<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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

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Property group Stockland has found strong interest in its retirement development in Gowanbrae village, about 15 kilometres north of Melbourne. Since the development’s off-the-plan marketing launch in October 2010, 32 of the 39 apartments have sold.
The Gowanbrae apartments cater to a new breed of retirees, who are keen to maintain their active lifestyles as they age.
“Nowadays, both retirees and the community realise retirement presents choice when it comes to living standards that encourage active and social lifestyles,” Stockland says.
“Moving into a Stockland retirement village is an independent living choice and is based on factors such as: enhanced social contact, secure surroundings, peace of mind within a close-knit community and home downsizing for a renewed active lifestyle.”
The development features nine one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments with studies across three storeys.
Units range from 63 square metres to 105 square metres and are priced from $319,000 to $495,000.
The development includes onsite health services such as 24-hour emergency medical assistance, physiotherapy, exercise programs and medical rooms for doctors’ visits. All doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate people with limited mobility.
Features also include a bar and dining room, dance floor, bowling green, library, craft room, pool, spa and beauty salon.
Construction was completed on the development at the end of last year, and about 70% of the sales were off the plan.
The development is part of Stockland’s “three R” strategy – focusing on residential, retirement and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/stockland-continues-to-focus-on-higher-yielding-retail-commercial-property/2012020953322">retail</a>, which chief executive Matthew Quinn has implemented.
 
 
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Retirees snap up units in Stockland's Gowanbrae development

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The “time to buy a dwelling” sentiment has improved 1.7% in March to be up 5.5% over the past 12 months, according to the March Westpac–Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment.
Housing sentiment was the only bright spot in the March result, which showed consumer confidence has retreated to levels prior to the interest rate cuts of November and December.
While the housing outlook improved, the attraction of shares continues to deteriorate.
Only 5.4% of respondents nominated shares as the wisest place to put their money – the lowest proportion since the early 1990s.
The overall index fell by 5% in March from 101.1 to 96.1, below the level in October last year, and was based on the responses of 1,200 adults aged 18 and older conducted from March 5 to 9.
With the index below the 100 level, pessimists clearly outnumber optimists.
The “time to buy a vehicle” sentiment fell by 2.8% to be down 7.8% for the year.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/westpacmarch14.gif"><img src="/images/stories/westpacmarch14thumb.gif"></a>
Commenting on the results of the survey Westpac chief economist Bill Evans says the “case has already been made for lower rates in Australia but expect that, at this stage, the board is not convinced.
“More time will be required before we see another rate cut. Our best expectation is in May or June,” he says.
According to Evans, the March result showed that sensitivity to interest rates has “clearly been one factor responsible for this weak print”.
“The survey in February closed off before it was announced that banks were raising their mortgage rates despite the Reserve Bank having kept the official cash rate on hold.
“Recall that the survey in February covered the week of the Reserve Bank’s board meeting. At the beginning of the week media reports had led respondents to confidently expect a 0.25% rate cut from the Reserve Bank,” says Evans.
“With the two previous rate cuts in November and December being passed on in full by the banks it is reasonable to assume that many borrowers expected a further cut in the mortgage rate of 0.25%. 
“Instead, mortgage rates were actually increased in the following week with banks raising mortgage rates by an average of 10 basis points. 
“It is likely that this reversal has impacted confidence. 
“This ‘rate effect’ is consistent with the 6.8% fall in the confidence of those folks who have a mortgage. However this observation does not explain why there was a 10.8% fall in the confidence of respondents who are renting accommodation. 
“There are other forces at work. Petrol prices for example, rose 3% between the February and March survey to average around $1.45 a litre,” he says.
Evans says supplementary questions indicate that respondents are particularly concerned about economic conditions and employment with notable weakness in how respondents view their finances. 
“The subindexes tracking responses on ‘family finances compared to a year ago’ fell by 8.6%; and ‘family finances over the next 12 months’ fell 4.5%. 
“The economic outlook also deteriorated, the sub-indexes tracking views on ‘economic conditions over the next 12 months’ fell by 2.5% and ‘economic conditions over the next 5 years fell by 6.1%,” Evans says,
“Saving plans continue to be very conservative with 34.6% of respondents assessing bank deposits as the ‘wisest place for savings’. That is up from 30.1% in December although below the record 37.8% proportion in September 2011,” he says. 
The sub-index tracking views on “whether now is a good time to buy a major household item” fell by 3.8%.
 
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Slight improvement in housing sentiment defies drop in consumer confidence in March: Westpac Index

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So how do you follow-up on last week’s tsunami?  <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/wait-a-minute-kochie-there-are-bright-spots-for-property-investment-on-the-gold-and-sunshine-coasts/2012030653715" target="_blank">“Wait a minute, Kochie, there are bright spots for property investment on the Gold and Sunshine coasts”</a> not only was our most popular post, it got national media coverage.
It goes to show that many are sick and tired of the negativity, don’t want to be continually told how bad things might get and crave some balance in media (and other) reporting.  Glib one-liners make easy punchlines, but most things are hard to accurately sum up in 12 words or fewer.
What most do after a good game is have a day of rest, a B-day, so to speak.  I try to have a B-day every month or so.  This is a day when you don’t do anything with an immediate deadline, try to improve on some things that need adjustment, or try something new. Heck, sometimes I just read the articles that I have been carrying around with me for the past month or so.  And if it is a really good B-day, I get time to update my Home News.
Home News is a collection of weird stuff that my youngest daughter, Savannah, and I cut out from the media. It has been going on for years and we now are up to our sixth scrapbook. We are probably breaking several laws, but this all started after I read how Tom Waits does something similar.  Like Tom, I do find it more interesting to read my own news collection rather than the day-to-day drivel.  Also, paraphernalia comes in handy at parties, or for those awkward pauses in conversation, and sometimes even during presentations.
So, here is a sample of some Home News, Matusik style.  Try to enjoy, and please suffer my remarks in italics.
<ul>
<li>An increasing number of cashed-up Australians are buying fake grass because they don’t have time to mow the lawn on the weekend.  Tell me about it.  And why do they need to be cashed-up?  And did you know that Aussies will pay up to $75,000 more for house with a nice lawn? But I don’t think fake stuff really cuts it.  Pun intended.
</li>
<li>Last year, 1.93 million people in Australia’s workforce were aged 55 or over, up from a million a decade ago.  Now Canadian Leonard Cohen describing himself as a “lazy bastard living in a suit” on his new album, Old Ideas, does kinda ring true – he is fond of wearing a suit, but lazy seems a bit harsh.  He is 77 and there is no sign of slowing down, having spent almost three years on tour. Old Ideas has won widespread acclaim, and he says he has enough material for another album.  Ditto Dylan, McCartney and even Springsteen, whose Wrecking Ball has the energy of someone in his 20s, not 60s.  Watch out, youngsters, us oldies are back.
</li>
<li>About 75% of people admitted to surfing the web, using smartphone apps, emailing and texting while on the toilet.  One in five men said they had taken a conference call while on the loo.  Now this behaviour used to be confined to real estate agents.  Who said agents aren’t trend setters?  Do you also know that 9 million (40%) Australians use social networking sites such as Facebook, You Tube and Twitter?  And obviously, many do so while in the smallest room of the house.
</li>
<li>A third of Australians are unaware of how much super they have.  One in eight never check their super balances.  Little I can say here, except that for some reason, many treat their super funds like they aren’t really theirs. It is much easier, in our experience, for an investor to pay money out of a super fund to buy a property, rather than out of current accounts.  Curious indeed.
</li>
<li>Some wit to close… and most will be able to tell it is too good to be mine.  Apart from being nice to their mother, the best advice you can give your children is to live in a marginal seat.  Touché
</li>
<li>Two-thirds of women would choose a good night’s sleep over sex. Whatever I add here will get me in some deep shite.
</li>
<li>Aussie high school and university students are now outsourcing their English essays and maths papers to firms in India, Pakistan and Egypt, for as little as $2.  Well, this speaks volumes.
</li>
<li>In addition to making you groggy and dazed, jet lag makes you stupid too.  Hmmm, stupider maybe more apt.
</li>
</ul>
Michael Matusik is the director of independent property advisory Matusik Property Insights. Matusik has helped over 500 new residential developments come to fruition and writes the weekly  <a title="Matusik's Missive" target="_blank" href="https://matusikmissive.wordpress.com/">Matusik's Missive</a>. The Matusik Missive is free, however, reprinting, republication or distribution of any portion of this material, or inclusion on any website, is strictly prohibited without the written permission of Matusik Property Insights and may incur a charge.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
<ul></ul>
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

A check in on the home news, for a day of rest

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20/21 Sutherland Street, Cremorne, NSW, 2090
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/sutherland.jpg"> 
In The Links building in Cremorne, this two-bedroom unit is currently leased until November 2012 at $500 per week. Listing agent Fran Turner of Croll Real Estate says the tenants have been in place for 12 years and are playing significantly below market rent. She says a rental analysis of the property indicates it could be rented out for between $650 and $680 per week. It features views over Willoughby Bay and the surrounding district, laundry and 103 square metres of living space.
The property was passed in on a vendor bid of $680,000 at its weekend auction, and <a href="https://www.croll.com.au/dbpage.php?pg=view&amp;dbase=listings&amp;id=787115" target="_blank">it is now for sale for $705,000</a>. There was one registered bidder, and no bids at the auction. Before auction Turner was marketing the property with price hopes of $730,000 plus.  If it sells for $705,000, its current rent would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 3.7%, below the indicative gross rental yield for Cremorne units of 4.2%, according to RP Data. A rental of $680 per week would equate to a gross rental yield of 5%. 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. Levies are $1,340 per quarter, council rates are $187 per quarter and water rates are $142 per quarter.
The median unit price for Cremorne rose by 5.6% in the past year, according to RP Data.
For more about prices and yields in Cremorne, see the RP Data suburb page.
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Investor form guide wrap: Gross rental yield of up to 5% in Cremorne 

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There's now a tipping website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction results in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
In round three this week Brisbane properties fared considerably better than they did in the previous rounds, with four of the five selling at or just after auction. In Melbourne and Sydney, all five properties featured in the competition sold at or just after auction.
The unit at 5/12 Howard Street, Richmond, featured on Property Observer, attracted considerable interest from first-home buyers at its weekend, auction, according to Mark Armstrong from Property Tycoon.
"First-home buyers were out in force at the auction of Howard Street in Richmond when two bidders battled head on for the right to negotiate with the vendor," Armstrong says. "The property was passed in for $515,000 and sold shortly afterwards for $525,000."
However, he says the result, while strong, was not stellar for the vendor.


"Although the result earned its owner 100 grand since it last sold in 2007 for $422,000, it lagged behind the wider market over the same period. An annual compound growth rate of 4.5% was well below that the 7.42% growth in the median value of apartments over the same time frame," Armstrong says. 
The price for the Sydney property featured on Property Observer, 22 Devonshire Street, Crows Nest, was not disclosed, but Armstrong says it sold under the hammer for more than $1.1 million. 
And the Brisbane property featured on Property Observer, 83 Agnes Street, Auchenflower, attracted considerable buyer interest and sold under the hammer.
"It was a big auction with eight registered bidders and a crowd of 80 looked on as it sold under the hammer for $757,500," Armstrong says. "The average tip was almost spot on, coming in at $754,454."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Strong weekend for auction tippers, with 14 of 15 properties in competition sold at or after auction

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Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 300 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of March 10. The clearance rate was 56%. <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.
 
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APM's 300 Sydney auction results showing a clearance rate of 56%

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Crown Group is set to release the third stage of its popular Top Ryde project, following the sales success of stages one and two.
The third stage, known as ‘Illuvia”, will be released on Saturday, March 17 and will comprise 135 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Of the first release of 183 apartments, 171 have been sold, and 71 of the 80 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/second-off-the-plan-stage-of-crown-s-top-ryde-project-almost-sold-out/2012020753289" target="_blank">apartments in the second release</a> have now been exchanged.
Illuvia apartments will range from $505,000 and $605,000 for 60 one-bedroom units, which will range in size between 54 and 70 square metres. Some have studies. The 67 two-bedroom units range between $595,000 and $920,000 and are between 73 square metres and 123 square metres. There will be eight three-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 101 square metres to 177 square metres, and they are priced between $930,000 and $1.6 million for the three-bedroom penthouse.
On completion the $500 million complex will consist of 502 apartments across five towers above a shopping centre in North Ryde, 12 kilometres from Sydney CBD.
Each tower is named for one of the elements – water, wood, light, metal and earth. Illuvia is named for water and is designed with a blue colour palette.
“The Illuvia apartments have been thoughtfully designed with spacious living areas, ample storage and well-appointed bathrooms and kitchens,” says Roy Marcellus, head of major project sales and marketing for Crown.
“Each apartment offers its own unique sleek design including open-plan living areas, which flow out to tiled balconies or courtyards seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living,” he says.
Crown Group chief executive Iwan Sunito says the Illuvia release is the most prestigious to date and expects the latest release to prove just as popular with buyers as the previous two.
“For buyers looking for the ultimate in convenience when it comes to shopping or transport, a luxurious resort style environment to call home and an off-the-plan apartment where they can take advantage of bonuses such as stamp duty concessions, Top Ryde City Living ticks all the boxes,” Sunito says.
Each tower will have a sky garden, a 25-metre infinity-edged swimming pool, viewing platforms, private meditation areas and a barbecue area.
The privately owned company currently has over $2 billion worth of developments in the pipeline.
 
 
 
 
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Crown releases third stage of Top Ryde development with 92% of previous releases sold

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<img src="/images/stories/26per.gif" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's inner west. This is down from 27% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 
 
<img src="/images/stories/26per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney CBD and eastern suburbs. This is down from 28% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 <img src="/images/stories/21per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's lower north suburbs. This is down from 24% in 2010.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/15per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's southern suburbs. This is down from 17% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/14per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Canterbury and Bankstown. This is down from 17% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/13per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's upper north shore. This is down from 15% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/10per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's northern beaches. This is down from 12% in 2010.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/6per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's south-western suburbs. This is down from 7% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/6per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in Sydney's western suburbs. This is down from 7% in 2010.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/5per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 on the Central Coast. This is the same as in 2010.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/3per.gif">
The percentage of homes that sold at auction in 2011 in the Blue Mountains. This is down from 4% in 2010.
Source: Australian Property Monitors
 
 
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Fewer Sydney vendors selling by auction: What percentage of homes sold under the hammer? A regional breakdown: APM

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8/447 Sydney Road, Balgowlah, NSW, 2093
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;" src="/images/stories/sydneyrd.jpg"> 
With tenants paying the "fantastic rent" of $550 per week, this two-bedroom apartment in the Sydney northern beaches suburb of Balgowlah could be a good prospect for investors. Ray White agent Mark Griffiths says although the tenants of two years are on an expired lease, their rent was reviewed recently and ithe tenants are paying considerably above average rent for the block. The median asking rent for Balgowlah units is $500 per week, according RP Data.
Griffiths <a target="_blank" href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/balgowlah/745945/">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $410,000. If it sells for $410,000, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 7%, far higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 4.2% for Balgowlah units, 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 $8,000 and over five years to be $28,000.
The median unit price for Balgowlah fell by 12.5% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, March 10 at 2pm and will go to auction on Saturday, March 24 at 2.30pm.
For more about prices and yields in Balgowlah, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
For another investment prospect open for inspection this weekend, see page 2.
 
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10/16 Pascoe Street, Pascoe Vale, VIC, 3044
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;" src="/images/stories/pascoest.jpg"> 
This two-bedroom Pascoe Vale townhouse is tenanted until January 2013 at $18,720 per year, so it might be a good prospect for investors. Raine &amp; Horne agent Sebastian Rello <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/properties/205665">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $380,000 plus, and if it sells at $380,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.9%, far higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Pascoe Vale houses of 3.3%, according 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 $9,000 and over five years to be $32,000.
The median unit price for Pascoe Vale houses fell by 5.1% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, March 10 at 11am and will go to auction on Wednesday, March 31 at 2.30pm.
For more about prices and yields in Pascoe Vale, see the RP Data suburb page.
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Friday form guide: Yields of up to 7% in Balgowlah

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Australian women make great entrepreneurs. That’s not just an idle opinion – recent research revealed that Aussie women are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/innovation/aussie-women-the-worlds-most-entrepreneurial-report/201202235480">second only to their American counterparts</a> when it comes to starting businesses. 
But while plenty of women are launching their own businesses, there are some areas that are still deemed off-limits. 
Go to any gathering of tech, finance or manufacturing businesses, and you’ll do well to spot a female founder. 
Orsi Parkanyi, founder of networking group Women as Entrepreneurs, says: “Being a woman is not easy. Being a woman in a man's world is not easy either.” 
“But the most challenging of all is staying a woman in the men's world. I'd like to hope that women are not required to take on stereotypical male attributes in order to be successful, however, this is something I have been noticing we tend to do.” 
“Women who focus on their strengths and utilise traditional female traits such as strong interpersonal skills, networking skills and empathy to their advantage will have a good chance to stand out, be noticed and succeed.” 
“Finding mentors and seeking out influential social networks also a great way to get the support and encouragement women need from time to time.” 
Here, to mark International Women’s Day, are 10 of the best Aussie entrepreneurs who have overcome the gender hurdle. 
<h2></h2>
1. Cathy Edwards - Chomp
Cathy Edwards is the co-founder of app search start-up Chomp, which was recently <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/sell-a-business/apple-acquires-aussie-start-up-chomp-for-%24us50-million/201202275510">acquired by Apple for around $US50 million</a>. 
Prior to Chomp, Edwards led mobile product development at Friendster, and launched a converged SMS-IM mobile messaging product while at 3jam. She has also worked for Telstra.
“When building your start-up, it is important to focus your limited resources on components where you can add a significant amount of value,” Edwards told Women 2.0.
“Work out what technology will be core to your business, and find existing or outsourced solutions for everything else.” 
“From your very first hire, learn to hire engineers you trust and respect… You’ll be a lot less stressed out than if you’re the bottleneck for everything.” 
<h2></h2>
2. Nicole Kersh - 4Cabling 
Like many start-ups, 4Cabling was spawned from frustration with the status quo. While working at her parents’ electrical cabling company, Nicole Kersh found that getting prices from suppliers was a long and inefficient process. 
Realising that there was a lack of online cabling providers, Kersh took the plunge and started 4Cabling in 2006. The business has since boomed, pulling in more than $3 million revenue last year. 
However, Kersh has had to deal with outdated attitudes over both her age and gender, in what is traditionally a male-only sector. 
She says: “When I first started, none of my suppliers would take me seriously, it was very discouraging. But it made me realise the importance of building solid relationships.” 
“Customers still look at me sometimes and say, ‘I want the boss.’ I just go and find the oldest male employee. It’s a very male-dominated industry and people can’t comprehend I’m the boss.” 
“If they like the product, the notion of who runs the business doesn’t bother me.” 
<h2></h2>
3. Cherie Barber - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.renovatingforprofit.com.au/">Renovating For Profit</a>
<img src="/images/stories/cheriebarber.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
After completing her first house renovation, Cherie Barber decided to ditch her career as a marketing executive to throw herself into the construction industry.
In the first year of her renovating career, Barber achieved a profit of $1.15 million after buying, overhauling and selling six properties worth a combined $6.3 million.
Her status as a rare female entrepreneur in a male-dominated sector has seen her courted by the media as a renovation expert.
In 2009, Berber launched Renovating For Profit, which sells workshops and courses to Australians looking to revamp their own homes.
Despite her success, gender-related challenges linger for Barber, as she explains: “Tradesmen try to give me ridiculously high quotes. I say that I know what things cost and if they're going to give me a ridiculous price, not to waste my time.”
“I ask for their opinion, throw out open-ended questions and do my research that way. If you look like you don't know what you're talking about, you'll get charged more.”
4. Sonja Bernhardt - Thoughtware
In addition to being the founder and chief executive of software company Thoughtware, Sonja Bernhardt also founded Women in Technology and Australian Women in IT and Science. 
Last year, she was honoured for her contribution to the industry with a Medal of the Order of Australia, and has been inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame in Silicon Valley. 
Bernhardt believes most challenges can be overcome regardless of gender through rational thinking, having a healthy ego, and determination to “keep getting up and moving on”. 
“Technology is a career where your ideas and creations may end up creating a wave of change around the world or having a vast impact on a small community,” she says. 
“[However,] it takes you, your ideas and passion to make it happen. In any career, it is important to be involved in areas that [speak] to who you are, your style, your interests, your philosophy.”
5. Rebekah Campbell - Posse 
Becoming the manager of a leading band is rare enough among women, but even fewer have then switched careers to become a high-flying tech entrepreneur. 
Rebekah Campbell has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/start-up-profiles/posse/201109213954">defied the odds to launch Posse</a>, an online platform that allows bands to offer rewards, such as tickets or backstage access, to fans that undertake various tasks, such as increasing the artist’s Facebook ‘Likes’. 
Although the promotions-based site is little over a year old, it has sparked high-level interest both in Australia and overseas. Google Maps founder Lars Rasmussen is an advisor and has predicted a big future for Posse. 
Campbell says: “(Starting up) was a long and tricky process, and it probably aged me by 10 years, but I learnt so much along the way.” 
“As a non-techie, I could identify clearly the problem that needed to be solved. A lot of tech companies can’t do that. But I needed to surround myself with the right people.” 
“I realised that the difference between a superstar tech team and a good tech team is the difference between Facebook and a shipwreck.” 
6. Catherine Prosser - StageBitz 
Having founded Canberra-based theatre software company Production Genie, Catherine Prosser was well aware of the rigors of starting a tech business. 
But that didn’t stop her from seizing the opportunity to launch another business, StageBitz, when the opportunity presented itself. 
StageBitz is a cloud-based web app that helps stage, film and TV production professionals easily manage their props and connect with others. 
Sydney seed fund Pollenizer liked the idea so much that it has backed Prosser, while Mat Lawrence, head of props at Opera Australia, is a co-founder. 
“Most of the time, people don’t think that a product like this exists, Prosser <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/start-up-profiles/stagebitz/201106273033?displaypage=start">told StartupSmart last year</a>. 
“We’re not doing a new type of an existing product – it’s a brand new thing. It’s not so much brand awareness but solution awareness, if you like, so that’s the biggest challenge.”
7. Kylie Gentle - Design Experts
As the co-founder of Design Experts, Kylie Gentle was recently named a nominee for Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Asia Pacific Business Excellence Awards. 
Prior to Design Experts, which Kylie co-founded with her husband Tim, she worked as a housekeeper and cook on an outback cattle station. 
With long days and lots of time to spare, the Gentles began to build websites for local communities, which is how Design Experts was born. 
“[In regional areas], you’re dealing with a certain demographic that doesn’t necessarily want to deal with a woman,” Kylie says. 
“I’ve had to bite my tongue, regarding what I would normally say, and think about how I deliver my message.” 
8. Dale Burke - What Scratch? 
Dale Burke co-founded automotive scratch repair business What Scratch? with her husband Matthew. Last year, the business appeared in the StartupSmart Awards top 50. 
Dale says it’s her name that has proved to be the most eye-opening aspect of being female in a male-dominated industry, particularly when people speak to her for the first time over the phone.
“They’re expecting to call a man – it’s a male-dominated industry and I’ve got a male-sounding name, so I get some very interesting reactions when I say, ‘This is Dale speaking’,” she says. 
“I’ve had people hang up on me or say, ‘The ad said if I call this number, I would be speaking to the franchisee’. I have to explain that I am the franchisee.” 
“Usually, I just make a joke about it and start talking about the business. After a few sentences, they realise I know what I’m talking about. I have to win them over, I suppose.”
9. Lauren Staley - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.infolio.com.au/">Infolio</a>
<img src="/images/stories/laurenstaley.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
Shaking up an industry that can be both resistant to change and male-centric is a challenge that Lauren Staley has not shied away from. 
Following a lengthy career in real estate, Staley realised there was a gap in the market for an end-to-end service that looked after the interests of all the parties involved in property transactions. 
She founded Melbourne-based buyers advocacy and property management company Infolio in 2008, also branching out into auction bidding, property negotiation and renovation guidance. Infolio is now making significant headway in the property market. 
Launching just before the GFC was a chastening experience for Staley, but it allowed her to remodel the business from the ground up, aiding its future growth. 
“I think it’s better to start from humble beginnings,” she says. 
“It gives you more focus. When the GFC hit, it was a humbling experience. We prospered because we had to be resilient and not spend money that didn’t make us money.” 
10. Caroline Robinson - Wheatbelt Business Network 
Caroline Robinson lives in Woolocutty, a tiny town in the middle of WA, and is the founder of the Wheatbelt Business Network, established to promote the services of local businesses. 
The WBN also provides opportunities for entrepreneurship and networking, training and education, and the advancement of women in business. 
“I’ve always run my community development and project management business as much as I can using online tools, email and Skype, rather than travel five hours for a one-hour meeting,” she says. 
Robinson also highlights the value of having a support network to draw on, including a director’s course she attended, in addition to the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. 
“I know I can ring and ask any of the women I was with [during the course] or the RIRDC alumni for advice on a problem,” she says.
This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank"> StartupSmart.</a>
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