Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

Joel Robinson

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

The Gold Coast Planning Committee has supported the preliminary approval for the Benowa Gardens Urban Village project following an extensive community consultation and assessment process.

The proposal will now proceed to a full council vote on June 2.

The application sought approval for a masterplanned urban village on the existing Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre site, combining new housing, retail, dining, health and lifestyle amenities within a walkable, integrated precinct.&nbsp;

The proposed redevelopment includes around 413 apartments integrated above a revitalised mixed-use centre featuring a full-line supermarket of 4,000 sqm, 6,000 sqm of specialty retail and dining space across around 30 retailers, a 7,000 sqm health and wellness precinct, and roughly 9,630 sqm of office and medical suites.&nbsp;

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb36ae47-80bc-45f0-9914-31b0c7b6007d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C4%201121%20FI.jpg?VersionId=6mRKk2uU4r67TmTt39DKGUlvFRbTVqWa" />

The broader masterplan also includes very significant traffic and transport improvements, wide pedestrian walkways, upgraded pedestrian and cycle connections, and enhanced public areas designed to create a more connected and walkable community environment.&nbsp;

Centre owner Patrick Lu said the milestone reflected months of detailed planning, technical assessment and ongoing communication with local residents, businesses, schools and stakeholders.

“We appreciate the time, consideration and care Council officers and the Planning Committee have given this proposal throughout the assessment process,” Lu said.

“We also sincerely thank the local community for engaging with us, sharing feedback and participating in the consultation process over many months.

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32fd1fc3-d0e6-485f-ac57-9916c9bcb818" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/PR26576%20Ashmore%20Road%20C5%201121%20FI_2.jpg?VersionId=fz8qQKDBLQ7MyFRc856Zccfbh9nFwLOe" />

“We understand projects of this scale bring questions and concerns, which is why we have worked hard to listen carefully, provide information transparently and continue refining elements of the proposal where possible.

“Our vision has always been to create a well-designed, community-focused urban village that responds to the changing needs of the Gold Coast, while delivering improved amenity, housing diversity, healthcare access and local lifestyle benefits.

“This proposal is about creating a genuine live-work-play environment where residents can access everyday services, schools, healthcare, dining, shopping and green space within walking distance, while also supporting local jobs and economic activity.”

<img alt="$1b Benowa Gardens Urban Village moves to Full Council following Planning Committee support" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50dfbd04-590e-4fc6-983b-766880947867" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Dining%20Day%20Time%20-%20High%20Resolution.jpg?VersionId=BP7ZoKJ0DdL_8iRkkC8VVx99moICV6kg" />

Lu said the proposal had evolved significantly through consultation and technical review, particularly around traffic, pedestrian and student safety and neighbourhood connectivity.&nbsp;

Melissa Griffin, Director at Urbis, said the recommendation recognised the strategic importance of delivering more housing and services within established urban areas already supported by infrastructure.

“This proposal represents the type of thoughtful, integrated growth that planning frameworks across South-East Queensland are encouraging,” Ms Griffin said.

“The project seeks to place housing, retail, healthcare and employment opportunities together in a highly accessible location close to schools, transport and existing services.

“Importantly, the process has involved significant technical assessment and community engagement to ensure local issues and feedback were properly considered throughout the planning pathway.”

$1 billion Benowa Gardens Urban Village heads to council vote following Planning Committee support

Surfers Paradise is officially set for its first new residential development with a 45-storey skybridge connecting the two towers.

John Camilleri’s Celestino Developments has been given the green light by the Gold Coast City Council to develop its major beachfront precinct across its huge 4,000 sqm oceanfront site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/63-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">63–79 Garfield Terrace</a>, just five months after its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-billionaire-winx-breeder-s-bold-two-tower-surfers-paradise-play-with-45th-storey-skybridge">submission in late 2025</a>.

The approved scheme will deliver two towers rising 55 and 48 storeys, connected by a skybridge positioned on level 45 that will house a range of resident-only wellness and entertainment spaces.

In its notice of approval, the Gold Coast City Council said the&nbsp;proposed overall built form has been designed to complement the scale, intensity and protect the adjacent amenity and surrounding streets through the use of varied setbacks, site cover and architectural elements.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Billionaire Winx breeder’s bold two-tower Surfers Paradise play with 45th-storey skybridge" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-30%20at%209.53.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ADyPJ_TFbJvSU9wZFOiCBnlPtgF7VWqW" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the development will comprise 275 apartments across the two towers, including a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, as well as several penthouses. The apartments will sit above a landscaped podium featuring more than 90 metres of beachfront pool frontage, private resident lawns, lounges, and wellness spaces.

DBI said the design draws heavily from the movement and form of the coastal environment, with curving balcony lines and sculpted façades intended to soften the scale of the towers while maximising ocean outlooks and passive shading outcomes.

“The project occupies a rare, uninterrupted oceanfront site and has been shaped by a design philosophy that merges architectural elegance with environmental responsiveness and a carefully curated lifestyle experience,” DBI said in planning documents submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

The most distinctive element of the approved project is the skybridge linking the two towers at level 45. The elevated communal space is planned to include executive lounges, formal dining areas, wellness facilities, and panoramic ocean-facing outlooks.

“The skybridge enhances the identity of the development, promotes social interaction, and delivers a lifestyle experience not found elsewhere on the Gold Coast,” DBI said.

At podium level, residents will have access to a suite of resort-style amenities, including resident lounges, private dining rooms, a yoga lawn, gymnasium, plunge pools, and treatment spaces. The beachfront pool has been designed with separate lap, lounge, and children’s areas extending across the width of the site.

The project will also introduce new food and beverage offerings along the Enderley Avenue and Oceanway frontages, contributing additional activation to the beachfront precinct.

First look: Winx billionaire’s beachfront Surfers Paradise apartment development greenlit

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>
There’s a distinct feeling of déjà vu in the air, with non-bank lending pioneers Mark Bouris and John Symond both launching campaigns urging borrowers to consider alternatives to the major banks following the interest rate increases of the last few days.
On Sunday night Aussie kicked off its new advertising campaign fronted for the first time in five years by chairman and founder John Symond.
In the new campaign, which runs with the tagline “It’s smart to ask”, Symond urges consumers and borrowers to question and challenge their current financial providers, specifically banks, in an effort to review and choose a financial product or service.


<div style="display:none">

</div>



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<script type="text/javascript">brightcove.createExperiences();</script>The new ad kicks off with Symond asking: “Is your current home loan the right one for you today? It’s smart to ask, the fact is things are more competitive today, you can save thousands but you need to make the right choice.”
He then goes on to say: “You could ask your bank, but would they tell you if a competitor had a better product? We will.”
Yellow Brick Road’s Mark Bouris, who famously competed with John Symond when he built up non-bank lender Wizard in the late 1990s and early 2000s (until selling it to GE Money for $500 million in 2005), has also gone on the offensive against the major banks.
Speaking on Eddie Maguire’s Triple M breakfast radio show today, Bouris said the banks had given smaller lenders like Yellow Brick Road and others “such an opening”.
“If this was AFL or rugby league I would be kicking goals or scoring tries,” he said, perhaps harping back to the days when Wizard sponsored both the NSW State of Origin side and Collingwood Football Club.
“The bottom line is my interest rate is 6.83% and the banks’ is 7.36% and that over 25 or 30 years you could save $40,000.
“If that’s not the most compelling reason to shop around and look for a better deal, I don’t know what is.
“There are small banks, there are credit unions, there are non-bank lenders like my business, Yellow Brick Road, offering better deals then the big four banks,” he said.
Bouris says the problem is that all anyone ever talks about is the big four banks.
“We are all doing them a big favour by talking about the big four… There are other places to go to.”
Bouris says it’s no harder to get a loan from a credit union, building society or non-bank lender than it is from a major bank if you qualify for it.
Bouris admitted that funding costs for new lending had risen but said this game was about averaging and smoothing out your costs, not just passing them on to your customers.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finance/our-banks-are-too-big-to-fail-too-few-to-be-competitive-mark-bouris-and-christopher-joye/2012020853307">Along with Yellow Brick Road director Christopher Joye</a>, Mark Bouris has taken his campaign against the major banks online and in the print media, warning that the financial system is more at risk by being reliant on four $50 billion banks. Bouris and Joye suggest Australia would be better off with 10 banks worth $20 billion, “each small enough to fail without causing widespread damage”.
Competition between Bouris and Symond for mortgage customers reached its zenith in about 2003 when Aussie was writing about $600 million a month in new mortgages and Wizard had a mortgage book worth about $6.5 billion and about 300 franchise offices.
Aussie Home Loans acquired the Wizard franchise network from GE Money in 2008 during the height of the GFC for an undisclosed sum believed to be a fraction of what GE spent on buying it from Bouris in 2005.
Just before Aussie acquired Wizard, the Commonwealth Bank acquired a third of Aussie for about $70 million.
In 2002 Aussie changed its business model from a non-bank lender offering Macquarie Bank-backed loans through its PUMA program to that of a mortgage broker offering a range of loans from different lenders including the major banks.
In 1995 Symond was the face of Aussie Home Loans, kicking off its famous “We’ll Save You” ad campaign with the question: “You work hard for your money, so why give it to the banks?”
“I want you to ring your bank and demand a better deal… If they won’t come to the party, ring us.”
Yellow Brick Road remains a non-bank lender and receives its wholesale funding from Gateway Credit Union.
 
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Mortgage wars Groundhog Day: Mark Bouris and John Symond turn back the clock as they take on the banks

<html><body>
A surge in home loan traffic on financial products comparison website RateCity.com.au suggests that more borrowers will refinance their mortgage in the wake of banks pushing up their mortgage rates independently of the RBA. 
Home loans as a share of RateCity’s website traffic has increased by nearly 50% in the first two weeks of February compared with the whole month of January a spokesperson has told Property Observer. 
“Overall traffic to the site has increased by 25% comparing last four months [February 2012, January 2012, December 2011 and November 2011] to the four months prior – and this growth is obviously understated because of Christmas holidays,” she says.
The RBA cut interest rates in November 2011 and December 2011, with most lenders passing on the full rate cut to borrowers.
 The pick-up in home loan traffic follows a see-saw month for borrowers, beginning with expectations that the RBA would cut interest rates by 0.25% on February 7 and ending with the major banks stinging customers with rate rises. 
Yesterday <a target="_blank" href="/news">NAB became the last of the major banks to lift its rates</a> outside of the RBA cycle, lifting its variable mortgage rate by 0.09% following increases of 0.06% by<a target="_blank" href="/news"> ANZ, and 0.1% by Westpac</a> and the<a target="_blank" href="/news"> Commonwealth Bank</a>.
{module What do you intend to do given the current interest rate fluctuations?}
{module Have you changed lenders in the last six years?}
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

More borrowers will refinance their mortgages in wake of bank rate rises: RateCity

<html><body>
Before you purchase your next commercial property, you need to take some advice on which purchasing vehicle is right for you — because it's definitely not “one size fits all”.
The Australian Tax Office is quite happy for you to arrange your affairs so as to minimise the tax you pay. In other words, it is quite legal for you to avoid tax — you simply cannot evade it.
Income tax and capital gains tax are clearly two important issues to consider when arranging your property investments, and so, too, is GST.
But tax planning is not the only factor to consider. There are other commercial concerns that you should also address, depending on your circumstances. Apart from ensuring your overall flexibility, you also need to be able to:
<ul>
<li>admit partners down the track;</li>
<li>allow one or more individuals to sell out when desired;</li>
<li>cope with future tax changes;</li>
<li>handle a marriage breakdown;</li>
<li>cope with the death of one or more individuals;</li>
<li>pass on the investments to future generations; and</li>
<li>take advantage of the new superannuation provisions.</li>
</ul>
If you haven't already done so, you need to give careful thought to these matters in choosing the best investment "vehicle" for your next purchase.
From a tax viewpoint, which vehicle is best for you?
The simplest way to answer this question is to fully review the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly recommended tax structures and decide which best suit your circumstances. Those possible structures (investment vehicles) include:
<ul>
<li>Company</li>
<li>Fixed trust (commonly referred to as a unit trust)</li>
<li>Partnership, or joint venture</li>
</ul>
Depending upon your particular situation, there will be one vehicle better suited to your needs. And it is vital for you to determine that before you finalise the contract of sale for your next purchase.
You may prefer to obtain advice from your accountant. Alternatively, most competent legal firms will have a taxation division, which can provide you with that advice.
And this is always my preference — because there is then less chance of something being able to "slip through the cracks".
Generally, the discussion about the most appropriate investment vehicle takes only about  15 to 20 minutes with a tax adviser.
However, the real advantage comes from being able to dovetail the formation of that vehicle with the conveyancing aspects of the contract itself — because everything is now happening in-house.
Bottom line: You are able to leave that initial meeting with the comfort of knowing the transaction will now be documented in the most tax-effective manner.
Plus, it will also provide you with the greatest flexibility down the track; and you now have one fewer thing to follow up in the process.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog" href="https://his-best.biz/">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
 
 
 
</body></html>

chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

How to choose the right investment vehicle for your commercial property investment

<html><body>
The NSW government’s decision to restrict first-home buyer stamp duty concessions to new homes or vacant land from January 1, 2012 helped drive a seasonally adjusted 3.8% increase in mortgage lending in December and a 7% increase in first-home buyer mortgages, according to December ABS housing finance data.
The number of commitments for owner-occupied housing finance rose 2.3% over December.
First-home buyer mortgages are up 38% since mid-2011, while finance to upgraders was broadly flat in the month and over the last six months.
Dylan Eades, economic analyst at ANZ, describes the headline number as “encouraging” but urges caution because it was “most likely boosted by the bring-forward of NSW activity ahead of the removal of the first-home buyer stamp duty concessions”. 
The end to the stamp duty concession also boosted NSW mortgage commitments, which rose by 6.1% in December and are 11% higher over the past two months. 
“Given that much of this growth has been driven by first home buyers, we are anticipating a mild retracement in NSW activity at the beginning of 2012,” says Eades.
New lending to owner-occupiers excluding refinancing rose 8.7% in the final quarter to be 4.6% higher through the year.
“Recall that it was a weak start to the 2011 year, on the back of the RBA's November 2010 rate hike and flood disruptions,” commented Westpac economist Andrew Hanlon. <img src="/images/stories/westpacfeb14.gif"> 
Hanlon also noted that NSW outperformed the market with mortgage commitments up 23% for the half year “as stamp duty changes to take effect from January 2012 triggered a bring-forward”.
Fixed-interest loans for investment purposes increased 7.5% during December to $7.1 billion following a 2.7% increase in November.
However, Hanlon says this type of financing can be volatile and notes that “the investor market was relatively subdued throughout 2011, with finance up just 1.8% for the year, against the backdrop of generally softer house prices”.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, demand for owner-occupier mortgages in Queensland was up 6.9% in the month, following a 2% rise, but still ended the 2011 year down by 1%. Victoria and WA reported a 1.3% gain, while SA and Tasmania reported falls.
Master Builders Australia describes the increase in housing finance in December as a positive sign but says it needs to be sustained.
“The key finance indicator released today by the ABS shows that demand for new dwellings is showing early signs of a pick-up in response to the interest rate cuts in November and December last year,” says Peter Jones, MBA chief economist.
“Loans for construction of dwellings and purchase of new dwellings, combined, were up 2.1% in December, and there was an encouraging lift in investment-related construction loans.”
“Finance commitments remain weak by historical standards, but the housing market is beginning to pick itself off the floor as the bring-forward effect of the government’s boost scheme fades and first-home buyers respond to lower interest rates and more affordable house prices.”
 
 
</body></html>

First-home buyer mortgages up in December thanks to December NSW stamp duty deadline

<html><body>


The National Australia Bank has increased its standard variable home loan interest rate by 0.09% to 7.31% pa.

It's still the lowest, albeit narrowly, of the major banks, <a target="_blank" href="/news">all of which</a> have now<a target="_blank" href="/news"> increased their interest rates </a>since last Tuesday’s Reserve Bank meeting. It takes effect February 20.

Lisa Gray, the group executive, says NAB has had the lowest rate of the major banks for 32 months and had committed to maintaining the lowest of the major banks through 2012. 

“These decisions are never taken lightly.

“We know that current economic uncertainty is impacting on our customers, which is why last week we made the commitment to maintain the lowest SVR of any of the major banks throughout 2012. 

“However, the state of the European and UK economies is having a serious impact on funding costs," she says.

“As recently as last week NAB acquired $1.5 billion of new funding on the domestic bond market at a premium that is around 70 basis points higher than the last equivalent issue just 8 months ago,” Gray says.
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NAB, the last and still narrowly the cheapest, puts up its standard variable rates by nine basis points

<html><body>
CBA is the latest lender to announce an increase in its variable mortgage rates independently of the RBA, pushing up its residential variable home loan by 0.1 percentage points per year to 7.41% per annum from February 20 following Bendigo Bank lifting rates by 0.15% earlier in the day to 7.4%% effective February 21.
The decision follows ANZ and Westpac pushing up their interest rates by 0.06% and 0.1% and Bank of Queensland committing to keep its rates unchanged until at least the outcome of the next RBA meeting.
Here’s a rundown of the standard variable rates on offer from Australian banks, starting with the cheapest:
6.94%
The standard variable bank rate that Heritage Bank is currently charging its customers.
7.20%
The standard variable bank rate that BankWest is currently charging its customers.
7.22%
The standard variable bank rate that ING Direct is currently charging its customers
7.24%
The standard variable bank rate that HSBC is currently charging its customers.
7.30%
The standard variable bank rate that Bank of Melbourne/St.George is currently charging its customers.
7.31%
The standard variable rate that NAB will charge its customers from February 20 after lifting rates by 0.09%. 
7.33%
The standard variable bank rate that Suncorp is currently charging its customers.
7.36%
The new standard variable bank rate ANZ will charge its customers from February 17 after lifting rates by 0.06%.
7.36%
The standard variable bank rate Bank of Queensland will charge its customers until at least the next RBA meeting on March 6, the bank has pledged.
7.41%
The new standard variable bank rate the Commonwealth Bank will charge its customers from February 20 after lifting rates by 0.1%.
7.45%
The new standard variable bank rate Bendigo and Adelaide Bank will charge its customers from February 21 after lifting rates by 0.15%.
7.46%
The new standard variable bank rate Westpac will charge its customers from February 20 after lifting rates by 0.1%.
 
*All rates as announced on February 13.
</body></html>

Standard variable mortgage guide as CommBank, NAB and Bendigo lift rates

<html><body>
The decision to keep official interest rates on hold last week means the economy is looking strong in the opinion of the Reserve Bank economists.
While most of the metrics considered by the Reserve Bank – European sovereign debt, the US economy, Chinese growth – are out of our control, the consequence of changing interest rates impacts on everything we do.
When we wait for the RBA’s decision on the cash rate at the start of each month, we tend to convince ourselves that interest rates are the only thing that counts in a home loan. But a mortgage is not only about price; there are also features and service, either of which can be as important as price.
I’ve written recently about mortgage pricing, pointing out that the big four banks have 90% of all new mortgages, yet their mortgage rates are around one percentage point higher than many of the non-banks and credit unions’ home loans.
And when it comes to features there are lenders who still won’t let you pay fortnightly, won’t let you access 100% offset on the loan account and won’t allow redraws on your excess mortgage payments.
So, price and features differ in the mortgage market, but it’s service that may be the most important.
Borrowing to buy property is a long-term commitment and is the largest debt most people will ever take on. Most borrowers admit they need advice, guidance and management. They need service.
When I was young, loan managers at the banks formed relationships with the people they approved: they visited customers at their homes; they came over to say hello when they saw you at the club; they gave advice and they contacted you personally if the loan was in arrears.
I’m not claiming that this was a golden era of customer service: banks themselves thought it prudent for loan managers to stay close to borrowers, to know their customers, to be proactive when someone lost a job or there was a matrimonial break-up.
When the 1990s started and hundreds of bank branches were being shut down, we were sold on a new version of the bank-customer dynamic. We were told that relationships were inefficient and the new era was about transactions.
If you look at all the advances in banking in the past 25 years, most of them are concerned with transactions: ATMs, phone banking, internet banking, iPhone apps. And we love it.
But what about service?
Back in the ‘90s, my business offered mortgages about one percentage point lower than the banks’, and we worked on having the best standard variable rate mortgage in the market, with redraw facilities, weekly and fortnightly payments, etc.
But the interesting part was the service. Originally, some high-paid American banking consultants advised us to build an electronic, distributed banking model, which essentially meant no branches but lots of call centre and internet access.
Guess what? The borrowers wanted service. They wanted a branch on a high street, where a manager took an interest in their circumstances and was part of the community. They wanted advice, guidance and management.
We started building branches, we trained loan managers who became their own small business owners and we ensured that the mortgage was not simply a transaction or a product: it was a relationship in which both the lender and the borrower were invested.
By 2003, the non-bank lenders had taken 15% of the Australian mortgage market, from a standing start in 1995.
And it wasn’t only the non-banks proving that Australians wanted to talk to experts about their mortgages. We have also seen the rise of mortgage brokers since the mid-1990s as borrowers sought out an actual person to give guidance.
Brokers now account for around 43% of all new mortgages in this country.
So now, even in a time when technology is king, service is still at the centre of the proposition for Yellow Brick Road.
I think it’s OK for Australians to feel uncomfortable with the transaction-based mortgage approach and to start demanding that they deal with a loan manager they can see, a face they can recognise and an expert they can be guided by.
Service has not died out. Ask someone who’s really happy with their mortgage: nine times out of 10 they’ll have a relationship with their lender.
Good service with your mortgage is still available, but if you want it you have to make a choice.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
This article first appeared in News Ltd. newspapers
 
 
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Service counts when finding a mortgage broker: Mark Bouris

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Fairfax columnist Michael Pascoe described it as a “cute way” the big four banks have seemingly taken turns at being the first to move their mortgage rates by less than a Reserve Bank rate cut – or to increase their rates by more than an RBA rate rise or to just raise them outright.
“It’s so cute that a cynic might wonder if it's staged,” Pascoe added.
Property Observer charts the decision leaders:
<img src="/images/stories/dec2009.jpg">
Westpac raises its standard variable mortgage rate by 45 basis points after the RBA increased the cash rate by just 25. The other banks followed by lower amounts, so Westpac’s Gail Kelly copped most of the attention. Little did we know that Kelly had shown her confidence in the Sydney property market just a month earlier when she spent a record $8.95 million on her Terrey Hills acreage property, albeit without any mortgage.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/nov2010.jpg">
The Commonwealth Bank announced a 45-point hike after the RBA's Melbourne Cup Day 25-point increase.  The others followed a little later and a little lower, leaving then CBA chief executive Ralph Norris to cop most the attention.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/nov2011.jpg"> 
The National Australia Bank passed on just 20 points of the RBA's 25-basis point cut.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/feb2012.jpg"> 
ANZ led the way with a six-point increase last Friday afternoon, followed by Westpac's 10-point effort at sunset, which suggests Gail Kelly’s recent safari trip in South Africa has emboldened her.
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Big four taking turns on interest rate rises

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Recently released 2012 NSW land tax rates suggest unwary NSW landowners are at greater risk of becoming taxable for the first time and obliged to lodge registrations by the March 31 deadline.
Paul Anderson, a property law partner with TurksLegal, says this year’s 2.3% uplift in the tax-free threshold followed a six-year period of more modest rises around the 2% mark.
“This means many more landowners may find themselves with the nasty surprise of a land tax liability for the first time in 2012 as a thinning threshold leaves them more exposed.
“In contrast, the threshold rises from 2001 to 2004 were substantially higher, ranging from a low of 6.8% to a high of 21.5%.”
The 2012 tax-free threshold is $396,000 – up $9,000 on the year before and on trend with the low increases since 2006.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tax/nsw-land-tax-threshold-increases-0.2-after-a-1.77-across-the-board-gain/2011110352183" target="_blank">It was released last October</a>, with the individual land tax assessments over the past month.
“While this reflects an overall softening in the property market, it’s no longer safe for landowners to assume the threshold will provide a secure buffer,” Anderson says.
“Given the resilience of property values in some parts of NSW, there’s no doubt that some landowners who were previously exempt may suddenly creep into the taxable category.
“First-time land taxpayers who fail to register on time may be subject to penalties and interest so it’s important to understand when their obligations are triggered,” Anderson says.
As a general rule NSW landowners are likely to have to pay land tax on any property they own other than their principal place of residence.
Exemptions also apply for land zoned rural or non-urban, which is primarily used for primary production, and land used primarily for boarding houses and low-cost accommodation within a five-kilometre radius from the Sydney GPO.
New taxpayers must lodge a registration form with the Office of State Revenue (OSR) by March 31, 2012.
The OSR will then issue them with a notice of assessment spelling out land tax liability for the year.
“If they were registered in a previous year, they will automatically receive an assessment between January and March,” Anderson says.
For 2012, the land tax rate is $100 plus 1.6% of the landowner’s total NSW land holdings as at the end of 2011, in excess of the $396,000 threshold.
High-value properties are subject to a higher rate of 2% on the portion of the property’s value exceeding a ‘premium’ threshold of $2,421,000.
“If you disagree with a land tax assessment, you can lodge an objection with the OSR but you will need to act fast and get it in within 60 days,” Anderson says.
“However, if you have no objections you should be aware you have the option of receiving a 1.5% by paying your full tax liability prior to the first instalment date.
“If you’re not sufficiently cashed up to take advantage of the discount, then your fallback is to pay in the usual way, in three instalments on the dates specified in your assessment,” Anderson adds.
TurksLegal is a law firm with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, established in 1981, and currently with 24 partners and over 100 staff.
Yearly increases in NSW land tax-free thresholds
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 282px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
Year
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
Index
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
Increase (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2012
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
$396,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
2.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2011
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
$387,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
2.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2010
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="88">
$376,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
2.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2009
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$368,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
4.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2007
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$352,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
0.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2006
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$352,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
0.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="95">
2005
</td>
<td valign="bottom" colspan="2" width="188">
No threshold for land tax
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2004
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$317,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
21.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2003
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$261,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
18.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2002
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$220,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
7.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="95">
2001
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="88">
$205,000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="100">
6.8
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
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Complacent NSW landowners at risk of land tax shock

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So, ANZ has gone and done it, raising its standard variable home loan rate independently of the Reserve Bank. It is a significant development in banking, albeit a very small and tentative one.
ANZ had been expected, after the second rate review under its new policy of considering rate movements on the second Friday of every month, to either do nothing or add 10 to 15 basis points to its key home loan rate. Instead it added a modest six basis points to, deliberately one assumes, line its rate up with Westpac, which has had the most expensive standard variable home loan rate of the majors. 
That may help defuse or at least reduce the intensity of criticism that would have been harsher if ANZ had set a new benchmark. The bank could be accused of wimping it, given how noisy it has been about the funding pressures that have been intensifying for the major banks. Tactically, however, it was in an awkward position. This month was one of the handful where the RBA board meeting falls in the second week of the month – in the same week as the ANZ review. Most of the time ANZ would have 10 days to consider the RBA’s decision and probably at least a week to see how its main competitors had responded before it made its own decision. Instead, to the delight of the other majors, with the RBA sitting on its hands, ANZ not only had to make an independent decision but one that could leave it alone and exposed for nearly a month, drawing the ire of the federal treasurer and other bank critics in the meantime. It has tried to make itself as small a target as possible. It shouldn’t have had to. This morning, well before ANZ took its baby step into its brave new world of independent rate-setting, the RBA released its latest statement on monetary policy. In it it makes an unequivocal case for bank rate rises. It says the spreads on bank debt are now "significantly higher than they were in the middle of last year" and that there has been a "step-up in the banks’ overall cost of funding relative to the cash rate." In its more detailed commentary it noted increases in the spreads on term deposits, on wholesale funding and in the cost of the foreign exchange hedging the banks undertake when they borrow offshore – all the banks’ sources of funding have become more expensive relative to its own cash rate. ANZ should have cut and pasted those comments into its own announcement, just in case Wayne Swan et al missed them. The reality is that the spreads on their borrowings, whether term deposits or wholesale funds, have been blowing out and exerting pressure on their margins. The National Australia Bank quarterly update this week showed it had lost about nine basis points of margin relative to the second half of last year. As noted previously, the majors are almost certainly writing new home loans at an initial loss relative to their incremental cost of funds. ANZ and NAB are the two majors that have been growing their home loans books at rates above the overall system growth, with ANZ growing its share at a greater rate than NAB. That would be intensifying the funding pressure. ANZ could therefore have easily made the case for a rate increase of at least 10 basis points or more, although its new policy does give it the flexibility to move the rate, in either direction, regularly at its own discretion and therefore it has the ability to lift it with a series of movements, each small enough not to ignite real fury among its customers and the politicians. Today’s move was a small one for the customers concerned but a major leap for the bank and potential for the system as the banks try to signal and explain to customers that the RBA’s cash rate influences only a part of its funding rather than determining its actual cost relative to benchmark rates.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/" target="_blank">Business Spectator</a>.
 
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