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>

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?

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3/31 Dover Road, Williamstown, Vic 3016
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/doverrd.jpg">
The tenants of this one-bedroom apartment are paying $1,213 a month and are on a lease until March of next year. The ground-floor unit is within walking distance of The Strand Waterfront, Douglas Parade shops and cafes, as well as the train station. 
Williams Real Estate agent Lauren Montebello <a href="https://www.williamsre.com.au/property-details.aspx?id=4369&amp;from=searchlisting" target="_blank">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $280,000 plus, and if it sells for that price, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.2% at its current rent, well above the gross rental yield for Williamstown houses of 3.7%, 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 target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $11,000.
The median house price in Williamstown fell 3.3% in the past year but rose 33.8% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
The property will go to auction Saturday, September 1 at 12.30pm.
For more information about prices and yields in <a href="/news">Williamstown, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
For another investment prospect going to auction this weekend, see page 2.
<hr>
8 Henderson Street, Merrylands, NSW, 2160
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/henderson.jpg" width="470">
The tenants of this two-bedroom house have been in residence for 15 years and are paying $425 a week. Laing + Simmons listing agent Jas Singh says it could potentially fetch $10 or $15 more a week but that the vendor is happy to have a stable tenant rather than insist upon market rent. The weatherboard cottage on 525 square metres has high ceilings, a garage and a small study. 
Singh <a href="https://www.laingsimmons.com.au/residential-sales/95012-8-henderson-street" target="_blank">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes in the "early to  mid-$400,000s", and if it sells for  $450,000 it would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.9%, about at the median gross rental yield for Merrylands houses of4.6%, 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 target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $6,000.
The median house price in Merrylands rose 1.1% in the past year and rose 24.7% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection Saturday, September 1 at 11.15 and will go to auction Saturday, September 22 at noon.
For more information about prices and yields in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Merrylands, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
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Friday form guide: Yields of up to 5.2% in Williamstown

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This Saturday marks the 12th and final round of Property Tycoon winter season, and the competition at the top of the leader board is still wide open. With more than $7 million up for grabs in both Melbourne and Sydney the top 10 Tycoons in both cities are still in the hunt to take out the title and the $1,000 prize.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
Since it was purchased in 2007 for $1.49 million the owners have gone to town on 4 Queen Street, Kew, and renovated it to the highest quality. There is a clear line of demarcation between the old and the new with this timber Edwardian. The front retains its amazing façade complete with return veranda before transforming into an ultra-modern haven at the rear.
Absolutely nothing needs to be done to this four-bedroom home other than live and enjoy it. Agent Greg Toogood from Jellis Craig has indicated buyer interest above $2.4 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/kew.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Property Tycoon</a>.
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marmstrong-sd3emVLPPb

Melbourne auction tipping: Kew home renovated to the highest quality

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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/14mplus.gif">
How much a first-time buyer of commercial property has paid for an office building at 11 Dorcas Street in South Melbourne in an off-market sale negotiated by CBRE’s team of Mark Wizel and Justin Clarkson on behalf of a group of private Melbourne-based investors. The modern five-level office building is fully leased to information technology company Dimension Data. Based on the current passing income the sale reflects a yield around 8.1%. The building was purchased by a Malaysian family who has been keen to secure a Melbourne property for some time. CBRE says the sale of 11 Dorcas Street adds to the ever-growing list of Victorian commercial properties to sell to interests associated with Malaysian, Singaporean or Chinese investors.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/1point52m.gif">
The net income generated by a peripheral parcel of Sydney Corporate Park, set to be sold by F.Hannan Properties Pty Ltd in what will be the first investment-grade opportunity in South Sydney this year. The asset comprises two tenanted buildings totalling 8,857 square metres on 13,642 square metres of land. The net income translates to an average of $170 per square metre net. Colliers International’s Michael Crombie and Gavin Bishop are seeking expressions of interest closing September 19, 2012. The last investment sale of this kind was in November 2011, when Dexus paid $76.8 million for the Sir Joseph Banks Corporate Park in Botany.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/501k.gif">
How much Osrta Cabinets has paid for a 366-square-metre strata warehouse 2/7-11 Brough Street in Springvale in Melbourne’s south-east. The industrial property was purchased from a private investor in a deal negotiated by Jamie Stuart and Sasan Misaghian from Colliers International. The purchaser is expanding and relocating a cabinet-making business from Tullamarine.
 
<hr>
 
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/4point45m.gif">
The price paid for the property housing the iconic Mary Ryan’s Books, Music and Coffee store in Milton in Brisbane in a deal negotiated by Colliers International. The off-market deal, in which a local private investment company purchased the retail property at 40 Park Road, was struck by agents Jock Murray and Hunter Higgins. The property consists of a circa 700-square-metre building on an 810-square-metre site.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/1point9m.gif">
The price paid for a blue-chip investment in Australand’s Checkpoint business park at Banyo, five kilometres west of Brisbane Airport. Anthony White, Colliers International industrial director, handled the transaction on Australand’s behalf for the 746-square-metre industrial strata unit at 11/368 Earnshaw Road. It was snapped up by a private investor from Sydney.  The property has been leased to Zip Heaters since the beginning of the year, when it signed a six-year lease with a five-year option. The property returns a net annual rental of just under $160,000, representing a yield of 8.25% for the buyer. As well as the return, White says the buyer was attracted by the solid tenant, the long-term lease in place and the standard of property’s construction.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Commercial hammer prices: Malaysian family pays $14 million plus for South Melbourne office tower

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New homes sales fell by about 6% in July, wiping out all the gains recorded over the previous five months.  Sales stand at the second lowest level in 11 years.
In short, the housing construction market is back in the doldrums.  Newly erected homes aren’t selling, reducing the requirement for builders to start work on new projects.  The RBA governor has expressed surprise about the lack of home construction.
The housing industry is “lost” for an explanation as to why this is happening.
You see for mine, new property isn’t in strong demand because what is supplied is increasingly missing the mark; so, too, is how new property is promoted and its current method of disposal – a price reduction – just doesn’t work.  In fact, it does more damage than good.
In short, too much of the new stock on the market is poorly proportioned, designed, finished or sufficiently offset to entice buyers.
Likewise the promotion of new product is mostly homogenous, stale and reflects more the age, sex and circumstances of the development company directors than who they are trying to sell their product to.
Customers don’t want to hear about a developer’s history.  They do, however, want to know about their previous development’s performance.  Strange how few developers actually supply such details.
They also don’t really want all the lists that sales people seem to provide – pages of research material, very little of it relevant; brightly coloured brochures, dozens of floor plans/home designs.  They do want, however, trusted third-party endorsement.
Combined years of experience – give me a break.  Mostly repetition if you ask me.
Also, they aren’t interested in what makes your project different.  They only want to know what’s in it for them.
Let me close with a few remarks about discounting price.  There is a substantial body of very well-credentialed research to suggest that buyers prefer “extra for free” rather than the more generous “reduction in the asking price”.
It essentially boils down to a bonus versus a bribe.
Keep in mind that a building bonus; a first-home buyer’s grant or even a reduction/removal of stamp duties on new product is seen by the market as a “discount”.
Price tells the market much more about a product than merely what it costs.  A price cut – however it is packaged – is often seen as a mark of mild desperation on the part of the seller and it is not unreasonable to infer that the product is either inferior and/or that further price reductions are just around the corner.
Charging the full price but adding a tangible extra – i.e. a furniture package, guaranteed rental return, storage fit-out, or a fixture and finishes upgrade – does not convey the same level of desperation.  In fact, more often than not it enhances the product’s brand.
For mine, the new housing industry – in the main – is quite lost.  It still operates like a landline phone.  It isn’t a smartphone or a tablet.  It is analogue, not digital.  It is at odds with its target market(s) and until this disconnect is improved, new housing starts will remain low.
Hard words indeed from someone who is male, pale and increasingly stale, too.
And just to show my age, I have been listening to Rodriquez – Sugar man/Crucify your mind/I wonder/Sandrevan lullaby fame (even saw him in concert at the Tivoli last year) – of late.
So you think you have something to offer
Something shiny and new
But how much of you is repetition
And how much of that did you do poorly too?
Michael Matusik is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.matusik.com.au/">Matusik Property Insights</a>, which has helped over 550 new residential projects come to fruition.  Read <a target="_blank" href="https://www.matusikmissive.wordpress.com%20/" title="blocked::https://www.matusikmissive.wordpress.com /">Michael's blog</a>or follow him on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelmatusik">Twitter</a> or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik">LinkedIn</a>. 
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

Housing industry in the doldrums because supply is missing the mark

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In this post I am going to look at the links between project websites, pre-sales, and the importance of display materials.
Firstly I wanted to briefly outline how the site can be used to support an ROI (registration of interest) campaign. I also want to reinforce how essential it is for small projects to accurately target key markets, which will help appreciate the role of online activity. Because no matter how good a website looks, or how well it is constructed, there is a need to create awareness of the site, as it is not a source but a medium of enquiry.
The real estate industry is one of the largest users of online advertising, with an ever-increasing level of spending. Real estate was one of the first industries to exploit this media, and so we have already established a wealth of experience. Now the big changes taking place revolve around how funds are spent online.
Project marketing online expenditure usually involves email, commonly referred to as eDM (electronic direct marketing), targeted display advertising on the major property portals, paid search such as Google AdWords, organic search (search engine optimisation), video – usually via YouTube –and online audio or podcasts.
The understanding of how to benefit from online advertising is still evolving. The main reason for this stems from the reality that this is not a simple formula- or template-driven environment. We are dealing with a highly literate and experienced audience, therefore it is exactly the opposite.
There has been a big increase in the number of projects using ROI campaigns with the aim of securing pre-sales, in particular the sale of apartments off the plan. However, despite the popularity of ROI campaigns, I feel it is timely to emphasise that a solid framework built around a complete strategy is required. An experienced sales team should always have an existing quality database that can be a solid launch point.
Key aspects of ROI campaigns
While there can always be some buyer resistance in gaining pre-sales, there are also strong buyer motivations that can help to make the process worthwhile. Timing and the use of a well-structured website will be essential for the project to gain traction.
By comparison with larger projects, the motivation of buyers interested in small projects is frequently far less speculative. This group may well include experienced buyers looking for a particular area, or buyers driven by very specific lifestyle considerations.
While such buyers may not be easy to identify, during the course of a ROI campaign, they can be engaged via quality communications, including a well-managed online campaign and website to capture the leads.
At the start of such projects the value of existing quality databases will, as already highlighted, be an obvious advantage.
However, any database will only be of value if it is up-to-date and matches the needs of those who have taken time and effort to register. Because we are dealing with a smaller number of potential buyers, communication needs to be constructed with care, and a general scattered approach is a big negative. Our target may well lose interest if ongoing contact is poorly managed.
ROI campaigns will suffer if the marketing is not in tune with local conditions and buyers’ expectations. Flawed timing and inaccurate collateral would be a costly mistake. This is where we also start to see an overlap with the display material that will be required to support a small project.
I also stress that the same “rules” will still apply even when a small project, by its very nature, has a strong level of pent-up demand. While the buyers might not be camping on the streets, from a marketing perspective, they still share one important facet and this relates to the timing and accuracy of information available.
A major CBD apartment project can be flexible or staged, and the potential buyers will normally have more choice. Buyers can also take their time and possibly cherry-pick available stock, but in a small project this will not be the case. Once buyers have been attracted they need to be taken on a sales path that will readily secure the purchase.
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>
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

How a development can secure sales from registrations of interest

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One particular bidder was very keen to secure an Eaglemont home on more than 2,000 square metres this weekend.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
An opening bid of $3 million kicked off the auction at 38 Carlsberg Road, Eaglemont (pictured below), but it was the only bid from that bidder. It was left to two other bidders to move the auction closer to the vendor's reserve.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/eaglemont.jpg">
One bidder was hell-bent on securing the house on half an acre and threw out a massive final bid of $75,000 to knock out the under-bidder. Sensing the buyer had more money up his sleeve David Oster from Jellis Craig passed the property in at $3.4 million and started some negotiations behind closed doors. The strategy proved to be spot on, as a sold sticker appeared on the board a short time later and contracts were signed at $3.58 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/powell1.jpg">
The scene was set for a big result at 6 Powell Street, Neutral Bay (pictured above), when nine bidders registered their intention to bid. The vendor was not disappointed as the auction flew past the $2 million reserve and most bidders were knocked out of contention before they even had a chance to put their hands up. In the end only four bidders entered the fray before the property was sold for $2,226,000.
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A big result for Neutral Bay renovator’s delight, and Eaglemont auction sale secured behind closed doors

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 244 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of August 25. The clearance rate was 62.6%. <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 246 Sydney auction results show 62.6% clearance rate

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It’s obviously feel-good, family-friendly marketing, but the brutal reality is those “Sugar Glider Road”, “Wallaby Close” and “Fairy Wren Circuit” street signs are almost certainly memorials for absent friends rather than indicators of cherished co-residents.
As was so disturbingly articulated by wildlife veterinarian Dr Jon Hanger on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/08/16/3569231.htm">Four Corners</a> August 20, when we clear bushland the wildlife doesn’t just move on. In almost all cases most of the lizards, mammals, small birds and koalas will die, either immediately during the destruction of their habitat, or eventually due to exposure to predators, lack of food or the sheer stress associated with losing their environment. And this kind of wildlife death is specific to Australia: in other countries, suburban sprawl moves over already-transformed rural landscapes. Here, it often envelopes the surrounding forest.
Although fairly tentative and inconclusive, the Four Corners program did highlight the complexity and inevitability of the impact urbanisation has on biodiversity, with the spotlight understandably focused on the tragically cute koala. The recent federal government listing of the species as “<a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.edu.au/the-vulnerable-koala-are-we-in-time-to-save-our-national-icon-6757">threatened</a>” in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT will apparently mean far greater scrutiny of activities that harm koalas or their habitat. The operationalisation of such a process is far from clear, but the cry of “<a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.edu.au/spinning-green-tape-as-the-climate-changes-6632">yet more green tape</a>” can already be heard from developers and certain state government ministers.
Koalas and people share the same tastes in location, though not lifestyle. In coastal eucalypt woodlands and forest throughout the eastern seaboard, people are scrambling for spanking-new house blocks in vast new estates carved directly from the “vacant” bushland.
In the new suburbs surrounding Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, the Gold Coast and the Redlands of south-east Queensland, this is having a predictably catastrophic effect on the local, relatively abundant koala populations. Specialised koala hospitals and centres now operating in these locations all reported large numbers of koalas admitted because of injuries from vehicles, attacks by dogs and a variety of debilitating diseases. In some of these areas, the rate of these admissions has started to wane, principally because the numbers of local koalas have declined significantly.
The best data on koala population trends comes from the “Koala Coast” area of southern Queensland. Here, sizeable tracts of eucalypt forest were set aside for koala conservation in the 1980s (following vehement opposition to plans for new motorways through the areas). As part of the Queensland government’s ongoing monitoring of these koala populations, we now have a depressingly clear picture of a species declining to extirpation. And it’s the expected urban pressures: loss of habitat, cars, dogs and disease.
Each of these factors is being addressed, though in certain places, to a limited extent, and with mixed results. Domestic dog management is being talked about, seemingly seriously, though no one actually expects any real changes there. (Bear in mind that an appallingly high proportion of the koalas translocated from Coomera on the Gold Coast have been killed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/08/09/feral-dogs-foxes-pose-biggest-threats-to-koalas/">apparently “feral” dogs</a>.)
Koalas appear to carry a remarkable cocktail of <a target="_blank" href="https://wildlifewarriors.org.au/research/koalas">diseases and pathogens</a>, often without showing any symptoms. Urban koalas, however, may be more susceptible to these ailments when subjected to the chronic stress of living in human-dominated landscapes. Wildlife disease experts are investigating diseases throughout the distribution of the species. There is hopeful work toward a vaccine for the most prevalent of all koala afflictions, chlamydia. As any of these researchers are quick to admit, however, we shouldn’t expect quick answers to this exceptionally complex picture.
Perhaps unexpectedly, one area showing surprisingly positive signs is reducing road causalities among roaming koalas. Unlike many species of wildlife – which shun roads and retreat further into the bush far from traffic disturbance – koalas are notorious for attempting to cross even major roads in search of favoured feed trees or a potential liaison.
To reduce the risk of koala road-kill, major local authorities and state agencies have been busy constructing specially designed exclusion fences to stop animals reaching the road. However, for koalas now living in an increasingly fragmented landscape of bushland patches often separated by roads, it is critically important that they are able to move from patch to patch safely.
To help koalas safely cross busy roads, Queensland Transport and Main Roads have been working with ecologists to install structures under bridges and in large culverts. But like many animals, koalas are highly reluctant to walk through water. To provide a dry alternative route under the road, a number of box culverts have been retrofitted: broad ledges are attached to the wall of the culvert with platforms leading from the land on either side of the road. Despite significant skepticism and jokes about whether “eucalyptus addicts” are capable of learning to do something no koala has ever needed to do before, the first animals were using the ledges within weeks and have continued to do so.
The enduring issue for urban koalas is, of course, whether people and koalas can actually coexist in the same environment. Depending on your perspective, it can be either a marvelous discovery or a “bloody nuisance” to have a koala visit the tree in your suburban backyard.
Darryl Jones is deputy director of Environmental Futures Centre at <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.edu.au/institutions/griffith-university">Griffith University</a>
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.edu.au/">The Conversation.</a>
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Koalas and other wildlife often die when property developers move in

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A renovator's delight in Neutral Bay will be looking for a buyer with a new vision for it this weekend.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the five Sydney properties going to auction this weekend in round 11 of the competition is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-neutral+bay-111168251">6 Powell Street, Neutral Bay</a>. 
A tired renovator’s delight awaits the buyer who has the vision to turn it into a prestigious family home.
The big block of land, large rooms with period features and high ceilings and sweeping views of the harbour and skyline are all there. All that needs to be added is a bit of modern cosmetic flare.
If cashflow is a bit of a problem the new owner could always take advantage of the recent addition of a self-contained one-bedroom unit to provide a little extra cash. David Buttel from Raine and Horne is quoting the property at $1.8 million to $2 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/powell1.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Property Tycoon</a>.
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Sydney auction tipping: A tired renovator's delight in Neutral Bay

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An Eaglemont home on more than 2,000 square metres could test the top end of the Melbourne property market when it goes to auction this weekend.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the properties going to auction this weekend in round 11 of the competition is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-eaglemont-111129675" target="_blank">48 Carlsberg Road, Eaglemont.</a> Liz Walker from Jellis Craig has suggested the buyers will need well over $3 million to secure this unique property.
The luxury home was purchased by the current owners almost 20 years ago, when they paid $430,000, and they have since added significant value to the property.
The property is the perfect entertainer with the option of a glass of wine on the patio, a dip in the pool or a hit of tennis. Best of all after the festivities have ended no one needs to drive home, as the property has five bedrooms and room for six cars.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/eaglemont.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Property Tycoon</a>.
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Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

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New townhouses

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