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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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

<html><body>
Costco is set to open up it’s <img alt="7one" height="40" width="30" src="/images/stories/2013/07/7one.jpg">th store in Australia in Sydney's Marsden Park.
The US retailer is buying into Sydney Business Park joining IKEA, Bunnings and Masters at the Richmond Road site.
Cotco has secured a 59,830 square metre site (pictured below).
<img alt="costcojuly4one" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/costcojuly4one.jpg">
<img alt="costcojuly4two" height="329" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/costcojuly4two.jpg">
The Marsden Park Development is 551 hectares rezoned in 2010.
Costco has opened three stores,  <img alt="houserules1" height="37" width="30" src="/images/stories/2013/07/houserules1.jpg"> at Melbourne’s Docklands in 2009, <img alt="houserules2" height="32" width="30" src="/images/stories/2013/07/houserules2.jpg">at Auburn in NSW and <img alt="houserules3" height="39" width="30" src="/images/stories/2013/07/houserules3.jpg"> at Canberra Airport.
There are a further three to be opened in <img src="/images/stories/2013/07/houserules4.jpg" width="30" height="38" alt="houserules4"> Ringwood (VIC), <img src="/images/stories/2013/07/houserules5.jpg" width="30" height="40" alt="houserules5"> Cross Roads (NSW) and <img src="/images/stories/2013/07/houserules6.jpg" width="30" height="38" alt="houserules6">North Lakes (QLD), in the coming year.
The Marsden Park precinct will undergo a $102 million upgrade, where the NSW state government will fund the majority of the capital needed for the upgrade.
According to the NSW state government Planning and Infrastructure webpage, the preinct  has the potential to provide 10,000 jobs and 1,200 homes for the growing northwest of Sydney.
Once the site is developed 70 hectares of commercial land will be present, along with 40 hectares of bulky good retailing, 206 hectares of industrial land and 63 hectares of conservation land and open space along with housing nearby the development to accommodate the population.
The site is located 40 kilometres northwest of Sydney's CBD.
</body></html>

ssabbatucci-QQ7XVku6Zz

Costco is set to open up its seventh store in Australia in Sydney's Marsden Park

<html><body>
Economist and property bear Steve Keen says housing grants are a “poisoned chalice” that inflate house prices leaving first-home buyers worse off, not better off.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/housing-grants-a-help-to-sell-not-a-help-to-buy-steve-keen/2013070362962?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=realitytv">Speaking from Paris</a>, Keen said government housing schemes “drag people into the market who otherwise would not be able to get in" in an interview on the Keiser Report, a program on Russian English language news channel RT.
“What it does is increase the supply of buyers," said Keen.
“It’s a 'help to sell' not a 'help to buy' because those who are flogging their properties suddenly get a whole bunch of people with money in their pockets."
His comments were made in the wake of UK chancellor George Osborne’s heavily criticised ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, which provides state mortgage subsidies.
Keen said he agreed with the likes of the IMF and outgoing governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King that Osborne's scheme is a bad idea.
Keen referred to the Australian experience of the government introducing first-home owner grants in an effort to bring more people into the housing market, which created housing bubbles each time such schemes were introduced, made housing more unaffordable and made buyers “worse off not better off”.
“When the Australian government doubled and trebled the scheme (through the first-home owner boost which ran from October 2008 to December 2009) house prices went up 8% and 12% per annum.
“[That is] 12% more unaffordable. If you can’t control it becomes a poisoned chalice."
Keen said governments sponsoring asset price bubbles to make themselves look like good economic managers was a “perennial theme” in Australia dating right back to when Bob Hawke came to power.
“One of the first schemes he introduced in the 1980s was a first home owners grant of a few thousand dollars, which started a little mini-bubble in housing
“After the 1987 stock market crash they did it again with a much larger amount of money that also started a huge bubble.
Prices rose 20% and 30% and then they fell 20% and 30% on the other side of it.
“In 2000 it was brought back and then doubled by John Howard in 2001. Eeach time they did it, it pumped up house prices even more.
“Housing grants have become part of furniture in Australia," he added.
By comparison, before the government began introducing these schemes, Keen says average house price increases were "one half of one percent" compared to consumer price increase over a year.
After the first scheme was introduced by Hawke, the average was 4% growth per year he said.
Keen also returned to his most controversial 2008 prediction about house prices falling 40%.
“House prices were falling when I made my call that they would fall 40% over 10 to 15 years.
“That’s when the government doubled and trebled the first-home owners scheme, which I renamed the first-home owners 'vendors' scheme.
“That restarted the bubble and they kept it going until mid-2010 when house prices started to fall again.”
“House prices fall much more slowly than the stock market. They don’t have the total crash.
“The biggest crash was in the US where house price did fall about 40% over four years.
“What I had in mind for Australia was the Japanese case of a slow bleed, where prices have fallen 70% over 20 years.”
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Housing grants a “poisoned chalice” that create bubbles and leave buyers worse off: Steve Keen

<html><body>
Another big public land sale is whetting the appetites of developers with the 24 hectare former Bradmill site in Yarraville going to market with an expected price tag of $100 million.
Six kilometres from the CBD, the Yarraville Gardens redevelopment has approval for 1500 townhouses and apartments. Also on the drawing board is a 10,000 sq metre neighbourhood shopping centre, possibly with a Coles or Woollies, a library and 400 car parks.
The site (pictured below) could be home for up to 7000 people.
<img alt="yarravillejuly4one" height="296" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/yarravillejuly4one.jpg">
CBRE director Mark Wizel is marketing the property internationally for the Melbourne based family business DeGroup.
“The rarity of 60 acres of residential zoned land six kilometres from the Melbourne CBD simply cannot be understated,” Wizel said.
“There is little doubt that, while off-shore Asian developers are the most active buying group for large inner city sites with residential potential, Yarraville Gardens is  expected to generate significant interest from the domestic private and institutional development market.”
Large numbers of Asian developers have already made a beeline for the Melbourne CBD and city fringe, with Wizel saying larger groups - especially from Malaysia and Singapore – are now after similarly sited townhouse and apartment projects.
“Offshore developers and local institutional developers are seeing the consistent population growth of Melbourne and adjusting their strategies accordingly,” Wizel said.
Local councils and the state government are also proactively planning for population growth, he said.
The pending sale of Yarraville Gardens follows other big deals in Melbourne, including the sale of the Amcor site ($120 million), the former Age site in the CBD ($75 million) and Nigel Satterley’s acquisition of a major parcel of land in Point Cook ($100 million).
Yarraville Gardens owner Colin DeLutis says interest in the site is strong. “We’ve been approached many times over the past five years, and we think now is the right time for a formal sale campaign.”
While Coles and Woolworths are possible anchor tenants, Delutis said a major supermarket had not been decided yet. However, he confirmed that his company would develop a shopping centre on the business zoned land with a view to retaining ownership of the centre.
The proposed mixed use residential and business development is south of Francis Street and west of McIvor Reserve. It’s surrounded by 28 hectares of parklands and is close to Yarraville station and the popular Yarraville village.
</body></html>

staylor-63KgDrKwoY

Another $100 million-plus residential land sale pending at Yarraville Gardens

<html><body>
The popular St Kilda venue Dog's Bar was sold after auction for in excess of $6 million this afternoon.
The iconic venue (pictured below) was passed in at $5.6 million.
<img alt="dogsbarjuly5one" height="348" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/dogsbarjuly5one.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-st+kilda-500763279">The sale of the popular bar</a>, eight strata titled apartments and rooftop terrace was being handled by Pride Real Estate's Tony Pride and Margaret Duncan and Gross Waddell's Andrew Waddell.
The three-storey 54 Acland Street property includes a bar on the lower level and residential apartments above. It’s the first time the whole building has been offered for sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/dogsbarjuly5two.jpg" width="470" height="339" alt="dogsbarjuly5two">
A huge crowd attended the auction which started with a bid of $5 million from one of up to four bidders.
After being passed in, negotiations continued inside with the highest bidder, believed to be a local private investor who owns similar iconic properties in the area.
The agents believe the restaurant, wine bar, and outdoor seating areas have the potential to earn about $180,000 in annual rent.
The buying interest was expected from bar and hotel operators as well as investors and developers.
The future of the property is not yet clear following the sale.
It potentially could result in the closing of the venue early next year to make way for a site redevelopment, with the bar is being offered on a short-term lease until then by the vendor and proprietor David Carruthers.
Over the past 15 years the owners had accumulated the strata-titled apartments and lower-level retail components.
The Dog's Bar was opened in 1989.
Fairfax Media had reported the sale might fetch up to $8 million.
</body></html>

The Dog's Bar premises at 54 Acland Street sold post-auction

<html><body>
Celebrity couple Tom Williams and Rachel Gilbert have announced they are expecting a baby, and have listed their Freshwater home for sale.  
The four-bedroom home is listed with Clark and Humel Property at a guide price of $1.7 million plus.  
Williams, who worked as a builder before beginning a career in radio and television, purchased the property in 2010 for $1.29 million and renovated it himself.  
It now boasts high ceilings, timber floorboards, plantation shutters, a deluxe kitchen with European appliances and a solar heated pool.  
The property comes complete with storage under the house, a wine cellar, security cameras, and even a panic room.
After years doing up home on the northern beaches, Williams said the couple were selling because they wanted to live closer to Gilbert’s family in Cronulla.
Ofcourse plans to renovate their next property are on the radar.  After listing the property for sale last week, Williams let the couple’s baby news slip during his radio show The Daily Edition, on Tuesday.  
Williams and Gilbert were married in November last year and met at the Cleo Bachelor of the Year party in 2011. 
</body></html>

jrobertson-4NasGYvWhc

Tom Williams and Rachel Gilbert are expecting and have listed their Freshwater home

<html><body>
Guillaume Brahimi will be closing the doors to his top-tier restaurant Bennelong at the iconic Sydney Opera House at the end of year.
The shift comes as Brahimi’s lease expires at the end of the year and he did not submit a tender by Tuesday night due to apparent conflicting directions.
The French-born chef has owned and run the Bennelong site for 12 years and planned to submit a tender, until he saw the Opera House Trust was looking for a “welcoming food and beverage venue” to be open seven days a week.
Although Brahimi operates bistros in Perth and Melbourne, his Bennelong restaurant is a fine dining venue.
Guillaume at Bennelong serves contemporary Australian cuisine with a classical French influence.
“That’s not what I do,” Brahimi said to The Australian Financial Review.
“It’s an iconic spot, the Opera House deserves a fine dining restaurant.
“We worked hard for 12 years to create a special experience, Bennelong for me, is a fine dining venue,” says Brahimi.
Brahimi secured the contract to run the Bennelong restaurant in 2001 and gave it a major overhaul.
Sydney Opera House commercial director David Watson says the trust is required to conduct a public tender for their expiring food and beverage contracts in line with the NSW Government procurement policy.
Watson says it’s also an opportunity to ensure greater diversity, more price points and dining experiences that are open more often to cater to the 8.2 million visitors annually.
Brahimi said his future plans would be announced in the coming months.
Brahimi lives by the Sydney Habour with his wife and children.
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Guillaume Brahimi to close doors at Bennelong as Opera House seeks bistro-style cafe and restaurant

<html><body>
Financial planners Dixon Advisory have raised $161 million for a new commercial property fund that will invest in small-to-medium-sized office, retail and industrial property.
The Australian Property Opportunities Fund closed oversubscribed with the firm, as responsible entity, raising more than $60 million above the initial maximum offer size from investors, many of whom would be its self-managed super fund clients.
With a consolidated gearing level of up to 50%, the fund will have around $300 million to invest in commercial property on Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Assets with attractive risk-adjusted income profile and with the potential for capital growth will be targeted.
It will not use the funds to invest in more risky new developments.
Dixon Advisory intends to invest the money in a diversified portfolio of assets over the next 12 to 24 months, taking advantage of historically low interest rates.
“With the spread between commercial property yields and cash rates rising to 10-year highs, we believe this is an attractive time for investors to generate stable rental income, and potentially longer-term capital gains, through an investment in commercial property,” said Alex MacLachlan, chairman of the fund’s responsible entity.
“The successful capital raising now puts the fund in an excellent position to engage with vendors of small-to-medium-sized assets that meet our investment criteria.”
Sydney-based corporate advisory business Fort Street Real Estate Capital will provide investment management and asset management services to the fund.
Dixon Advisory is also the manager of the ASX-listed US Masters Residential Property Fund, the first Australian listed entity with the primary strategy of investing in the US residential property market.
</body></html>

Dixon Advisory launches first Australian property fund

<html><body>
Retail premises and residential offerings are benefitting from Footscray’s rising property market, with many up-and-comers attracted to the area’s proximity to the CBD, trend towards high-density living, perceived cache and cheaper housing stock.
The suburb eight kilometres from the city has long been regarded as a well kept secret by locals who love its cosmopolitan feel and edgy street cred.
Herron Todd White reports the Melbourne 2030 planning strategy has designated Footscray as one of the major activity centres which are the preferred locations for future higher density residential land and mixed use development.
Houses or units have the potential for strong growth in the next four to six years, according to HTW, especially those in West Footscray, Footscray and Maidstone.
They are showing positive signs for strong growth in the detached/semi detached market. Many houses are under $500,000.
On the commercial side, a retail premises at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/2010546408/for-sale/vic/footscray/retail">15 Paisley Street, Footscray</a> will test the waters when it goes to auction on July 24.
It’s been used by a children’s wear retailer for the past 20 years.
Kliger Wood’s Lou Montalti and Nick Breheny are handling the sale.
The shop on 194 square metres earns a rental of $30,260 and is on a 3x3 lease from September 2011.
Rents are fixed for the first year and go up 4% in the second. Zoned Business 1 the shop has rear access via a council car park which Montalti said was a point of interest.
He says the sale could reap $750,000 to $845,000.
Sold at auction recently was a two storey brick shop, at 11 Paisley Street (pictured below), for $845,000 on an indicative yield of 3.5%.
It was touted as "a rare opportunity in a tighly held strip".
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/footscrayjuly3one.jpg" width="470" height="328" alt="footscrayjuly3one">
The shop has a five metre street frontage and is on 146 square metres. It’s been the premises of a longstanding jeweller Kim Trang who has an option for a further three-years at $30,100 net rental plus all outgoings except land tax, says Kliger Wood’s Montalti.
A warehouse at 145-147 Geelong Road, Footscray (pictured below), has sold for $550,000.
Sweeney Estate Agents Footscray handled the sale of the 340 square metre block.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/footscrayjuly3two.jpg" width="470" height="320" alt="footscrayjuly3two">
The high exposure site is passed by up to 60,000-plus vehicles a day. Future uses could be a multi use development site, subject to council approvals.
The zoning is Business 3. The Footscray and Maidstone residential and commercial areas are tipped to benefit from a range of developments, such as at the railway station, Plaza and Whitten Oval.
It also helps being home to Victoria University, Western Hospital and Lonely Planet Publications.
<a href="/news">Footscray</a> residential real estate activity in the past 12 months:
Houses
•	163 houses sold
•	$520,000 median sale price
•	69 average days on market
Units
•	155 units sold
•	$364,000 median sale price
•	102 average days on market
</body></html>

Commercial and residential property both on the rise in Footscray

<html><body>
Australia needs to build more houses and apartments than it has done in the past as population growth picks up, interest rates remain low and dwellings remain more affordable, says RBA governor Glenn Stevens.
In a speech in Brisbane today, in which he forecast “sub-trend growth” in the near term and challenges in shifting the economy from mining to non-mining sectors including real estate, he highlighted that Australia remains a “lucky country” because, among other things, the GFC slowed down household borrowing and prevented them from becoming financially over-extended.
Stevens said dwelling investment has been “low for an unusually long period, with at least some households intent on reducing debt, thereby strengthening balance sheets”.
“Households have accumulated a good deal of cash as well over recent years,” he said in an address to the Economic Society of Australia luncheon.
“Meanwhile, population growth is quite solid and it has been picking up a bit of late.
“If anything, we will need to build more dwellings than we have been over recent years.
“Meanwhile, interest rates are low, dwellings are more ‘affordable’, and finance approvals for housing purchases have risen by 16% over the past year.
"So there are ‘fundamentals’ that favour a pick-up in these [non-mining] sectors.
Stevens said that no-one can pretend to be able to fine tune the ‘handover’ from mining to non-resources sectors “on cue, by just the right amount”
“We have, in fact, had a few handovers over the past five years – from private demand to public in 2009, then to mining investment subsequently.
“Now we are looking back to household dwelling spending, non-mining investment (and exports).
“Previous handovers have occurred, largely successfully. That doesn't guarantee the next one will, though it does mean that we shouldn't assume that it won't occur.
Overall though he painted a picture of a relatively sound Australian economy.
“At this point, we have unemployment at about 5.5%, inflation ‘in the 2s’, the banking system is strong and government finances overall sound.
“Growth is on the slow side, inflation is low.
“That combination means that we have low interest rates (the lowest for fifty years in fact).
“Significant structural change is occurring, which is always challenging. But set in context, the macroeconomic data over recent years show a pretty respectable set of outcomes." 
He also returned to a theme of a  well-received speech made in August last year called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/august-rate-cut-hopes-dim-further-following-upbeat-glenn-stevens-lucky-country-speech-commsec-anz/2012072455710">The Lucky Country.</a>
“It could equally be said that we were ‘lucky’ that the effects of the global economic downturn worked to help reduce inflation in Australia from its peak in 2008 of 5 per cent – which was way too high – to something acceptable.
“It could also be said that we were fortunate that the sub-prime crisis in the US emerged from early 2007, and not later. Although such lending was less prominent in Australia at that time, it was growing fast and would have become a much bigger vulnerability had it continued at that pace. The fact that things went wrong in the US when they did meant that what was a small problem here stayed small. 
“It could be added that we were lucky that the change in behaviour of households – slower borrowing, more saving – came when it did. For a start, had households continued as they were, they would have become more financially extended, and it is obvious now that that would have been risky. Moreover, this changed behaviour of households has helped us absorb the resources investment boom. 
“Of course the story is not yet finished. We have to negotiate the downward phase of the investment boom over the next few years, which appears likely to pose significant challenges. How will we meet them?"
</body></html>

More new dwellings needed but we’re still “lucky”: Glenn Stevens

<html><body>
May was a lacklustre month for the retail sector and retail property landlords with just a 0.1% rise in retail turnover recorded over the month, according to preliminary ABS figures.
This follows a downwardly revised 0.1% fall in April. ABS had previously estimated a 0.2% increase in April.
The median forecast among 28 economists surveyed by Bloomberg was for a 0.3% rise in retail sales in May.
Through the year, Australian retail turnover rose 2.3% in May 2013, seasonally adjusted, compared to May 2012.
<img alt="retail_trade" height="257" width="447" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/retail_trade.jpg">
The largest contributor to the rise in May 2013 was other retailing (0.8%) followed by food retailing (0.2%), department stores (0.8%) and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (0.4%).
These rises were largely offset by falls in cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.6%) and household goods retailing (-0.3%).
Over the longer term, food retailing remains the largest contributor to growth (up 0.3% in trend terms). 
Commonwealth Bank economist Gareth Aird says the retail sector has had a mixed 2013, so far. 
"Spending was up solidly in the few two months of the year, but has since tapered off.
"In particular, sales over the last few months have been sedate. 
"Some of the recent retail trade outcomes are reflecting the divergence between the real and nominal economies. 
"Over the first quarter of 2013, real retail trade was growing at a faster rate than nominal sales, which is rare. 
"The divergence was reflecting discounting in some parts of the retail sector, particularly the household good retailing category which largely comprises imported goods.  These goods have been made cheaper by a strong Aussie dollar. 
"But the currency has depreciated by around 10% since its peak over the last two months, so we are unlikely to see the divergence between nominal and real outcomes continue. 
He says the 10% fall in the Australian dollar will benefit the sector by making overseas holidays less attractive. 
"And it also means purchasing online from international retailers is more expensive.  Both of these shifts in relative prices support domestic retail trade. 
"In addition, household disposable income has been boosted from interest rate cuts.  These take some time to work their way through the economy with some mileage still to come from the most recent rate cuts," he says.
The state which was the largest contributor to the rise in May was Western Australia (1.6%) followed by Queensland (0.5%), South Australia (0.6%), Tasmania (0.6%) and the Northern Territory (0.8%).
These rises were largely offset by falls in New South Wales (-0.4%), Victoria (-0.3%) and the Australian Capital Territory (-1.7%).
Over the longer term, New South Wales remains the strongest contributor to growth (up 0.4% in trend terms). 
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News