Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

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?

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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With Australian Property Monitors weekend clearance rate for Sydney topping 80% for the fifth week in a row, the auction market is strong. 
Observer Pete Wargent says that the exact colour description of the market may be a point for conjecture, but concludes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/sydney-s-residential-market-is-hot-glowing-red-hot-or-white-hot-pete-wargent/2013081264097">the market is hot</a>.
{module Would you describe the Sydney residential auction market as hot?}
Pete Wargent goes on to say "in Sydney expect property prices to break new record highs over the coming quarter." </body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Would you describe the Sydney residential auction market as hot?

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The Sydney property market is running the full spectrum of heat according to Australian Property Monitors.
Not only are "low interest rates clearly fuelling a red hot market", the recent cut in rates "will continue to fuel a white hot Sydney winter" market as well.
Confused? Yeah, me too.
Basically, APM is saying that the market is hot - but the colour of the heat seems to remain a matter of conjecture at this time.
We probably need a heat colour scale index or something.
But how hot can the market get? It's a fair question.
Auction clearance rates hitting 84% is red hot, no question.
Or white hot.
OK, let's not get bogged down in the actual colour of the heat. 84% is a hot market.
When you look at an unemployment rate of 5.7% and commentators are trying to infer that we've almost never had it so bad, it's worth remembering that when the unemployment rate falls to 5% or below, that is considered to be close to full employment.
The unemployment rate can never go close to 0% because there will always be frictional unemployment, seasonal unemployment and a certain%age of the population that will remain unemployable.
In a similar vein, auction clearance rates are very unlikely to hit 100% across a city on any given weekend - there will likely always be properties that are passed in as vendors seek to maximise their settlement price or fail to sell for other reasons.
That said, in the white (or red) hot sectors of the market such as Sydney's inner west, clearance rates have been hitting at around 90% and the market is clearly booming.
It's about as far removed from the inevitable housing bust predictions as it is possible to be.
Heck, even the central coast is starting to record good figures, so the Sydney market must be red (or white) hot.
Perhaps predictably, Dr. Andrew Wilson of Australian Property Monitors didn't miss a beat in taking the opportunity to stick the boot in: "I notice everybody is now getting on the housing market recovery bandwagon. Bit late fellas - don't lose your day jobs!"
Wilson took time out to take a quick side-swipe at Westpac too: "House price growth strong in July? Yet Westpac's sentiment index fell. Go figure. Guess index not a guide to house prices (lol)".
In summary, in Sydney expect property prices to break new record highs over the coming quarter.
Here's the useful stuff from APM's market wrap:
"Sydney recorded a stunning 83.8% auction clearance rate at the weekend with the mid-winter market continuing to accelerate at record levels of buyer activity despite a surge in listings. 
This weekend’s result was the highest recorded for the year and the fifth consecutive weekend with clearance rates above 80%. Sydney’s weekend auction market is currently tracking its highest ever clearance rates with low interest rates clearly fuelling a red hot market. 
And record clearance rates are being recorded despite a surge in listings with the number of auctions in Sydney 32.2% higher than the number listed over the first two weeks of August last year. The best regional auction result in Sydney this weekend was recorded by the south with an auction clearance rate of 90%. 
This was followed closely by inner west with 89%, the central coast with 86% and the west with an 83% clearance rate. 
The decision by the Reserve Bank last week to cut interest rates will continue to fuel a white hot Sydney winter auction market now tracking at record levels of buyer activity. 
Strong prices growth will certainly follow as indicated by the latest ABS data reporting that Sydney house prices increased by 2.7% over the June quarter – an identical result to the APM Sydney data released two weeks ago."
Pete Wargent holds a range of finance and property qualifications and is the author of <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Get a Financial Grip – a simple plan for financial fr</a><a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eedom.</a>
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Sydney's residential market is hot - glowing red hot or white hot: Pete Wargent

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There's been a slight tightening in Melbourne’s vacancy rate from 3.4% in June to 3.2% in July, but it was accompanied by a significant increase in landlords with vacant inner suburb property.
The Melbourne inner city vacancy rate jumped from 3.3% to 3.7%.
The vacancy rate for the middle suburbs declined from 3.6% to 3%.
The outer suburbs vacancy rate fell from 2.9% to 1.9%.
There have been major recent fluctuations in the inner city vacancy which tightened from 4.4% in April to 3.9% in May, then down to 3.3% in June.
In June 2012 the inner city vacancy rate was 1.9% real which rose to 2.3% in July 2012.
The vacancy rate in regional Victoria tightened further from 3.7% to 3.4% with declines in all three key regional centres.
Ballarat recorded the largest reduction in the vacancy rate from 4% to 2.9%.
The vacancy rate fell in Bendigo from 3.1% to 2.5%.
Geelong's vacancy rate fell from 5.5% to 5.2%.
"This tightening in the vacancy rate led to the weekly regional house rents increasing from $295 to $300 and for regional units from $228 to $250," the REIV said.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne's inner city vacancy rate jumps from 3.3% to 3.7%: REIV

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Residential building is one of the few sectors in a position to generate substantial economic activity in the wake of the mining boom.
New home building has a significant multiplier effect that drives activity throughout the wider economy.
Modelling demonstrates that for a 1% productivity increase in new home building - through cutting red tape or modernising the taxation system for example - the wider economy will benefit by around $1 billion.
Australia is currently building around 25,000 homes per year less than a decade ago, which is not only putting the brakes on job creation in the sector, but placing upward pressure on housing prices.
Housing affordability is consistently being nominated as one of the top few issues on the minds of voters, and there is clearly a great deal of angst amongst Australians about how the current and future generations will be able to afford a home.
HIA says that key areas for policy action to promote a revival in new home building include:
<ul>
<li>
Reform the taxation system, including the removal of inefficient taxes on new housing
</li>
<li>
Reduction of the red and green tape burden that is choking small business
</li>
<li>
Improved funding mechanisms for residential related infrastructure
</li>
<li>
Better access to finance for home buyers and builders
</li>
<li>
Modernisation of the industrial relations system
</li>
</ul>
Any party or candidate that goes into the federal election without a significant housing platform in their policy list is ignoring a key part of the economy and the concerns of millions of Australians.
Shane Goodwin is the Managing Director of the <a href="https://hia.com.au/" target="_blank">Housing  Industry Association</a>.
 
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sgoodwin-3LcCh2fGd6

Housing platforms should be a key policy issue for this election

Milliner Steve Harrison and his partner, IT specialist&nbsp;William McCosker have secured $1,525,000 for the&nbsp;Ridge Street, Surry Hills terrace through&nbsp;Spencer &amp; Servi First National.&nbsp;

It was&nbsp;the priciest of the suburb&#39;s sales - and with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/surry-hills-tops-the-12-sydney-weekend-auction-hotspot-suburbs/2013081164080?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus" target="_blank">all six Surry Hills offerings&nbsp;sold&nbsp;</a>it was Sydney&#39;s weekend auction hotspot.

The three-bedroom Victorian property&nbsp;has been an investment since they&nbsp;moved to Britain, where Harrison has his&nbsp;sculptured hat business.

Its been renovated since&nbsp;bought in 1993 for $220,000.

The three bedroom terrace&nbsp;was listed with&nbsp;$1.35 million plus hopes, then with revised $1.4 million plus hopes&nbsp;through Natalie Muzica of&nbsp;Spencer &amp; Servi First National. It sold after its first open for inspection, well ahead of its scheduled August 10 weekend auction.

It was available for rent at $770 a week in 2006.

RP Data has the median house price as <a href="/news">$922,500</a>, up 2.5% over the past year and 13.2% over the past five years.

London expat milliner sells in Surry Hills

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Over recent months I have heard lots of commentary about the expected slowdown in the housing market in the lead-up to a Federal election. 
This week I have looked at the five past elections and analysed the performance of the housing market over the 12 months prior to the election in terms of capital city home value growth and national house and unit sales.
It is important to remember that the housing market is seasonal so the time of year of the election is likely to play an impact however, the 12 months’ worth of data does show the trend in the lead-up to an election.
The five most recent federal elections have been: 3 October 1998 (Coalition win), 10 November 2001 (Coalition win), 9 October 2004 (Coalition win), 24 November 2007 (Labor win) and 21 August 2010 (hung parliament but Labor take power).
Looking specifically at the change in home values over the 12 months leading up to the federal elections you can see that in each instance home values have increased.  Over the 12 months to July 2013, capital city home values have risen by 4.9% so it looks almost certain that home values will increase over the year leading up to the September federal election.
<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #bf0000; text-decoration: none;" href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/home-values-small.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g2262]"><img style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2263" alt="home values small" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/home-values-small.jpg" width="470" height="169"></a>  
The strongest annual increase in home values leading up to a federal election was in 2001, with values rising by 18.8% followed by the 2007 election where values rose by 13.2%.  Over both of these periods the housing market was already in an upswing.  On the other hand, values rose by 5.7% in the lead-up to the 1998 election, 2.8% in 2004 and 8.8% in 2010.
If we look at the change over the year in national home sales, the results are somewhat different building up to election. 
The most up-to-date sales information indicates that sales to May 2013 were 19.0% higher and with interest rates moving lower more recently; sales appear likely to pick-up further over the year in the lead-up to the September election.
<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #bf0000; text-decoration: none;" href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/home-sales-small.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g2262]"><img style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2264" alt="home sales small" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/home-sales-small.jpg" width="470" height="171"></a>  
The number of home sales was higher over the year leading up to the 2001 and the 2007 elections.  In 2001, sales volumes increased by 44.6% over the year and in 2007 they rose by 33.3%.  In 1998, sales volumes fell by -2.6% over the year, in 2004 they fell by -11.0% and in 2010 they fell by -32.4%.
So over the past five election campaigns home values have risen while in only two of the past five campaigns have home values and sales volumes risen.  Values and volumes rose in 2001 when the Coalition was returned for a second term and they also both rose in 2007 when Labor took office from John Howard.
How much the trends outlined above can be attributed to an election is debateable.  Arguably the momentum of the market cycle is influencing the trends just as much as the election.  Regardless of the cause, it looks like federal elections don’t have a slowdown effect on housing market conditions.
The cynic in me suggests that the incumbent political party would generally be quite happy to see sales volumes and home values rising in the lead-up to an election. 
For most people the family home is the single largest investment and rightly or wrongly, Australians tend to feel more confident and happy when home values are rising. 
From a political stand point, around 70% of households either own their home outright or have a mortgage and rising home values is likely to be a much more palatable message to the electorate than one where the value of their largest asset is falling. 
It also suggests to me that housing affordability will remain only a minor election issue given such a large proportion of the population either own or are paying off their own home and many also have investment properties.
Cameron Kusher is senior research analyst at <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

What effect does the federal election really have on the property market?: Cameron Kusher

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Melbourne vendors notched up a clearance rate of 76% compared to 72% last weekend and 56% on the same weekend last year.
Houses outperformed apartments with a 78% success rate for houses - at an $795,000 median - compared with the 71% clearance rate for units that had a $542,500 median price.
The Jellis Craig eastern suburbs group recorded its best auction results in several years selling 38 from 42 properties, noting pent-up demand and buyer confidence.
Their sales included the weekend's top seller, the 1887 John Beswicke-designed mansion, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/CAMBERWELL-3-Fermanagh-Road/5810341/">Langi</a> (pictured below).
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug12cam]}
The Italianate Victorian mansion had been extensively renovated and restored by the vendors, former SANFL premiership player Rob Tardif and his wife, Julie Russell, who have retired from senior management positions at Origin Energy.
Property Observer recalls it sold for $805,000 in 1997. The grand home was as a girls' music school in the late 1800s, and later used as a base for the Australian Army during the Second World War.
The TOP 5 HOUSE SALES 1. 3 Fermanagh Road, Camberwell $4,700,000 post-auction 2. 3 Monash Avenue, Balwyn $3,160,000 3. 9 Lindsay Street, Brighton $2,725,000 4. 66 Wilson Street, Yarraville $2,616,000 5. 13 Bethune Street, Hawthorn East $2,560,000
The TOP 5 APARTMENT SALES 1. 701/3-7 Alma Road, St Kilda $1,410,000 2. 62 Hunter Street, Richmond $1,296,000 3. 306/65 Beach Street, Port Melbourne $1,210,000 4. 401/88 Beach Street, Port Melbourne $1,100,000 5. 4/3 St Georges Road, Toorak $1,080,000
The 5 CHEAPEST HOUSES 1. 52 Riggall Street, Broadmeadows $266,000 2. 7 Howitt Crescent, Sunshine West $310,000 3. 1 Begg Avenue, Truganina $327,500 4. 14 Getaway Drive, Doreen $342,500 5. 120 Community Hub, Hillside $360,000
The 5 CHEAPEST APARTMENTS 1. 8/20 Strathearn Avenue, Murrumbeena $244,500 2. 14/171 Kent Street, Ascot Vale $250,000 3. 5/50 Carlisle Street, St Kilda $254,000 4. 7/21 Cohuna Street, Brunswick West $260,000 5. 1/37 Nepean Highway, Elsternwick $268,000
Source: REIV 
Dr Andrew Wilson, senior economist at Fairfax-owned Australian Property Monitors, said the Melbourne market was in a ''catch-up scenario rather than moving ahead''.
He said Melbourne's top-end market was about 10% its previous price peaks.
<div class="ad adCentred" id="adspot-300x250-pos-3">''If the top of the market is further behind its previous peaks than the middle market, it makes sense to upgrade,'' he told Fairfax Media.</div>
The $1 million plus house market had possibly stopped its very strong march northwards, according to Melbourne buyers agent, Mal James.
His buyers agency James Buyer Advocates sensed bidder numbers at $1 million plus auctions in inner Melbourne and the bayside suburbs took a bit of a dip on the weekend.
They noted the average number of bidders per auction sat at 1.7, down from more than two typically seen since June. 


"We don't think it's so much because buyers are nervous, but because they have twigged that vendors are holding back their listings until after the election," buyers agent Mal James saud.
"They're saying 'I'll take my chances to wait and see what stock shows up in late September and early October'.


"Right now it is proving a little hard to work through exactly where individual properties are going to end up.
He suggested the fever pitch activity of June and before had waned.
"However there is nothing consistent," he said.
James pinpointed the sale of 49 Holyrood Street, Hampton, a family home on a 920 square metre block of land, as a strong price with six bidders taking the price to $1,795,000.


"But there have also been some surprise disappointments, such as the pass in result for 155  Clarke Street Northcote, a picture postcard Victorian home with a great city view on Ruckers Hill  that was passed in following the sole vendor bid of $1,850,000."
'The market has very much turned into a steady-as-she-goes one.
"We think that for now prices have stopped the very strong march northwards we were seeing just two months ago.
"Not that there has been a big shift in the market, but the market has moved from dynamic to steady. 


"Given that three out of the next four weeks will have less than 100 $1 million plus auctions in Bayside and Inner East, it really won’t be until the end of September before we will be able to say with certainty whether this year’s Spring market is noticeably different from what was a very strong Melbourne Autumn market," he said.
There were 548 auctions reported to the REIV this weekend, with 414 selling and 134 being passed in, 71 of those on a vendor bid.
Next weekend the REIV expects around 620 auctions.
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Melbourne's weekend $1 million plus market steadies as upgrader buyers await a plentiful spring

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At near peak levels, Sydney managed an 83.8% weekend auction clearance rate, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM), the fifth consecutive weekend with a preliminary 80% plus outcome.
The result came from bumper stock levels of around 399 offerings, which was well up on the lowest winter weekend this year of 280 auctions on a Saturday in early July.
It's still early days on the full tally as the initial APM advisory tallied 277 results, with another 122 auction outcomes yet to be advised by the listing agents. Leading Sydney auctioneers, Cooley Auctions reported a clearance rate of 71% with the sale of 40 of their 56 auctions, suggesting a revision might be in the offing. <a data-query-source="hashtag_click" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/search?q=%23auctions&amp;src=hash" class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" dir="ltr"></a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/sanssouci/properties/290658">Sabiha, a Sandringham stunner</a> (pictured below), with lighthouse-like tower with a 360 glass-encased view of Botany Bay, was the weekend's top reported seller at $3.2 million. Designed by architect Renaldo Gaiety, the five bedroom home sold through Raine &amp; Horne Sans Souci.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/08/aug12sand]}
Blacktown in Sydney's west, the inner city Surry Hills and Balmain in the inner west all had six auctions followed by Ryde, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Bella Vista all with five offerings. APM noted three Blacktown sales, with three results unadvised.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/surry-hills-tops-the-12-sydney-weekend-auction-hotspot-suburbs/2013081164080?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus">All six Surry Hills offerings were sold </a>with prices ranging between $525,000 for a two bedroom Goodlet Street unit to $1,525,000 for a three bedroom terrace at 42 Ridge Street which sold pre-auction. More than $450,000, then upwards to $475,000 plus was being sought for the 20/2 Goodlet Street unit in the block where the last two bedder offered sold earlier this year at $522,000. More than $1.35 million was being tipped initially for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/london-expat-milliner-sells-in-surry-hills/2013081163352">the Ridge Street offering</a>.
All five Leichhardt results were advised with four sales priced between $770,000 for 2 Bungay Street to $850,000 for 30 Allen Street. 
There were four sales among the four notified Balmain sales including 100 Curtis Road which fetched $1,435,000, up on its $1.3 million Cobden &amp; Hayson reserve price. 
"Sydney records an astonishing 83.6% (sic) clearance rate this weekend nearing all time record. How hot can this market get?," APM's senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson tweeted.
The upper north real estate market topped the weekend listings at 73 listings, according to Australian Property Monitors. Its sales included two in Cheltenham at $1.16 million and $1.17 million. 
The normal Saturday hive of activity, the inner west had 66 auctions followed by Sydney’s south with 36, the west with 34 and the city and east with 33 auctions.
There was an $896,000 median house price and a $640,000 median unit price from the weekend sales.
Pre-auction sales were at very high levels including landscaper William Dangar's house at Bondi Beach which sold through the GoodyerDonnelley estate agency.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/landscaper-will-dangar-secures-strong-bondi-beach-price-well-ahead-of-the-spring-season/2013080163821">William Dangar, one of Australia’s leading landscape designers, and his wife Julia</a>, were expecting to sell for $1.6 million plus and secured $1.7 million.
Some 49 of the notified sales - around 20% - were sold pre-auction suggesting vendors were comfortable with the offers. Over expectation prices aren't necessarily the rationale behind pre-auction results as witnessed when $630,000 was accepted pre-auction for a three bedroom Castle Hill townhouse which had been listed with $650,000 plus hopes.
Seller activity Sydney rose sharply this July compared to July last year as vendors unsurprisingly decided to take advantage of the strongest winter housing market experienced on record.
Australian Property Monitors data showed a 75.9% July success rate - the highest July ever – and the second-highest ever recorded for any month, apart from April 2002 which was 78.3%, APM senior economist Andrew Wilson noted.
Including mid-week auctions the most popular region for auction listings in Sydney over July was the city and east with 315 followed by the inner west with 270 and the upper north shore with 206, according to APM's Dr Andrew Wilson.
He noted seller activity Sydney rose sharply this July compared to July last year as vendors "unsurprisingly" decided to take advantage of the strongest winter housing market experienced on record.
Sydney July auction listings were up 16.5% over the year to 1577 compared to last July’s 1344 listings.
The biggest rise in listings came from the south, the lower north, the inner west and the northern beaches suburban regions.
The south had an increase over July of last year of 48%, with the lower north up 34%, the inner west 30% and the northern beaches up 25%.
Dr Wilson noted seller activity continues to increase with auction listings up by 32% over the first two weeks of August compared to the same period last year.
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Sydney auctions in 80% plus overdrive for fifth consecutive weekend

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Melbourne based Evolve Development today celebrated their 10th anniversary by officially opening their latest development The Guilfoyle on Coventry Street, Southbank.
Planning minister Matthew Guy officially launched the $190 million development, which is completely sold out.
Located at 39 Coventry Street, The Guilfoyle was built on the former site of Channel 7 and features 355 apartments over 20 levels.
One-bedroom apartments were priced from $327,000 and two-bedroom apartments were priced from $560,000.
It was named after William Guilfoyle, the botanist and landscape gardener behind the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Designed by SJB Architects, the building features sculptured interlocking forms and textured lattice along the western façade to capture sunlight and create changing colours and patterns.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/southbank-aug-14-one.jpg" width="470" height="495" alt="southbank-aug-14-one">
Residents will have access to a residents lounge with a kitchen and big screen, as well as a 20-metre indoor pool, gymnasium and a landscaped indoor/outdoor area.
“Evolve has a deep commitment to high quality developments such as The Guilfoyle that creates architecturally significant and enjoyable living spaces,” says Evolve Development managing director Ashley Williams.
“The Evolve team has a deep passion for creating unique developments in Melbourne, and for The Guilfoyle we focused our skill and insights, with our development partner ISPT Super Property, to provide high quality inner city living to enrich the Melbourne experience, benefit our residents and support investors,” says Williams.
This year marks 10 years since Ashley Williams approached chairman Ronald Walker to start Evolve.
Their first development was Mulgrave Business Park.
“We began with a rundown business park and transformed it into a modern office and warehouse complex, moving into boutique residential apartments and estates in key growth corridors,” says Williams.
The event was also attended by Jim Guilfoyle, the great-great-great grandson of William Guilfoyle.
The median apartment price in <a href="/news">Southbank</a> is $535,000, an 11.9% change in the past five years, according to RP Data.
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The sold out Guilfoyle tower in Southbank blooms at launch 

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The US-based Reading Cinema chain is yet to sell the former 1.34 hectare Moonee Ponds market site which has been a car park since bought 15 years ago.
It was bought with the hope of becoming a landmark entertainment complex. Reading has concept plans, but no permit, for a $250 million mixed-use development with three apartment towers, the tallest at 26 levels.
With six street frontages the site is tipped to sell for about $20 million plus through <a href="https://rca.colliers.com.au/property-land+development-vic-moonee+ponds-500716083" target="_blank">Colliers International</a>'s<a href="https://rca.colliers.com.au/property-land+development-vic-moonee+ponds-500716083" target="_blank"> </a>Peter Bremner and Jeremy Gruzewski inconjunction with CBRE's Justin Clarkson, Scott Orchard and Ari Petrovs.
Expressions of interest closed July 11, with interest coming from Moonee Valley Council among other parties who are still undertaking their due diligence.
The land was permitted in 1997 to become a 12-screen cinema complex which rival Hoyts went to VCAT to prevent being built.
Last August, after not receiving any formal building application, the Moonee Valley Council demanded Reading sell the site.
The suburb ranks in the former state government's Melbourne 2030 planning policy as an activity centre.
Reading bought the market from Adamco, a developer since rebranded Hallmarc.
At the time the New York-based Reading was planning to build 50 screens in centres that include the Gold Coast and Dubbo. Reading was then a niche player in the US, with 50 screens in Puerto Rico, 20 in New York and eight in Houston.
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