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>
Property investors and pundits may be forgiven for thinking new AFG data showing an increase in the number of new home loan inquiries is a good sign for the sector, but a new site designed to help home owners in financial trouble has put the brakes on any celebration.

The site, <a target="_blank" href="https://doingittough.info/">doingittough.info</a>, was developed and now operated by the Australian Bankers' Association, and allows home owners who are experiencing financial difficulty to contact their banks and figure out ways of obtaining some financial assistance.
But despite the connotations of releasing such a site in the current economic environment, ABA chief Steve Munchenberg says the site isn't a commentary on whether the European crisis could impact home lending, as some economist have predicted.
Instead, he says the website is a response to home owners who feel they don't have the ability to continue paying their mortgage when they actually have numerous options available.
"Back at the beginning of the year, with the floods, and then cyclone Yasi, we were able to go public then and highlight the fact that people could talk to their bank and get a quick release for a period of time to get them through some difficulties."
"We've seen other parts of the economy doing it a bit tough. And there is a reluctance on the part of some people to tell their bank they are going through hard times."
"I think people have given us a lot more credit for foresight than we should take."
The website itself offers tests for financial strength, along with information on what you can do when struggling through financial difficulty, and how you can apply for hardship provisions.
Munchenberg says the website isn't a commentary on arrears or defaults, which he points out is quite low. Instead, he says it's about dealing with people who don't feel they have any other option.
"When we have people in financial difficulty, they don't instinctively think to contact the bank. But the reality is the bank has a bunch of programs in place to help people in those situations."
"We would rather find out if you're under pressure early to make sure we can all work through that, rather than have people hide that fact and then get into a state where it's much harder to pay it all back."
However, despite the insistence that the site is not a warning, data shows Australians are spending more of their income on mortgage payments, even as prices have slowed. Real estate groups such as the Real Estate Institute of Australia believe this to be a serious problem.
<a href="/news">But new figures from AFG paint a different picture for the market</a>. The country's biggest mortgage broker recorded an 18.4% increase in mortgages processed in November, altogether worth $2.9 billion.
Investors took up 40% of mortgages, with the company saying it was most likely spurred on by the Cup Day interest rate cut.
The figure was the highest since March 2009, on a monthly basis. Fixed rate loans fell to just 17.2%, with stand variable loans taking a 63.1% share. The average size of all mortgages rose to $396,000 from $395,000.
But while the figures may suggest the market is on the verge of booming, auction clearance rates present another story. In both Sydney and Melbourne, sales have remained in line with results from the past three months.
In Melbourne, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria recorded a 55% rate, slightly up on last week but down from the 60% recorded this time last year. Chief executive Enzo Raimondo said for the fifth week in a row "there has been no substantive change in the level of demand".
It expects that trend to continue through the end of the year, even during next week when 900 auctions are expected.
Sydney recorded a 52% clearance rate, while Brisbane and Adelaide recorded rates of 20% and 36.8% respectively.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
<h1 class="contentheading2" style="font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica; line-height: 26px; color: #0096c4;"></h1>
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pmcstafford-pr9eMARWoN

Mortgage enquiries on the rise, but banking lobby group launches mortgage stress website

<html><body>
November mortgage figures released by mortgage broker AFG show a resurgence in loans taken out by property investors as part of an overall jump in processed mortgage applications following the RBA cutting interest rates on November 2. 
The figures, which come out about six weeks ahead of official ABS housing finance data and are strongly indicative of where the market is heading, show an 18.4% increase in mortgages processed by AFG brokers. 
Property investors accounting for almost two out of every five mortgages sold in November (38.4%) – an all-time record for the AFG Mortgage Index. 
Investors were especially active in New South Wales (44.6%) and Victoria (39.8%), but also strong in Queensland (37.7%), Western Australia (32.1%) and South Australia (30.0%).
Refinancing activity remained virtually unchanged, accounting for 37.8% of all loans written. 
First-home buyers dropping to 15.8% of the market compared to 16.4% recorded in October, but are still well above the 12.2% recorded in November 2010. 
AFG, whose mortgage brokers account for about one in 10 mortgages written in Australia, processed $2.9 billion of mortgages in November, its highest such figure since March 2009. 
Mortgage growth was particularly strong in Victoria, where mortgages processed leaped 26.7% and Queensland (20.8%). Elsewhere, growth was recorded in NSW (16.4%), WA (15.8%) and SA (8.7%). 
Mark Hewitt, general manager of sales and operations at AFG, says that while November is seasonally a strong month for mortgages, “the rate cut has certainly stimulated demand”. 
“We’re experiencing the paradox that weaker global economic conditions and lower rates, is good news for Australian property buyers – at least for now. It’s significant that investors and first home buyers are leading the action,” he says. 
“Many had been fearful that we were locked into a scenario of constant rate hikes. The November rate cut proved to be a real a turning point and the outlook is very different now.” 
The major banks accounted for 80.4% of all mortgages written by AFG brokers, up from 78.9% written in October.
 
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

AFG mortgage approvals at 33-month high as investors return to the market 

<html><body>
Mortgage broking agency Smartline and well-known Western Australia brand The Mortgage Gallery have announced a merger as a result of industry consolidation that is pushing more mid-tier companies to chase scale or risk becoming irrelevant.

The two companies announced the merger yesterday, with the new entity to have 240 franchise owners settling $4 billion in loans ever year, with a combined book of over $17 billion.
John Bignell, director of the 20-year old Mortgage Gallery franchise, says the business has been contemplating several changes within the industry that favour large businesses over more mid-tier operators.
"We're a private company that has obviously enjoyed its independence, but we've been seeing a lot of market change. The gap between large brokers, say the top 10, and the boutique operators is becoming considerable."
"It makes you question your relevance in terms of lenders and your place in the market. That was a consideration for us, and you also have to wonder whether you've taken the business as far as you could."
Smartline executive director Joe Sirianni agrees, saying in order for businesses to grow and compete they must build scale.
"The nature of this industry dictates that you're either very small and boutique, or you're large and have some scale. Staying in-between is a hard position sometimes, and we're talking about being a sustainable business over a long period of time."
Smartline was founded in 1999, has over 200 franchisees and has won a number of franchising awards in its time. The Mortgage Gallery is a smaller company, but is a distinctly strong brand in Western Australia where it has a notable presence in regional areas.
Bignell says Mortgage Gallery was very careful to look at each opportunity it had in order to grow, and agreed that Smartline provided a good mixture of scale and culture.
"We wanted to know what each business stood for, how they went about doing business, and we liked the operation at Smartline more than any other."
"We wanted to get involved where we knew the senior management and we wanted to have an understanding of what our needs and expectations would be going forward."
Right now, Sirianni says the businesses may eventually come under one brand. However, he notes this will need to come up for periodic review.
"The objective over the long-term is to use one brand, and we'll continue to review that. But the Mortgage Gallery is a very strong brand in Western Australia and it'd be silly of us not to utilise that."
This article orginally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Mortgage brokers Mortgage Gallery and Smartline to merge

<html><body>
A decision by the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates next week or at a future date is likely to have the strongest impact on NSW home buyers, according to a consumer survey by Mortgage Choice. 
A third of NSW consumers say they are would be “more likely” to buy a house if there were further drops in the interest rate, significantly higher than the national average of 26%. 
An interest rate cut would spur on 29% of Victorian to consider dipping their toes into the property market, with Western Australians’ sensitivity also tracking above the national average at 27% of consumers. 
Queenslanders and South Australians are the least sensitive to interest rate cuts, with just 21% of them saying they would be more likely to buy if the cash rate fell. 
The survey of over 1,000 consumers was carried out after the 25-basis-point interest rate cut on November 2. 
Alongside their pent-up appetite to buy property should interest rates fall, nearly two-thirds of NSW consumers (64%) believe property is a safer investment than shares, registering the biggest improvement in sentiment towards property over the last 12 month (up 7%) across the five states surveyed.
“With ongoing financial volatility here and overseas, New South Wales respondents are increasingly viewing property as a safer haven than shares. It is interesting to see the impact rising rental costs are having on people’s decision to take the leap into the property market,” says Mortgage Choice acting head of consumer of corporate affairs Belinda Williamson. 
A similar proportion of Victorians believe property is a better investment than shares (64%, up from 3% in 2010) just ahead of WA consumers (63%, down 1%). 
Sentiment towards property over shares increased by 5% among Queenslanders to 61% while South Australia registered a 1% fall with 61% of the state’s consumers preferring property over shares. 
Nationally, property has become more appealing in the ongoing financial turmoil with 63% of the more than 1,000 consumers surveyed by Mortgage Choice believing it to be a safer investment than shares, compared to 59% in 20101. 
NSW consumers are also the most optimistic about the economy, although confidence levels have dropped to 59% saying they were"fairly confident" or "very confident" about the economy, compared with 76% who said the same in 2010. 
Nationally, 56% of consumers were "fairly confident" or "very confident" about the economy versus 75% in 2010 with South Australians the most gloomy, with just over half of respondents (51%) feeling confident about the outlook. 
Other key findings from the national survey:
 
<ul>
<li>
Rental squeeze: 86% feel the rental squeeze is having an effect on property prices in their state. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Property prices: 30% believe Australian property prices will increase over the next 12 months, 28% believe they will decrease, 26% believe prices will remain stable and 16% don’t know. gen Ys were the most adamant about property price rises, followed by gen Xers and baby boomers.</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>
The property purchase process: When asked how well informed respondents were about the property purchase process, 17% were "well informed", 34% "know the essentials", 35% have "some idea" and 14% have "no idea".  
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>
The switch to fixed: 79% of mortgage holders will consider switching to a fixed term loan only when lenders’ fixed rates fall below 5.75%. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Mortgage buffer: 67% of mortgage holders have only two months’ wages or less as a buffer in their mortgage. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Using a mortgage broker: 64% of all respondents will consider using a mortgage broker in the future</li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul></ul>
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A third of NSW consumers more likely to buy housing if rates fall further: Mortgage Choice

<html><body>
Demand for mortgages from property investors has tracked significantly below that of owner-occupiers over the past three months, Westpac has highlighted following the release of October credit statistics by the Reserve Bank. 
Westpac senior economist Andrew Hanlon says the current three-month pace of investor credit growth is just 4.1% annualised compared with 6.1% for owner-occupiers. 
“Weakness of the investor market is notable,” he says.
<img src="/images/stories/creditgrowth.gif">
Source: Westpac
He also expressed surprise that housing credit advanced by just 0.4% in October, down from growth of 0.5% in September, with overall credit growth for October at just 0.2%. 
“New lending, housing finance, has improved a little of late… The RBA cut rates in November. This points to some improvement ahead,” he says. 
“That said, housing finance remains at a relatively low level and housing credit growth is weak by historical standards.” 
Over the past 12 months housing credit growth has moderated to 5.7% currently from 7.4% a year ago, while personal credit has weakened (-1.4% from +2.2%) and business has credit stabilised (+0.7% following -3.0%). 
“Recall that for June 2011, the rise in housing credit of 0.35% was the weakest (nominal) monthly rise in the history of the series (back to 1976), with the exception of just July 1984. This highlights the headwinds facing the sector.” 
CBA economist James McIntyre noted that while total housing credit remains 5.7% higher than a year ago, this growth is the weakest in the 34 years of available data. 
“Overall growth in household credit (housing plus other personal) is growing at a 4.8% annual pace, well below growth in household incomes,” he says. 
Hanlon says further rate cuts (Westpac is forecasting another 75 basis points to be shaved off the cash rate over the next 12 months) will provide some relief to the housing market. 
“That points to a firming of general economic conditions and credit growth from around mid-2012,” he says.
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Owner-occupier mortgage demand outpaces demand from investors: Westpac

<html><body>
A return of first-home buyers to the market will revitalise the housing markets in all capitals except Melbourne in 2012, according to Angie Zigomanis, senior manager of residential property at BIS Shrapnel.
Zigomanis <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/first-home-buyers-to-drive-2012-housing-price-recovery-bis-shrapnel-s-angie-zigomanis/2011112252494/Page-1">says there are about 130,000 potential first-home buyers nationwide in any given year</a>. He says government incentives such as the first-home buyer’s boost and stamp duty concessions encourage potential first-home buyers to accelerate their decision to enter the market but does not create more demand from this market segment.
He notes after government incentives end the number of first-home buyers entering the market decreases as the segment normalises back to its underlying level.
About 190,000 first-home buyers entered the market in 2009 as a result of this accelerated demand, and Zigomanis says that the slowdown in this market segment in 2010 and 2011 was a result of first-home buyer interest returning to its underlying level.
He points to <a target="_blank" href="/news">figures showing that first-home buyer lending enquiries have started to pick up</a> as part of a trend that he says will cause prices to rise in all capitals except Melbourne in 2012 as a result of this interest “trickling up” across all market sectors.
“First-home buyers represent a key driver of the residential market, underpinning demand for entry-level dwellings, which in turn creates increased demand across the market,” Zigomanis says.
However, he expects Melbourne prices to remain largely flat in 2012, as supply is set to outpace demand in the Victorian capital as a number of large residential projects are completed next year.
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First-home buyers will drive housing recovery in all markets but Melbourne next year: BIS Shrapnel's Angie Zigomanis

<html><body>
While the major banks still dominate the lending landscape, accounting for about 80% of all mortgages written in Australia, second-tier lenders can compete and in some cases do better than their big rivals by focusing on specific markets and playing to their strengths. 
This has been starkly revealed in the release of AFG’s inaugural first Competition Index, which shows that Suncorp wrote an impressive 14.9% of all first-home buyer loans in October, nearly double that of NAB (7.7%) and higher than ANZ (12.5%). 
Suncorp’s share of the first-home buyer market was almost triple its overall market share of 5.1% captured in October, up from just 3.1% in November 2010.
The proportion of the market seized by Suncorp is significant, since AFG’s network of brokers account for around 10% of all home loans written in Australia, so the index can be viewed as something of a barometer of consumer confidence (in this case first-home buyer confidence) in lending institutions.
It is also significant when you consider that Suncorp has a mortgage book of about $30 billion (with about $21 billion of this lent to owner occupiers), small in comparison to NAB’s $170 billion book ($121 billion lent to owner occupiers) and ANZ’s $160 billion book ($115 billion lent to owner occupiers). 
The strong showing of Suncorp in the first-home buyer space was noted by AFG’s head of operations, Mark Hewitt, who says the mortgage market has become a lot more competitive in recent months. 
“Suncorp have adapted their deposit requirements to assist First Home Buyers, in particular construction loans, and the results speak for themselves,” he says. 
The Queensland-based bank was not the only smaller lender to demonstrate it can compete with the bigger brands in the first home buyer segment, capturing 5.9% of the market, not far behind heavyweights Westpac (6.5%) and its subsidiary St George (6.4%).
Not only does the index show the ability of a smaller lender to compete, but it also shows that being big and having access to millions of advertising dollars does not guarantee success in key markets. 
In the first-home buyer space, the NAB brand was a resounding flop in October, capturing a pitiful 1.4% of the market. The bank had better success with its Homeside product, a product sold exclusively through brokers, capturing a more respectable 6.3% of the market. 
If the bigger banks wish to capture more of the first home buyer market, the performance of Homeside versus the NAB brand suggests reaching out to the broker channel in a more meaningful way may help increase the flow of business.
Perhaps NAB should follow ING Direct and Suncorp’s lead, which have both built up strong ties with the broker community. 
ING Direct recently announced that it was increasing its broker distribution team in the lead up to 2012, with new appointments geared to improve service and relationships with the third party channel while Suncorp recently appointed St. George’s former broker chief, Steven Heavey, as its head of intermediaries. 
Overall, second tier lenders accounted for 27.9% of the first home buyer market in October, a higher proportion than their overall market share of around 20%. 
This is significant given expectations by the likes of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/first-home-buyers-to-drive-2012-housing-price-recovery-bis-shrapnel-s-angie-zigomanis/2011112252494">BIS Shrapnel’s Angie Zigomanis</a>, who forecasts first home buyers to drive the housing recovery in 2012. 
Ten biggest lenders to first home buyers in October (non-majors in red) 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Lender
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Market share
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Commonwealth Bank
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
26.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Suncorp
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
14.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
ANZ
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
12.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
BankWest
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
10.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Westpac
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
6.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
St.George
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
6.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Homeside (NAB broker brand)
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
6.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
ING Direct
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
5.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
Citibank
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
2.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="308" valign="top">
AFG mortgage
</td>
<td width="308" valign="top">
2.1%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: AFG
 
The strongest player in the first home buyer segment in October was the Commonwealth Bank, which in combination with subsidiary BankWest accounted for more than a third (36.8%) of all first-home buyer loans processed by AFG brokers. 
Overall the ANZ brand captured the great share of the mortgage market accounting for a 20.1% of all loans written in October by AFG brokers, followed by CBA at 18.7% and Westpac at 13.7%.
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Suncorp demonstrates smaller banks can compete with the majors

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Two out of five mortgage holders say it is still too hard to switch home loan providers, despite the ban on mortgage exit fees on variable loans being in place for almost five months, a poll by Galaxy Research has found.
While the poll found that more than half (54%) of Australian mortgage are unhappy with their current home loan, the vast majority of these (38%) consider it too hard to switch their home loan, despite knowing they could be in a better financial position as a result of switching providers.
Still, the results of the survey suggest lenders have a significant pool of dissatisfied mortgage holders who are ripe for changing lenders with the survey finding that 17% of borrowers are so dissatisfied that they plan to change their lender.
The survey was carried out in the two weeks following the RBA announced its 0.25% interest rate cut on November 2 on behalf of SwitchUp, a new online mortgage application service.
Galaxy polled more than 1,000 Australians in both capital cities and non-capital city areas. The respondents were aged 25 to 64, and all had either bought property in the last two years or intended to buy property in the next two years.
Jega Rajan, CEO of SwitchUp, says it is disappointed that only 46% of current mortgage holders are happy with their current loan.
“It’s a real shame that so few people are satisfied with their home loan, we’d like that to be higher. We want the Australian people to have enough clear information about the loan products available to make confident financial decisions,” he says.
SwitchUp claims to offer home loan comparison that go beyond just an interest rate including information about account features and fees and whether or not the consumer is eligible for the loan.
On July 1 the government banned mortgage exit fees, which can be as high as $7,000, on variable rate mortgages.
 
 
 
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More than half of mortgage holders unhappy with lenders, but most find switching too hard

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Refund Home Loans franchisees may be able to continue to run their businesses under any owner that emerges, according to Steve Wright, executive director of the Franchise Council of Australia.
While unwilling to comment on the matter in detail due to “reports of a possible legal action,” Wright says it is worth noting that in many cases of voluntary administration “the franchisee networks can have opportunity to continue their business, though possibly under a changed ownership”.
“We have seen this occur in the past and understand the administrator is working on this possibility, and this is the advice we would provide to franchisees,” he says.
“The administrator has statutory obligations, under ASIC supervision, which require it to act in the interests of creditors. In this case, this should work directly to the benefit of franchisees in the network even though at this stage we cannot be sure of the final outcome.”
Refund Home Loans is a member of the Franchise Council.
The business, which collapsed in October, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/showcase/wayne-ormond-s-refund-home-loans-owes-creditors-millions-as-relations-with-franchisees-turn-sour/2011111652384">owes 119 creditors a combined $9.7 million</a>.
Creditors include franchisees, mortgage broking training provider Intellitrain and law firm DLA Piper.
A second creditors’ meeting is due to take place in December, when the fate of the company will be decided.
It is understood that a number of parties have expressed interest in buying the business, including other mortgage broking businesses.
Property Observer has been unable to reach founder Wayne Ormond for comment.
 
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Franchise Council holds out hope for Refund franchisees

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Increased competition between lenders, access to cheaper funds and a drop in overall lending volumes mean now is an ideal time for borrowers to negotiate with lenders – but not for long.
Competition and ability to negotiate means the discounts currently on offer are well worth investigating.
First-home buyers are likely to benefit from lower interest rates and discounts on application fees, while investors and existing borrowers would do well to speak with their lenders to renegotiate rates.
Borrowers looking to finance a renovation or consolidate debt can also take advantage of these specials and lenders’ willingness to negotiate.
Likewise, if you’re not satisfied with your current lender, now may be the time to shop around and investigate other opportunities.
As an added incentive for borrowers considering refinancing, some lenders are offering to cover the cost to switch.
Depending on personal circumstances and requirements, most discounts were tiered – meaning the more you borrow, the bigger the discounts.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should “over reach” on your borrowings for the sake of a lower rate and potentially put your financial security at risk.
Interest rates are constantly in a state of flux and while they’re presently quite low, it’s important to take potential future rate increases into account.
Even though the lenders are willing to talk and the rate offers appear competitive, you may actually be better off postponing a proposed purchase to fully investigate the property market or save more deposit.
Regardless, it’s always worthwhile to investigate opportunities – and your mortgage adviser can do all the legwork on your behalf.
To borrowers who might have put their property purchasing plans on hold in recent times, I suggest revisiting plans in light of lenders’ interest in securing your business.
Take a good look at your financial position and if you are ready to proceed then now is a good time to put your plans into action as these savings won’t continue for much longer.
Borrowers have more chance of negotiating a better deal with lenders if they had their “financial house in order”.
If you’re serious about negotiating with your lender, it’s important to demonstrate a good financial track record, which will include things like having a savings plan, being up-to-date on bill payments and that you’ve resisted signing up for additional debt.
This is increasingly important as more and more of your repayment history is being recorded on your personal credit file which is carefully scrutinised by lenders.
Lenders look at the credit limit on your credit cards as a liability you may have in the future, even if you don’t currently owe a cent.
Regardless of your personal situation, now was a good time to speak with your mortgage adviser to review your lending and negotiate the best deals on your behalf.
Chris Acret is managing director of<a href="https://www.smartline.com.au/" target="_blank"> Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers</a> and has been involved with mortgage broking for almost 20 years.
 
 
 
 
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