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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

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

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make

The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?

A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.

As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.

One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.

We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.

Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.

That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.

Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.

Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.

The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.

It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.

<a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.

That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.

Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.

However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.

Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.

Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.

Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.

For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.

According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.

According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.

The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.

As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.

The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.

For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.

For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.

Find out how to get iCIRT rated <a href="https://www.icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.pdf">here</a>.

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

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This week we’ve been inundated by reports in the media about an impending market crash. I watched with interest as one current affairs program sensationalised and dramatised a story by editing quick grabs of what a few different commentators were talking about.
If you missed the host’s introduction that “some markets are at risk of collapse”, then you’d be thinking that we were all doomed and there was an impending national market crash fast approaching. Little cuts to the US property crisis didn’t help. Later in the story we do find out they were talking about what was going on in two Queensland suburbs where two people had purchased units off the plan in a massive high-rise complex in a very densely built-up area (a risky investment strategy). Further into the story up popped a list of other “difficult” suburbs around Australia. The interviews with several commentators were edited so much that we can assume that a lot of the really interesting detail they spoke about wasn’t included.
The problem with these reports is that they are designed to keep you glued to the TV and up the ratings and not necessarily to educate you on the topic. So if you were thinking about developing property and watched that program, you would certainly be having second thoughts.
It’s up to us to dig down to the detail, sift through all the noise and get to the facts. We need to become a specialist in the areas we want to invest in.
My due diligence includes tracking a certain postcode’s medium quarterly sales going right back to 1997. I buy this data from Residex, and to me it’s the best investment I can make as I can see:
-          How fast the market grew during its boom years;
-          The actual number of property sales each quarter;
-          The median price has stabilised and enjoys steady incremental growth over the past six to years even though the number of sales seems to fluctuate;
-          the impact the first home buyers had when they were active;
-          where this suburb is in the property life cycle; and
-          I know the average 10-year growth rate is over 12%, which works for me.
This long-term statistic can help you compare different suburbs. I overlay this historical data with the current research I collect on these towns. I read regional strategic council reports, I look for government and council spending on infrastructure and what is happening in the community.
A $1.7 billion freeway link is under construction and will have an interchange in one of the towns in this postcode. We are seeing two major supermarkets opening in one of the towns, and this is boosting employment. Another town under this postcode is enjoying incremental spend from the phenomenal concerts in the vineyards industry which is bring massive artists such as Elton John to the area and boosting the hospitality and tourism sectors. I know that the vacancy rate is under 1% and the type of dwellings that are in demand. Armed with all this information, I feel very confident that developing property in this post code is going to continue to pay off.
As a developer you need to be extremely confident about the location of your development because there are so many other factors that can affect your development, the more you can sure up, the better chance you’ll have of a successful result.
So is now the right time to be developing property? It will depend on the areas you are looking at. For me, it’s a resounding yes, as I’ve done the research and know that my client’s projects in the Hunter Region of NSW are going to do well for them.
Jo Chivers is director of <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Property Bloom">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Do your research, and you will still find booming suburbs

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Properties on the market too long become problem listings: SQM

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We all know it is a buyer’s market, with more properties for sale in most markets than buyers.  The amount of property advertised for sale has lifted across all capital cities and most, if not all, regional towns as well.  According to one data provider, there are about 275,000 residential properties currently advertised for resale across the country.  This is up from 220,000 (or by 25%) on the same time last year.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">I am not saying it isn’t a buyer’s market or that the amount of stock advertised for sale has not risen, but the question is, when is a property really “for sale”?  You see, most data houses source their “for sale” lists from the internet.  Some are more careful than others to ensure they don’t double count.  But it is just a count after all, and little or no attention is given to what is actually being measured.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">As I have said many times – and find myself repeating more frequently of late – “It is the easy things that are most often measured, rather than the things that should be measured.”  This applies directly to these “for sale” lists.

I recently asked a dozen or so veteran real estate agents (sadly, most like to be called such) about the number of properties that are really for sale in their trade area.  By really I mean that they are priced to sell and the seller is motivated to do so.  In other words, the sellerneeds to sell rather than wants to sell.  We would sell our house, for example, if someone offered us enough money and the terms of the contract suited us.  Our house, by the way, isn’t advertised for sale – it is a buyer’s market after all.
 
<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">The typical response confirmed that about half of the properties listed were really for sale – though even then, only one-in-three (on average) of that fifty percent had the property priced appropriately to do so.  You see, the internet is a wonderful thing; it has driven down the cost to advertise, so sellers (let’s call them that) can cheaply take a punt in the hope that someone will like what they see, offer them a big wad of cash and Bob’s your uncle…or Robert’s your mother’s brother, which ever saying takes your fancy.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Partly to blame here, too, are those real estate agents who list property this way.  Experienced agents don’t waste their time listing overpriced property – and especially in a buyer’s market.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">I did a little bit of a test to validate what I had been told.  Apparently, in the Kenmore area of Brisbane (postcode 4069), there are 350 properties listed for sale on the internet.  By my way of reckoning, only about 200 of those are really “for sale”, and from what I can gather from the internet, agents windows and actual inspections, only about 75, maybe 100 tops, are priced to sell within the next three to six months.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">My constraints required that the property had a physical “for sale” sign; gave the address on the website; offered a time to view the property; provided some indication about price expectation or an auction date, and had a real estate agent engaged on behalf of the seller.  Now, some readers will dismiss these parameters, but unless these details are provided then I would not be interested in investigating the matter further.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">In our street alone – which comprises 74 properties – there are seven homes currently listed for sale on the internet.  Yet only one has a “for sale” sign in front of the property, and all are way overpriced for the current market conditions.  Several of these seven have been “for sale” since we moved into the street in late 2005.  The one with the sign is the only somewhat motivated seller and even then, they “aren’t in a particular rush”.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">It would be great if data houses – instead of trying to out-pip each other in the press – provided some meaningful statistics once in a while.  I do think that RPdata is the best of the lot, but their weekly “advertised stock on the market” table would be greatly enhanced if they provided some extra vigour and listed those properties priced (and sellers motivated) to sell, separate from those that would like to sell.

<p style="margin-top: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-bottom: 13.2pt; margin-left: 0cm; background: white; vertical-align: baseline; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Food for thought.

<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.1em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Michael Matusik is the director of independent property advisory Matusik Property Insights. Matusik has helped over 500 new residential developments come to fruition and writes the weekly  <a title="Matusik's Missive" target="_blank" href="https://matusikmissive.wordpress.com/" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Matusik's Missive</a>.
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

'For sale' listing figures inflated

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Investors are currently spoilt for choice if you have two lots of $9.95 to spend.
Australia’s two leading property investor magazines have simultaneously published their annual guides on the best 100 suburbs in which to buy.
But forget the hot 100 and the top 100, because we can just home in on the 21 locations that happen to appear in both lists. Alphabetically they start with Ainslie in the ACT and end with <a target="_blank" href="/news">Warrnambool </a>in Victoria.
Ainslie is viewed as well located, offering good services and despite 12% average annual growth over the past decade is still relatively affordable.
Warrnambool, with prospects as a town in the centre of a regional Victorian district with gas-fired and geothermal power stations, plus wind farms, was forecast to have a strong unit market.
Townsville, Gladstone and Rockhampton, plus the Surat Basin mining towns of Toowoomba and Chinchilla were the Queensland regional listings. It was noted that houses have gone up 15% over the last year in Chinchilla, and rental yields are at a very healthy 7.25%. Paddington was Brisbane’s only joint entrant, given its easy CBD access and lifestyle at affordable pricing for unit landlords.
The three Sydney suburbs to score on both lists were Dulwich Hill and Tempe, in the inner west, Baulkham Hills in the northwest. NSW’s regional cities were Bathurst and Port Macquarie.
Nothing in Perth, but WA did get a mention with Geraldton, the regional boom town with strong resources, agriculture and fishing.
Melbourne dominates the list, with the five entrants of Broadmeadows, Thornbury, St Kilda, Brunswick and Balaclava.
South Australia was represented by Kensington and Port Noarlunga, respectively four and 27 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD.
The lists represents the shared outlook of some two dozen or more of the property industry talking heads who’ve assisted Australian Property Investor and Your Investment Property compile the lists.
The YIP top 100 was made up of 25 suburbs in Sydney, 12 from Melbourne, seven from Perth, eight from Adelaide, five from Canberra, three from Hobart, two from Darwin and 26 from regional areas.
In the API list, 17 out of the 100 hotspots are within a few kilometres of the Melbourne CBD.
Analysts who helped compiled the lists included Charles Tarbey, chairman of Century 21, Tim Lawless, research director at RP Data, valuers WBP and Herron Todd White and Terry Ryder, director of www.hotspotting.com.au. Other experts include Monique Sasson Wakelin and Margaret Lomas.
The rankings were typically compiled based on affordability, accessibility, amenities, demographics and population growth, employment opportunities, rental yield and rental growth potential.
Given there are 15,000 suburbs across Australia, getting 21 that match is quite some feat, although Alexandria in Sydney, which was ranked as the best investment location in the YIP list, didn’t make it onto the API list.
Of course neither of the top 100 lists can be taken as providing all the complete due diligence necessary for buyers. And certainly not this fusion.
And Chinchilla, on the western Darling Downs, highlights just how fluid the outlook can be. It is now fleetingly caught up in the hendra virus outbreak, so presumably is is not as desirable now as it was when the lists were complied.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Of 15,000 suburbs, 21 rise to the top as worth a look for investors

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Two of the apartments in the Noosa triplex Sandpiper have been sold off the plan through Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa for a combined $14 million.
The agency has been marketing the three-bedroom apartments since 2009 and now has the Hasting Street block’s penthouse apartment listed with a $10 million asking price.
The ground floor apartment was originally priced at $9 million and the mid-floor priced at $10 million, however these prices were negotiated back to the recent $14 million combined selling price.
“Noosa beachfront is absolute prime real estate which is recognised internationally as one of the most desirable locations in the world,” Richardson &amp; Wrench director Peter Butt says.
“Prices have been adjusted down over the last two years, and some special Noosa positions may never be this price again.
“Three-bedroom beachfront apartments on Noosa Main Beach are in extremely short supply, with only 26 true three-bedroom apartments available to the market,” Butt says.
“When the Sandpiper development is complete this will only make 29 three-bedroom apartments in total.
“These apartments have seen very little turnover, as some have been held by the original owners for over 20 years.
“In historical terms these apartments have increased in value at almost 20% compound growth; however the current market conditions have capped this growth for the time being.”
“Astute buyers who are familiar with our market have realised this and have made their move to secure property now rather than waiting to compete with the southern buyers who will be coming to Noosa over this spring and summer,” Butt says.
“These latest sales together with the $5 million sale to Mark Webber have signalled a strong resurgence in top-end Noosa property.”
Construction of Sandpiper in Noosa was initially scheduled for late 2009. It has been designed by Richard and Jane Foster. It was a 1960s block of six one-bedroom apartments and two shops. After engaging local architect Richard Foster, plans were submitted and subsequently approved for the construction of three full floor apartments and two boutique retail outlets. The units were consolidated at a $16 million cost over six years between 2001 and 2007.
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Sale of $14 million apartments as tide turns for better in Noosa

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A new boutique development at 17 Ellesmere Road, in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Windsor, is set to offer sustainable living and innovative design.
Designed by Jackson Clements Burrows architects and built by the sustainability-minded Balfour Development Group, the development will offer 15 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom units. The apartments range from 40 square metres to 80 square metres, and one-bedroom units begin at $395,000. Two-bedroom units begin at $570,000. The average price for a unit in <a target="_blank" title="Windsor" href="/news">Windsor </a>is $467,000, according to RP Data.
Balfour Group managing director Steve A’Beckett expects the apartments to be in high demand.
“It’s a very uniquely designed building, a very beautiful, sculptural form, it’s very well priced,” he says. “It ticks all the boxes, which is what we try and achieve with all our developments.”
One of the key features of 17 Ellesmere Road is sustainability, as the building was designed to have a 6.2-star rating according to the Sustainable Tools for Environmental Performance Strategy rating system, which was developed by Moreland Council and is a significantly more stringent standard than the Building Council of Australia.
“We have water harvesting and reuse for both wastewater and landscaping, we have solar power, which makes a fairly significant contribution to keeping running costs down. We have cross-ventilation mechanisms,” A’Beckett says.
“Sustainability is a very key part of our corporate platform,” he says. “I want my kids to inherit a better world than I am inheriting, and so we try to make long-term sustainability a priority.”
The development is close to Chapel Street and Prahran’s shopping strips, and it is six kilometres from Melbourne CBD.
Apartments are being marketed by Kay &amp; Burton agents Michael Armstrong, Peter Kudelka and Chris Alcock. The development came on the market last Wednesday, July 20, and Alcock says three apartments have been reserved so far.
Construction on the project is set to begin in October of 2011 and finish in December 2012.</body></html>

Eco-friendly design under a mansard roof in Windsor

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The two wings of the Grollo family are competing for the right to develop the last $1 billion Batman Hill construction site to be won in the Melbourne’s Docklands precinct.
It is believed to be the first time the third generation of the construction family have directly competed for the same development rights.
The bidding parties are headed by cousins Daniel Grollo and Lorenz Grollo, according to the Australian Financial Review.
Daniel’s Grocon has joined with Mirvac, and Lorenz's Equiset with Australand.
The other shortlisted bidders are Lend Lease and Leighton.
Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy says the four shortlisted bidders have until October 26 to finalise their development proposals.
Initial registrations closed in March for the two-hectare site, with a prestigious Collins Street address. It also includes a Flinders Street frontage and air rights above Wurundjeri Way.
Set adjacent to Southern Cross Station, and neighbouring Media House, the site will see the gap closed along Collins Street linking the CBD to Docklands.
Guy has said the successful bidder will be announced early next year.
At present about $1.57 billion worth of commercial and residential development, totalling more than 260,000 square meters of gross floor area comprising more than 1,140 dwellings, is under construction in Docklands.
It was 1928 when the Grollo family left Treviso, Italy to start a new life in Melbourne. In the 1940s Luigi started a business with a small team of men and one truck. Over the next 50 years, the business grew into one of Australia’s largest and most successful construction groups.
In 2000, Luigi’s sons Bruno and Rino divided the company to pursue their own goals.
The Batman Hill precinct was the proposed site of the Grollo Tower, with an original proposed height of 678 metres. The development concept was scrapped in 2001.
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Grollo cousins compete for Docklands tender

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A luxury apartment complex that will replace a demolished commercial building on the border of Mosman and Cremorne on the Sydney north shore will be marketed off the plan by CBRE agent Paul Tutt.
“Esque” will incorporate 29 apartments in a four-storey complex at 100 Glover Street on the edge of Cremorne Junction on the North Sydney shore.
It is being developed by Sydney-based developer Helm, which paid $9.8 million for the 1,906-square-metre, three-storey commercial building in September 2010.
It was sold with the development application by the Charter Hall Diversified Property Fund at 10% above the book value in a deal negotiated by Simon Fenn and Stuart Cox of CBRE and Geoff Smith and Tim Abbott of LJ Hooker Mosman.
The fund bought the building for $10.3 million in June 2007 in a deal negotiated by Jones Lang LaSalle. It was leased by EMI up until 2011 as its state headquarters with a yield of 8%.
The sale of the site to developer Helm  for $9.8 million equated to $280,000 per unit site, according to CBRE agent Stuart Cox.
In February 2002 it was bought by the Kador Group for $8.1 million.
The commercial building, the former state headquarters of music group EMI, has been completely demolished to make way for the apartment complex.
Construction will begin in November and is due for completion in early 2013.
The project has been designed by Peter Conley, the architect behind Abode Property’s Sanctum at Cronulla, winner of the HIA’s 2010 National Award for Australian Apartment Project of the Year.
Helm is seeking prices in excess of $1.35 million for a three-bedroom unit, $875,000 for a two-bedroom unit and $565,000 for a one-bedroom unit.
The four three-bedroom penthouses range in size from 127 to 167 square metres internally (plus 28- to 124-square-metre balconies) and 10 three-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 110 to 136 square metres (plus 21- to 28-square-metre balconies).
The five two-bedroom apartments range in size from 84 to 91 square metres, and the 10 one-bedroom apartments range in size from 52 to 74 square metres internally, excluding balconies.
Sustainability will be a key feature, with the design incorporating a 75,000-litre underground tank to harvest rainwater. The recycled water will be used for landscaping irrigation as well as providing water for car wash bays.
Other green features include a range of passive energy saving innovations, urban ecology techniques and permaculture initiatives.
Apartments on the eastern side of the upper floors will gain views of Sydney Harbour.
The development is close to the cosmopolitan Military Road retail strip, which includes the Art Deco Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace and is due for completion in early 2013. Construction is due to start in November.
Esque will feature handcrafted face bricks, glass balustrades, a combination of fixed and moveable louvre screens and a naturally weathered zinc tactile outer “skin”.
Other noteworthy features include a lobby of textured bluestone flooring and a feature wall of Pietra marble, intimate garden spaces and a four-storey high wall of evergreen climbing plants.
According to Mark Monk, general manager of Helm, the apartments will be ideal for those buyers who want to live in a spacious apartment close to the city.
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New life for Charter Hall Cremorne commercial holding

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As we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
The first residential project in Australia to achieve five stars is not the eco-mansion you might imagine.
<img src="/images/stories/lilyfieldgreen.jpg">
These stars – which have only been available to multi-residential projects since 2008 – were awarded to the Lilyfield Housing Development in Sydney’s inner-west (pictured above).
The social housing complex, which includes 88 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, achieved its status thanks to a significant investment in eco-initiatives aimed largely at keeping costs down for tenants.
Romilly Madew, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, explains: “Take Lilyfield’s gas-booted hot water system as an example. It caters for 60% of hot water consumption and will be able to deliver annual savings of $213 per unit, meaning the annual energy bill for households will decrease by 25%.
“Green buildings really do provide tenants and owners with a buffer against future increases in water and energy costs and protect against service shortages.
“Highly efficient appliances, increased insulation, reduced lighting loads, passive solar energy and ventilation, and water conservation measures all lead to more dollars in the bank,” she says.
<img src="/images/stories/redferngreen.jpg">
Housing NSW has since achieved another five-star ratings for the redevelopment of its Redfern site (pictured above), which will include 66 apartments and 40 townhouses, many of which will house aged and disabled members of the community.
According to a department spokesperson, raising the environmental bar also lifts the wellbeing of residents.
“Assisting low-income and disadvantaged households with the reduction of energy and resource consumption has clear economic benefits, but it also improves their health, not to mention comfort levels at home,” the spokesperson says.
“For example, residents enjoy houses that are naturally ventilated, and because there is no general parking they are encouraged to use bikes.”
Housing NSW is committed by its own regulations to adopt voluntary green rating tools to a five- or six-star standard when building new projects.
As such, it is able to lead the way not only for social housing but for sustainable residential design in general.
Madew says that although the green star system is designed to be voluntary as a means of recognising and rewarding those who push the envelope, she encourages governments to mandate green star ratings for all the buildings they own, operate or develop.
“This is important as it demonstrates governments’ commitment and leadership and will help to drive ever-increasing levels of sustainability.”
The immediate challenge for the private sector is meeting the perceived higher construction costs associated with green star projects, and having confidence this will lead to solid returns.
But architect Kevin Masci of Bates Smart says a green-star rating can be a real marketing edge.
<img src="/images/stories/convesso2.jpg">
At Convesso (pictured above), the stunning development on Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour with four green stars, Masci says any additional costs were offset against “less important building elements” to ensure only minimal costs were passed on to buyers.
“Despite the sustainability credentials, Convesso apartments are not necessarily more expensive than similar apartments in the Docklands, they are still market competitive,” he says.
“At the moment buyers embrace green star features, providing it’s at a reasonable cost, but in time green star residential buildings will be recognised as the new state-of-the-art.”
Convesso, with its soaring twin towers, penthouses, pool and gym, is just one example of how buyers can be reassured that neither creature comforts nor aesthetics are sacrificed in the name of a green star rating.
<img src="/images/stories/thesummer.jpg">
The design of The Summer (pictured above), a four-star green development along South Beach Promenade in Fremantle, was in fact inspired by an understanding and respect for the environment.
“Perth weather can often be extreme, with strong sun, heavy rain and wild wind, which made it more sensible to employ a passive design that responds to the benefits and forces that characterise the climate,” says architect Daniel Grinceri of Donaldson Warn.
“Sustainability was an important design principle that informed the early concept stage and therefore influenced the aesthetic direction of The Summer”.
Romilly Madew admits that take up of green star residential projects has been slow to start.
“But as the business case grows, we expect the uptake of the residential tool to follow the trajectory of the Green Star office tool.”
<img src="/images/stories/delta.jpg">
And if Grocon’s Delta building (pictured above) – a 10-storey apartment complex made completely from timber – is anything to go by, we have a lot to look forward to.
Delta aims to be carbon-neutral and is due for completion on its inner-Melbourne site in 2014.</body></html>

Residential buildings shoot for the (green) stars

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61/67 Carabella Street, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061
<img src="/images/stories/formjuly20nsw.jpg">
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<div>Within walking distance of Sydney's foreshore and offering harbour views, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment sold at auction on Saturday, July 23 for $930,000. <a target="_blank" title="Sydney Boutique Property" href="https://www.sydneyboutique.com.au/pol/property/search.asp?f_PropertyID=1701015&amp;f_AgentID=4331&amp;xsl=4331&amp;f_st=1">Sydney Boutique Property </a>agents Tom Scarpignato and Chris Delaney marketed the property with $860,000 plus hopes, and the current tenant pays $945 a week and wants to stay. This represents a yield of 5.28%, considerably higher than the indicative gross rental yield for units in Kirribilli of 4.9%, according to RP Data. The light-filled property includes one car space and a sunny balcony.  </div>
For more on rental yields, average prices and other information about this suburb, visit the <a target="_blank" title="Kirribilli" href="/news">suburb page of Kirribilli.</a> 
For other investment possibilities that went to auction at the weekend, see pages 2 and 3.
 
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4 Lancewood Walk, South Morang, VIC, 3752
<img src="/images/stories/lancewood.jpg">
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse in the northern Melbourne suburb of South Morang is situated opposite parklands. It went to auction by <a target="_blank" title="Ray White Bundoora" href="https://www.raywhitebundoora.com.au/buying/search/detail.aspx?id=RWB1579&amp;wlid=0a6427b8-ae5c-4152-996f-d0f5768c9b5f">Ray White Bundoora</a> agent Joe Torzillo on Saturday, July 23 at 10.30am and was passed in. It is still on the market, with hopes of $310,000 plus. According to RP Data, median asking rent for houses in South Morang is $360 and indicative gross rental yield is 4.5%.  
For more on rental yields, average prices and other information about this suburb, visit the <a target="_blank" title="South Morang" href="/news">suburb page of South Morang</a>.
 
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32 Boustead Circuit, Kambah, ACT, 2902
<img src="/images/stories/bousted.jpg">
On an 851-square-metre block in the family-friendly suburb of Kambah, this three-bedroom, one-bathroom house will likely appeal to tenants, as it is within walking disatance of shops and transport and is close to prestigious schools. It was sold by <a target="_blank" title="McGrath Gungahlin" href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/131463/?searchID=7735615">McGrath Gungahlin</a> agents Greg Ward and Nathan Harford at auction on Saturday, July 23 for $402,500, above the pre-sale price hopes of $395,000 plus. Median asking rent for houses in Kambah is $460 per week and indicative gross yield is 5% in the area, according to RP Data.  
For more on rental yields, average prices and other information about this suburb, visit the <a target="_blank" title="Kambah" href="/news">suburb page of Kambah</a>.
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