Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

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.

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.

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.

Find out how to get iCIRT rated <a href="https://www.icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.pdf">here</a>.

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 391  auctions in Sydney for the weekend of September 22. The clearance rate was 67.2%. <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>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

APM's 391 Sydney auction results show 67.2% clearance rate

<html><body>
Take a snapshot (pun intended) of your business today – now think five years ahead and consider the very real possibility that more than half of small businesses will cease to exist as we know them today.
Five years ago in Virtual Realty News I predicted that David Jones and Myer would struggle to exist in 10 years’ time. The online tsunami has now ventured into fever pitch and it’s only going to get worse for the non-believers. Keep joining the dots and you will eventually join the chorus.
Online shopping is cheaper for consumers but much more expensive for the businesses marketing products because they now have to roll out state-of-the-art online platforms. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/economy-is-better-off-with-digital-disruption-20120916-260b2" title="Economy is better off with digital disruption">Economy is better off with digital disruption</a>– “Instead, they show how established businesses facing huge technological change can get in all sorts of traps – thanks to something known as the 'innovators' dilemma'. The idea was developed in the 1990s by an American business guru, Clayton Christensen. In a nutshell, it explains why large companies often struggle to deal with revolutionary changes in technology.”
The simple reason is that in their ignorance, they just don’t understand.
“It goes a long way to understanding why so many companies at the sharp end of the digital revolution – media and retail in particular – are going through such upheavals. It’s also a lot more helpful than much of the public discussion of companies’ handling of technological change, which often falls into one of two categories. On the one hand, companies that innovate successfully are often surrounded by a type of mythology, with much of the credit going to an ambitious or brilliant chief executive.
"The popular tale of Apple’s late boss, Steve Jobs, seems to fit this mould. At the other end of the spectrum, there are the stories of the stubborn failure to change. When Kodak filed for bankruptcy this year, for instance, the narrative was that it refused to embrace digital cameras until it was too late.”
The real estate industry is now facing that “Kodak moment” – where I believe at least a third of agencies in Australia will be forced to close. How? <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Key-Fairfax-publications-digital-only-by-2019-repo-pd20120912-Y2SUW?opendocument&amp;src=rss" title="Key Fairfax publications ‘digital only’ by 2019: analysts ">Key Fairfax publications ‘digital only’ by 2019: analysts</a> Commonwealth Bank of Australia analysts said in a report that, while some will cut sooner, titles including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times will be “digital only” by 2019.
I believe this will happen much sooner given the huge debt that Fairfax Media is carrying. Which explains why the rumour mill is now running amok – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/fairfax-the-age-is-not-for-sale/story-e6frg996-1226477407061" title="Fairfax: The Age is not for sale.">Fairfax: The Age is not for sale.</a>
Real estate agencies have been judged by their print presence so what happens when this presence no longer exists? It’s very simple: they will be judged by their online presence, although those eyeballs were driven to their websites thanks to print media combined with online email alerts.
Real estate businesses have been totally dependent on print advertising (vendor paid) to promote their businesses – now the onus will be on the respective agencies to entice new business through their online models.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
It has been a long time coming given Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman/Neutral Bay (RWM) was the first single agency to send out an email alert back in September 2000 and the only Australian agency to post over $1 billion in database sales.
We, like many other real estate agencies, are working on that new online model, which will cost six figures and upwards. The survival stakes for avoiding that “Kodak moment” within the real estate industry is set to sky rocket!
All I can say is, watch this space. I have been waiting impatiently for over a decade for this moment to arrive, when real estate agencies will have to completely re-think their marketing strategies. A case of do or die.
IT and video production will be the star performers over the next five years, as will the .tv websites, all of which RWM will be rolling out over the next six months (otherwise known as life after print advertising).
The next phase of real estate advertising will see the agents paying for it – not the vendors. The leading real estate agencies will offset these costs from third-party local advertising.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a title="RWM" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. He has also been writing real estate blog <a title="Virtual Realty News" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
</body></html>

robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

The real estate industry is facing its 'Kodak moment' and must embrace digital media or die

<html><body>
In a survey of REIV members, it was found that the most important referral source was word of mouth.
Results matter to vendors, and that they clearly place a lot of trust in the experiences of their friends, neighbours and colleagues when selecting a real estate agent to sell their home.
Word of mouth has had a strong track record as the most critical referral source, which reflects the importance of a real estate agent’s reputation. Vendors not only want to see that the real estate agent is successful; they also trust the views of the agent’s clients.
Online is also clearly having an impact, but that does not extend to social media. After word of mouth, real estate websites, such as realestateview.com.au, and an agency’s website are considered the most valuable referral sources.
Social media, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter had practically no value, endorsed by only 1% to 3% of respondents.
This reflects the fact that buyers and sellers are used to engaging with real estate online. They seek advertisements on real estate websites, such as realestateview.com.au, but are far less likely to come across a real estate agent’s Twitter account.
With regard to engaging with clients, social media has a long way to go until it is a familiar tool.
Local newspapers remain strong; far stronger than the daily print media, in fact. With 13% of respondents citing local newspapers as the most valuable referral source, local media is seen to be more than twice as valuable as the daily newspapers, which only scored 5%.
These results highlight the importance of reputation for real estate agents.
The most valuable referral sources in real estate
Word of mouth 24% Real estate websites/portals 22% Your website 20% Local newspapers 13% TV advertising 5% Daily newspapers 5% Facebook 3% Online advertising on non-real estate websites 3% LinkedIn 2% Twitter 1% Billboards 1% Free media 1% None of the above 1%
These results are sourced from the 2012 Member Poll conducted for the REIV by Essential Research and completed by over 600 members.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>. 
</body></html>

enzoraimond-7fvRFHPR52

Social media has practically no value for real estate agents

<html><body>
9/14-20 Madeira Street, Sylvania, NSW 2224
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/madeira.jpg">
Currently tenanted until March 2013 at $620 per week, this three-bedroom near-new townhouse has a spa bathroom, front and rear courtyards and a laundry. It is within easy walking distance of shops, cafes and transport.
Ray White listing agents Dave Watkins, Kim Nolan and John Basa <a target="_blank" href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/sylvania/839585/">are marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $550,000 plus, and if it sells for that price, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.9% at its current rent, well above the gross rental yield for Sylvnia houses of 3.6%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $20,000 and over five years to be $60,000.
The median house price in Sylvania rose 4% in the past year and 27.4% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, September 22 at noon and will go to auction on Saturday, October 6 at 1pm.
For more information about prices and yields in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sylvania, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
For another investment prospect going to auction this weekend, see page 2.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
19/44 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, VIC, 3182
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/kingsclere.jpg" width="470">
On the second floor of a Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, block, this one-bedroom apartment is currently vacant but could be expected to secure a rental of $360 to $370 per week, according to listing agent Carl Hexter of Biggin Scott. The apartment includes a separate study and an ornamental fireplace and is within metres of Fitzroy Street trams, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Hexter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.bigginscott.com.au/property/details/6802">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $380,000 plus, and if it sells for $380,000 and were rented at $370, it would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.1%, above at the median gross rental yield for St Kilda units of 4.3%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $8,000.
The median unit price in St Kilda fell 0.6% in the past year but rose 37.9% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection Saturday, September 22 at 12.45pm and will go to auction Saturday, October 6 at 1pm.
For more information about prices and yields in <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Friday form guide: Yields of up to 5.9% in Sylvania

<html><body>
Melbourne’s housing market is beginning to show signs of recovery, with prices increasing by 2.5% in the 3 months to August, according to a report released by RP Data.
While Victorian property prices are still relatively flat compared with the same time lastyear, there is room for continued growth and encourages buyers to take advantageof the favourable buying conditions this spring.
It's a buyers' market.
We are expecting to see the volume of homes on the market lift to around $70 million in value per week over October and November.
Buyers are already showing more interest as they see an increase in properties available to them.
This increase in listings is a good indication of buyer confidence and will result in less competition and more choice for buyers, creating 2nd and 3rd options in their property hunt.
This coupled with the softer house prices we are currently experiencing creates great buying conditions.
It’s the time in the market, not timing the market that counts. Buying now in the right areas will see you prosper in the future from your decision to act.
Inner and mid belt family homes to perform well. Investors and homebuyers should be looking for homes located within the inner tomid belt of the city.
Astute investors should be looking in established areas like Kew East, Collingwood,Carlton, Fitzroy, Coburg North, Hawthorn East, Glen Iris, Oakleigh and Macleod.
This type of housing stock is well insulated from the current oversupply of newapartment developments in inner as well as the further expected correction in the$2m+ housing stock.
These inner and mid belt areas can prove to be an excellent return on investmentfor both investors and owner-occupiers. Those purchasing to build their investment portfolio should expect to see consistent rental returns and low vacancy periods,whereas owner-occupiers can have confidence that their home will experience strong capital growth.
Here are our seven top picks:
Albert Park features some of Melbourne’s most prestigious, heritage listed property. St Vincent Gardens is surrounded by multi-million dollar houses and whilst the top end of the market has softened recently apartments in the area have experienced double digit growth at  13.5% (source: APM). Albert Park attracts aspiring young professionals aged 25-39 (source: ABS) who can’t afford to purchase houses here but want to live in the area. Therefore demand is quite strong and consistent and vacancy rates are low at 2.4% (SQM) Kew East is an excellent area for a family or conservative investor to buy an attached or detached house in. Kew East is slightly more affordable than Kew, is 9km from the CBD, within a few kilometres to excellent schools, universities, shops and a multitude of transport options. Due to the suburb’s inhabitants being mainly 35-49 year’s old the suburb is rather resilient to mortgage stress and market corrections. The year of 2011 saw Kew East grow by 8% (source: Residex) where most of Melbourne saw negative growth. Current clearance rates are also trending above average at 63%; showing that the market here is healthy. Carlton is an excellent area for investors. Units here are still good value for money, which has seen this sector experience 15.9% Capital Growth over the last 12 months (source: APM). The population mainly consists of 20-29 year olds (source: ABS), who are attracted by the university district, proximity to the CBD (2km) and lifestyle attractions such as Lygon Street’s cafés and restaurants. Due to these fundamentals, vacancy rates are below Greater Melbourne’s average currently sitting at 1.1% (source: SQM Research). Carlton in recent months has also seen an increase in online interest (source: realestate.com.au) and when coupled with a 77% clearance rate this could suggest that the area’s growth spurt is not over. Collingwood is only 3km from the CBD and units here sell for around $500,000. The suburb has plenty of life with most people being 25-39 and as such has an excellent rental market. Vacancy rates here are 0.3% and units attract reasonable yields. The area has seen good capital performance for units over the last year at 4.1% (APM). Online activity for the suburb has sharply increased over the last three months and this is starting to be reflected in the clearance rates which are now above Melbourne’s trend line. Fitzroy has seen a retracement over the last 12 months which has created some good buying opportunities in the low to mid $500K range. This suburb is ideal for savvy investors who are able to understand what properties have enough character to attract the trendy 30-39 year old tenant market. Right now we’re seeing the right properties in good streets fetch excellent results and now that the suburb has become more affordable the clearance rate has shot up to 77% which is one of Melbourne’s highest results. Coburg North is an area a statistical/technical investor would look to. Fundamentally there isn’t any main driver promoting growth but with this said the suburb has shown remarkable resilience to the down turn with units growing 3.5% over the last 12 months and the long term trend being 15.2% over 10 years. There are some great buying opportunities for villa units and town houses in this area as they’re still somewhat undervalued. Oakleigh apartments have shown amazing growth over the last 12 months. This segment has seen 16.5% growth for properties that are within the $400K-500K band. Clearance rates are high at 76.6% making Oakleigh a mini hot spot. Surrounding suburbs are also performing well but it is critical in these locations that you purchase apartments that tick all of the boxes as substandard properties are less likely to deliver quality returns.
Infolio Property Advisors will be running a free seminar featuring an expert panel that all Property Observer readers are invited to attend. “Buy Property Like A Professional” will be held on October 2, at The Point Albert Park, Melbourne. Head to <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au">www.infolio.com.au</a> for more information. 
Cameron Deal is the founder Infolio Property Advisors.
 
</body></html>

cdeal-QdyJUR3QXp

Seven Melbourne hotspot suburbs for spring property investors

<html><body>
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/09/rpsept20.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/rpsept20thumb.gif"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>
 
 
 
</body></html>

RP Data's forthcoming auctions schedule for the week ending September 23

<html><body>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/910k.gif">
The price paid for the premises of the Hungry Jacks take-away in Wangaratta. The 1,815-square-metre corner island site at 20 Ryley Street, Wangaratta, is leased to Hungry Jacks to December 20207 at a current annual rent of $53,445 with annual rental increases of 3.5%. Wangaratta is 230 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, with a population catchment of about 17,000 people. The sale price reflects a yield of around 5.9%. The property was marketed by Jamie Perlinger of Burgess Rawson Melbourne.  
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/1point85m.gif">
The price paid for a modern car wash at Mitcham in east-suburban Melbourne. The facility, at 458-460 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, was marketed and sold by Brett Diston of Ray White Commercial Manningham. Diston says an owner investor had sold the freehold land with business to a local party looking for an owner-occupier business. The property is a modern, fully equipped facility on a site of around 959 square metres. Diston says he fielded in excess of 40 enquiries on the property. The property is located about half an hour from the Melbourne CBD along the Eastern Freeway.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/4point65m.gif">
The price paid at auction for a warehouse/office complex at Nundah on Brisbane’s northside, which is leased to a long-term national tenant. The sale prices equates to a yield of 8.6%. More than 50 people attended the in-room auction at the Riverside Centre in Brisbane, with the 6,745-square-metre site at Lot 4/629 Nudgee Road, Nundah, offered for sale by Ray White Industrial Milton principal Paul Anderson. There were eight registered bidders for the complex, which was recently leased by global hearing solutions company Bernafon Australia Pty Ltd, with bidding starting at $3 million. “We had a total of 50 bids before the property was sold under the hammer to a Brisbane family syndicate,” says Anderson. The warehouse complex is a modern tilt panel building of 2,200 square metres and includes two levels of air-conditioned office space over 700 square metres. It is leased by Bernafon on an eight-year lease with renewal options at a net rental industry sources estimate to be around $400,000 per annum.
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/20point85m.gif">
 How much ASX-listed REIT Charter Hall’s Direct Industrial Fund 1 has paid to acquire the sixth asset, the Coates Hire Distribution Centre at 29-47 Mudgee Street, Kingston, in Queensland. The acquisition reflects an initial yield of 7.9%. The price includes current construction works to expand the facility. The Coates Hire Distribution Centre is located in the established industrial locality of Kingston, 24 kilometres south-east of Brisbane’s CBD, with direct access to Brisbane’s major arterial linkages, including the Logan Motorway. The facility, located on a 96,840-square-metre site, is fully leased to Coates Hire Operations. The facility is secured by a new 20-year lease, which will commence on completion of the construction works in early 2013. 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/1point35m.gif">
How much residential property developers have paid for a former car yard site in the Nowra CBD. The property at 130 Kinghorne Street, Nowra, previously home to Nowra Mazda, was sold to Regional Nominees Pty Ltd by Ray White Commercial Shoalhaven principal Scott Baxter. Baxter says the purchasers had lodged a development application with Shoalhaven City Council to build an apartment complex of 41 serviced apartments on the site. The city of Nowra is around 170 kilometres south of Sydney and is the commercial and administrative centre of the Shoalhaven region on the south coast of New South Wales.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/2point26m.gif">
The price paid by a private for an office and warehouse facility at Braeside in Melbourne’s south-eastern bayside industrial precinct. The 31-33 Lakewood Boulevard property was sold on a yield of 8.6% with a long-term lease to 2017 in place to Australian olive oil producer and distributor Redisland Australia Ltd at a net rental of around $224,850 per annum. Savills director Lynton Williams, who negotiated the deal, says the property, which comprised a modern, 2,930-square-metre building, constructed in 2007, had attracted a lot of attention from investors. The vendor was a Melbourne-based developer.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Commercial hammer prices: Wangaratta Hungry Jacks sells on 5.9% yield

<html><body>
I am sure you have heard of the baby boomer generation along with Gen X and Gen Y, now it’s time to get to know Generation C (Connected) and Generation S (Screen).
Why? Over coming years both of these groups will start to change how we market and communicate with these future buyers, and the trends are already showing up.
Generation C: Connected, communicating, content-centric, computerised, community-oriented, always clicking, they are primarily urban and suburban. By 2020, they will make up 40% of the population in the U.S., Europe, and the BRIC countries, and 10% of the rest of the world — and by then, they will constitute the largest single cohort of consumers worldwide.
Generation S is already here. They came on the scene during one of the most significant technological revolutions in the digital age the arrival of the portable screen. Goldman Sachs estimates almost 2 billion smartphones will be sold this year around the globe.
Now there is compelling evidence that successful brands will go where the action is – touch-screens, and this will include project marketing.
The Property connection
Local research indicates that almost 30% of real estate websites are now being accessed via mobile devices, including tablets, and that number is expected to increase to beyond 50% in the next two years. Beyond that, who knows?
We are now looking at a world where screens are used for everything from entertainment, communication, education, shopping and transacting. It makes the world much smaller and more accessible and at virtually any time, on demand.
How will marketers, brands, retailers and publishers stay relevant to this audience that expects to transact nearly everything on a touch-screen? First, they need to be where the consumer is and ensure a relevant brand experience irrespective of how the content and information were discovered.
That means creating and redesigning websites to render appropriately and dynamically for different screens and operating systems. How will brands facilitate seamless transaction and communication with these new consumers, who will only have the expectation of such an experience?
Brands are behind – but that creates an opportunity:
Today, 45% of Fortune 500 companies do not have mobile-optimised websites, according to a recent study from the Interactive Advertising Bureau. But now is not the time to sit back.
It’s still early innings for this screen-driven world, and there are many other avenues to still develop and explore. Now is the time to get involved with partners and help shape the Gen S and Gen C media platforms and experiences. For some years I have been involved with Tabletop Technology – the Hii interactive platform has been used on several Colliers International projects and very well received. Further to this our sales executives also use iPads to manage and service their potential purchasers.
Such new technology always requires investment and patience, but action now will best position us all to be prepared for what comes next and likely will arrive even faster than before, and this is where technology like Hii have already started us down that road.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colliers International.</a>
</body></html>

pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Residential property developers must get to know Generation Connected

<html><body>
One reason the simplistic “mining boom is over” rhetoric is causing so much concern is that many people don’t understand what’s driving the resources sector. 
Essentially all that’s happened is that prices for iron ore and coal have fallen off their peak. In the overall context of the resources revolution, which will extend beyond my lifetime, this is a short-term phenomenon and will cause only a minor hiccup, just as the GFC was a small speed bump in the rise of the resources sector. 
Nevertheless, it has caused some miners to re-evaluate the timing of some projects. Each announcement of a downsizing or project deferral – and there have been relatively few – is seen as confirmation that the party is over. 
But the upsurge in investment in the Australian resources sector is not being driven by iron ore or coal, important though they are. The resources revolution is really about gas. 
The largest resources projects around Australia are all liquefied natural gas (LNG) enterprises. They dwarf anything happening in Western Australia’s iron ore industry or Queensland’s coal sector. 
Nine gas mega projects entail capital expenditure totaling $220 billion, and the general theme coming out of those ventures is expansion, not contraction. 
The $23 billion Australian Pacific LNG project – one of four giants focused on Gladstone – has its first train under construction and has just approved plans for a second train, having secured a 20-year supply contract with Japanese company Kansai Electric Power. 
The $34 billion Ichthys project, which will extract gas off WA but process it in Darwin, is moving forward, handing out some pretty big contracts in the Northern Territory capital. The $29 billion Wheatstone enterprise is doing likewise in WA. 
Three of the four LNG projects targeted on the Surat Basin (extraction) and Gladstone (processing and export) are well under construction and the fourth is advancing steadily towards a construction start in 2013-14. 
The four Gladstone ventures together involve around $70 billion in capital expenditure. 
The three mega gas projects in WA – Gorgon, Wheatstone and Browse – total around $106 billion. 
There is nothing remotely on this scale happening in coal or iron ore, the resources sector currently taking a hit from lower prices. 
This is why Australia is forecast to become the world’s biggest LNG producer within the next seven or eight years, overtaking Qatar, Indonesia and Malaysia. Australia has known reserves likely to last the next 100 years, and new discoveries are happening regularly. 
Australia now has seven of the world’s 10 largest LNG projects. Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said recently: “By 2017, based on proposed and committed new projects, Australia’s LNG production capacity is projected to quadruple.”
Apparently he momentarily forgot that minor point when he made his now-infamous statement on radio that the resources boom is over. 
The only non-gas Australian project in the league of the LNG ventures is the proposed expansion of Olympic Dam, which – contrary to the general media line – is not scrapped but is being re-worked to find less expensive ways to exploit the vast resource at Roxby Downs in South Australia. 
In real estate terms, the locations most likely to thrive from this ongoing upsurge in capital expenditure on LNG are Darwin, Gladstone, Karratha, Toowoomba and the towns of the Surat Basin, such as Dalby and Chinchilla.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">followed on Twitter</a>.
</body></html>

terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Property investors will thrive in areas benefiting from LNG boom: Terry Ryder

<html><body>
I’m not sure about you, but it seems to me here we are in 2012 and every government in Australia is crying poor. Without drilling too deep, the common denominator is usually bad management and policies. So why are they stone motherless broke?
In fairness, it is not unique to Australia, it is a worldwide epidemic. Why is it that we have in our businesses and homes state-of-the-art technologies with the world’s highest electricity prices? This reminds me of the saying “politicians and nappies have one thing in common – both need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason”. Best practice is replaced with best guess where budgets are premised on a wing and a prayer.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/State-budgets-may-face-deficits-on-falling-commodi-pd20120903-XRRUL?OpenDocument" title="State budgets face deficits on commodity prices">State budgets face deficits on commodity prices</a> the WA and Queensland budgets could be thrown into deficit to the tune of nearly $2 billion dollars as falling commodity prices hit their resources dependent economies. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/mining-royalties-queensland-coal-jac-nasser-gottli-pd20120913-Y3T6T?opendocument&amp;src=rss" title="The lies that blind and mining suffers ">The lies that blind and mining suffers </a>– “When is the duty of a state premier, or any leading minister, to tell the public the whole truth?” All we see with mining companies is the government's now taxing the bejesus out of them, so little wonder that pipeline of investment starts to be scaled down. Australia's politicians now find themselves in the position where <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/promises-promises-now-its-time-to-do-the-sums-20120907-25jc6" title=" promises, promises, now it’s time to do the sums.">after the promises, now it’s time to do the sums.</a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Businesses-furious-over-govt-cuts-to-tax-breaks-pd20120907-XWR2Y?opendocument&amp;src=rss" title="Businesses furious over govt cuts to tax breaks">Businesses are furious over government cuts to tax breaks</a>. Corporate Australia has reportedly been told (despite its protests), Labor is planning to go ahead with cuts to tax breaks and incentives worth a total of $6 billion to help achieve budget tax savings. The federal budget has, collapsed which would explain why <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/poll-position-gillard-arms-labor-for-early-election-with-new-committee-20120904-25cor" title="Poll position: Gillard arms Labor for early election with new committee">Gillard is arming Labor for early election with new committee</a>, and the word on the street is a March election. The Gillard government won’t go to the polls after the May budget in 2013 due to a massive blow-out! <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/iron-ore-boom-federal-budget-Swan-China-GFC-pd20120910-XYRQH?opendocument&amp;src=rss" title="The bust that Swan didn’t see,">This is the bust that Swan didn’t see,</a> and remember where you heard it first!
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept12altona]}
In real estate talk Altona (pictured above) is spoken as Australia’s premier property given its amazing pedigree.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/altona-the-point-piper-harboufront-officially-listed-at-%24us569-million/2012091156517" title="Altona, the Point Piper harbour front, officially listed at $US56.9 million">Altona, the Point Piper harbourfront, has been  officially listed at $US56.9 million</a>, which is an amazing revelation or one huge faux pas on behalf by one listing agent, considering that up until now, the asking price has been somewhat of an industry secret.
Shock horror – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/residential-property-capital-growth-has-stalled-in-five-years-since-gfc-rp-data-s-cameron-kusher/2012091056482" title="residential property capital growth has stalled in five years since GFC: RP Data’s Cameron Kusher.">residential property capital growth has stalled in five years since GFC, says RP Data’s Cameron Kusher.</a> Apart from the economic factors, the slowdown in capital gains can also be attributed to the fact that consumers have increased their level of savings and have subsequently reduced their levels of spending (particularly for housing).
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/capscombined.gif">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/unit-starts-boost-residential-construction-in-june-quarter-but-house-starts-fall-to-11-year-low-abs/2012091256526" title="Unit starts boost residential construction in June quarter but house starts fall to 11 – year low">Unit starts boosted residential construction in June quarter, but house starts fell to 11-year low</a>. There has been absolutely no government enquiry (to date) as to why. The pressure test for the top-end Sydney markets were dumbfounded this week when <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/pacific-bondi-beach-buyers-riding-the-property-wave-through-to-the-2015-tide/2012090956465" title="Pacific Bondi Beach buyers riding the property wave through to the 2015 tide ">Pacific Bondi Beach buyers riding the property wave through to the 2015 tide, </a>where the first release (last weekend) resulted in 74 of the 76 apartments selling for the asking prices. The sales ranged from one-bedroom apartments for $1.9 million (70 square metres) to penthouses for $10.3 million. These are boom market results, although I agree with BIS Shrapnel's Frank Gelber that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/new-housing-construction-recovery-a-year-off-and-will-be-uneven-bis-shrapnel-s-frank-gelber/2012091356557" title="new housing construction recovery a year off and will be uneven: BIS Shrapnel’s Frank Gelber">new housing construction recovery a year off and will be uneven</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/with-interest-rates-and-unemployment-low-there-are-economic-positive-signs-all-around-mark-bouris/2012090956456" title="With interest rates and unemployment low, there are economic positive signs all around: Mark Bouris ">With interest rates and unemployment low, there are economic positive signs all around, says YBR's Mark Bouris,</a> which leads me to explain why. There is too much emphasis on what the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) does with the cash rate. Interest rates should be organically controlled through completion. This week, the home loans war got angrier when ME Bank cut its three-year rate to 5.39%, which is about 0.5 percentage points below the major banks. No RBA intervention because the bank knows rates will go a lot lower. ME Bank left the first clue – without RBA intervention.
The Mosman September marketing campaigns conclude over the next week (from Saturday) before the school holidays commence (again). If I’m reading the market correctly, the 120 houses on the market this week should start reducing.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a title="RWM" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. He has also been writing real estate blog <a title="Virtual Realty News" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
</body></html>

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News