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>
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Ellen Walker

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

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december22stamford]}
Prestige buyers have snapped up apartments in The Rocks’ latest luxury development, with only four of 122 apartments – plus the two penthouses – remaining in The Stamford Residences, which is now complete.
The development, by Stamford Property Services, includes high-end extras like a 24-hour concierge, 18-metre indoor pool and gymnasium.
The larger of the two three-storey penthouses  has four bedrooms (the master bedroom alone is 90 square metres), two terraces and 468 square metres of internal space, including a kitchenette, butler’s pantry and bar in the master suite. It is accessed by its own private lift and has its own internal lift in addition to the sweeping nine-metre-high staircase.  It comes with a $16.1 million price tag.
The smaller penthouse has 412 square metres of internal space and also includes two terraces. It has $13.4 million price expectations.
“The two penthouses offer an abundance of space rarely found in the CBD,” said Ron Keir of architects Kann Finch. “With an exclusive entry on level 28, they provide a sense of privacy and separation from the surrounding environment, while full-size windows allow occupants to reconnect with the surroundings.”
“The quality of the finishes is, of course, exemplary, and the ambience is assured through its classic understated style. Every appointment has been carefully considered to help make the penthouses bespoke homes,” Keir says.
Colliers is marketing the penthouses, along with the four remaining apartments.
The Stamford Residences and its attached townhouse complex, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/five-grand-terraces-built-within-heritage-reynell-development/2011061050463">The Reynell Terraces</a>, represent<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/inner-sydney-running-out-of-space-for-off-the-plan-developments/2011110352209"> the last developments to be built in Sydney’s northern precinct</a> (stretching south from the Harbour foreshore to Market Street and east to Macquarie Street) until 2015.
“People appreciate that this is the last high-rise building in Sydney’s most sought-after precinct,” says Colin Griffin, director of residential project marketing for Colliers International. “It is a finite resource that will appreciate in value at the highest rate.”
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Only a handful of apartments remain in The Rocks' prestige Stamford Residences

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As new home sales decline to levels last seen in December 2000 (according to the Housing Industry Association) and residential construction remains in the doldrums, Australia’s biggest property developers are pointing the finger of blame at councils for halting the approval of new developments.
In the last few months developers’ displeasure in dealing with councils appears to be growing faster than weeds in an abandoned development site.
It’s not surprising the issue is such a hot topic (ranking alongside concerns about housing affordability and interest rates) since council planning committees are a major barrier to developers transforming their master-planned communities and apartments from architect plans into bricks-and-mortar reality.
At its November investor road show in Queensland at the end of November, Stockland residential CEO Mark Hunter highlighted overcoming “high [development] approval hurdles” as one of the key challenges facing the company.
According to Hunter, the hurdles are increasing, as are the “horror stories” about local council nimbyism (not in my backyard)” campaigns.
“In Sydney, councils are dictating the type of product they want. They are saying they want three-bedroom units. The fact market cannot afford them does not seem matter,” Hunter says.
Hunter’s complaints are echoed by Stockland CEO Matthew Quinn, who recently described the process of dealing with small councils in Sydney as something akin to a “nightmare”.
Two weeks later at a property lunch in Sydney, Meriton boss Harry Triguboff was beating a similar drum when talking about getting his new projects off the ground.
Asked what had changed most about the market in his many years in the business, Triguboff quipped: “The fact that it takes so long to get approval from council.”
According to these same developers, the solution to the problem lies in amalgamating councils into regional “super councils” as occurred with the formation of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in 2008 and the much older Brisbane City Council, which dates back to 1925 and is Australia’s largest metro council.
In October, following a legal challenge, Stockland won approval from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council for its enormous Caloundra South community project, which will be home to 50,000 residents over the next 20 years. 
Quinn noted that Stockland had “improved relations with super councils such as on the Sunshine Coast”.
Speaking alongside Triguboff at the same Sydney lunch, Dexus boss Victor Hoog Antink remarked that he had been “fortunate to grow up in Brisbane, which has the largest metro council in the country”.
“It’s a very efficient way to go,” Antlink said, backing “super councils” as the best opportunity to administer for economies of scale and to deliver “better professionalism”.
Calls for super councils have the support of lobbying groups such as the Urban Development Taskforce, which has lamented the inability of Australia to build enough new houses to meet the needs of the population.
In September, then CEO of the Urban Development Taskforce Aaron Gadiel blamed local councils and the state government for Sydney’s failure to build enough houses to meet the needs of the community.
“Sydney is simply not producing enough new homes to accommodate even this low level of population growth. “In fact, no capital city produces less new homes per capita than Sydney,” he said at the time. 
“The NSW government and local councils need to tackle the systematic problems in our planning system which is preventing our housing supply from meeting the community’s clear need.”
Gadiel’s replacement Chris Johnson says “larger planning units servicing various councils could ensure sufficient skill levels”.
Of course councils, planning authorities and residents may not quite see the value in having decisions about the look and feel of their communities made by a larger body, which may not have same degree of empathy or understanding of local issues or concerns. 
And of course many may agree with this assessment made by the Planning Institute of Australia NSW in its submission to the state’s planning system review, where it called the system both “complex and dysfunctional”, but also one that rewards proponents "with the deepest pockets as opposed to those that propose change of the greatest merit".
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Held up by red tape, developers want to deal with 'super councils'

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A Chinese developer has acquired a South Yarra residential development site for $18 million.
The 2,393-square-metre site at 3-9 Claremont Street, which has an approval for 236 apartments plus office and retail accommodation, was bought by a “well-known developer linked closely to a city near Shanghai in China”.
It is situated close to South Yarra Train Station, the Chapel Street retail ship and the Woolworth's Shopping Centre.
The sale price translates to a rate of $7,521 per square metre of land and $76,271 per unit site based on the approved permit.
The deal was negotiated by Mark Wizel and Justin Clarkson from CBRE.
“This represents the strongest price paid for a development site in South Yarra or Prahran of this scale over the past two years,” says Wizel.
“We received several expressions of interest and short listed three parties all of whom were associated with interests from mainland China. This is further evidence of the underlying confidence that Chinese groups have in the Melbourne residential development sector as well as the underlying interest they have in divesting funds to Australia.” 
Wizel says the 10% decline in the value of the Australian dollar since August 2011 has helped drive Chinese developer interest in the Australian market. 
“In the case of Claremont Street, the added attractions were the approved planning permit and the strong end market for apartments in South Yarra,” he says. 
The property is the latest in a series of major inner-Melbourne residential sites to be acquired by Chinese developers over the past two years.
A year ago, the Deague family's Asian Pacific Building Corporation sold its 3,037-square-metre site at 10 Daly Street, South Yarra to the Lyz Property Group based in China's Jiangxi province for $28.5 million, equating to about $9,300 per square metre. The site, which included the neighbouring historic Arlie Mansion, the former home of prime minister Stanley Bruce, has approval for up to 426 apartments.
In September 2010, the China Ever Bright Group bought the 1.5-hectare Stonington Mansion development site in Malvern for just under $30 million – a $17 million discount to the previous price paid by property fund manager Ashington in June 2008. The site has approval for 31 apartments, 14 luxury houses, 22 townhouses and 12 "townhomes". 
“We estimate that mainland Chinese groups have spent in excess of $170 million on acquiring major inner city sites over the past two years with an additional $130 million in sites being sold to development companies with direct interests in Singapore and Malaysia,” he says.
Wizel says in CBRE’s experience developers from mainland China are generally more comfortable acquiring suburban - rather than CBD - sites in locations such as South Yarra, Prahran, Brighton, Balwyn and Doncaster while Malaysian and Singaporean developers tended to focus on more ‘core’ locations such as the Melbourne CBD and St Kilda Road.
The sale of the Daly Street site and Stonington Mansion site was part of an 18-month injection of Asian development capital into the Melbourne market following the Foreign Investment Review Board lifting its restriction in 2009 to allow 100% of a project to be sold to offshore buyers provided the development has more than 100 apartments.
 
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Chinese developer snaps up South Yarra site for $18 million

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december13local]}
Australand has sold 33 of 116 apartments to be built in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Carlton.
The Local project, which launched in early November, will comprise two low-rise buildings, one designed by Fender Katsalidis architects and the other by Arm Architecture. Australand has sold 20 in the Fender Katsalidis building, and the remaining 13 in the Arm building. All were to owner-occupiers.
One-bedroom apartments will range in size from 44 to 54 square metres and cost between $350,000 and $450,000.
The majority of the development will comprise two-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 64 square metres to 74 square metres. Prices range from $500,000 to $670,000.
There will be six three-bedroom apartments of between 91 and 96 square metres. Prices start from $780,000 for these units.
Sarah Bloom, development director, built form, of Australand, says the inner-city location appeals to buyers.
“Located only 1.6 kilometres from the CBD, Local is at the very heart of what makes cosmopolitan Carlton the perfect inner-city lifestyle location,” Bloom says.
“Bounded by Palmerston, Canning and Elgin streets, residents will enjoy gracious tree-lined avenues, while stylish restaurants and cafés, great shopping, cinemas, and some of the city’s oldest parks and gardens are all conveniently located.”
Both buildings will have six green star sustainability ratings, with features such as water-efficient fixtures, solar-boosted hot water, rainwater harvesting and future-proofing for greywater supply.
The Fender Katsalidis building includes a communal rooftop with barbecue area and pizza oven.
For advice on buying property off the plan,<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-10-tips-for-investing-off-the-plan" target="_blank"> download our free eBook.</a>
 
 
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Seven weeks in, Australand's Local Carlton development selling briskly

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The year has ended on a low note for the property sector, but some experts believe a pick-up could begin from early next year, bolstering prices.
Auction results from this past weekend showed clearance rates in Melbourne and Sydney in the 50s – as they have been for the last few months.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher says the year's results were "pretty much in line with expectations".
"We thought at the start of the year we would see a 5-10% decline in the capital cities, and although numbers are still coming in that's what has appeared to have happened."
"We have Sydney, which has down a little bit better than that, but certainly you would put other cities into that category including Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. Those capital cities have fallen into that category."
Christopher says the downturn in the property sector has been around for 18 months, and warns it may take awhile before any recovery takes hold. However, he points to encouraging ABS data showing housing starts and finance has been improving over the past four months.
"We think there will be a decline in the March quarter next year as well, but that is where it's going to bottom out."
Everything depends on Europe, he says. "If all goes well, we should see a recovery in the June quarter of next year. We'll see some indicators before then of how the economy is going, and hopefully that will continue."
This past weekend is emblematic of the year's results in clearance rates. In Melbourne, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria said only 254 properties sold out of 482 on the market, with a clearance rate of 53%.
This time last year, the clearance rate was 62%.
"This weekend is the final one this year with a substantial number of auctions – there are only another 40 auctions scheduled to occur before the end of the year," chief executive Enzo Raimondo said in a statement.
In Sydney, the city recorded a 50.1% rate, while Adelaide and Brisbane recorded rates of 26% and 28% respectively.
Christopher says these results may continue for awhile, but assuming the European situation doesn't deteriorate, will improve over next year.
"We'll see clearance rates go up to the 50s in February, and generally they will pick up from there."
"It should be noted over the next few months we'll be getting a few mixed signals from the housing market, but over next year the situation should improve."
This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank"> SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
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Auctions end year on a low note but prospects strong for 2012: SQM

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There was a distinct first-home buyers’ rush to the head over the spring months at Sydney auctions, according to data provided by Australian Property Monitors.
The auction success rate for auction offerings priced under the first-home buyer threshold of $600,000 improved while the clearance rate for offerings over $600,000 deteriorated.
"There was a spike in clearance rates at the entry level prices as a result of the state government's stamp duty announcement at the beginning of September," says Clint McNabb, research analyst at Australian Property Monitors.
"The state budget decision to cut the full stamp duty exemption on established homes by first-home buyers from January 2012 provided a small boost at the lower end of the market.
"But it has particularly benefited those vendors with offerings price from $500,000 to $600,000, at which the current exemption cuts out," he says.
<img src="/images/stories/clearance.gif">
Source: APM
He notes the middle of the Sydney market proved most resilient over the past year, and the government decision "provided a little extra boost which is evident in the clearance rate."
The clearance rate at the upper end of the market had fallen slightly, McNabb notes.
In spring 2010 auction clearances rates weakened across the board earlier in the year.
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

First-home buyers propped up Sydney spring auction season: APM

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Almost one in two south-east Queensland properties sold at auction in the final official week of the season, boding well for the market in 2012, according Jason Andrew Auctioneers.
The clearance rate for the week ending December 12 climbed to 48%, matching a result achieved in the previous week and up from a November clearance rate of 39%.
The auction house put $50 million worth of real estate under the hammer across the seven days, with $23.6 million successfully sold.
“Of particular note was the Brisbane commercial clearance rate of 100%, and the residential clearance rate across Brisbane and Gold Coast also strong at 60%,” says director Jason Andrew.
Buyer activity also picked up significantly, with the average number of buyer registrations per auction at 2.67%, two and a half times the year-to-date result and six and a half times the rate for 2010.
The percentage of forced sales was also high at 63%, with the total number including 28% mortgagee in possession sales and a further 14% of vendors who cited financial stress as their selling motivation.
Andrew says the week was unusually busy, with a high number of auctions and overwhelmingly willing buyers and sellers.
“This has been the best week of the year – while there will still be a smaller volume of properties go to auction this week, the official auction market has ended on a high.”
“Buyers have seen good opportunity at current prices and sellers have accepted the challenging market conditions.”
“Traditionally December is a month where the tug-of-war between buyers and sellers is lessened, with both parties more motivated to finalise a sale.”
“This year, with uncertain terrain ahead in 2012, that sentiment has been stronger than ever.”
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South-east Queensland auction season ends on a high

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7/163 Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena, VIC, 3163
<img src="/images/stories/murrumbeena.jpg">
The tenant of this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is on a month-t0-month lease but would be happy to sign a new contract. The tenant is currently paying $826 per month, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.century21.com.au/c21/propertySearch/brochure.cfm?grplstno=VIC60356233&amp;State=&amp;SBRB=MURRUMBEENA&amp;pcde=3163">Century 21</a> agent Jeffrey Anderson was marketing it before the auction with price hopes of $240,000 plus. It was passed in at its Saturday auction on a vendor bid of $250,000. Had it sold for $250,000, that would equate to a gross rental yield of 4%, much higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 2.9% for Murrumbeena 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. The property is within easy walking distance of Murrumbeena Station and Neerim Road shopping centre.  <a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $6,000.
For more on yields and prices in Murrumbeena, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
 
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Weekend Yield Watch: Yields of up to 4% in Murrumbeena

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Australians are contributing higher proportions of their income on housing costs, with rent, interest payments and household services (utilities, cleaning, etc) costs all rising between the years 2003-04 and 2009-10, according to a household expenditure survey carried out by the Reserve Bank.
In comparison, Australians are taking less money out of their wallets to pay for cars, stereos, furniture and books then they did six years ago.
They’re even spending less on cigarettes.
<img src="/images/stories/spendingrba.gif">
 
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Australians spending more on housing: RBA

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As we look back on 2011, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of the year.
 
Personally, I am really bullish on the investment property market for 2012.  Please note my reference to “investment” market, as I do see a split between the owner-occupier markets and think these may remain subdued or perhaps grow slowly.  It’s property investors who will dive into action and stimulate the market into a steady capital growth wave.
While some of the points I base my predictions on relate to the national market, most relate to the Hunter region of NSW where Property Bloom develops property.  It’s where we focus our research efforts. The Hunter Region has one of Australia’s largest regional populations.  It is also within about a two-hour drive from Sydney, so we are not talking boondocks here.  It’s made up of five major cities or centres: Newcastle, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens.   However, smaller towns like Singleton and Muswellbrook have become major contributors to the region’s economy primarily due to their large coal mining projects.
Here are some of the facts that I have built my 2012 forecast for the investment property market:
-           Major banks decide to pass on the full 0.25% cut last week. According to Westpac’s chief economist, we will see another 0.5% cut by June 2012.
-          Tight labour markets in the Hunter region
-          Federal government funding just announced  in training to increase skilled labour
-          Major regional capital expenditure, particularly resource sector related or transport related initiatives will be a driving force in the Hunter economy over the next few years. Planned expenditure of over $3 billion in the Upper Hunter alone in the areas of mine expansions, rail and wharf investment, on top of a $1.7 billion Hunter Expressway roads project in the Lower Hunter.  These major projects are expected to also flow on to small-medium businesses in the area.
-          Low vacancy rates and still falling, in November we saw a drop of 0.3% to 1.4% in the Hunter Region and the Sydney Metropolitan area vacancy rate is also just 1.4%.
-          High yields. In most towns we develop in the projects finish with a 7-9% gross yield.
-          Shortage of housing.  We have seen four declines in five quarters, with total new dwelling commencements declining 11.5% in the September 2011 quarter.
To me these conditions are ripe for investors to take advantage of lower holding costs as interest rates drop.  There is one massive factor that will impact what happens in 2012, and that is consumer sentiment.  With the continued doom and gloom messages coming at us from Europe and other international markets and the dissatisfaction with our political leaders right now, I think this will also impact on consumer and investor confidence.
I see a fantastic opportunity for savvy property investors over the next 12 months to take advantage of the current environment and get in early before the mainstream investors hit the market, because when this happens it will increase demand, which will result in higher prices and translate into capital growth.
Let’s take it one step further. By developing property in this environment, you can fast-track your portfolio by creating up to three properties from one.  You can create more, but keeping to three or fewer minimises risk and works within the current lending criteria. Banks will lend on building up to three new dwellings on one title right now.
Developing property is exciting, but if you can develop at the right time when the market is moving into a growth phase, then you will see the real benefits of creating equity through the development process whilst also completing your development in time to catch the next capital growth wave. Happy surfing in 2012.
Jo Chivers is director of <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Property Bloom">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development. 
 
 
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