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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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.
 
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<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.
 
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 <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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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.
 
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<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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Two property entrepreneurs in StartupSmart's top 10 gender barrier-breaking female entrepreneurs

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Today I’m using the occasion of International Women’s Day to reflect.  I thought about my role as a wife, mother, daughter and what I was doing to try and make a difference in my life and the lives of others.
There are two words that describe why I do what I do: financial freedom. This is behind my driving desires to build my investment property portfolio and also Property Bloom, my property development project management business.  Not just for myself, but for my family.  This drive has come from watching my parents in their retirement.  While they are living in a beautiful part of NSW and own their own home, they are on the old-age pension and really struggling to pay bills. There is no spare cash for a holiday or to reward themselves for working so hard all their lives, but they are still happy.
I want something different for my retirement, and I worked out 10 years ago after picking up the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad that unless I take full responsibility for my future and management of my own investments then I’d be in the same boat.
I also wanted to her other inspiring stories so I asked my female staff and clients what it meant to be financially independent.
Here’s Kylie’s story...I remember sitting down with my Nan many years ago and she was telling me how she had always had what she referred to as a “cunning kick”. Her cunning kick consisted of a couple of hundred dollars, which back then was a lot of money. She had it hidden in an envelope stashed at the back of the hall closet so no one, not even my Pop, could find it.
Later on in years, this amount grew to $1,000, then $2,000. She felt so confident that she had this safety net for her “just in case”. When we would visit, she would go to the envelope and give my sister and me $20, sometimes $50. It was obvious to us it made her feel good that she could do this for us.
Later on in life when they were on the pension, my Nan would go shopping and buy nice things for herself. She would come home and secretly change the price tags on clothes, jewellery or anything she had bought for herself, telling Pop she paid less than half the price she actually did pay for it.  My Pop never found out. Seeing my Nan in this situation, I soon realised I wanted something different.
Here’s Joanne’s story....Financial freedom means I have the choice to live where I want, somewhere that brings peace and joy to me just by waking up being surrounded in beauty.
I want to grow organic foods on my land to keep me healthy into old age. I want to have time to exercise and stretch.
I want to be able to travel if I want to both overseas and closer to home to experience more of the world and the people in it.
To really enjoy the beauty of nature by spending more time in it not rushing by it.
To have time to spend with family and friends, taking my niece and nephew on adventures.
Financial freedom is knowing that I can choose to work whenever I want to keep me stimulated and challenged and choose to not work when it is time to rest, meditate or play in the garden.
It is having the ability to say yes more often: "Yes I would love to go hang gliding!"
Financial freedom is being self-reliant empowered, in control of my own life and destiny.
Here’s Sandi’s story...
Financial freedom to me means a few things. Firstly it means that if anything ever happened to me or I ended up on my own, my family would be OK without me financially or I would be OK financially if on my own. That gives me piece of mind.
Then I suppose from a more selfish point of view, financial freedom would be to have our investments working for us: not us working for them. That’s the ideal position I’d like to get into. To have more time for the family and also importantly, for myself (I’ve learnt that this week from ending up with pneumonia from over-doing it!).
What is your plan to financial freedom?  Perhaps it’s a good question to ask yourself today, even if you are not a woman.
Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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What financial freedom means for women

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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 five 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.
One of the five Brisbane properties in round three of the competition is 83 Agnes Street, Auchenflower, which is being marketed by Bartholomeusz Kirwan Real Estate.
Brisbane properties have been slow out of the gate in the competition, with<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/sydney-and-melbourne-properties-fall-well-short-of-expectations-in-round-two-of-auction-tipping/2012030453675" target="_blank"> four out of the five properties passed in </a>during <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/stark-contrast-between-brisbane-and-other-capitals-in-round-one-of-auction-tipping/2012022653556" target="_blank">both previous rounds</a>.
"In Brisbane this Saturday 83 Agnes Street, Auchenflower will go under the hammer for the first time since 1998, when it sold for $46,000," says Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon. 
"The four-bedroom family home is in original condition and sits on a healthy 663-square-metre block of land. Comparable sales suggest it will sell for between $700,00 to $800,000 this time around."
<img src="/images/stories/agnes.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
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Brisbane weekend auction tipping

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There's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five 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.
One of the five Melbourne properties going to auction in round three this week is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-109588176" target="_blank">5/12 Howard Street, Richmond</a>, which will be auctioned by Biggin &amp; Scott. The auctioneer will be hoping for a stronger weekend than last weekend, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/sydney-and-melbourne-properties-fall-well-short-of-expectations-in-round-two-of-auction-tipping/2012030453675">when three of the five properties featured in the tipping competition were passed in</a>.
"The property, which has an open plan feel with a larger than normal entertaining balcony, has been well inspected during the campaign," says Mark Armstrong from Property Tycoon.
<img src="/images/stories/howardst.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Melbourne weekend auction tipping

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There's now a tipping website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five 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.
One of the five Sydney properties in round three of the competition is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-crows+nest-109546371">22 Devonshire Street, Crows Nest</a>. Its Ray White agent will be hoping for a price of more than $1.1 million. 
"Rich Harvey from Property Buyer in Sydney likes the property at 22 Devonshire Street in Crows Nest because of its gorgeous quiet street within close proximity to Crows Nest shops, eateries and easy access to CBD," says Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon.


"The median value of houses has been growing by around 5.5% over the last 5 years. This property needs to sell for over $1.2 million if it was to keep pace with this trend, given it last sold in 2001 for $700,000."
<img src="/images/stories/devonshire.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
 
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Sydney weekend auction tipping

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12/1554 Dandenong Road, Oakleigh, Vic 3166
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/dnong.jpg"> 
This one-bedroom unit is currently leased until April 2012 at $1,260 per month. It includes a modern kitchen, a generous well-styled bathroom, reverse cycle air-conditioning, dishwasher, European laundry, secure parking, storage cage and a private courtyard.
The property was passed in at its weekend auction for $275,000. There was one bid of $265,000. Ray White agent Gareth Apswoude is now marketing the property<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/vic/oakleigh/666057/" target="_blank"> </a>with price hopes of $295,000, which would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.1%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 4.7% for Oakleigh 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 Oakleigh fell by 10.4% in the past year, according to RP Data.
For more about prices and yields in Oakleigh, see the RP Data suburb page.
For more about investment prospects that went to auction over the weekend, see pages 2 and 3.
 
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61 Bull Street, Cooks Hill, NSW, 2300
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/bullst.jpg">
This three-bedroom house is currently tenanted at $370 per week, though the lease is expired. It sold at auction for $460,000 on Saturday, March 3, and if the new owner continues to rent it out, it would return a gross rental yield of 4.2%, about at the indicative gross rental yield of 4.2% for Cooks Hill houses, 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. Council rates are $1,439 per year and water rates are $660 per year plus usage. The property is close to restaurants and parks and includes a large courtyard.. Before auction Walkom agent Kate Rundle marketed the property with price hopes of $450,000 plus. 
<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 $8,000.
The median price for Cooks Hill houses fell 2.9% in the past year, according to RP Data.
For more information about yields and prices in Cooks Hill, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
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22 Lubrano Street, Brighton East, VIC, 3187
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This 1920s California bungalow on 666 square metres is currently leased until June 2012 at $481 per week. The three-bedroom house includes high ceilings and polished timber floorboards and is within walking distance of the Hawthorn Road tram and Gardenvale Primary School.
It was passed in at its weekend auction on $925,000 and now has a price of $969,000, which would secure a gross rental yield of 2.6%, below the indicative gross rental yield of 3.3% for Brighton East houses, 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. There was one bidder. Before auction Century 21 agent Michael Egan was marketing the propertywith price hopes of $920,000 plus.
The median price for Brighton East houses fell by 9.3% in the past year, according to RP Data.
For more about prices and yields in Brighton East, see the RP Data suburb page.
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