An entity directed by HSN's Rafi Assouline and Rebel Property's Allen Linz has filed plans for an impressive new precinct in Woolloomooloo.

The major mixed-use development would transform a prominent William Street site into a new residential village anchored by affordable housing and a large public park.

The proposal, submitted as a State Significant Development Application, covers 164-172 and 174-194 William Street, a 6,398 sqm site between Forbes Street and Dowling Street on the southern edge of Woolloomooloo.

Designed by fjcstudio in collaboration with Bangawarra, Studio Bright and Tribe Studio Architects, the scheme would deliver 227 apartments across four residential buildings ranging in height up to 18 storeys, alongside retail space, public domain improvements and a new publicly accessible park.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb59b7c-914a-4a5c-b849-3a56749f5e93" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.18.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=mxM6EEqeoLjrCiTlCzTKTvzpKuh6kSkH" />

It's another design scheme for Rebel, who took <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-rebel-property-group-takes-woolloomooloo-precinct-to-nsw-government">concept plans to the NSW Gov late last year</a>.

The latest plans will be a mix of 167 build-to-sell apartments and 60 affordable apartments, with the affordable housing component representing 15 per cent of the project's gross floor area. The apartment mix includes 12 one-bedroom, 53 two-bedroom, 89 three-bedroom apartments and 13 penthouses, while the affordable housing component would comprise 42 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b3d4553-8a8c-4af5-aa8c-519ffb1e28c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_Yb6ibN7eDnOtQjCNDK2eviORa4qzgv." />

Rebel Property is seeking to take advantage of the NSW Government's infill affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP, which provide additional floor space and height in exchange for the delivery of affordable housing for a minimum of 15 years. The planning pathway allows a 30 per cent increase in floor space ratio and building height where 15 per cent of the development is dedicated to affordable housing.

&nbsp;

At the centre of the development is a 1,356 sqm sunlit public park designed to become a new community gathering space at the gateway to Woolloomooloo. The park would be complemented by a network of pedestrian laneways connecting William Street with the surrounding streets, improving permeability through what is currently a largely impermeable block.

<img alt="Rebel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="257af931-a393-4007-8c6d-7219796df58d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-12%20at%2011.20.51%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KAHy94GrhaReFsWTGDKfy39EDJ8gEEv4" />

The design team says the public domain has been heavily influenced by the site's topography and Aboriginal cultural heritage, drawing on the escarpments, gullies and landscape characteristics that historically defined the area before urbanisation. The landscape design has been developed in partnership with First Nations consultancy Bangawarra.

The project would be delivered across four separate buildings. The William Street East and William Street West buildings, designed by fjcstudio, would contain the majority of the apartments. Melbourne-based Studio Bright has designed the Forbes Street building, while Tribe Studio Architects is responsible for the Dowling Street building.

Rebel had secured approval for the concept plans late last year.

Joel Robinson

First look: HSN, Rebel, advances Woolloomooloo precinct plans

A locally heritage-listed furniture showroom on Water Street is set to become the centrepiece of a new mixed-use residential development as local developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/keylin-group">Keylin</a> seeks approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lotus-on-water-street-290-water-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">Lotus on Water Street</a>, a 15-storey project on the Fortitude Valley side of Spring Hill.

The proposal spans 290 Water Street and 137-141 Warry Street, combining several properties into a 2,869 sqm site that sits between Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the rapidly evolving Victoria Park precinct. Keylin's plans would deliver 132 apartments alongside new retail, hospitality and commercial space, while retaining and repurposing the historic Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom that fronts Water Street.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-teece">Jackson Teece</a>, Lotus on Water Street comprises a 12-storey residential tower rising above a three-storey podium and communal rooftop terrace. The development includes 76 apartments classified as multiple dwellings and a further 56 units proposed as short-term accommodation, designed to be flexibly used as either accommodation or permanent residences. The apartment mix comprises six one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9822bb79-6c49-49c9-95ba-319e8c8d81c3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20front.png?VersionId=ioW8zbN4UVebbLetTFuv92t.HkdgfR5e" />

Residents would have access to an extensive rooftop recreation level spanning more than 1,200 sqm of communal open space. Plans include a pool, gym, sauna, infrared sauna, yoga area, library, private dining room, barbecue facilities and landscaped entertainment spaces, making the rooftop the project's largest shared amenity offering.

At street level, the proposal focuses on the adaptive reuse of the heritage buildings along Water Street, where 518 sqm of retail and commercial space is planned across shop, office and food and drink outlet uses. A permeable residential lobby would be positioned between the retained heritage buildings, creating a pedestrian connection between the historic streetscape and the new tower behind.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="269cf3e0-7d13-48bf-a318-05a00deb5c10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20podium.png?VersionId=DLXmTCLsp6GOcLpQ0h.0z7wKCw59EhN_" />

The heritage retention strategy is central to the scheme. The development application notes that the Brunswick Home Furnishers Showroom and adjoining heritage buildings will remain, with only non-significant structures on the site earmarked for removal under a previously issued Heritage Exemption Certificate. Levels one and two of the new podium are recessed behind the heritage façades to maintain their prominence within the streetscape.

Jackson Teece has drawn inspiration from the site's manufacturing history when designing the podium. The planning documents state that the façade incorporates perforated metal screening that references the woven and rattan furniture historically produced on the site. Cascading and climbing plants are integrated throughout the podium to soften the building's presentation and screen parking levels behind. The landscape strategy also informs the project's name, Lotus on Water Street, drawing on the historic Spring Hollow waterholes that once ran through Spring Hill and the blue water lilies associated with Meeanjin, Brisbane's traditional name.

The proposal also incorporates the neighbouring property at 141 Warry Street, currently occupied by a healthcare service. The existing building would remain, with nine dedicated parking spaces allocated within the new development to support its ongoing operation. In total, Lotus on Water Street proposes 117 car spaces, including 110 resident spaces and seven visitor bays, alongside 100 bicycle spaces.

<img alt="First look: Keylin unveils heritage-led Lotus on Water Street tower in Fortitude Valley" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70cf07bc-4fd8-4e70-92dd-be8b21c4e4f0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/fortitude%20valley%20site.png?VersionId=txlxrJImM0Sm_vTzHVKh5DDUkyL_CiiA" />

The site sits within the Spring Hill East Precinct of the Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan and is positioned around 650 metres from both Fortitude Valley Station and Exhibition Station. It is also within walking distance of the King Street precinct, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Quarter and Victoria Park, which is earmarked to become a major venue precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Planning documents describe the location as a key gateway between Spring Hill and Fortitude Valley and highlight the area's increasing importance as new transport infrastructure and Olympic-related investment reshape Brisbane's inner north. The development team argues the project will contribute additional housing supply while activating a section of Water Street that has historically received less investment than other parts of the Valley.

Keylin has become increasingly active across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, assembling sites in strategic inner-city locations. They are currently selling and delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oria-spring-hill-447-gregory-terrace-spring-hill-qld-4000">Oria Spring Hill</a>, just over 140 apartments due for completion in 2027.

Keylin plans heritage-led Lotus on Water Street apartment development in Fortitude Valley

Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

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

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?

<html><body>
With development proposal approvals and construction starts appearing to be on the increase in several states in recent months, I thought it good timing to address the investment option of purchasing off the plan.
There has always been a degree of risk associated with purchasing residential properties off the plan, yet for some investors, a well-researched off-the-plan purchase can present solid opportunity and make for a good strategic addition to their portfolio.
So today I’ve shortlisted some of the major risks associated with off-the-plan buying, along with ways you can remedy these before they become bigger problems further down the track. Key to this though is that all of this risk management can be executed before you sign off on any contracts with a developer.
Risk: High penetration of other developments, resulting in weaker-than-expected values at completion
You need look no further than markets such as the Gold Coast and Inner Melbourne for examples of how this can be a serious problem for investors. High market penetration occurs when too many large-scale development applications are approved by a council and are completed a few years later, resulting in an instant oversupply of housing stock in that area that flattens capital values and reduces rental rates achievable.
This hurts investors who purchased a dwelling off the plan at a certain rate, because when the market becomes oversupplied, almost overnight, values can drop sharply, as can the rental rates for such developments due to so much choice in the market.
Prospective tenants can become picky and this can leave some developments struggling to find tenants to occupy these buildings. This can significantly reduce the profitability of these dwellings and overall make for a bad investment.
You would think developers would try to avoid this occuring more often; and they certainly do not intend to pit themselves against so many competing developments in an area, but it is not always avoidable. Sometimes zoning restrictions enforced by councils can buck the trend of where the demographic data is ‘telling’ the developers to build their next block, resulting in developers having to pick their second, third, or fourth favourite site for a particular construction.
This occurance can often result in them being forced to develop in a very competitive area for them. Not really ideal for many parties involved.
Remedy: Research other projects in approval &amp; construction in an area
This is a common risk associated with buying off the plan and a real problem for investors. The best practice here is to do your own research on the area where you are interested in a particular development.
Do not be lured or attracted by the developer’s ‘word’ that their opportunity is particularly unique; or their assurance that there is genuinely a limited supply or restriction to other developments appearing in your chosen area. Instead, contact the local council of this area to get an understanding of the area zoning.
Most councils in Australia have this information, along with a list of the pending development applications (and their approval status) readily available on their websites. If not, call them. This will give you a feel for the future use of the area where your desired block will be located. Additionally, investigate the surrounding dwellings in proximity to where the building is. Things to look for when doing this are:
-          Hertiage listed sites. In a word, these are great. So your desired block is going up in amongst four parallel streets full of mostly heritage-listed workman’s semis/cottages? Great! This means that those little dwellings are not going to be bulldozed any time soon, potentially making your desired apartment block as rare as hen’s teeth in that area, which in turn could result in your dwelling holding its value or increasing in value faster
-          Former-industrial areas going through gentrification. Be cautious here. If there are many old factories or industrial businesses surrounding the area, and some are already being bulldozed over, be weary. Often times, when an area gentrifies, it means the land becomes more valuable being used as blocks of apartments, than, say, it being used as a row of little mechanics, warehouses, storage facilities and so forth. This could mean your area is at risk of becoming an apartment ‘jungle’ in coming years. Proceed with caution in this instance.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Risk: Wrong property type for area
Another risk commonly associated with buying off the plan – but also for purchasing established dwellings – is the property type and its appropriation for an area. One would think that a developer would have a keen eye for ensuring they build the right property type for the demographic demand within a suburb or area, but they do not always get this right!
For instance, what good is purchasing a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, double-car garage unit off the plan, in an area where the strongest property demand is for studio and one bedroom apartments? Or conversely – and this is actually quite a common occurance – building little 2-bedroom townhouse or apartment developments in regional towns where the demand is more for detached houses on bigger blocks with good sized yards.
Buying the wrong property type off the plan for an area can result in poor re-sell values and/or a struggle to find tenants. You may find a tenant quickly, but they may not be willing to pay the desired rental rate, if the property is not their ‘first choice’ for that area.
Another thing to be mindful of is the more widespread trend of an ageing population and catering to their needs. Developments in regional towns and coastal areas where tree/sea-changes are likely to migrate to, in their later years, should be considered carefully.
Is a top-floor apartment in a three-floor walk-up building with no elevator, such a good idea, if it is in an area where every year; more and more retiree and baby-boomers are migrating to?
Remedy: Study your desired area before shortlisting off-the-plan developments
Get to know your potential area and do this in several ways:
-          First, use online tools to study the demographic breakdown of your chosen area, to get a feel for the type of family (or single-person household), and develop a ‘persona’ of who is most likely to be living there. Is the off-the-plan unit befit for their needs?
-          Actually take a walk in the area. Buy a coffee at the local cafe, and people-watch (one of my favourite pasttimes I picked up back in the day when I was a backpacker). You learn so much about the inhabitants of an area in this way. Get a feel for what they like and the lifestyle features that are valuable to them, and this will pave way to how they are likely to live.
-          Look at recent sales on real estate sales websites. What kinds of properties are selling the fastest? Talk to agents in the area to get a feel for the things that buyers and renters demand the most, in an area. These people are your best resource in finding out what an area is like.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Risk: Wrong property features for an area
A similar risk to the above but altogether more subtle; where ‘property type’ typically refers to things like bedroom volume, whether it is a unit, villa, townhouse etc, and the parking situation; property features is more specific to the features that will make a would-be tenant, when inspecting the interior, say ‘yes – this place has everything I need’.
If the development is in a lower socio-economic area and the developer is keenly spriuking the ‘luxury’ features of the building, this should raise alarm bells in your head. Astute property investors are keenly aware of the risk of overcapitalising on a property, especially when it is off the plan.
What good is having expensive Smeg appliances, spa baths, plush Persian fibre carpets, and intricate feature wall designs in each room, if your target tenant is not the type to pay extra rent to have such features? Even worse, if your would-be tenant does not value such things, it is likely they will not take particularly good care of them.
Conversely, if you are eyeing off a development in an inner-city, high renter-to-owner ratio, ‘commuting executive’ kind of area, it would be risky to buy off the plan in a development that does not cater to the needs of these people. So, a modest development with no gym, cheap fixtures and fittings, and poor security, might not be the best investment for this demographic.
Remedy: Study your desired area before shortlisting off-the-plan developments
The remedy here is exactly as above – research your demographic ‘persona’, before buying off the plan. Who is most likely to be living in it? What kind of features would they need or want? Cut out the ‘noise’ of the developer’s pitch, and assess what features, fixtures, and inclusions your target audience would truly want.
Take yourself out of the picture. Unsuccessful investors will assess a development based on their own personal desires and likes. They may really like the kitchen colours, or the floor plan works for them personally. But this is not about you.
You will not be living there, so start thinking of whether your desired tenant, or owner-occupier that you’ll be reselling this property too, will like it. Go to open-house inspections on near-new dwellings in the area and get a feel for how these places look and the features they have.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Risk: Trusting a developer’s numbers without checking figures yourself
When buying off the plan, developers will present capital growth projections, forecasts of rental growth, and may even have a third-party industry expert provide assurance of future growth figures to hand. Nothing really is assured, though.
The reality is that there is no way to know this for sure, particulary if the developer is basing their metrics on flawed or missing data sources to begin with. Trusting only their figures (however knowingly or unknowingly skewed or biased these may be) is a road to failure for off the plan buying.
Remedy: Seek out independent numbers and see if these correlate
There are a number of resources you can seek council on, to verify numbers or refute a developer’s forecast:
-          Sources like RP Data will identify recent sales; mid-long term growth patterns in terms of values, and actual historical vacancy rates for the area
-          If you have collected numbers and statistics from elements I’d mentioned earlier, these will also help you here to verify the likelihood that the developer’s ROI numbers stack up
-          Ask for references from this developer on previous completed projects, and request to see an ‘end-to-end’ case study of success stories from their last development. If they cannot provide these, or refuse to, alarm bells should be going off
-          Google the developer’s name and their company name too. Add in the word ‘Somersoft’ into your search term bar and you should be able to find chatter on the Somersoft forums about this developer, their reputation, and (hopefully not) any horror stories from previous purchasers from them. Developers often settle extreme cases in and outside of the courts, and in either instance will likely impose silence clauses in these settlement terms contracts, so investigating the blogs and forums can be a great option to hear real stories and accounts
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Risk: Agreed fixtures, fittings, and inclusions are not honored at completion
I am conscious that I am painting a negative picture of developers in some of the risks identified above. Though many in the industry regard them with little high regard, developers are not ‘bad’ people. Well, most of the time. Just like buy-and-hold investor types; developers are in the business of making high profit volumes.
And so they should, really, considering the degree of risks these companies take on, in executing these projects. However, most of you will be aware of horror stories where developers promised quality/luxury appliances, lighting, flooring, and any other features, yet at the end of construction these were replaced by inferior alternatives. This becomes a problem when valuers assess the market value lower than expected at the end of the project
Risk: Get your solicitor to approve the contract that details precise inclusions, precisely!
As you move closer to contract stages with the developer, get in writing as part of this; every single inclusion and feature/fixture/fitting that is to be part of your property purchase. Have your solicitor cast his or her eye over it before signing off. Be particularly weary of developers that give you grief for requesting such levels of detail. This can be extensive but worth it.
Even go so far as to name the brands of the toilets, dishwashers, ovens, and so on that the developer is saying they will use in the finish. On items where brand name is not possible, you need to ensure that the category is detailed. For example, if floating floorboards are to be laid, this must be specified, or else cheap carpets could wind up there in the end.
Another one is double-glazing on windows; particualry in inner-city developments; be sure to have this as a contractual inclusion if they’ve mentioned it; and if not, agree a price for their inclusion at point of delivery. Things like floor-plan adherence, ceiling heights, and voltage of lighting fixtures , should all be specified contractually.
Risk: Developers pitching future success of an off-the-plan purchase on the ‘promise’ of future infrastructure
Sometimes developments that are not as initially profitable for a developer as once desired, need to be marketed in different ways. Another investor-buyer trap that one can fall into is being sold the idea that because there is new school/hospital/railway station/employment hub ‘planned’ for an area; the future demand for the development is a sure thing.
This is dangerous territory. Some buyers will purchase properties off the plan in a development because they are told by the developer that the future use/growth of that area is guaranteed because all of these great plans ‘have been approved by council or state’.
After buying, and said future infrastructures are scrapped and never even built, the property may not hold its value very much nor produce much rental demand due to the area never really growing.
Remedy: Do your homework with the local or state government on the actual progress of these infrastructures
Most state governments in Australia sadly seem to be in a perpetual state of near-bankruptcy. For this reason, infrastructure and planning developments regularly get delayed or even worse, scrapped. Take Sydney’s north-west rail link, which was in various stages of ‘planning’ since the late 1980’s, but took until 2013 before actual construction sites started appearing to lay the rail line foundations and diggers commenced ripping up the dirt.
Perhaps my perspective is ever-skeptical, but you would be wise to not believe that any state government infrastructure development will go ahead – no matter if it has been given an ‘official approval’ – until you actually start to see soil being penetrated by machinery. As for non-state enterprises, like new private schools or business parks in close proximity, you need to conduct extra due diligence to be assured that they will go ahead.
Cameron McEvoy is a NSW-based property investor and maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://propertyspectator.blogspot.com.au/">Property Correspondent.</a>
 
 
</body></html>

cmcevoy-Go82SmsJA9

The risks of buying off-the-plan and how to remedy them: Cameron McEvoy

<html><body>
The Chenchow Little-designed, Freshwater House - with automated heated lap pool with Bisazza tiled waterfall flowing to pond - has been sold.
On the market for the first time with a price guide of over $4.75 million, it was passed in at weekend auction for $4.1 million, then sold after post-auction negotiations. Its an undisclosed price understood to be close to $4.5 million.
<img alt="littlejune24one" src="/images/stories/2013/06/littlejune24one.jpg" width="470" height="311">
Built in 2008, Sydney's Freshwater House won the coveted Robyn Boyd award – Australia’s peak architectural award for residential – for <a href="https://www.chenchowlittle.com/p-freshwater-house" target="_blank">Tony Chenchow </a>in 2009.
The property features four bedrooms and three bathrooms over three levels, with the upper level dark-bronze panels retracting at the push of a button.
The property also boasts an elevated swimming pool with a waterfall which was flowing on its very wet Saturday auction day.
Located on Undercliff Road, Freshwater House is only metres from Freshwater Beach.
The Undercliff Road selling agent was Michael Clarke of Clarke and Humel Property as well as David Rothschild from LJ Hooker Seaforth.
The median house price in <a href="/news">Freshwater</a> is $1,242,500 according to RP Data.
<img alt="trophyhomesstrapone" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" width="470" height="57">
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Chenchow Little Freshwater House sold after weekend auction

<html><body>
The most expensive property offered for sale last weekend, Lynton, in Albert Park, failed to sell at auction and was passed in on a vendor bid of $6.2 million.
The triple fronted Victorian, at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cayzer.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyid=2366615&amp;menuItemID=">85 St Vincent Place</a>, attracted one genuine bid of $5.8 million before a crowd of 400 people.
The vendor then made two bids of $6 million and $6.2 million before the property was passed in.
Built in 1892, Lynton is set among leafy surrounds opposite the St Vincent Gardens on 740 square metres. An outstanding example of period architecture, the balconied residence with picturesque front garden has two street frontages, a grand entrance foyer, six bedrooms, five bathrooms and formal sitting and dining rooms.
Its well-appointed kitchen leads to a conservatory meals area, family room, and basement billiard/rumpus recreational area with substantial wine cellar.
The property hasn’t had much luck at auction: it was passed in on a $5.8 million vendor bid in October 2008. Then, after a house contents auction, it sold quietly for $4.8 million in May 2009.
The selling agent, Cayzer Real Estate, in April sold three unrenovated terraces at 73,75 and 77 St Vincents Place for a total of $12.3 million.
The auction clearance rate of 71% came from 681 results reported to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. Vendor bids were prominent, accounting for 102 of the 197 properties that were passed in.  A further 58 results were still to be reported.
</body></html>

staylor-63KgDrKwoY

Albert Park's Lynton fails to sell at auction despite huge crowd

<html><body>
The Australian Tax Office is warning users of the virtual currency Bitcoin that it can track who is using it following concerns that it could be used to hide transactions and evade paying tax.
Bitcoin is a virtual currency that launched in 2008 with the aim of facilitating online transactions, but concerns have been raised about its volatility and the anonymity it creates between bitcoin payer and payee.
ATO senior assistant ­com­missioner for the cash economy Michael Hardy told The Australian ­Financial Review it was confident it could track down the identity of bitcoin users saying it was “no more anonymous than physical cash”.
He said the ATO had the experience to deal with the new currency, was monitoring the currency and was confident of catching any misconduct.
Bitcoin is also facing scrutiny from the US Treasury department and US regulator Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
While it has yet to be used to purchase property in Australia, it has been used to make payments in relation to property transactions.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/secret-agent-jumps-on-the-bitcoin-bandwagon/2013050260955" target="_blank">Melbourne buyers advocate Secret Agent </a>accepted its first Bitcoin payment in May for services relating to a single-fronted terrace house in Carlton.
The buyer, a web entrepreneur called ‘Cosmo’ paid the Secret Agent 10 bitcoins valued at $130 each at the time for the $1,300 fee for its advice and recommendations.
Secret Agent managing director Paul Osborne said Bitcoin transactions could become much more common, though he is only accepting bitcoin for smaller payments.
"We think it could take off," he said.
This week in the US, a start-up venture Coinsetter will launch as a trading platform for bitcoins potentially allowing larger traders using the web currency.
Regular Property Observer contributor Pete Wargent wrote of the volatility in Bitcoin prices in<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/real-estate-is-only-worth-what-someone-else-will-pay-for-it-pete-wargent/2013051561392" target="_blank"> mid-May</a> illustrating this with a chart:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/bitcoin.jpg" alt="bitcoin" width="470" height="243">
"Since this chart was produced, over the last weeks, bitcoin prices have been all over the place. From a peak of well over US $200, the price quickly swung to a low of just $105, yet by Wednesday the price had rebounded to $175 before plummeting again to $120 on Thursday," wrote Wargent.
"The extreme volatility caused one major exchange to call a 12 hour halt to trading and has caused skeptics to question whether an item with such wild swings in prices can even be referred to as a 'currency' at all.
"The total supply of bitcoins in circulation today is said to be worth around $1.3 billion. Where that figure will be in 6-12 months time is anybody’s guess."
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Bitcoin users in ATO sights as use in property transactions set to rise

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Adelaide for the weekend of June 22. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Adelaide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

APM's Adelaide auction results for June 22 weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Brisbane for the weekend of June 22. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Brisbane.pdf" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Brisbane auction results for June 22 weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 278 auctions in Melbourne for the weekend of  June 22. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Melbourne.pdf" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Melbourne auction results for June 22 weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 347 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of June 22. The clearance rate was 4.7%. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Sydney's 347 auction results show a 74.7% clearance rate

<html><body>
A 22% rise in the number of new houses and apartment built is anticipated in Greater Brisbane over the next year.

Almost 3,000 more new dwellings are expected to commence being built over the next 12 months than the previous 12 months, according to forecasts from BIS Shrapnel.
In total, 15,859 new house and apartments are expected to be built in the Greater Brisbane area in 2013/14 compared with 12,963 in 2012/13.
Brisbane will pick up the slack from Melbourne, the now declining, but still the epicentre of new dwelling construction in Australia.
Melbourne dwelling starts are forecast to fall 18% from 38,471 new homes under construction in 2012/13 to 31,423 in 2013/14.
This is still greater - for now - than Sydney, which is forecast to manage a solid 10% growth in residential starts rising from 26,806 dwellings to 29,360.
Much of the new construction in Brisbane will be focused on apartments projects in the inner city with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/brisbane-apartment-market-heats-up-as-more-buyers-choose-apartments-over-houses-terry-ryder-hotspotting/2013060561953">hotspotting.com.au’s Terry Ryder</a> writing earlier this month that two new reports by Place Advisory and Colliers International confirm that off-the-plan sales in the March quarter were the highest since September 2004, boosted by the release of six new projects.
Place Advisory records 625 off-the-plan sales in inner Brisbane in the March quarter – double the number in the December 2012 quarter, 40% up on the same quarter last year.
In Queensland, the pick-up in residential building is not confined to the capital city, with a number of lifestyle locations such as Wide Bay and Toowoomba, a property investment hotspot, also included in the Top 20 residential building growth markets.
<img width="470" height="474" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/dwellings_up.jpg" alt="dwellings_up">
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
"The Wide Bay region lies just above the Sunshine Coast and includes the major regional cities of Bundaberg, Gympie, Hervey Bay and Maryborough. The region is a lifestyle location with tourism being a key industry in the local economy,” says Kim Hawtrey, associate Director of BIS Shrapnel. “We expect continued strong economic activity to drive a pick up in home construction in regions such as Wide Bay (forecast to be up 16%) and Toowoomba (up 12%) in 2013/14 and beyond.”
Greater Brisbane ranks 10th overall among residential building hotspots over the next 12 months, but is by far the biggest market in the top 20.
Other notable larger markets expected to experience strong growth in residential dwelling construction include Bunbury in WA (up 27%) and Newcastle and Lake Macquarie (up 19%).
The pick-up in Bunbury, the Wheat Belt (forecast to grow by 29%), Esperance (+27%) are part of a building focus shift “strongly towards the southern half of the state, especially the south west corner”.
“Bunbury, Esperance and the Wheat Belt cover the south-west corner of the state, including the Margaret River wine region and Manjimup,” says Hawtrey. “The area includes a number of manufacturing operations as well as a local tourism industry and a lifestyle component of demand. A new rail link to Mandurah is promising to open up the region.”
By comparison, the resources-rich Pilbara region is set to undergo a significant residential building correction as the mining investment boom peaks with a forecast 36% drop in dwelling commencements in 2013/14.
<img width="470" height="472" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/dwellings_down.jpg" alt="dwellings_down">
Other towns tied to mining that are expected to undergo a residential construction slowdown include the Kimberley region (-22%), Greater Darwin (-12%) and Mackay (-8%) in Queensland.
While a relatively tiny market by comparison to Brisbane and Sydney, Coffs Harbour will undergo a mini-residential building boom with a forecast 52% rise in dwelling commencements over the next 12 months.
“Coffs Harbour-Grafton hugs the coast towards the north of New South Wales, sandwiched between Richmond-Tweed and the Mid-North Coast. It has an older age profile, with a median age of 44 compared to 38 across the state as a whole, and has a significant lifestyle and retiree component to demand,” says Hawtrey.
 
</body></html>

Brisbane to lead residential construction pick-up as Melbourne and Pilbara region contract: BIS Shrapnel

<html><body>
I was reading an article last week in Technology Spectator – <a title="Going native in search of an online ad antidote " href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/6/20/technology/going-native-search-online-ad-antidote" target="_blank">Going native in search of an online ad antidote </a>which immediately had me thinking. “They say that for change to occur in an industry or an organisation three things must happen.”
“One, the organisation or industry must be dissatisfied with the current conditions. Two, an appropriate alternative must exist. Three, the organisation or industry must believe in their capabilities to implement this alternative.”
My mind went back the ‘’recession we had to have” in the early 1990s, the real estate industry was severely impacted due to our inability to communicate because of the high cost of print advertising. The birth of the online revolution (internet) in the mid-1990s has significantly changed how we communicate today, we now promote our businesses and products much more cost effectively through this online medium. Some businesses adopted this change with more vigour and passion, like most things there are the leaders and the followers.
So it should not be that disconcerting to then read that <a title="Saul Eslake joins the recessionista " href="https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/06/saul-eslake-joins-the-recessionista/" target="_blank">Saul Eslake joins the recessionista </a>where he put the odds of Australia slipping into recession in the second half of 2015 at 25%, with an expectation that gross domestic product will rise one per cent in 2015 and shrink 0.1% the following year.
<a title="Australia not heading into recession, says Clyne" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/australia-not-heading-into-recession-says-clyne-20130617-2odem" target="_blank">Australia not heading into recession, says Clyne</a> “business confidence remained low, with companies holding back investment plans. One bright spot remains consumer confidence which was holding up. “Consumer confidence is less of a problem than business confidence,” Mr Clyne said.“Generally there is always an uptick in consumer confidence after an election”. “Because by definition the party that wins, most people voted for and they feel good about the outcome.”
I guess having Australia’s longest ever election is only compounding the problem. As I have written on many occasions the Australian economy is recalibrating as <a title="Aust dollar drops below 93 cents" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2013/6/20/australian-dollar/aust-dollar-holds-below-93-us-cents" target="_blank">Aust dollar drops below 93 cents</a> which then brought about an immediate warning <a title="prices to soar as dollar falls, economists and retailers warn " href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/prices-to-soar-as-dollar-falls-economists-and-retailers-warn-20130620-2okqv" target="_blank">prices to soar as dollar falls, economists and retailers warn </a>the days of cheap overseas travel and attractive online prices are over. Petrol, whitegoods and electronic equipment prices are expected to rise by up to 10%. I’m not sure what this will do for consumer confidence?
<a title="Dollar’s decline sends a clear warning" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/6/20/economy/dollar%E2%80%99s-decline-sends-clear-warning" target="_blank">Dollar’s decline sends a clear warning</a> – “World markets are warning Australians that the glory days are over and that we must start the painful adjustment process. The good news is that in many diverse areas Australians are showing signs that they are prepared to adapt.” Adapting is the key ingredient as our economy changes although it would come as no surprise if the mining industry experienced a turn-around following the election of a new government.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/simeonjune24one.jpg" width="470" height="392" alt="simeonjune24one">
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/simeonjune24two.jpg" width="470" height="217" alt="simeonjune24two">
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<a title="Overvalued, unaffordable property keeping first-home buyers on the sidelines: QBE LMI survey" href="/news" target="_blank">Overvalued, unaffordable property keeping first-home buyers on the sidelines: QBE LMI survey</a>. I must admit I have never been a fan of these grants and I remember an analogy that it is like “throwing lollies onto a highway”. What we are seeing within the property industry is a severe shortage of stock, in Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay there are just 87 houses on the market and 96 apartments. These figures are almost 50% down on previous years and the markets remain in conservative mode although the market up to $2.500 million is very strong.
One of the obvious reasons as to why the property markets have plateaued is that unlike previous years, capital appreciation in property no longer exists. Fundamentally, consumers were all over property simply because prices were constantly increasing where today the markets (houses especially) have been in a reverse swing. This also means that the previous tax-free capital gains in trading property are for the moment a thing of the past.
That’s not to say that it won’t happen again, our property markets are just taking their time adapting to the new market conditions. The positive is that vendors are not panicking, this is obvious when analysing the stock levels which continue to drop – although it should be noted that this is a seasonal transformation.
Source: Australian Property Monitors
MOSMAN – 2088
• Number of houses on the market this time 2012 – 85
• Number of houses on the market last week – 76
• Number of houses on the market this week – 71
• Number of apartments on the market this time 2012 – 89
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 60
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 56
CREMORNE – 2090
• Number of houses on the market this time 2012 – 14
• Number of houses on the market last week – 9
• Number of houses on the market this week – 7
• Number of apartments on the market this time 2012 – 20
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 9
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 7
NEUTRAL BAY – 2089
• Number of houses on the market this time 2012 – 17
• Number of houses on the market last week – 13
• Number of houses on the market this week – 9
• Number of apartments on the market this time 2012 – 50
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 34
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 33
Last week, I predicted a political spill (I was a week ahead of myself) I still believe it will happen during the course of the week.
When we enter the colder months it is the perfect time to roll-out new online platforms and get rid of all the associated bugs before the market heats-up again and the peak selling markets reappear. It is all about adapting to new market conditions and having the latest and best technologies behind your brand; it is definitely the way to go.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a 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 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>

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News