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

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

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

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

The ACT will become the first jurisdiction in Australia to abolish stamp duty for all first home buyers, with no income caps and no property price thresholds from 1 July.

The move, announced as part of the ACT Budget, completes a key election commitment from the Barr Government and removes what Chief Minister Andrew Barr described as one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. The reform forms part of the ACT's long-running transition away from transaction taxes and towards a broader-based property tax system.

"This budget marks a major milestone in our long-term tax reform program," Barr said, adding that the government had maintained a sustained focus on removing barriers to home ownership. He said stamp duty had long been one of the largest upfront hurdles facing buyers and that from July, "that barrier is gone" for first home buyers in the Territory.

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The changes come alongside a range of measures designed to encourage new housing supply, including support for the delivery of so-called "missing middle" housing such as terraces, townhouses and low-rise multi-unit developments.

The announcement has renewed debate around whether the ACT's approach could provide a blueprint for improving housing affordability nationally.

New research from OurTop10.com.au, conducted by Primara Research, suggests the Territory's decade-long reform agenda has produced outcomes unmatched elsewhere in Australia.

While stamp duty costs have increased by an average 67 per cent nationally over the past decade, the ACT has recorded growth of just 15 per cent, the lowest increase of any jurisdiction.

The Territory has also emerged as one of the strongest performers on housing delivery. Based on population-weighted housing targets, the ACT is sitting less than one per cent behind its target. Victoria is the next closest at seven per cent behind, while the national average sits 25 per cent below target. New South Wales is tracking 39 per cent behind.

The latest reform removes one of the final barriers facing first home buyers in Canberra.

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The average Australian home buyer currently pays $61,714 in stamp duty. In the ACT, that figure is $38,399 despite the Territory having the third-highest median house price in the country.

Until now, the ACT's first home buyer concession scheme only applied to purchases up to $1.02 million, around $51,000 below Canberra's median house price of $1.071 million. In practical terms, many first home buyers were unable to access the median-priced home without losing the concession.

From July, those restrictions disappear.

Every first home buyer in the ACT will pay no stamp duty, regardless of income or purchase price.

Canberra remains one of Australia's most expensive housing markets, with dwelling values increasing 82 per cent over the past decade. However, that growth ranks only 11th among Australia's 15 major housing markets, suggesting affordability pressures have been less severe than in many other parts of the country.

Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10.com.au, said the latest reforms recognise that many first home buyers have simply outgrown thresholds set years ago.

"Many first home buyers aren't just looking for a way onto the ladder, they want a home their family can actually live in," Ma said.

"In a market where the median house price is over a million dollars, a concession scheme that cuts out at $1.02 million was never going to get them there.

"Removing the ceiling entirely means ACT first home buyers can now pursue the home they actually want, rather than limiting themselves to a price point designed for a very different market."

Whether other states follow remains to be seen. But at a time when most jurisdictions are struggling to improve affordability while also increasing housing supply, the ACT has quietly become the national test case for both.

15% stamp duty growth. Just 1% off the national housing target. Zero stamp duty for FHBs. Is the ACT the blueprint for the great Australian dream?

ACT abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers

A rooftop pool and spa overlooking the Brisbane CBD, private dining spaces, expansive landscaped gardens and a residents' lounge are set to crown <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/callista-on-park-west-end-49-mollison-street-west-end-qld-4101">Callista on Park</a>, the final residential building within Brisbane's West Village precinct.

The rooftop amenity collection has been designed as an extension of the lifestyle already established throughout West Village, providing residents with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces that capitalise on the building's elevated position above West End.

A swimming pool and heated spa form the centrepiece of the rooftop offering, surrounded by landscaped gardens developed through a collaboration between developer Sekisui House and ASPECT Studios. The design incorporates expansive lawn areas surrounded by English garden-inspired planting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134800 project_image_fid=370648]

Residents will also have access to two barbecue and outdoor dining areas positioned to take advantage of views across Brisbane's skyline, neighbouring Mollison Park, and the surrounding inner-city landscape.

For larger gatherings, the rooftop includes a private dining room centred around a substantial stone island bench, complete with a full kitchen and a 10-seat dining table set beneath four-metre-high ceilings. The space has been designed to overlook both the rooftop gardens and the Brisbane CBD skyline.

A separate residents' lounge provides an additional indoor retreat connected to the broader rooftop amenity offering, creating another space for residents to work, relax or entertain guests.

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The attention to detail extends beyond the rooftop.

Upon arrival, residents will enter through a lobby featuring a bespoke ceiling light installation developed in collaboration between Sekisui House and Alcorn Middleton Architecture. The arrival experience is complemented by private resident mailboxes and carefully considered interior finishes designed to reflect the premium positioning of the building.

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The amenity offering forms part of Callista on Park, the final residential release within the decade-long transformation of the former Peters Ice Cream Factory site into West Village, one of Brisbane's most established mixed-use communities.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, Callista represents the most premium residential offering within the masterplanned precinct.

Construction is now entering its final stages, with scaffolding beginning to come down and completion expected in the first quarter of 2027.

Prices for the three-bedroom plus MPR apartments start from just over $2.6 million.

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Callista will mark the final opportunity to purchase within West Village, where residents have direct access to more than 35 retail, dining, wellness and medical operators including Harris Farm Markets, Woolworths, Function Well and Goodlife Health Clubs, Metro Arts, and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés.

Located just 800 metres from the Brisbane CBD, the precinct also places residents within walking distance of South Bank, West End's dining scene, riverfront parklands and major public transport connections.

For Sekisui House, which has delivered more than two million homes globally, Callista serves as the concluding piece of the West Village masterplan, bringing together the precinct's heritage character, parkland setting and emphasis on walkability in a final collection of larger-format residences.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134800]

Rooftop pool, private dining and skyline gardens to crown West Village's final apartment release, Callista on Park

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/wahroonga-nsw-2076">Wahroonga</a>’s enduring appeal has long been tied to its balance of bushland, established amenity, and access to some of Sydney’s most respected education and healthcare institutions.

Along Fox Valley Road, that combination is becoming increasingly sought after by buyers looking to remain connected to the Upper North Shore lifestyle while prioritising walkability, wellbeing, and convenience.

Developer Capital Corporation's initial vision of a 62-hectare site on Fox Valley Road was that they could create their own walkable community, bordered by&nbsp;more than 25 hectares of bushland and adjoining Coups Creek.

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b84917a1-0d75-49b9-888c-ddf7ebfd6692" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/NEW2026_Wahroonga_Walkway.gif?VersionId=Gk3_xi5ssYfalmwuQQ5umQakddceC31j" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-residences-at-wahroonga-estate-169-fox-valley-road-wahroonga-nsw-2076">The Residences at Wahroonga Estate</a> draws directly on the area’s natural landscape, with walking trails and green corridors linking into sections of Lane Cove National Park. The surrounding network of bushwalks, cycling tracks, and reserves reinforces the suburb’s long-standing reputation as one of Sydney’s most nature-oriented residential pockets, while still maintaining close ties to village retail and transport infrastructure.

The address places residents within minutes of Wahroonga and Turramurra villages, where cafés, local grocers, boutiques, and everyday services support a highly localised lifestyle. Popular nearby venues including The Fox Café and Breeze Valley Café provide easy options for morning coffee or casual dining, while longstanding retailers such as IGA Wahroonga Fresh and Novella Fine Books continue to anchor the area’s village character.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Wahroonga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4a950f7-4f05-4370-b360-b106359788e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/2026_Wahroonga_Entry_Gates.gif?VersionId=7n5kh9ymu.azYEYDemJkPgiIAfSw44oj" />

Healthcare access remains one of the defining locational advantages of the estate. Sydney Adventist Hospital, known locally as The San, sits directly adjacent and is one of the largest and most respected private hospitals in New South Wales. The hospital precinct incorporates specialist medical services, radiology, physiotherapy, and outpatient care, contributing to growing buyer demand from downsizers and owner-occupiers seeking long-term convenience and peace of mind.

Research commissioned by Capital Corporation found that health and wellbeing considerations are increasingly influencing downsizing decisions, particularly among buyers wanting to remain within familiar neighbourhoods while accessing medical infrastructure more easily.

Education has also historically underpinned demand across Wahroonga and the broader Upper North Shore. The estate sits close to several of Sydney’s leading private and independent schools, including Knox Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Barker College, Pymble Ladies’ College, Ravenswood School for Girls, and Loreto Normanhurst. Co-educational options including Wahroonga Adventist School and Sydney Adventist School further strengthen the area’s appeal to established families looking for long-term schooling pathways within a tightly held catchment.

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Transport connectivity supports the suburb’s liveability without compromising its quieter residential character. Wahroonga and Turramurra train stations provide direct rail access into the Sydney CBD, while the nearby Pacific Highway and M1 motorway strengthen links across the North Shore and broader metropolitan area. At the same time, the heavily treed streetscape and low-density character continue to distinguish the precinct from more urbanised parts of Sydney.

The Residences at Wahroonga Estate forms the first stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/capital-corporation">Capital Corporation</a>’s broader masterplanned vision for the precinct, delivered alongside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135247 project_image_fid=364995]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/group-gsa">GroupGSA</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, the development integrates landscaped communal spaces including a pet-friendly Green Spine, resident lounge, BBQ pavilion, and direct bushland access, reinforcing the project’s focus on outdoor connection and community-based living.

Now under construction by Gold Star iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/dasco-australia">DASCO</a>, The Residences at Wahroonga Estate will deliver a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments priced from $990,000, with completion anticipated in 2027.

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Capital Corporation to cater to Upper North Shore downsizers by creating walkable community at The Residences at Wahroonga Estate

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

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Melbourne clearance rates overtook Sydney last weekend for the first time for a while.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/melbourne-records-80-plus-auction-clearance-rate-as-sydney-s-79-falls-short-of-recent-highs/2013082464516?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">REIV recorded Melbourne’s clearance rate at 82%</a>, while Sydney fell just short of recording its seventh straight 80% result, with APM reporting a 79% auction clearance rate in Sydney.
They are both preliminary figures, so subject to review.
Melbourne’s result across the August 24 weekend compared to 74% last weekend and 57% this weekend last year.
 
{module Did the weekend clearance rates represent a baton change with stronger results to be expected from Melbourne rather than Sydney over the spring selling season?}</body></html>

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Did the weekend clearance rates represent a baton change with stronger results to be expected from Melbourne rather than Sydney over the spring selling season?

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When discussing issues of housing affordability, the conversation is often weighted toward our first-home buyer demographic – principally those locked on the ladder of rising rents.
However, last week ABC Radio National’s ‘Background Briefing’ report focused on the new face of homelessness – with a quarter of a million older Australians approaching retirement with little super, and no house to call their own – importantly – many only a couple of rent payments away from homelessness.
I’ve commented previously on our <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/ageing-population-poses-serious-challenges-to-australia-s-future-economy-catherine-cashmore/2013062362530" target="_blank">ageing headwind of retirees</a>, who hold roughly half of Australia’s housing stock as their principal retirement fund, and the potential consequences resulting from any downturn in home values or dwindling activity from a first-home buyer demographic, who are currently outbid by demand from a higher percentage of investors focused on the established sector.
However, as highlighted in the program - a growing demographic of older working Australians, are facing dire financial straits as they reach retirement.
Some of the most venerable victims are women, who having worked hard, and raised children, due to divorce or circumstance, are now finishing employment with less super than their male counterparts, (some with no more than $40,000 in a fund) and finding themselves once again as tenants, paying more than 50% of their income in rent.
Within the report, Ludo McFerran – from the University of New South Wales and national director of the Safe at Home, Safe at Work project stressed the urgency of the problem;
‘This problem of ageing and gender and homelessness is so big the reality is it will swamp all previous expectations or discussions or plans.’
Her comments are insightful, because as I’ve pointed out on many an occasion, the accommodation we’re currently building (which many argue is in undersupply) is neither affordable nor suitable for average single workers or elderly downsizers – being predominantly McMansions on the sparsely facilitated fringe locations, far away from our inner and middle suburban job hubs or low grade over-priced apartments with high owners corporation fees, which offer little more than a roof and four walls.
It’s a sobering reality, because if you think the numbers are significant now – without immediate action, the story’s set to get worst.
The traditional model of an ageing population who have in the past, purchased a house, enjoyed tax free capital gains and when the children have left home, sold it onto the next generation, not only starts to break down as the dependency ratio (the proportion of workers to non workers) falls from peak – but with more demands on the tax payer dollar, coupled with a lower growth environment as we face the challenges of a tighter macro economy than previously experienced, the trend indicates a reducing number of first-home buyers who purchase later in life, marry later in life, start their family later in life and significantly, tap into their housing equity to fund the rising cost of living, earlier in life.
The bias is a significant one, because parents often find themselves digging into their own retirement equity stream to assist their children onto what’s too often termed ‘the property ladder’ – as if it’s something to be conquered.
 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Importantly, for those who don’t partner and cannot harness the power of a duel income or do not have funds to draw upon from relatives - retiring whilst still renting, is a very real possibility.
 
The issues were also highlighted in last week’s AFR in which Simon Kelly – author of a CPA Australia study entitled <a href="https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/cps/rde/xbcr/cpa-site/household-savings-retirement-report.pdf" target="_blank">‘Household Savings and Retirement – where has all my super gone?’</a> makes comment;
“People approaching the age of 65 have considerably higher debt than in the past. Mortgage averages and other property loans have more than doubled since 2002 and credit card debt has increased 70%. Superannuation is clearly being used to reduce debt.” 
The report goes on to highlight how:
“People approaching retirement age are using the equity in the family home as a source of funds to assist their children into homeownership.”
Considering we’re in the second half run up to the federal election, it’s hard not to take further opportunity to highlight such concerns which have to date been ignored by our two major contenders - hence Peter Chittendon’s comments in Property Observer last week that <a href="/news">the “elephant in the room” is “housing policy.”</a>
Whilst our two major political contenders are busy focusing on a stronger Australia – promoting economic growth a return to surplus all coupled with reduced cost of living - which as highlighted by St Vincent de Paul in their recent campaign for a <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/call-for-overhaul-of-living-index/story-e6frg6nf-1226697408053" target="_blank">relative price index</a>, bears little relation to official CPI measures. By far and away the biggest financial cost most Australian’s face is that of accommodation.
As <a href="https://housingstressed.org.au/" target="_blank">Australians for Affordable Housing</a> correctly point out, – between 2003-04 and 2009-10 the amount households spent on housing has outpaced other expenses - increasing by 55%. Therefore any policy debate with cost of living on the agenda should have this top of list.
Needless to say, the first question on ABC’s Q&amp;A debate between Joe Hockey and Chris Bowen last week, was precisely this, as a young professional living in Western Sydney expressed her dismay at the now near impossible dream of becoming a home owner.
As I’ve written previously – it’s an unfortunate reality that neither political party can see past burdening buyers with cheap credit by way of grants, low interest rates and incentives, in a vain effort to mask the rising cost of accommodation under the false premise that they’re doing something.
As Chris Bowen commented that “there (are) two big things that we can do to help with housing affordability. That's keep unemployment as low as possible. Because you have got a job, that's the best thing you can do to get into the housing market. And also to keep interest rates low and interest rates are as low as they’ve ever been in Australia”
However,  in answer to his first point - Australia faces challenges ahead - with a falling participation rate due in part to an aging population, fewer full time positions coupled with a rise in part time work inflating the underemployment figures – it’s clear job creation is not keeping pace with increases in our working age population. Whilst moves are underway to improve the situation, the role of private debt is overlooked in favour of paying down government debt; hence consumers are weighted toward saving rather than spending money into the economy.
As for low interest rates, they have done little more than inflate established property prices and speculation on financial markets which is scant benefit to those facing rising yields, or paying an inflated cost to secure a property at the offset.
Joe Hockey’s comments took a similar stance – except he did touch on the issue of supply;
“The fact is you've got to increase the supply. I mean it’s a market. There is plenty of demand and increasing demand but what are we going to do for supply? I have some plans on that which we’ll be talking about before the end of the election.”
However, releasing more land and building more supply is not the answer when the land is neither affordable, or the supply desirable enough to attract the surplus of buyers forced to live within commutable distance from essential facilities. 
In this respect, any plans for new supply need to be specifically targeted to combat both issues – let’s hope this is the case.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
It also doesn’t touch upon the difficulties developers have gaining funding without a large proportion of pre-sales - generally only possible to the foreign market – and I mentioned last week, due to cultural tendencies, a significant proportion of these apartments often remain empty once sold - which once again has an impact on measuring the true effectiveness of any increase in underlying supply.
With the rise of the internet and the ability of those searching for answers to delve a little deeper than they perhaps would have done before the world became a mirror of reflections - it can only be hoped, that a majority, not minority, are taking opportunity to look past the frivolity of what I think most would agree, (whether by design or purpose) have been fairly meaningless debates – particularly if their searching for answers on housing policy.
Indeed, the home ownership dream - which resulted in prices trebling between 1997 – 2007 in the UK - and performing a similar feat in Australia, was not built on the fundamentals so often advocated - that of a rising population’s demands for a home – although of course, supply/demand constraints do a good job of exaggerating the figures when inelastic policies hamstring development.
Rather a great inflation in property prices was the direct result of the dramatic increase of mortgage debt built on the back of a housing market which had fast progressed into what Faisal Islam comments in his new book <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/video/2013/aug/16/faisal-islam-default-line-video" target="_blank">‘The Default Line’</a> “a multi faceted investment vehicle financed through an unrestrained system of credit and deposit creation.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/are-we-in-a-dwelling-boom-a-rally-bubble-or-a-recovery-inside-our-bubble-mentality-catherine-cashmore/2013081864317" target="_blank">As I said last week</a> – in this respect, it’s not the health of the housing market that needs to be tacked, it’s the disease, hence why a growing number of influential economists are pushing for monetary reform – importantly, regaining control of the money supply and the dictates of where that supply is allocated, as a basic prerequisite for coming to grips with the banking and financial system.
What cannot be argued is the conditions that took values to their 2010 peak following our golden decades of growth, will not be replicated as we enter a very different and challenging decade than previously experienced – therefore all LNP comments that start with under the Howard era as evidence for their management of employment figures and surpluses, bear little relevance to our new reality.
As it stands, the environment in various capital city pockets has gone into overdrive and among others, AMP have now weighed into the debate commenting “Australian houses are 7% overvalued based on long- term trends” referencing how “home prices rose last quarter at the fastest pace in more than three years, and sales of dwellings reached the highest since 2011 in June, government and industry data show.”
Whilst the current rally seems set to last into 2014, the prospect of higher rates coupled with higher unemployment, should temper the gains and therefore, I expect we’ll see shorter durations to the traditional boom and bust market cycle.
As Christopher Joye aptly commented in a recent AFR column “ride the housing and equities wave for as long as you can. But remember... You are not surfing a swell in Bali.”
 
<hr>
 Catherine Cashmore is a market analyst with extensive experience in all aspects relating to property acquisition.
 
 
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Empty apartments and demographic headwinds need constant investor surveillance: Catherine Cashmore

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The ABS released their counts of Australian businesses data recently.  The data largely flew under the radar, but there are some interesting findings in the data that relate to the housing market and those people working within industries associated with housing either directly or indirectly.
As a stark reminder about the realities of starting a new business, the data shows that of the almost 300,000 new businesses that commenced during the 2008/9 financial year, only 51% were still operating in June 2012.  This is an interesting period to analyse due to the onset of the global financial crisis and it is probably not a typical economic period given the severity of the global economic downturn.
At a high level, the study showed there were just over 2 million businesses actively trading in Australia as at June 2012.  Compared to a year prior there were about 9,000 more businesses active across the Australian business sector. 
Unfortunately a large component of the uplift in the number of businesses were classified as being within an ‘unknown’ industry sector (consulting the technical notes on the release, these are businesses which are yet to be classified by the ATO but are actively trading).
<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #bf0000; text-decoration: none;" href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Top-ten-and-bottom-ten-industries-for-growth_decline.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g2270]"><img style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2271" alt="Top ten and bottom ten industries for growth_decline" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Top-ten-and-bottom-ten-industries-for-growth_decline-580x325.jpg" width="470" height="263"></a>
Even though there were roughly 9,000 more businesses across Australia over the year, 62 of the 85 industry groups (excluding the ‘unknown’ category) recorded a decline in business numbers over the financial year.  Clearly the 26,440 unclassified businesses would be distributed across the classified industry groups, so it is unlikely that the fall away in business numbers is as severe as some of the figures suggest.
The table below provides an overview of the largest industry sectors based on the number of active businesses at the end of the 2012 financial year.
<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #bf0000; text-decoration: none;" href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Top-twenty-industries-based-on-number-of-businesses.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g2270]"><img style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2273" alt="Top twenty industries based on number of businesses" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Top-twenty-industries-based-on-number-of-businesses-580x310.jpg" width="470" height="251"></a>
Construction services are by far the largest industry sector on this measure, representing 12.5% of all businesses.  The construction sector includes a wide range of business types, however ‘carpentry services’ were the most populous (44,870 businesses), followed by ‘electrical services’ (35,180) then ‘plumbing services’ (25,580).  
Given the prominence of construction and property related businesses as displayed in the data, it is no surprise that the Reserve Bank is looking for home construction to pick up the slack from a slowdown in mining investment over the coming years.
The next largest industry sector was ‘Professional, Scientific and Technical Services’ representing 9.5% of all businesses followed by Property operators and real estate services which comprise 9.4%.
Looking specifically at the third largest business segment, ‘property operators and real estate services’, more than half of these businesses were in the non-residential sector (53%).  ‘Residential property operators’ comprised 29% of all businesses in this sector and ‘real estate services’ accounted for 18% of all businesses.  <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/12135939EE65A795CA257B9500133CB2?opendocument">Note that formal definitions of each sector can be found here</a>.
<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #bf0000; text-decoration: none;" href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Property-operators-and-real-estate-services.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g2270]"><img style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2274" alt="Property operators and real estate services" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Property-operators-and-real-estate-services-553x580.jpg" width="470" height="493"></a>
All states and territories have seen a reduction in the number of businesses within this category over the past year apart from the Northern Territory.  The largest decline in business numbers was in Queensland where there were 734 fewer businesses which is likely to be a reflection on the soft market conditions that have been evident in the State.
The fact that that there are fewer property and real estate businesses over the 2012 financial year should come as no surprise.  Housing and commercial market conditions were pretty tough during this time and many smaller or less efficient operators would have felt economic pain.  What is perhaps more surprising is that the fallout has not been more significant.

<hr>
Tim Lawless is national research director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" rel="nofollow">RP Data.</a>
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ABS data reveals tough times for real estate businesses, but it could have been worse: Tim Lawless

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Auction listings on the day of the federal election are down 44% in Sydney, but just 15% in Melbourne compared to last year, according to Australia Property Monitors.
There are 199 scheduled auctions in Sydney on September 7 and 414 in Melbourne.
That's compared to 538 auctions scheduled for the weekend before in Sydney and 703 in Melbourne.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Would you be comfortable auctioning your property on election day? Property Observer Poll.</a>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney vendors avoiding September 7 election auction clash more than Melbourne vendors

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A three-bedroom house in Melton was a recent weekend cheapest auction sale, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-melton-114351347">504 High Street</a>, the house sold for $220,000 through First National Real Estate Melton.
First National Melton agent Justin Carberry told Property Observer there were about 20 people present at the auction, with four registered bidders.
The successful bidder was an investor.
The listing states that the property has “future development potential. Other possibilities may include but are not limited to the use of the premises for commercial business. 
Carberry noted that the successful bidder had no intention of using the property for commercial business as yet.
He added that no reserve price was set for the property as it was a deceased estate handle by state trustees.
Carberry also told Property Observer that the property market in Melton is “moving along fine” at the moment.
“Prices haven’t gone up. We’re seeing more buyers and houses are selling, but we haven’t had a price rise in awhile,” he said.
With First National Melton’s estimated rental of $255 a week, the price reflects a 6.03% rental yield.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Melton is $241,000, down 3.6% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 10%, and private treaty sales average 107 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses in Melton is $250 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.4%.
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Melton cheapie sells for $220,000 and 6% rental yield

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There are 10 regions in Australia where the property market is still declining, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report.
The 10 regions are across the ACT, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory, but mostly Tasmania and Queensland.
<table style="width: 470px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="163">
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<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col width="113">
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<col>
<col>
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<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" width="163">Region</td>
<td width="113">State</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Canberra/Queanbeyan (h)</td>
<td>ACT</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Canberra/Queanbeyan (u)</td>
<td>ACT</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Wagga Wagga (h)</td>
<td>NSW</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Wagga Wagga (u)</td>
<td>NSW</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Shepparton (h)</td>
<td>VIC</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Burnie/Davenport (h)</td>
<td>TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Burnie/Davenport (u)</td>
<td>TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Hobart (h)</td>
<td>TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Hobart (u)</td>
<td>TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Launceston (h)</td>
<td>TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Launceston (u)</td>
<td>TAS</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Emerald (h)</td>
<td>QLD</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Emerald (u)</td>
<td>QLD</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Gladstone (h)</td>
<td>QLD</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Gladstone (u)</td>
<td>QLD</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Gold Coast (h)</td>
<td>QLD</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Gold Coast (u)</td>
<td>QLD</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Alice Springs (h)</td>
<td>NT</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: Herron Todd White
"The Gladstone residential market continues to ease with declining prices still evident which have been decreasing since November 2011. This has been seen across all residential market sectors including vacant land, residential units and dwellings," the report says.
"From October 2010 to November 2011 Gladstone and surrounding areas had experienced strong growth in the residential property sector. This was due to strong investor sentiment after the announcement of the EIS approvals for three LNG projects in Gladstone.
The construction workforce required for completion of these projects is currently at peak levels. 
Subsequently the demand for accommodation has eased significantly with supply currently outweighing demand in the residential property sector. This is putting downward pressure on prices while supply is continuing to increase. 
Local buyers are coming back into the market as prices are decreasing and becoming more affordable. 
"The buyers are first home owners as well as home owners upgrading. Interstate investors are still active however, interest has slowed significantly. There is potential for further market correction while supply is increasing in the proposed new product which will continue for at least another 12 months."
 
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 Photo courtesy of Diego Molla/flickr.
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Gladstone among the 10 property markets in decline: Herron Todd White

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Mayor Bloomberg tells CNN how cities can be climate change leaders.

<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Barangaroo"><img alt="tweet-of-the-day-aug-22" height="52" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/tweet-of-the-day-aug-22.jpg"></a>
<a dir="ltr" class="twitter-timeline-link" href="https://shrd.by/kKqvGk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-expanded-url="https://shrd.by/kKqvGk"> </a>
<div class="stream-item-footer">
It was a tweet from the big city-changing Sydney project, Barangaroo, which will transform 22 hectares of former industrial land into a new CBD waterfront precinct.
You can watch mayor Bloomberg's interview <a target="_blank" href="https://shrd.by/kKqvGk">here</a>.
Recently Sydney estate agent John McGrath noted one of the most attractive traits of Sydney’s Barangaroo development was its green credentials. “One of the coolest things about Barangaroo is its plan to be Australia’s first large-scale carbon neutral community – in fact, the aim is to make it the first of its size in the world to be climate positive,” <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/john-mcgrath-s-sights-set-on-sustainability-at-barangaroo/2013082164397" target="_blank">McGrath wrote</a>.
 
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Mayor Bloomberg on how cities can be climate change leaders

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John McGrath says one of the most attractive traits of Sydney’s Barangaroo development is its green credentials.
“One of the coolest things about Barangaroo is its plan to be Australia’s first large-scale carbon neutral community – in fact, the aim is to make it the first of its size in the world to be climate positive,” McGrath wrote on Switzer.
“Sustainability has been a major factor in the masterplan, which includes a harbour cooling system, a recycled water service that will deliver 60 Olympic pools of recycled water to the CBD per year; a waste recycling service; and 6,000 square metres of solar panels.”
He says the $6 billion Lend Lease development will reinvigorate the city but will also lead to many commercial developments being transformed into residential towers.  Major commercial tenants in the project will be Westpac, KPMG and Lend Lease – the group developing the site.
“As Barangaroo attracts the city’s best commercial tenants, this will probably result in some older commercial buildings in the CBD being redeveloped into residential apartments, as demand from commercial tenants declines.”
“This isn’t a bad thing as there are plenty of buyers who are keen to live in Sydney’s CBD. Executives love new apartments and living in the CBD means they’re close to work as well as all the great entertainment and lifestyle amenities the city has to offer.
“Downsizers are a group of buyers increasingly heading to the CBD, as many Sydneysiders refuse the seachange option in favour of New-York style living close to all the action.”
The development hopes to have 96% of all people heading there arriving by public transport, bicycle or by foot.
The 22 hectare former container port will hold 23,000 workers will house up to 1,500 residents living in 800 apartments.
It will also be home to James Packers' new $1.4 billion casino which McGrath says will attract high net worth Asian visitors.
Barangaroo South – the first of three areas at Barangaroo will open in 2015 and will host apartments and three commercial towers.
The six hectare Headland Park will open in mid-2015 and will have waterfront promenade, native gardens and cultural spaces.
And Central Barangaroo’s preliminary plans include large public spaces, cultural and civic components and further commercial development.
Some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/harbourfront-barangaroo-apartment-developments-stoke-significant-anticipatory-interest/2013080863814">5000-plus enquiries by prospective buyers</a> have emerged for the first luxury apartments at Barangaroo South.
There are just the 159 off the plan apartment offerings in the first two buildings which are due for completion by late 2015.
The two low-rise buildings, the Alexander and Anadara, are the first two residential instalments of a master plan that will eventually include 800 apartments at Barangaroo South.
But they don’t come cheap starting at $1 million for a one-bedroom apartment.
The two-storey penthouse on the northern wing of the Anadara building, known as The Cloud, is expected to fetch more than $10 million.
 
 
 
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John McGrath's sights set on sustainability at Barangaroo 

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Architecture firms that are mixing residences and retail in low-rise vertical developments are striking a new accord between planners, developers, consumers and environmentalists.  
In premium suburbs, the cost of land is starting to prohibit horizontal retail development. Meanwhile, high-rise development is also restricted.
The answer?
Vertical mixed-use developments, with retail real estate in Brighton is among the most expensive in Melbourne. It’s right in the heart of the leafy south-eastern suburbs, close to the beach, and the city.  
Developers and retailers there face a common problem: keeping their prices reasonable. As more local councils impose height restrictions, the problem of providing affordable houses and shops increases.
“Vertical mixed-use” development is providing part of the answer; increasingly, developers are building residential apartments over retail precincts.  
Now a new trend is taking the vertical mixed-use trend a step further – architects are designing “super basements”, extending retail and amenities deep underneath some new residential.  
A project in Bay Street Brighton by architecture firm ROTHELOWMAN is a case in point.
Named <a href="https://www.380degrees.com.au/design.php" target="_blank">380 Degrees</a> and scheduled to be finished in November, the development will include 95 six-star apartments, mostly one- and two-bedroom, but with 13 three bedrooms.
On the ground floor, a 4,200 square meter full-line Coles supermarket. Deep below, going down four levels are all the amenities – storage, air-conditioning, loading and delivery bays – that the supermarket needs to run smoothly, and the car parking for the residents.  
The success of this kind of project is contingent on the quality of the design. The big challenge is to make sure the retailers and the residents don’t get in each other’s way. The supermarket wants to be in and operating after 18 months, but the apartments will take another five months to finish building.
The construction work has to go on without hindering the retailers, the residents and consumers.  
Shane Rothe, the managing principal of ROTHELOWMAN, says: “There’s a lot of complexity in the design because we need to separate not only the different uses, but also the servicing, the access and the exits. The facilities need to be designed in a way that doesn’t impede or affect the residential. It’s very interesting from a design point of view.”
Consumers are taking to the idea – all apartments at 380 Degrees are sold – making vertical mixed use development a happy solution for retailers and developers, as well as for town planners, who are increasingly concerned with keeping building heights to acceptable levels and with intensifying development around activity centres.  
As yet, there is no data on the vertical mixed-use development trend, according to Property Council CEO, Peter Verner. But there will be soon. Vertical mixed-use are the subject of a University of Queensland <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gpem.uq.edu.au/vertical-mixed-use-communities">research project</a> by Dr Iderlina Mateo-Babiano, who will investigate the attributes that make vertical mixed-use developments successes (or failures).  
Verner says more and more developers are interested in this option, including the possibility of pushing the retailer down a level – below ground.  “Some developers are experimenting, and consumers will make their choice,” Verner says.  
“It is all about convenience, variety and value.”  
Environmentalists also believe “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ecoinnovationlab.com/glimpses/42-the-urban-center-living-in-a-vertical-community">vertical villages</a>” will be an important part of an urban future that involves less travel.  
 
<hr>
 Genevieve Brannigan is director of <a target="_blank" href="https://communicationscollective.com.au/">Communications Collective</a>, brand counsel for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rothelowman.com.au/">ROTHELOWMAN</a>.
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Six-star "vertical village" apartments come to Brighton: Genevieve Brannigan

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The site of a former glass and aluminum fabrication factory in Brisbane’s West End is to become a five-storey apartment development known as The Glass Factory.
Located on Vulture Street, The Glass Factory is designed by Rothelowman White architects and draws on inspiration from West End’s traditional building styles.
Developed by Turrisi Properties, the design will feature profiled metal, cladding and perforated aluminum sliding screens.
“The glass factory captures the essence of West End,” says Turrisi Properties development manager Ben Jobber.
“Guided by the area's diverse past, located near the popular boundary street strip, the glass factory will create residences that feel right in the environment, both inside and out,” says Jobber.
The development will include 47 apartments ranging from one-, two- and three-bedroom.
One-bedroom apartments start from $370,000 and two bedrooms start from $550,000.
Two three-bedroom apartments are priced from $815,000.
Construction is due to commence in early 2014 and has an expected completion date of early 2015.
The official marketing campaign kicks off on September 7.
The median apartment price in <a href="/news">West End</a> is $505,000, a 78.4% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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