, almost half of all new home purchases stemmed from the investment sector rather than a first home buyer demographic, and as a result, many of these homes are still sitting vacant whilst the lingering lack of ‘quality’ accommodation is once again starting to <a href="https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/city-housing-bubble-feared-as-prices-soar-by-3000-a-month-29614288">disproportionately inflate</a> as the economy shows slow signs of recovery.
If nothing else, the example proves aptly how supply shortages can still occur, even when building initiatives have been implemented.
Therefore, as admirable as the state government’s plans may seem on the surface, there’s every risk they won’t fulfil the objective intended.
In an excellent piece in The Australian a few days ago, Toby Hall, chief executive of Mission Australia made <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/lets-put-cranes-over-cities-to-build-housing-for-vulnerable/story-e6frgd0x-1226735036870" target="_blank">comment;</a>
“Housing is part of our critical infrastructure and we should treat it as such. We (should) consider debt financing for major projects - bridges, roads, rail - and we should consider a housing bond backed by the commonwealth.”
Because of our current tax system the best-established property in our inner suburban market suited to the first home buying sector is currently a hotbed of investor demand.  Therefore, as vital as it is to consider finance initiatives to stimulate new projects, it is equally important to make sure the supply constructed is diverse enough to appeal and fulfil the needs of low income owner occupiers -including an increased provision of social housing - and therefore suitably targeted toward those who need it most.
 
<hr>
 Catherine Cashmore is a market analyst with extensive experience in all aspects relating to property acquisition.
 
</body></html>

catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

Investors or owner-occupiers: Who are we really building housing for? Catherine Cashmore

<html><body>
In the modern era we have made confusion an art – form given our tendency to over analyse, which in turn leads to over dramatized responses. The highway of fear is the shortest route to defeat.
Over the past week we have seen some very interesting observations namely: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/10/4/economy/weekend-economist-rate-cuts-revised" title="Rate cuts revised">Rate cuts revised</a> where analysts now have all but ruled out another cash rate reduction in 2013. Global growth forecasts for 2014 tend to fluctuate between 3-4% so everyone will be looking for the stand out economies. Many are suggesting that Australia may very well be a star performer.
The National Australia Bank Business Survey showed <a href="https://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/business-confidence-at-35year-high-20131008-2v57f" target="_blank">business confidence rose eight index points</a> to 12 in September – its highest level since March 2010. The jobless rate fell from 5.8% to 5.6% which really surprised everyone given once again our over – analysis had the jobless rate higher.
The heavy lifting for the rebounding Australian economy starts in Canberra – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/10/10/national-affairs/how-six-senators-will-transform-australia" title="How six senators will transform Australia.">how six senators will transform Australia.</a> “Wake up Australia, wake up. After six years of federal government chaos we now have one of the most stable governments in the developed world. Not only does the government have a strong majority in the lower house but “The Six” plan to support the government in all its major policy decisions.” With the government now assured of a clear passage it can get on with the job of rejuvenating the Australian economy which in itself is a mammoth task.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2013/10/8/australian-news/australia-urged-diversify-economy" title="Australia urged to diversify economy">Australia urged to diversify economy</a> as five “super growth” industries could boost the national economy by $250 billion over the next twenty years. Mining is expected to remain a major driver of prosperity, according to a new Delloitte Access Economics report released on Tuesday, with agribusiness, gas, tourism, international education and wealth management well – placed to join it.
We also saw that “property bubble theory” laid to rest – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/is-there-a-property-bubble-the-experts-have-their-say/2013100365490" title="Is there a property bubble? The experts have their say">Is there a property bubble? The experts have their say</a>.  As I’ve said all along the “property bubble theory” in Australia is just a pile of rubbish theory. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/its-a-housing-boom-not-a-bubble-hsbc-20131008-2v5qn" title="Housing boom is a necessary evil: HSBC">Housing boom is a necessary evil</a> said HSBC<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/its-a-housing-boom-not-a-bubble-hsbc-20131008-2v5qn" title="Housing boom is a necessary evil: HSBC"></a>, with house prices having risen 9% since the May 2012 lows, and up 5.5% over the past year, it’s clear that momentum is picking up. I must admit that when these increases are scrutinized much closer we will see that the increases are not reflected in every suburb – more so at the lower end markets although eventually it will move to the top – end markets.
The property markets are simply at the early stages of rebalancing growth and the Reserve Bank of Australia would be most happy to see these green shoots. What many forget is that at the lowest cash rate Australia has ever seen it is very easy to service debt. It only becomes interesting once the cash rate is restored to what many call normality which is somewhere from 5.5% to 7%.
<img style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; display: block; max-width: 100%;" height="276" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2013/10/10-10-2013-9-40-08-AM.jpg" alt="10-10-2013 9-40-08 AM" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8225">
New lending has been a key driver of the recent pick – up in real estate values where it should be noted that over the last twelve months home loan approvals have risen by 18%. On that basis it is fair to suggest that we will see single digit growth for the remainder of 2013 and this will move to double – digit growth in 2014.
With school holidays now over the anticipated new listings did not materialise this week with just marginal new stock entering the market. Having said that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="this week’s sales">this week’s sales</a> were somewhat on the soft side too it should be added in all fairness. We are now into week one of the selling run through to Christmas where by all intent and purpose it looks like property listings will remain on the subdued side. This is not a bad sign given if we were to see an oversupply of stock to hit the market I would have serious doubts about the market engagement – what would then happen is a stagnated market.
It has been a long time coming, but now <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/strong-housing-market-fuels-dwelling-construction-tim-lawless/2013100865476" title="strong market fuels dwelling construction">strong market fuels dwelling construction</a> and it's great to see the RBA’s monetary policy settings reigniting the construction market again. The NSW region is the driving force behind the surge in dwelling approvals with the latest August data showing a 48% lift in private sector approvals compared to August 2012. Certainly the O’Farrell government can take much of the credit given their relentless push for infrastructure in NSW.
Before we start popping the champagne corks it should also be noted <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/foreign-buyers-snap-up-residential-property-20131010-2va7c" title="foreign buyers snap up residential property">foreign buyers snap up residential property</a> for the three months to September 30, 165 of new property was bought by foreigners up from 11% in the previous quarter. Unfortunately there really is no accurate measure to get an exacting figure as nobody actually offers this service.
Out of frustration we recently set up RWM Research where our number crunchers are busily digesting data for our area so we will have more to report on this in coming months. I personally don’t believe we will be the only real estate agency to have an in-house research team given its importance for market surveillance.
Like most things in our industry we are just happy to be first.
 
<hr>
 Robert Simeon is a director of <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" title="RWM">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. 
 
He has also been writing real estate blog <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Virtual Realty News">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
 
</body></html>

robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

On the rebound, Australia may be the star performer of 2014: Robert Simeon

<html><body>
I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that what many people have worried might be a ‘bubble’ is actually just the pop of pent up demand.
Think about it. It’s an undeniable truth that in Australia, and particularly Sydney, we’re obsessed with the property market. In recent years that obsession hasn’t waned but, like a child desperate to ride a roller coaster, we have been too scared to jump on.
Now we’re a bit older and wiser. The potential ups and downs are not quite so scary and we’re ready to go.
But why such a significant spike in demand over recent months? Some might argue that it is in response to interest rates, others to the federal election and change of government fuelling traditional spring demand.
While I think all those factors have played a role the other key point that is often overlooked is the power of the positive trend. It could be a little unkind but you could see it as the ‘sheep factor’. I’m sure you know what I mean. Buyers and sellers don’t necessarily want to go first and test the market but once somebody has taken that plunge with a positive result nobody wants to miss out.
A couple of months ago I was calling for potential vendors to have faith and list their property because demand was there and supply was very low. It was worth it and continues to be worthwhile as demand has increased over and above supply.
 
<hr>
 Ewan Morton is managing director of the Sydney based <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mortonandmorton.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Morton &amp; Morton</a>.
 
 
</body></html>

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News