Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

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Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from auctions in Adelaide for the weekend of April 6.
<a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Adelaide.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.
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APM's Adelaide auction results

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The property market has enjoyed yet another week of solid sales, with auction clearance rates and property listings remaining high in both Sydney and Melbourne.
And while the sustained market activity has led some sellers to question when they will be seeing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CDwQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smartcompany.com.au%2Fproperty%2F052463-modest-house-price-growth-will-underpin-housing-recovery-bis-shrapnel&amp;ei=1wxiUer8FKSXigftr4DwBA&amp;usg=AFQjCNEMgr7YEPLfht41QzaHTOGalkzH-w&amp;sig2=6E5wFp4y7Fkb-awh5eiFfg&amp;bvm=bv.44770516,d.aGc" rel="nofollow">more intense financial gains</a>, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher says the current recovery will be much more sustainable than the last.
Properties are set to gain value over the next year, he says, but at a slower rate than the previous recovery.
"We've already seen prices have been increasing, but just not at the rate of knots we had in the last recovery in 2009," he says.
"That was really quite a surge, and the difference between then and now is the interest rates. We have generally low interest rates right now."
The latest results show Sydney <a target="_blank" href="/news">recorded a higher clearance rate this weekend</a> at 68.9%, according to Australian Property Monitors, based on 358 auctions reported out of 465 listings.
In Melbourne, <a target="_blank" href="/news">clearance rates were lower</a> due to school holidays, although the city still claimed a clearance rate of 64.2% on 168 reported sales.
REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo said in a statement the real impact on prices will be seen next week, when March quarter median prices will be released.
Louis Christopher says owners shouldn't expect massive gains. The current market is missing two major factors from the last recovery which pushed prices upwards: high interest rates and a first home owners' grant.
Christopher says as a result, we can expect price increases for some time but they will come in smaller increments.
"Stability is good," he says. "It means this recovery will be more sustainable than just lasting 12 months, which is what happened in 2009."
"Even taking into account the unreported auctions, what we're seeing suggests we're entering a market that is returning to normal. It's not in a boom, but it's not in a cold, either."
The number of listings can be expected to decreases as winter grows closer, Christopher says, although clearance rates are expected to remain high.
"We expect the clearance rate to hold at these levels during autumn and winter," he says.
"For first home buyers, there are still challenges because pricing is still relatively expensive. But this is still a reasonable climate for first home buyers. We're not seeing a massive acceleration in prices – so if I was a first-time buyer I'd be researching."
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>.
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Strong auction clearance rates persist in Sydney and Melbourne

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 168 auctions in Melbourne for the weekend of April 6. <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 April 6 weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 358 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of April 6. The clearance rate was 68.9%. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank">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 358 auction results show a 68.9% clearance rate

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From July 1, your compulsory superannuation contributions will start to increase. The increase will be gradual, moving from 9% in 2013 to 12% in 2019.
The rise is going to boost Australians’ super accounts over the long term. An increase of 9% to 12% is 33% more into your <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/australians-are-not-saving-enough-for-retirement-mark-bouris/2013021759365">retirement</a> savings, which is significant.
So this is a time to get serious and ask: am I doing all I can to grow my nest egg for retirement?
The key to this is the compound interest effect. The joy of having your money locked away for several decades and earning interest is that it gets a chance to compound (earning interest on the interest), and along with regular contributions – not to mention a concessional tax rate – your savings are accelerated.
The compound effect works best when every cent is being worked on, so you must concentrate as strongly on costs as you do on revenues.
But if you have a look at your annual super statement you’ll see a list of figures with a minus sign in front of them. These are the withdrawals from your balance, for fees.
The largest fee is the management fee – the percentage of your balance that is taken to administer the funds.
Take two 30-year-olds, each earning $60,000, with $30,000 in super. One of them is paying 0.9% in management fees, and the other 1.5%.
By the time they retire, the person paying 0.9% has paid $77,892 in fees, and the other $118,649.
Management fees are easy to compare online and switching to a more reasonable fund can save you thousands – over $40,000 in the case above.
Other fees also differ across the industry, as do life insurance premiums.
Importantly, when you find cost savings in super, you boost savings without taking market risk.
Returns are also important. I’m not a fan of reviewing super performance every year, because when people change investment options in line with the hottest performers, they always miss the growth period by several months and then they are charged for changing.
It’s better to set up an investment framework based on your risk profile, which relates to what you want to earn in returns.
In terms of fund selection I suggest you look at a fund’s ten-year performance. This is not a guarantee of future performance but it does show you how a manager performs with a long-term savings vehicle like super.
This is especially the case with volatile assets such as shares and property – you should be looking at what a manager can achieve over a decade, because this gives you the time in the market to weather the troughs and still take the gains.
Remember: small differences are important in superannuation and if you can lift long-term returns by 1%, and reduce costs by 1%, you are boosting your super without taking much risk.
Finally, superannuation is not a tax. This is your money, so become engaged, stay informed and retire the right way.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
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Stay informed about your super: Mark Bouris

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Lane Cove is proving to be a development hotspot with $388 million worth of construction underway and more than $37 million yet to come.
Located 10 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Lane Cove</a> currently has 19 sites in the works, 1601 units under construction and 182 pending areas.
Lane Cove was rezoned in 2010 in preparation for housing a 30% rise in population over the next 25 years.
A major drawcard for the area is the $1.1 billion Lane Cove tunnel, which connects the M2 motorway with the Gore Hill Freeway.
“Before the rezoning it was an undiscovered gem,” director of developer HYECORP Stephen Abolakian told Fairfax Media.
Lane Cove received little development in over 30 years.
It has now been separated into three distinct locations including the village location, which is the area immediately surrounding the Lane Cove Village area – comprising more than 200 shops, services and dining options.
Walsh says Lane Cove has been undervalued for some time and the unique features of the village offer a relaxed and boutique feel.
Property Observer recently <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/botanic-lane-cove-one-bedders-priced-from-%24500000/2013031859765">reported on Botanic</a>, a $60 million project located in the village.
The 79-apartment project (pictured below) is a joint venture between White Private, Icon Construction and the Greenbush Group.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/04/april8lanecove]}
Botanic offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as seven penthouses.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Also located in the village is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.auroralanecove.com.au/design_architecture">Aurora</a>, which offers 56 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments over five levels.
Located on Finlayson Street, Aurora (pictured below) is designed by Candalepas Architects and developed by MV Projects.
<img height="244" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lanecoveapril8one.jpg" alt="lanecoveapril8one">
Eddie Mansour of Ray White Lane Cove told Fairfax Media he expects Aurora to do extremely well due to its location in the heart of the village.
The second location is adjacent to Mowbray Road in Lane Cove North and was recently rezoned for higher density apartment living.
Peter Walsh of Greenbush Group says many developers have taken advantage of these changes to the zoning laws and are producing a well-priced product aimed at the investor market.
This location currently has Northwoods, Serene, Eleeza and Acacia under development.
The third location is located off Burns Bay Road in Lane Cove West, and includes projects such as Delve and Emerant Lane.
Delve is a six level complex by JSN Hannah offering 38 single and double-storey apartments.
One-bedroom apartments start from $479,000, two-bedroom apartments start from $619,000 and three-bedroom apartments start from $750,000.
“I find the suburb has multiple personalities, in a good way,” says general manager of JSN Hannah Edward Hannah.
“Bushland and river activities, coupled with some great little restaurants, a quaint shopping village yet only minutes from <a target="_blank" href="/news">Chatswood</a>, Nth Sydney, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ryde</a> and not too far from <a target="_blank" href="/news">Parramatta</a> and the CBD.”
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<a target="_blank" href="https://emerantlane.com.au/apartments/">Emerant Lane</a> (pictured below) is due for completion mid 2013 and is developed by SAKKARA with designs by dKO Architects.
<img height="302" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lanecoveapril8two.jpg" alt="lanecoveapril8two">
It will boast 85 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
To date, the development is 94% sold.
Two-bedroom apartments are still available and range in price from $680,000 to $813,000.
<img height="228" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lanecoveapril8three.jpg" alt="lanecoveapril8three">
Curtis Field from Colliers International says they anticipate the remaining apartments will be sold by completion in July this year.
Walsh says this precinct has been well supported by the investor market due to its good proximity to Lane Cove River.
“The council has been smart about opening up the three distinct locations and therefore not overdeveloping any one of the areas so as to maintain the area's character.”
“This will ensure the future values continue to rise in the future and the suburb does not become overdone,” says Walsh.
The median sale price for a house in Lane Cove is $1,125,000 and the median price for a unit is $522,500 – offering a rental yield of 3.9%.
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Sydney's Lane Cove proves an apartment construction hotspot

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As a property developer, one of the most valuable relationships you will have is with your builder.
There are several developers that Property Bloom works with, but we have a very strong relationship with our main builder and through this we find our work gets priority.
I have a negotiated discount structure in place for my clients and we often receive information on new <a target="_blank" href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=land%20releases">land releases</a> via our builder before land is registered. This lets us reserve the best dual occupancy or medium density sites.
Communication 
It’s very important you have open communication with your builder.
Establish a good relationship with the site manager, who you will work very closely with.
Ensure you know what stage the building works are at and meet the site manager on site regularly to check progress.
The site manager should alert you to any issues that may arise during the building works, particularly those that may add costs.
If this happens, work out a strategy to keep building works moving forward as there is nothing more frustrating than having to stop building works whilst you sort out an issue.
 
Different stages of construction
This will come with experience but it will help if you know what comes next as the building works progress.
Generally there are five major stages of <a target="_blank" href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=land%20releases">construction</a> and once each stage is completed, the builder will issue an invoice for payment.
You will pass this to your bank and sometimes they will send a valuer to check each stage before paying, but in most cases they will wait for the final invoice and send their valuer to check the building works have been completed before they release the final payment to the builder.
1. Slabs laid
2. Frame and trusses
3. Roof and brickwork
4. Internal linings and timber mould out
5. Final and practical completion
Once the final payment is received by the builder, there will also be a handover, which involves the keys and warranties and other important documentation being given to you.
It’s important for you to understand what happens within each of these stages.
It’s no good deciding you want to change the position of the shower or bath if the plumber has already done his rough-in.
A rough-in is installation of the drain, waste, vent, and supply lines to proposed locations of each fixture.
Also, if you are handling any items directly, such as the installation of air conditioning, you may want to have the pipes positioned in the walls or roughed-in before the internal linings stage (which is when insulation and plasterboard is installed) as this will give a better finish.
 
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Completion and occupation certificates  
Earlier on in your project you should have sourced quotes for the finishing touches such as fencing and landscaping.
Whilst I always have the builder include this in their tender, often we can save money for our clients by bringing in our own contractors.
If you do this, keep close track of time so that you can have these works finished to coincide with the handover and the final inspection by the private certifier or council.
There is nothing worse than having to hold up the occupation certificates, waiting for the landscaper or fencer to finish their job.
Some builders may not allow outside contractors on site until after the handover. If this is the case, have your contractors primed to avoid hold-ups.
Once all building works are completed to plan, you can apply for the occupation certificates. But well before this, you should show agents through so they can provide rental or sale appraisals.
Whatever you decide to do, you want to engage an agent as early as possible so they can start marketing and find tenants or buyers quickly.
It is at this stage, too, that you should order your depreciation schedules, which will ensure you maximise your tax return.
Simply pass on the schedules to your accountant when preparing for your tax return.
New buildings will maximise depreciation benefits and any professional consultant fees – such as a property development project manager like Property Bloom or architect fees – can be taken up in the depreciation of your development and are claimable as a capital works allowance (division 43).
Our relationship with our builder means that Property Bloom projects get completed as quickly as possible and that we are all working together to achieve the same result: high quality yet cost-effective property developments.
Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
 
 
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It's important to have a strong relationship with your builder: Jo Chivers

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The premises of Paul Mathis’s acclaimed FireChief restaurant in Hawthorn East have sold to a private investor for $4.4 million at auction. 
The sale price represented a 5.9% yield. 
This was above <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/hawthorn-east-premises-of-paul-mathis-firechief-restaurant-listed-for-march-auction/2013031259794" target="_blank">pre-auction expectations</a> of $4 million to $4.3 million.
Fitzroys agents Chris Kombi and Mitchell Humphreys handled the auction campaign, alongside Grita Angelucci of John H Castran. 
The property, at 169 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East, has two street frontages and comprises a fully refurbished building of around 455 square metres incorporating FireChief plus its “little sister”, laneway café Goldilocks. 
The property is subject to a seven-year lease with two further seven-year terms to Paul Mathis. 
Fitzroys director Chris Kombi said the purchaser was attracted to the rare opportunity to secure a high profile property with a long lease and strong passing income in a vibrant main road location.
Mathis is a celebrated “concept” chef with FireChief renowned for its pizzas, which include a classic minimalist Naples-style pizza and an ‘Aussie’ pizza topped with an egg.</body></html>

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Paul Mathis FireChief premises in Hawthorn East sell for $4.4 million

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The developers of the $2 billion Central Park mixed-used residential project in Chippendale have signed an historic agreement for a new green energy infrastructure aimed at greatly reducing carbon emissions. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/central-park-s-retail-precinct-set-to-launch-this-spring/2013032659989" target="_blank">Central Park</a> is a joint venture project between Frasers Property and Sekisui House Australia. It is being developed on 5.8 hectares of land that was formerly the Carlton &amp; United Breweries (CUB) site on Broadway.
Construction has commenced on the energy plant, which is touted as being about twice as efficient as a coal-fired power plant. 
It follows a $26.5 million Environment Upgrade Agreement (EUA) with the City of Sydney, <a target="_blank" href="companies/frasers-property-australia">Frasers Property</a>, and Eureka Funds Management.
{qtube vid:=4yw9Gt7rD1E}
This is the only the second such agreement to be signed in NSW, and the City of Sydney’s first EUA. 
The trigeneration plant could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 190,000 tonnes over the 25-year life of the plant, according to estimates from environment consultants WSP group. 
This has the same effect on combating greenhouse gas emissions as removing 2,500 cars from the roads every year for 25 years. 
The plant will run on gas and produce low-carbon thermal energy, providing heating and cooling for the 3,000 residences planned for Central Park and 65,000 square metres of retail and commercial space across 14 buildings in the development. 
Electricity produced by the plant also has the potential to be exported to neighbouring buildings offsite. 
Trigeneration is the simultaneous production of three forms of energy: electricity, heating and cooling. 
A trigeneration system can provide power, hot water, space heating and air conditioning from a single system. It captures heat otherwise lost when generators create electricity, and uses it to generate both hot and cold water. 
The hot water in turn generates an absorption chiller, which operates like a refrigerator. The chiller then creates water at a sufficiently low temperature to be used for air-conditioning. 
When completed, the development will consist of around 2,100 apartments across seven residential towers, student housing, and 50,000 square metres of commercial office space across two towers. 
An additional 20,000 square metres of retail facilities have also been planned, as well as the restoration of 33 heritage buildings. 
A 6,400-square-metre public park will also be part of the development. 
Central Park will be completed in stages, from May 2013 to 2018. 
The energy plant will be completed and commissioned by December 2013. It will be housed in a multi-level subterranean bunker, which is part of the existing historic Brewery Yard building. 
Frasers Property and Sekisui House are currently seeking expressions of interest for an owner/operator of the trigeneration plant, with the owner/operator to be in place prior to the commissioning of the plant in late 2013.
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Sydney’s Central Park residents to get energy efficient heating and cooling system

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The controversy surrounding Gold Coast-based funds management firm LM Investment Management has continued, with administrators revealing the business lent its founder, Peter Drake, a loan worth $17 million.
The company has already been accused of <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/financial-services-and-insurance/054792-queensland-fund-management-business-collapses-following-damning-four-corners-report" target="_blank">breaching Corporations Law</a> by ABC's Four Corners. The collapse has meant investors face <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/irregularities-suspected-in-lmim-s-maddison-estate-mortgage-fund-reports/2013040160117?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=latestnews">exposures worth more than $740 million in total</a>.
In its first report on the investment company, administrators from FTI Consulting said the firm had lent a total of $301 million to Drake and his companies, and had raised $740 million from retail investors. The loans were made from the LM Managed Performance Fund.
In total, LMIM loaned six parties millions of dollars, according to the report:
<ul>
<li>
Peter Drake – $17 million
</li>
<li>
LM Administration – $200,000
</li>
<li>
LM Capalaba – $18 million
</li>
<li>
Maddison Estate – $249 million
</li>
<li>
Australian International Investment Services – $15.7 million
</li>
<li>
Aalto Apartments – $1.7 million
</li>
</ul>
The administrators are currently reviewing all the loans, but say the most significant project under review is the Maddison Estate Development, which was lent $249 million. This was the main vehicle of the company's LM Managed Performance Fund.
An FTI Consulting spokesperson told SmartCompany investigations into the loans remain ongoing.
"There are various issues around the regulatory status of MPF [Managed Performance Fund] that have been raised by ASIC," the administrators say in the report.
"In particular, MPF has to date been operating as an unregulated fund outside of the Corporations Act."
The $740 million in LMIM assets is in the form of cash, foreign currency, direct real property, commercial loans secured by first or second mortgages and listed shares.
The company was founded by Drake in 1997 and on March 19 this year administrators John Park and Ginette Muller were appointed.
The first meeting of creditors was held yesterday afternoon in Broadbeach and the administrators announced they are seeking an extension of the standard 30-day period allowed before a second meeting.
Administrators told creditors they have petitioned for a 90-day extension due to complex company structures, as they need more time to complete their initial investigations.
The administrators also intend to apply to the Queensland Supreme Court on April 12 to take control of the LM Managed Performance Fund as its receivers, due to concerns over the legality of its operations.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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