Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

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?

National Australia Bank (NAB) has brought forward the timing of the first RBA cash rate cut by three months.

NAB is now expecting a cut in February, in line with ANZ and Westpac, having initially thought a cut wouldn't come until May.

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB changed its call following the August monthly inflation figures that were released at the end of September, showing it had dropped to 2.7 per cent.

"The risk has been skewed to a first cut earlier in 2025, and today’s change acknowledges the balance of risks has likely shifted sufficiently for the RBA to feel comfortable cutting a little sooner than we earlier expected," NAB noted in its latest update.

They added that the cadence of the cuts may be faster than its central profile.

"Domestic inflation pressures are cooling, but only gradually, and we continue to expect the conditions for a cut will not be in place this year.

NAB believes the easing cycle will end at 3.1 per cent by early 2026, which is five cuts from the current 4.35 per cent cash rate.&nbsp;

CBA also thinks 3.1 per cent will mark the end of the cutting cycle, while Westpac is forecasting 3.35 per cent, and ANZ is the most pessimistic at 3.6 per cent, which would be just three interest rate cuts.

<h2>What would a rate cut in February look like for borrowers?</h2>

According to&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vK2ujS77CHs9VRvSSXzLC" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG" target="_blank">Canstar</a>, if there is a cut in February, a borrower with a $600,000 loan today and 25 years remaining would see their monthly repayments drop by $92.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Impact of 0.25% pt cut in February 2025
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Current loan size
			</td>
			<td>
			Drop in monthly repayment
			</td>
			<td>
			New monthly repayment
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$600,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$92
			</td>
			<td>
			$3,907
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$750,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$114
			</td>
			<td>
			$4,884
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$1M
			</td>
			<td>
			-$153
			</td>
			<td>
			$6,512
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Source:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qVnp6oqATgqDUi2Frm22q" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>. Starting rate is the RBA existing average owner-occupier variable rate of 6.36%. Assumes banks pass the cash rate cut on in full the month after the meeting.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Canstar Data Insights Director, Sally Tindall, says if core inflation continues to track in the right direction, or unemployment starts to accelerate significantly, we could well see a cash rate cut as early as February of next year.

“All four big banks now believe the RBA will be ready to cut the cash rate in just over four months’ time, if not before, in the case of CBA.

“However, the outlook for both inflation and unemployment is still highly uncertain. A couple of wobbly sets of inflation data could see the RBA holding for longer, particularly if unemployment remains relatively steady."

&nbsp;

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB bring forward first RBA cut to February 2025

<html><body>
The general consensus is that the next movement we’ll see from the Reserve Bank of Australia will be an increase.
The main question is ‘when?’
Finder’s <a href="/expert-insights/finance/experts-predict-no-interest-rate-change-tomorrow-finder">regular monthly RBA survey saw all the experts surveyed in September opt for the rates on hold prediction</a>, which unsurprisingly turned out to be correct.
Interestingly, more than half of those surveyed predicted the increase would come in the second half of 2015.
Not in agreement with this general prediction is ANZ. In the Finder survey, Warren Hogan tipped an increase in the second quarter of 2015, as did three others.
Now ANZ have re-confirmed their opinion on a potential interest rate rise.
ANZ Research's David Croy noted that they are actually expecting three hikes from the RBA next year, in May, June and November.
Other forecasters are predicting that a rate rise may come even sooner.
Nicki Hutley of Urbis, predicted a rise as early as December this year.
“The Australian economy is still seeing growth a little below par," said Hutley. "Inflation is picking up but not yet alarmingly so... so the RBA won’t be in any hurry to move,” she said at the beginning of the month. However, she did note that the New Year is also an option for a rise.
10 of the 25 surveyed expected an increase in the first half of next year. This has been an opinion held for many months now, with <a href="/expert-insights/finance/no-july-rate-increase-look-to-next-year-instead-me-bank">ME Bank noting in June that rises are not expected until 2015</a>.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ:
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/how-to-prepare-for-an-interest-rate-increase">How to: Prepare for an interest rate increase</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/interest-rates-crash-course-whats-the-relationship-to-the-property-market">Interest rates crash course: What's the relationship to the property market?</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/10-things-to-know-about-the-current-interest-rate">10 things to know about the current interest rate</a>
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

More than one interest rate rise on the cards for 2015: ANZ

<html><body>
Lenders including NAB, Commonwealth Bank and St George Bank have all begun offering cash incentives to borrowers as the spring property market kicks into gear.
NAB is offering borrowers who apply for a new home loan with a principal and interest value of $300,000 of greater by 31 October a $1,000 eftpos card.
The lender has previously landed in hot water with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) after it released <a href="/expert-insights/finance/misleading-ads-cost-nab-40-800">potentially misleading advertisements</a> regarding a different eftpos offer.
ASIC fined NAB $40,800 over the UBank home loan ads, which promsed a $2,014 eftpos card but failed to disclose all the relevant eligibility details.
St George Bank is offering a $1,250 rebate for borrowers who apply for an Advantage Package home loan before 30 October and settle before 28 February 2015.
Other Westpac-owned banks are offering similar rebates. Borrowers who switch to the Bank of Melbourne or BankSA and take out an Advantage Package loan before 30 November will receive $1,250 to help cover their transfer costs.
The Commonwealth Bank also offers a rebate, though only to first home buyers. Those taking out their first home loan with the Commonwealth Bank before 29 November, with a minimum loan size of $100,000 and a minimum 10% deposit are eligible for a $1,000 cash rebate from the lender.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Lenders offering cash to entice customers

<html><body>
It’s contentious: Should we keep negative gearing?
The Housing Industry Association has released research that said restricting access to negative gearing for investors buying residential property would reduce the amount of investment in housing, erode affordability and push rents higher.
HIA managing director Shane Goodwin said that discounting residential negative gearing in isolation is a retrograde step for tax reform in terms of efficiency and equity.
“New housing is one of the most highly taxed sectors in the economy, and the removal of negative gearing would only make that situation worse and discourage investment,” said Goodwin.
“This would in turn reduce housing supply and increase the cost of renting,” he said.
Goodwin says that negative gearing promotes private investment in the rental market, stimulating economic activity and taking pressure off social housing.
“With an aging workforce and future pressure on services, policy settings such as negative gearing that promote wealth creation and self-sufficiency in retirement should be promoted,” he said.
“It is important to remember that negative gearing is not the domain of so-called ‘wealthy investors’. Figures from the ATO demonstrate that 74% of tax payers receiving rental income have a taxable income of less than $80,000.”
The much debated topic has been<a href="/expert-insights/finance/room-for-debate-should-negative-gearing-be-abolished"> under discussion on Property Observer for years</a>.
There have been many suggestions of how it could be phased out, including grandfathering it out or just slowly toughening the rules. You can <a href="/expert-insights/finance/who-will-get-stung-by-negative-gearing-and-tax-changes">read some of those suggestions here</a>.
RESULTS:
<img 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" 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Restricting negative gearing would erode affordability, says HIA: Do you agree?

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A review of low documentation, or 'low doc', home loans by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has discovered that lenders have tightened their policies around these mortgage products since 2010.
Before new responsible lending laws were introduced in 2010, borrowers did not always have their financial circumstances verified for a low doc loans, with lenders relying on statements from borrowers that they could meet the repayments.
ASIC notes that in some cases this led to borrowers being unable to repay the loans, or forced to sell their homes.
The review of 12 lenders found that since the introduction of the new laws, lenders had introduced more stringent requirements for low doc loans. New practices included obtaining additional information to verify income and introducing additional processes to ensure the reliability of information provided by brokers.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has recorded a decline in the proportion of low doc loans of all new residential loan since the introduction of the regulations in 2010. Low doc loans now make up 0.7% of all new residential loans, down from 6.4% in 2010.
ASIC identified three compliance risks with low doc loans:
<ul>
<li>Poor-record keeping, including not recording the outcome of inquiries into borrowers’ requirements and objectives, and the relative priority of these objectives 
</li>
<li>Lenders relying solely on benchmark living expense figures rather than taking separate steps to inquire into borrowers’ actual living expenses 
</li>
<li>Lenders performing limited verification of borrowers’ ongoing fixed expenses for other loans they may have 
</li>
</ul>
Source: ASIC
Lenders reviewed have made changes to their practices in light of the compliance risks identified during ASIC’s review.
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Lenders tightening low doc loan requirements: ASIC

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Any move to scrap negative gearing would affect Australia’s “mum and dad” investors, according to research that shows 70% of those claiming the rebate earn less than $80,000.
With <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/42835-negative-gearing-could-be-putting-the-financial-system-at-risk-murray-inquiry" target="_blank">calls to scrap the tax</a> never far from public debate, the research shows the property tax break is not just for the wealthy, as often assumed.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/34310-should-negative-gearing-be-scrapped-experts-weigh-in" target="_blank">Negative gearing</a> allows investors to claim full tax deductions for interest costs and other property expenses when the investment is less than the cost of owning and managing the investment.
Statistics from the Australian Tax Office, provided by the Property Council of Australia, show 883,325 of the 1.266 million taxpayers claiming benefits from negative gearing earned under $80,000 in 2011-12.
Job classifications from the ATO show the majority of those are teachers, nurses, clerical and emergency workers and salespeople.
Nick Proud, executive director of the Residential Development Council, told SmartCompany many would also be small business owners or sole traders, but it is difficult to determine given the ATO’s classification by industry.
The statistics also show 73% of the Australians accessing negative gearing only own one property and a further 18% own two.
“The majority of these people are not property barons,” says Proud.
“They are average mums and dads, people who don’t want to leave it up to the government to look after their retirement.”
Proud says these investors are providing homes for people not far below their own earning capacity.
He says any action to remove negative gearing from the tax books will result in a slowing up in the interest in rentals, with rental numbers declining and an upwards pressure placed on rents.
He also says investors claim around $16 billion in other rental deductions for property maintenance through their negative geared properties.
“That flow-through to economy would happen straight way and we would see a significant decline in jobs,” says Proud.
Proud also says there would be a significant effect on the demand on public housing, with Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing a huge reduction in building approvals for such accommodation in recent years.
Brian Chant, managing director of Property Asset Planning, agrees scrapping negative gearing would have a detrimental effect on rent prices, job creation and public housing demand.
He tells SmartCompany negative gearing legislation has been in place from 1996 for good reason.
“Negative gearing is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, in any wage or income bracket,” says Chant.
“People love getting into property and what easier way to reduce your income tax.”
But Taxpayers Australia’s head of taxation, Mark Chapman, tells SmartCompany it may not be worth those in lower income brackets getting into negative gearing investments.
“I wonder whether so many people in those lower income thresholds misunderstand the extent of tax brackets,” says Chapman.
He says often these lower income earners hear “wonderful things about negative gearing”, but they don’t necessarily fully understand paying tax at a lower rate also means earning at a lower rate.
“If people in those income brackets go into property investment because they want to be property investors and have commercial judgement fine, but if they look at it as a means of saving tax, ultimately they will be disappointed.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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krobb-aCrRNnPq6D

Who really claims negative gearing? ATO stats reveal it's not just a strategy for the wealthy

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Investors are missing out on thousands of dollars worth of tax deductions by failing to take advantage of depreciation benefits, according to CBRE.
The real estate services company last week launched a tax depreciation service aimed at Australian residential property investors.
“It’s astronomical the number of people who are unaware of the depreciation benefits that are available to them,” said CBRE Capital Allowances National Director Neale Scott who leads the division.
Owners of new properties could often claim 2 to 4% of the purchase price in depreciation in the first year of ownership, Scott said. On a newly constructed property purchased for $400,000, for example, the depreciation benefit could be between $8000 and $14,000 in the first year.
“It’s significant,” Scott said.
But many investors did not know they could claim such deductions by obtaining a tax depreciation schedule for the property.
“There is a lot of reliance on accountants to do this work but accountants are the ones who use the schedules; they don’t prepare them,” Scott said.
A number of other companies can prepare tax depreciation schedules for investors.
Scott said CBRE had a large residential valuation business and could use its existing infrastructure to offer a cost competitive service in preparing depreciation schedules.
The scale of its business meant it could prepare the reports in a shorter time frame than many of its competitors. It aims to deliver depreciation schedules to its clients within five to 10 days.
“For every [depreciation schedule] that we do, we fully inspect the property which is also a massive point of difference,” Scott said.
The service is available across all metropolitan areas.
CBRE launched its Capital Allowances business in Australia about 12 months ago initially targeting commercial and agribusiness sectors.
“The addition of a residential platform enables us to offer a full suite of property and tax depreciation services across all sectors,” Scott said.
The business specialises in formulating depreciation schedules and providing associated advisory services, including preparing property reinstatement costs and depreciated replacement cost assessments. 
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Investors overlooking depreciation benefits: CBRE

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Genworth’s Homebuyer Confidence Index has risen 7.3 points in September, largely as a result of low interest rates reducing mortgage stress.
First home buyers that purchased over the past 12 months were significant contributors to the lift in confidence, at a high not reported since September 2012, while mortgage stress in general is significantly lower.
In fact, the index recorded that mortgage stress experienced by home owners has almost halved – falling to 15% in September from 28% in March.
Meanwhile, 2% of home owners were reported as behind their mortgage repayments, compared to the three year average of more than 3%.
Genworth Australia chief commercial officer Bridget Sakr said that they suspect the increase in confidence is a result of 13 months of historically low interest rates, as well as increased certainty around the May federal budget and the health of the economy.
“Almost half of surveyed home owners said they increased their mortgage buffer by making overpayments during the past 12 months,” said Sakr.
“Interest rates have virtually disappeared as a source of mortgage stress with just three per cent of struggling homeowners now citing this as a key factor of mortgage stress compared to 50% in September 2011.”
However, the Index also found a slightly increase in those who did not believe now was the time to buy, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/now-is-not-a-good-time-to-buy-a-sydney-or-melbourne-home-westpac-confidence-index">mirroring the results found by the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment</a>.
Sakr said this is potentially a result from an increase in property prices.
“While the Genworth Homebuyer Confidence Index has returned to a positive result overall, dwelling value growth of late and the ongoing challenge of saving a deposit means that many prospective first homebuyers are still finding it difficult to enter the property market,” she said.
The index is a survey of more than 2,000 Australians, which asks about the proportion of monthly income used to service debt, comfort levels around LVRs, repayment over the past 12 months and future 12 month expectations.
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Mortgage stress has halved, just 2% behind on repayments: Genworth

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Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia’s concerns about the housing market’s price growth, it appears that not all are changing their predictions of a period of rate stability and macro involvement isn’t on everyone’s radar.
Westpac’s chief economist, Bill Evans, has noted in their latest bulletin that they are not altering their rate forecast – expecting the first hike to be in 2015.
He notes that they expect the rise to be in 2015’s September quarter, driven by a global outlook, modest lift in consumer spending momentum, non-mining investment and a falling unemployment rate.
While house prices and credit growth are also expected to also be rising, he says it will not be at a sufficiently rapid pace to trigger a rate increase.
However, Evans does note that the RBA is likely to either maintain or step up its public warning around housing prices and investor activity.
“A reasonable conclusion is that Australia is unlikely to introduce the New Zealand style of direct macro prudential controls,” he said.
He noted that APRA may lift its intensity of communication to ADI boards and even impose another round of stress testing, though it’s conceded that banks already regularly conduct stress testing.
“It seems unlikely that, at this stage, it would adopt the policies of 2003 where it raised the risk weighting on home loans and increased the capital requirements of mortgage insurers,” he said.
His notes suggest that the current boom is not a replica to that of the early 2000s, despite its similarities.
“The 2000-03 period bears some comparison with the current situation. In that earlier period annual growth in credit to investors peaked at 30% and overall housing credit  growth peaked at 22%,” he said.
The household debt ratio had risen by “26ppts in just two years” and lending standards were seen to have eased.
However, compared to the current environment, clear differences emerge.
“Currently annual credit growth for investors is running at 8.9% with the 6mth annualised pace at 9.5%,” he said.
“Overall housing credit is running at a steady 6.7% annual pace. The household debt to income ratio has risen 4ppts over the last year and remains below its peaks in 2010 and 2007.”
While the debt to income ratio level is higher than it had been in 2003, he notes that they believe this understates the extend of Australian households’ deleveraging since 2007, including accumulating funds in offset accounts.
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RBA’s bubble warning has not changed ‘on hold’ prediction: Westpac

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Less than 12 months ago CBRE launched their capital allowances business in Australia, adding to services offered in the UK and the US, and now they’re expanding the offering to include a residential tax depreciation platform.
The Capital Allowances division specializes in depreciation schedules and association advisory services, such as preparing property reinstatement costs and replacement cost assessments. Previously, they’d be focused on commercial sectors.
CBRE Capital Allowances national director Neale Scott said that they would capitalize on the residential valuations business to create a new national platform covering all metropolitan locations.
“With the advantage of a strong performing residential valuation business, we are in an ideal position to offer market leading pricing, report and delivery times,” Scott said.
“Having recently undertaken some of the largest assignments in the commercial Agribusiness sections, the addition of a residential platform enables us to offer a full suite of property and tax depreciation services across all sectors.” 
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CBRE adds residential to their tax depreciation services

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Mortgage broker network 1300HomeLoan has warned that if the Reserve Bank reacts in a sudden kneejerk fashion to changes in house price movements, the result could be disastrous.
Managing director of 1300HomeLoan John Kolenda said that with current speculation over a potential rate increase for the first time in four years due to overheating house price concerns, the RBA could be making a major mistake.
He pointed to the fact that the house price rises are mainly happening in Sydney.
“We have consistently warned about the potential detrimental impact of the RBA lifting its cash rate prematurely in response to factors such as house prices, which are in a two speed market,” he said.
“Creating a more confident consumer climate required numerous rate decreases over the past few years and pulling the trigger too early could have disastrous consequences.”
Kolenda said that consumer sentiment is still subdued, with a 4.6% fall in September recorded by the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index, while unemployment is still above 6%.
“The RBA hasn't lifted its cash rate since November, 2010, and we believe the lower interest rate strategy has helped to restore some confidence among consumers in challenging economic times highlighted by patchy retail spending and a soft jobs market.”
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