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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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>
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia’s population grew to record 22.9 million people now living in the country at the end of 2012.
The growth was driven by strong net overseas migration which accounts for 60% of the total population growth.
A record number of births added to the annual tally.
This figure now equates to an increase in Australia’s national annual population growth of 1.75% over the December 2012.
While the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recorded 22.9 million residents at the end of last year, a more recent estimate of the current population can be seen in the ABS Population Clock which is currently indicating a national population of 23.094 million residents.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/06/lawlessjune27one.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/06/lawlessjune27onethumb.gif"></a>
Victoria trumped the pack as the state to record the highest levels of population growth across the country’s states and territories for the 2012 calendar year where an additional 99,548 residents now reside in the state.
Overseas migration accounted for 56.4% of the state’s growth, however, a larger than average proportion of Victoria’s population growth was from natural increase (41.8%), while a very small proportion can be attributed to interstate migration flows (1.7%).
Queensland recorded the second largest number of new residents at 92,453, followed by New South Wales where there were 90,441 more residents over the year.
The contributing components of population growth were quite different between Queensland and New South Wales.
While both states are sourcing the majority of their population growth via overseas migrants, Queensland has historically recorded a substantial net interstate migrant inflow; last year 11,354 net new residents moved to Queensland from other Australian states while New South Wales lost a net 17,761 residents to other states.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/06/lawlessjune27two.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/06/lawlessjune27twothumb.gif"></a>
In raw numbers, Western Australia recorded the fourth largest number of new residents (+83,031) but was the state to record the fastest rate of population growth by quite a wide margin.
At almost twice the pace of the national average, Western Australia’s population increased by 3.5 % over the 2012 calendar year and has attracted the third largest number of net overseas migrants with 52,306 new permanent or long term residents moving to Western Australia over the calendar year.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) also recorded a rapid rate of population growth, up 2.3 % over the 2012 calendar year; the second fastest growth rate of any state or territory.
With the impending election and possible cuts to the Federal Government labour force, we would presume this rate of population growth is likely to slow during 2013.
Tasmania and South Australia recorded the least amount of population growth, up by 0.9% and 0.1% respectively.
Interstate migration has been a drain on both states with a net 2,650 Tasmanian’s moving to another state or territory and 3,345 net South Australians moving interstate over the year.
Nationally, Australia’s population growth is comprised of the net rate of overseas migration plus the rate of natural increase that is births minus deaths.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/06/lawlessjune27three.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/06/lawlessjune27threethumb.gif"></a>
Overseas migration is the most significant contributor to population growth, equating to 60% of national population growth.
The rate of natural increase has seen a substantial rise due to a large number of new births and a decline in the number of deaths over the year.
There were 305,400 births in Australia over the past twelve months, the largest number on record.
Tim Lawless is national research director of <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RP Data.</a>
</body></html>

tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

WA population growth rate almost double the national average: Tim Lawless

A big crowd turned out on Saturday for the weekend auction of Natalie Bassingthwaighte&rsquo;s Elwood period investment property.

Five bidders fought it out from a starting bid of $850,000 followed by a vendor bid of $1 million. The auctioneer took increments of $20,000, $10,000, $5000 and then $1000 until the property was passed in at $1.18 million.

Matt White, of Ray White Port Phillip, said negotiations then continued inside until the deal was clinched at &quot;more than $1.2 million&quot;. He would not disclose the exact price.

White said a Brisbane-based banker bought the property and his family will alternate between there and Elwood.

Bassingthwaighte - a&nbsp;pop singer, actress and X Factor Australia&nbsp;television judge - bought the Clarke Street investment property for $595,000 in 2005.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom period&nbsp;home has an open plan living/dining area opening to a covered deck with open fireplace and&nbsp;courtyard. It has Miele kitchen appliances with breakfast bar, corian bench tops and&nbsp;concealed fridge/freezer.

An upstairs parents&#39; retreat comes with dressing room and en suite bathroom through to a nursery/study.

Features include&nbsp;hydronic heating, air conditioning, Bose surround-sound, under-stair storage, ceiling roses, chocolate-toned floorboards and&nbsp;plantation shutters.

Bassingthwaighte and her husband, former Rogue Traders band mate, drummer Cameron McGlinchey, has reportedly spent about $2.25 million on a four bedroom, two bathroom Federation house on&nbsp;one of&nbsp;Brighton&#39;s top 10 streets. It&rsquo;s 400 metres from&nbsp;the beach, Church Street shops, cinema and railway.

A&nbsp;neighbouring three bedroom, one-bathroom house in Clarke Street sold for&nbsp;$896,000 in May 2010.

Last year Bassingthwaighte&nbsp;sold her Elizabeth Bay apartment in Sydney for $850,000.

staylor-63KgDrKwoY

Natalie Bassingthwaighte's Elwood period investment property sells at auction

<html><body>
It might not come as a surprise that most CBD dwellers are young, in Melbourne 67% are less than 35 years old. Most live in households of only 1 or 2 people, many rent and most are very well educated, but income profiles are not remarkably different from the wider population.
So it is safe I think to assume that we are dealing with a ‘Young and Restless’ market, but a more detailed picture is evident if we start to look at these headline trends in more detail. I also think it is very clear that large markets like Sydney and Melbourne contain various sub-markets that we need to understand and accommodate in our marketing decisions.
Avoid the stereotype
In lots of marketing material for new projects I find myself reading what appears to be a fairly standard project outline that starts of with copy something like this – ‘our aim is to create a living, functional community reflecting this vibrant location, that appeals to a mixed demographic creating a unique place to live’ – fair enough I guess, but possibly a little lazy and in the case of many CBD projects I suggest a bit obsolete.
To help establish a more robust descriptor here are some key facts about the age profiles of CBD residential markets in Sydney, Melbourne and North Sydney. The figures show a clear trend, but I do not think the figures should be seen as universal, but they do show a strong correlation.
Young and passing through
In the Melbourne CBD, according to figures published by the City of Melbourne, the three biggest age brackets are 20-24, 25-29 and 30-34 and this is why 67% of CDB residents are less than 35 – clearly a young market, where it would be reasonable to assume the bright CBD lights are the key attraction, along with access to higher-education.
In Sydney the picture is similar, the two biggest age brackets for people moving to the CBD are 18-24 and 25-34 and it’s the same for North Sydney. These two markets also share another key population measure that is prominent.
The biggest age bracket when people make the move out of the CBD to another market is in the age bracket 35-44, plus there is a not to be unexpected link to the 5-11 years group which could well be families leaving the CBD, and this is reinforced by where this group moves to, which I will return to as the trends there may directly impact marketing tactics.
Another key age bracket in the Sydney and North Sydney CBD market is the high number of arrivals in the 55-64 age range, and this group while not the largest by any means is notable because it is growing. Both the Sydney and North Sydney markets and this is equally true of Melbourne now have market precincts that would attract older buyers.
The Sydney CBD market in particular now has some clearly established precincts that offer their own distinctive ‘brand of CBD living’ and that trend is set to continue. These sub-markets or sub-brands include the north, the sandstone belt, south, Chinatown and waterfront locations and these locations will become more distinct as the city grows and buyers become more choosy.
While some high-end projects attract a lot of attention the percentage of rented accommodation also aligns to the fact that NSW now generates some $5.8billion in education exports, and students have a big impact on the CBD market and its investment appeal.
CBD migration
The population gains and losses of the CBD markets are also strong marketing pointers that send a very interesting message. The trends are very useful when planning how to engage with the demographics that are playing out.
In the case of North Sydney when people leave the CBD area they tend to stay on the North Shore or go to the Inner West, where families looking for a traditional home might be attracted and still keep some connection to their former homes. Then when we look at where buyers move from into the North Sydney CBD market we see this movement coming from the North Shore and the Inner East.
If we look at the City of Sydney this movement, while similar in structure, is slightly more diverse. People leaving the CBD appear to move to areas with traditional housing and within the top five destinations, more possibly affordable housing and given that some of those leaving will now have children, access to schools.
And so we see our CBD population move to the Inner West and to a number of closer suburbs in Sydney’s South. Those moving into the CBD come from a mix of locations as well, including from the South, Inner East, Upper North Shore and The Hills District – the diversity of locations is perhaps not surprising given that the Sydney CBD market is also a very mixed residential market. It is no longer just a particular cluster of buildings, it has wider and evolving appeal including to older buyers 55-64.
The picture thus far
CBD markets are at first glance seen as diverse places, but rather like our marketing copy suggests, the CBD market is still evolving. We already know it is a young market, where most people live on a 1 or 2 person or 3 and 4 person household, but thereafter around the age of 35-44 make a move away. Facilities are important, it’s an attractive rental market, but it also appears that’s how residents relate to services and facilities may be very different. After all the CBD is still very much a shared ‘experience’ – with residents alongside office blocks and big numbers of workers and visitors moving in and out of the city daily.
Having taken this brief snapshot of the CBD market, in my next post I will detail some of the feedback and comments from recent Sydney buyers. It all goes to further reveal how our CBD residential markets are changing and managing their growing pains and how as project marketers we need to stay attuned.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Colliers International.</a>
</body></html>

pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

A snapshot of young city dwellers: Peter Chittenden

<html><body>
The auctions market has ended the financial year on a solid note, with first-home buyers rushing to take advantage of federal and state-based grants before they are downgraded.
But one expert says the next financial year may not differ so much from the last, in that investors and buyers should expect a slow, drawn-out recovery rather than any short, frantic bursts of improvement.
"We're not expecting any major recovery for the Melbourne market," SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said.
As for the rest of the country, Christopher's opinion was unwavering – most capital cities will perform over the next 12 months as they have in the past year, assuming interest rates and the dollar remain relatively stable.
"We're still expecting any recovery to be modest and moderate," he says.
According to the Real Estate Industry of Victoria, Melbourne recorded a clearance rate of 73%, compared to 69% last weekend and 55% during this weekend last year.
"The slight increase in the clearance rate this week may be due to the first-home owners grant for established dwellings coming to an end on the 30th, June 2013," chief executive Enzo Raimondo said in a statement.
Various changes are being made to state-based first home owners' grants, including in Victoria and Queensland.
Such changes mean the first home owners' market is likely to taper off over the next few months, Christopher says.
"Melbourne is likely to track Sydney's changes in that regard, meaning there was a drop off in first-home buying over the few months after those changes came into effect.
"There was also a slow and gradual build up after that period."
As for the rest of the year, Christopher says there isn't much reason to expect anything other than what we've seen in 2012-13. Melbourne is tipped to record 2-5% capital growth during this calendar year, while Sydney "is the market we're most bullish about".
"We're seeing fairly strong pricing action now," he says, with more expected in the next few months.
Canberra, however, is expected to remain under pressure, while Christopher says Brisbane is simply "treading water".
"There is no major recovery with lots of stock in the market...and that's likely to continue in the remaining half of the year."
This article first appeared on<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/056271-auctions-strong-as-first-time-buyers-spend-big-for-last-minute-grants"> Smart Company</a>.
</body></html>

pmcstafford-pr9eMARWoN

Victorian first home buyer's market set to taper off: SQM

<html><body>
Residential property was a solid investment play in the 2013 financial share as shares soared but gold took a plunge.
Depending on where you invested, the property market provided investors with total returns – rent plus capital gain - ranging from 3.5% in Hobart to 12.7% in Darwin, according to RP Data-Rismark.
Total property return of 8.5%
The aggregate total return across the eight capital cities was a solid 8.5% with Perth and Sydney both returning in excess of 10% with Melbourne managing just 7.3%.
RP Data-Rismark recorded capital city dwelling prices up 3.8% for the financial year, substantially better than the 3.6% reduction recorded over the 2012 financial year.
A-REIT total return of 24.2%
Arguably the best place to put your money in the listed property trust sector. 
According to Goldman Sachs A-REITS analyst, the S&amp;P ASX200 XPJ index (A-REIT sector) was up 17.4% over 2013 on a share price basis.
If you include dividends, the sector generated a total return of 24.2%.
Shares up 14%
Outside of the listed property space, putting your money in shares was a good option with the ASX rising 14% over the course of the year from 4,133 points to 4,802.
ASX 200 up 17%
Gains were even stronger across the ASX 200, with share prices up 17% across the benchmark index, the highest total returns since the global financial crisis.
Super returns likely around 15.5%
In line with the stronger share market, super funds also thrived. 
Forecasts are for growth super funds to generate a median return 15.5% for the year to June 30, according to super research firm Chant West. This would be highest single financial year return in the past 16 years. Balanced funds are forecast to return 12%.
Cash deposits returning 3.24%
For investors with no risk appetite, putting you money in the bank generated a return of just 3.24% according to the UBS Bank Bill, which is a proxy measure for returns from cash.
Gold values down 25%
Gold was not a good investment option in the past 12 months with values falling 25%.
The precious metal started the year at $US1600, rose to US$1,800 in October, but then started falling in April and is currently trading at around US$1,200 per ounce.
Aussie dollar down 8%
And holding Australian dollars was also not a good bet with the currency falling 8% from parity at the start of the financial year to just under 92 cents currently.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Residential property’s steady rise as gold sinks: Daily Property Observer list

<html><body>
The median value of a Sydney apartment reached $500,000 for the first time in June.
RP Data-Rismark records a 2.7% rise in the median Sydney unit value to exactly $500,000.
Sydney units provide investors with a gross return of 7.6% and a yield of 4.9%.
This equates to weekly rent of around $470 per week.
Despite this new milestone being reached, Sydney unit growth was outpaced by Sydney houses, which rose 6.3% year-on-year. 
The gap is narrower over the past six months with Sydney house values are up 4.8% while unit values have risen by a smaller 4.0% notes RP Data research director Tim Lawless.
"The results come as a bit of a surprise considering investors are one of the most active segments across the Sydney market and rental yields tend to be higher for units compared with houses. 
"Potentially one of the drivers of the detached housing market performance is the fact that this segment of the market saw a larger correction in values between late 2010 and mid 2012; house values were down 6.4% compared with a 3.6% fall across the unit market," Lawless says.
Weekly rents across five capital city markets for June
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Units
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$535
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$470
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$400
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$377
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Brisbane-Gold Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$420
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$374
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$339
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$284
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$438
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$412
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Extrapolated from RP Data-Rismark yields and median values for June 2013
</body></html>

Sydney unit value hits $500,000 for first time with 4.9% yield

<html><body>
Capital city property values rose 1.9% in June led by gains in Sydney and Melbourne, according to the RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index.
Sydney dwelling values rose 2.7% over June to a median of $580,000 with Melbourne values up 2.3% to $512,000.
The June result means property values ended the financial year up 3.8% regaining all the ground lost over the 2012 financial year, when values fell 3.6%.
Property values have now recovered 4.9% of the 7.4% correction in dwelling values since the market bottomed out in May last year.
Over the course of the financial year, the strongest performing capital city property markets are Darwin (+6.1%), Perth (+6%), Sydney (+5.6%) and Melbourne (+3.4%).
The weakest markets are Hobart (-1.8%), Adelaide (+0.2%) and Brisbane (+0.6%).
Looking across detached housing, Sydney and Perth house values are up 6.3% over the 2013 financial year with Darwin house prices up 6.1%.
In the unit market, the strongest gains are for Darwin units (+6.4%) and Melbourne (+4.1%). 
<img height="403" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/rp_date_june.jpg" alt="rp_date_june">
The June pick-up wiped out the 1.7% cumulative fall over April and May, with values up 0.2% for the quarter.
“The capital gains recorded over the financial year highlight that lower mortgage rates are starting to have a positive impact on the housing market,” says RP Data research director Tim Lawless.
However, he adds that current conditions are “far removed from the buoyant conditions experienced in 2009”.
The quarter-on-quarter results for June were largely driven by a strong result in the largest capital city, Sydney.
Melbourne and Brisbane recorded a slight fall in dwelling values over the quarter while the decline in Hobart, Darwin and Canberra was more significant.
<img height="219" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/RP_Data_june_figures.jpg" alt="RP_Data_june_figures">
Each capital city housing market excluding Hobart, where values have fallen by -1.8%, has recorded an increase in values over the past year.
Annual capital gains have ranged from as little as 0.2% in Adelaide to as much as 6.1% in Darwin and 6% in Perth.
For investors, the highest rental yields are for Darwin houses and units with gross rental yield of 6.2%.
The lowest rental yields are Melbourne houses with gross rental yield of 3.7% and Melbourne units at 4.4%.
Lawless says that while there has been some natural volatility in the month-to-month readings of the RP Data-Rismark Index, the trend is much more indicative of an ongoing recovery in dwelling values.
Rismark International CEO Ben Skilbeck says the index highlights that housing markets do show intra-month and intra-quarter volatility (though very low when compared to the share market).
However, when the index is examined over a longer period, such as the last 3 months, “recent index results highlight that capital gains remain relatively sluggish despite the presence of low interest rates and high auction clearance rates”.
Lawless points out that consumer confidence dipped over April and May before recording a rise in June.
“[However], data on labour markets is jumpy and housing finance data shows hardly any improvement in the average loan size.
“If confidence levels remain high and labour markets continue to show a low rate of unemployment then we would expect that home values will continue to trend higher, albeit at a relatively measured pace,” he says.
</body></html>

Property market rebounds in June with values up 3.8% for the 2013 financial year

<html><body>
The biggest financial news for most Australians in the past two years has been the falling cash rate and decreasing mortgage rates.
They’ve come down so far that you can get a variable rate mortgage in the low 5% range and some lenders have 2 or 3-year fixed rate mortgages as low as 4.99%.
But it’s been more complex for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Reserve Bank, in a recent report, said fees paid in household lending fell in 2012 to $4.1 billion, while bank fees in business lending rose 7% to $7.3 billion.
In another survey, banking analysts East &amp; Partners found that 43% of the SMEs surveyed experienced rate rises on their secured loans in the last six months. Just 0.8% had a rate reduction and 56.1% had no change in their rates. The average rate rise was 5.3%.
I support the workings of a free market, but we should be concerned when official interest rates drop to historic lows while businesses have rate rises.
It’s easy to make this a fight between big corporations and small business, or between big banks and the ‘mums and dads’.
But the problem could go deeper. Australia has so many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) – 99.7% of all businesses – that making them pay more for debt than other borrowers will eventually hit the general economy.
If a business pays more for secured debt than the going rate, one response is to raise prices to cover costs. If this reaction gains momentum among businesses, inflation rises.
A business may not be able to raise its prices but it can cut overheads such as reducing employees or cutting back hours and overtime. Given that small and medium sized businesses employ 70% of the private sector work force, this affects employment.
Also, small businesses constrained by the cost of debt find it harder to grow, and then we lose a vital offset to the oligopoly power of corporations – an offset that we all profit from in consumer choice, service and prices.
Here’s another problem: when a small business has cut as much fat as it can in the enterprise, then the owners tighten their belts in the family home. It’s a double effect because they don’t just contract as producers – they contract as consumers.
The worrying aspect of this is that while slightly more than half of the East &amp; Partners respondents said their rates hadn’t moved for six months, the RBA has tracked rising bank fees for business lending. Which means net increases for business owners.
Overriding this issue is the traditional reluctance of SME owners to change banks.
So, are businesses being squeezed by their banks with nowhere else to go? Or, is this a time to attend to the basics of business performance and seek out truly competitive lenders?
Which way will Australian business go?
I would love to know what you think. Talk to me on Twitter.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
</body></html>

mbouris-tauSvXGAM2

Residential interest rates are very attractive but business lending is more challenging: Mark Bouris

<html><body>
One of the poorest performing major listed property trust over the 2013 financial year was the CFS Retail Property Trust, joint developer of Emporium Melbourne, which last week announced a $60 million write-down of this project.
It's share price is up just 4.1% over the course of the 2013 financial year.
The S&amp;P ASX200 XPJ index (A-REIT sector) was up 17.4% for the 2013 financial year on a share price basis, says Goldman Sachs A-REIT analyst Andrew MacFarlane. 
"If you include dividends (total return) then the accumulation index was up 24.2%," he says.
For the financial year, the share market ended the year up 17.2%
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Company
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
ASX Code
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
June 30/2012 share price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
June 30/2013 share price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
% change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
CFS Retail Property Trust
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
CFX
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$1.92
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$2.00
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Investa Office Fund
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
IOF
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$2.71
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$2.91
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
7.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Westfield Retail Trust
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
WRT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$2.85
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$3.10
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
8.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Commonwealth Property Office Fund
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
CPA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$1.01
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$1.10
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
8.9%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Correction: In an earlier version of this story, Property Observer reported that Leighton Holdings was the worst-performing A-REIT with 5% decline in its share price over the 2013 financial year. Leighton Holdings is not an A-REIT. It is a construction and engineering business.
</body></html>

CFS Retail Property among poorest performing A-REIT share prices for 2013 financial year

<html><body>
Charter Hall’s share price rose 70.4% over the course of the 2013 financial year making it the top performing major listed property trust.
The group has around $10 billion of funds under management across the office, retail, industrial and residential sectors.
It’s most recent significant transaction was to form a partnership with a local super fund and a Canadian pension fund to acquire <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/charter-hall-buys-bankwest-place-and-raine-square-in-perth-for-%24458-million/2013061962415">Bankwest Place and the associated Raine Square shopping centre</a> in the Perth CBD for $458 million, seeing off competition from both local and offshore investors.
Charter Hall has also been named as a bidder for a collection of assets worth around $250 million that make up the Australand Wholesale Property Fund No.6 (AWPF6).
Charter Hall’s share price closed at $3.87 last Friday having started the financial year at $2.27.
The S&amp;P ASX200 XPJ index (A-REIT sector) was up 17.4% for the 2013 financial year on a share price basis, says Goldman Sachs A-REIT analyst Andrew MacFarlane.
"If you include dividends (total return) then the accumulation index was up 24.2%," he says.
Top five performing A-REITS over 2013 financial year.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Company
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
ASX Code
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
June 30/2012 share price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
June 30/2013 share price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
%change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Charter Hall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
CHC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$2.27
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$3.87
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
70.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Cromwell Property Group
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
CMS
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$0.69
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$0.975
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
41%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Australand
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
ALZ
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$2.47
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$3.48
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
40.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Goodman Group
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
GMG
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$3.67
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$4.88
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
32.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Mirvac
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
MGR
</td>
<td valign="top" width="132">
$1.27
</td>
<td valign="top" width="145">
$1.61
</td>
<td valign="top" width="72">
26.7%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Other strongly performing property stocks were the Cromwell Property Group (share price up 41%) despite its chief executive Paul Weightman warning in March of a commercial property bubble building in Australia, take-over target Australand (up 40.8%), industrial A-REIT Goodman Group (32.9%) and diversified group Mirvac (26.7%).
Australia’s biggest A-REIT Westfield Group and its shopping centre spin-off Westfield Retail Trust ended the financial year up 20.4% and 8.7% respectively.
For the financial year, the share market ended the year up 17.2%
</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