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]

Joel Robinson

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

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

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

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A mild upturn rather than a boom is on the cards for the struggling new housing sector, according to the chief executive of one of Australia’s oldest building materials providers, Adelaide Brighton.
Adelaide Brighton provides cement, lime, concrete and masonry products to the construction industry and dates back to 1882.
Speaking at a Citi Investment conference in Sydney, Adelaide Brighton chief executive and managing director Mark Chellew said anecdotal evidence from across the building industry suggests a boom is not coming.
Chellew pointed to changing living preferences as impacting on demand for new housing with less demand for detached houses and a greater willingness for families to live in smaller apartments.
“I think younger people are deciding to have children much later; they are deciding to stay in apartments and they are staying at home longer,” he said in a speech reported by the Australian Financial Review.
According to Chellew, Australia has fundamentally changed “from having large nuclear families to smaller units in smaller-sized apartments”.
His comments match up with research firm BIS Shrapnel, which is forecasting residential building to “tentatively return to modest growth” over the next two years.
BIS Shrapnel is forecasting 133,400 dwelling completion for the year to June 2013 – well below a requirement of 169,600 dwellings.
It forecasts this to rise to 144,700 dwellings by June 2014 – well below a requirement of 174,500.
BIS Shrapnel says a dwelling stock deficiency of around 57,500 dwellings exists as of June 2012.
“As migration and population growth picks up over the forecast period, dwelling commencements re not initially forecast to keep pace with aspirations,” says BIS Shrapnel in a September forecast report.
NSW is forecast to have a dwelling stock deficiency of 52,800 dwellings by June 2014, followed by Western Australia, with a 46,000 shortfall, and Queensland, with a 45,400 deficit.
In contrast, Victoria will be oversupplied by around 15,000 dwellings by June 2014.
Deutsche Bank is forecasting Australian housing starts to increase by 1% in the 2013 financial year to 138,000 and 6% the 2014 financial year to 155,000 provided interest rates continue to be cut.
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Changing living habits suggest less demand for detached housing: Adelaide Brighton

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It's been likened to a giant, airborne Meccano construction.
High above Central Park, on Sydney’s Broadway, massive steel supports have been lifted 100 metres into the air to start work on a quite monumental cantilever that will protrude from the side of the One Central Park apartment block.
The cantilever will extend 42 metres from the facade of the residential tower and will carry a private sky garden with plunge pool along with an outdoor dining space for residents.
{qtube vid:=On8I5WEJd7c&amp;list=HL1350516970&amp;feature=mh_lolz}
The cantilever will also support a heliostat frame carrying 320 large mirrored panels, which will redirect sunlight across the former brewery precinct.
The mirrored panels each have nine LED coloured lights set into them, which are programmed to deliver a major public artwork designed by Danish lighting artist Yann Kersale.
Construction is part of the $2 billion Central Park precinct by joint venture developers Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia to a design overseen by Jean Nouvel.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/cantilever.jpg">
Watpac Construction lifted the first steel truss into position on level 28 of One Central Park’s East tower earlier this month.
Frasers Property Australia Project Director Mick Caddey says it will take three months to build the structural supports and shell of the cantilevered structure.
“This involves lifting all of the structural steelwork into place. There are four 90-tonne steel trusses that lay the length of the floor plates, each measuring 46 metres and extending 18 metres from the face of the building – the trusses are two storeys (or six metres) high,” Caddey says.
“The construction team will then continue pouring concrete to construct the upper floors from levels 30-34 and finally prepare for the highly complex engineering feat of lifting the 110-tonne heliostat reflector frame into position, affixed to the base of the cantilever.”
It will be the largest-spanned cantilevered structure to be built off a high-rise residential development in Australia, requiring the world’s largest capacity tower crane, a FAVCO M2480D supplied by Marrs Contracting and nicknamed ‘Tinkerbell’, brought specifically to the <a href="/news">Chippendale </a>site for the task.
Tinkerbell usually works on mining sites in Western Australia and the Middle East.
Watpac Construction NSW State Manager Ric Wang says the steel structure weighs in excess of 600 tonnes, including the 110-tonne structural steel frame to support the mirrors on the heliostat.
The steel trusses were fabricated in Adelaide, transported to Sydney and have been assembled on site over the last two month at ground level “rather like a large-scale, intricate Meccano set”, according to Mick Caddey.
The cantilever defines the location of Central Park’s most exclusive property offering – the Sky at One Central Park.
Comprising five levels above the cantilever, Sky will have just 38 penthouse and sub-penthouse apartments.
They will range in size from 120 to 200 square metres.
Prices have yet to be finalised, but are estimated at between $1.4 million and $2.6 million when released in coming weeks.
Completion is expected in late 2013.
The <a href="https://www.centralparksydney.com" target="_blank">display pavilion</a> is at 80 Broadway Chippendale.
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Work begins on Australia's largest cantilever on One Central Park tower

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An expatriate investor from Japan visiting friends on the Sunshine Coast has bought a 63-square-metre office suite in a commercial complex at Noosa Heads for $230,000 plus GST on an attractive gross yield of around 9%.
The sale of suite 7 at Noosa Central complex on Bottlebrush Avenue, <a href="/news">Noosa Heads</a>, which is leased for two years to Body Corporate Services, was negotiated by David Brinkley, along with Paul Forrest and Paul Butler of Ray White Commercial Noosa.
The current annual rental on the office is $20,812.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/bottlebrush.jpg">
Brinkley says the commercial property market has  picked up "a little bit" in last 12 months, with "lots of investors sniffing around that at the moment".
Ray White Commercial Noosa also negotiated the sale of suite 13 in the same complex, measuring 67 square metres and under lease for another 12 months.
It was sold for $220,000 to local professional Greg Martoo, who had been seeking a small office in the Noosa area.
The Noosa Central complex is located directly behind the Noosa Junction CBD shopping precinct. Office space in the complex is currently being advertised from $250 per square metre exclusive of GST and outgoings. “Both of these suites attracted strong enquiry levels from investors as they were tenanted and offering a yield of around 9%,” says Brinkley. “We are seeing an increase in enquiry levels from investors who will look seriously at commercial and retail property as long as it has an 8% or higher return and a reasonably long lease in place.”
Both office suites were offered for sale by locally based investors.
In August,<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/opportunities-for-smaller-investors-with-noosa-shops-and-suites-from-%24800000-to-%242-million/2012081356002" target="_blank"> Property Observer reported on signs of a turnaround in the Noosa commercial property market </a>following a number of years of struggle. Paul Butler said at the time he was seeing an increase in confidence from buyers for properties with good lease covenants. “Super funds are becoming particularly active as buyers look for stable returns outside of the stock market,” he said. 
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Noosa office suite sells for $230,000 to holidaying expat investor on 9% yield

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The combined capital city auction clearance rate increased from 52.8% to 56.2% last week. Over the week, there were 1,555 auctions held across the capital cities, which is comparable to volumes recorded over the previous week. At the same time last year, auction volumes were up with just under 1,700 auctions held across the capitals, however, the clearance rate was recorded at a much lower 44.9 per cent.
In Melbourne, Australia’s largest auction market, the clearance rate increased to 60.8% last week, from 55.5% the week prior. There were 726 auctions scheduled over the week. Next week, there are 1,207 auctions scheduled across Melbourne. In Sydney, auction clearance rates increased from 57.6%the week prior to 60.3% last week.
Across the capital cities, there are 2,353 auctions scheduled for the coming week, which will be one of the busiest auction weekends seen this year.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/10/rpoct23.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/rpoct23thumb.gif"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>
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Melbourne and Sydney gear up for one of the busiest auction weekends of the year: RP Data

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Super Saturday will demonstrate whether the higher clearance rate this year is a real improvement on last year or simply a result of fewer properties going to auction, says the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/51856012" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Victorian auction clearance rates holding steady, but super Saturday will be true test: REIV

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It attracts more anticipation than a grand final and a bigger array of stars than the Cup Carnival. And the results are more telling than the Bathurst 500: that’s what super Saturday, October 27th represents to the largest array of buyers and sellers on offer this year.
This coming weekend was always going to be a big weekend for auctions. It’s the only Saturday you could start your four-week auction campaign after the grand final and complete it before the Melbourne Cup.
Who said Melbourne doesn’t revolve around sport?
In the sport of Auctions there are six “majors” each year, and this is the second last major for season 2012. As in golf or tennis, the majors are a culmination of many minor tournaments that occur each weekend beginning mid-February and ending in mid-December.
They are the ones we all remember – the ones that leave us with an indelible indicator as to the state of play of the market, and the likely worth of our property nest egg right now.
The first major happens the fourth weekend after the Australia Day weekend.  This is the key weekend in the short opening season between Australia Day and the Labour Day weekend. The second is the last weekend before Easter, and the third is the fourth Saturday after Easter, usually in mid to late May. Those three majors are the highlights of the opening, pre-Easter and post-Easter mini selling seasons.
There is then a long winter break where not much happens at the higher end, until we hit September and the fourth major happens on the weekend before the grand final. The fifth is coming up this weekend. And the final major is the fourth Saturday after Melbourne Cup, usually the last weekend in November. These are the main pointers to the early and late spring and the pre-Christmas selling seasons.
Why is it such a big deal to keep an eye on what is happening on these super Saturdays?
When you have a good cross-section of stock, with some really good homes all going under the hammer at the same time, it gives an accurate indication of buyer depth and therefore future price and market direction. If Bidderman, the average number of bidders per auction, is up towards two per auction on a super Saturday we can confidently say the market has some health. If clearance rates are down in the lower 50% levels and Bidderman is around one bidder per auction, prices are not looking solid going forward.
For us, this weekend will be a true test of how the market currently seems to be travelling – which to date has actually been OK.
Mal James is principal of<a title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" target="_blank"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website. 
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This weekend's super Saturday will be a true test of the Melbourne property market

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The recently polled readers of Property Observer are generally quite optimistic about the spring property outlook.
Almost half (48%) expect house prices to rise over the next year. Some 31% expect no change and 21% expect prices to fall.
While seeking capital growth over rental yield (60% to 40%), they are even more expectant of rising rents, with 61% expecting house rents to rise over the next year.
On the financing front most expect interest rates to continue to fall over the next six months. Some 35% of respondents expect interest rates to fall by 25 basis points in the next six months, followed by 28% who expect them to fall by 50 basis points.
Auctions aren't in favour, with 71% saying the best way to sell presently is by private treaty.
Some 84% suggest its a spring buyers' market.
Property Observer, in association with <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/" target="_blank">realestateVIEW.com.au</a>, asked readers to give their best property investment tips. Here's 15 that took our fancy.  
 
The winning tip:
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/eggs.gif">
- Elise in Perth
 
Runners-up (in no particular order) on following pages
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The runners-up (in no particular order):
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/renter.gif">
- Fiona in Sydney
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/researched.gif">
- Sarah in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/hungry.gif">
- Rhys in Sydney
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/fringes.gif">
- Susan in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/fringes2.gif">
- Nathan in Sydney
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/pops.gif">
- Minh in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/athome.gif">
- Cedric in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/intui.gif">
- Paolo in Brisbane
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/millionaire2.gif">
- Pece in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/booming.gif">
- Kath in Adelaide
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/weekly.gif">
- Glenn in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/diligence.gif">
- Andrew in Sydney
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/subd.gif">
- Adam in Melbourne
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/infra.gif">
- Sandro in Adelaide
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The 15 best investment tips from our Spring Property Outlook Survey

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There was a competitive auction this week for a Melbourne property featured in this week's auction tipping competition Property Tycoon, but the Sydney property was passed in.
There’s a website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney. This season <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">.</a>The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
When Cedric Newbond from Hocking Stuart lifted the quote for <street>15 Bond Street</street>, <a href="/news">Mt Waverley</a> (pictured below), to $1 million to $1.1 million he was confident it was going to be a competitive auction. When the successful purchaser launched in with a massive $100,000 jump in the bidding his suspicions were confirmed.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/bondst.jpg">
The $1.1 million bid was the catalyst to put the property on the market, and then the auction went to another level. When the dust settled six people had placed bids and the property was sold for $1.26 million.
Unfortunately all the glitz of <street>10 Darling Street</street>, <a href="/news">Balmain East</a>, failed to translate into bidding on Saturday. The five-bedroom home had been renovated to within an inch of its life but it appears this is not what the market is looking for as it was passed in on a $2.7 million vendor bid.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/darlingst.jpg">
The top end of the property market is patchy to say the least, with most buyers looking for value in their purchase. Recent results continue to demonstrate buyers see value in properties that are comfortable now with the option to renovate down the track.
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Top end patchy as Melbourne auction tipping competition property sells but Sydney home passed in

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 342  auctions in Sydney for the weekend of October 20. The clearance rate was 64%. <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 342 Sydney auction results show 64% clearance rate

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A significant test for the Melbourne auction property market will occur this weekend. It's a super Saturday for auctions.
Around 1,200 house and unit auctions are expected across Melbourne, the highest weekend number since December 2010.
The auction volumes across Melbourne have  been slightly down on the same October weekends last year, suggesting agents might be able to cope with the influx.
Its the first super Saturday since autumn, when Melbourne’s estate agents secured a commendable 60% Saturday success rate from the 1,040 auctions.
Sydney doesn't have a super Saturday, with Australian Property Monitors having just the 530 listings on October 27.
Sydney's last super Saturday was the weekend before Easter this year, when a weaker 53.8% clearance rate was recorded from the 730 auction listings.
Last year there was just the one super Saturday held in late November with close to 1,000 auctions in Melbourne and 650 in Sydney.


Sydney's record 779-auction weekend was in November 2010, the biggest auction day in the state's history.

It’s well short of Melbourne's biggest auction day, with a record 1,400 properties, which was in March 2008.
 
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