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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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

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

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Midland Brick heiress Marilyn New has finally secured the sale of her Perth hotel with the four star Esplanade River Suites serviced apartments in Como selling to the Chinese-based Narada Hotel Group for around $31 million.
A year ago, she sold the 4.5-star, 300-room Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/marilyn-new-sells-fremantles-esplanade-hotel-for-%2490-million/2012040454156">Singaporean property fund Ascendas</a> for $90 million.
Narada’s purchase, reported by The Australian Financial Review, continues a trend of Asian hotel groups buying prominent Australian hotels.
Recent noteworthy purchases include the Dong Run Group purchasing the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/palazzo-versace-hotel-sale-helps-lift-sunland-interim-profits-as-residential-sales-slow/2013021459356">Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast</a> for $68.5 million at the end of 2012, Hong Kong-listed Shangri-La Asia paying $352 million to fully own the Sydney’s Shangri-La Hotel in The Rocks and William Han, chairman of China-based White Horse Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and non-executive director of Western Australia's Padbury Mining buying Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays for around $12 million in April last year with plans to redevelop the island.
Narada bills itself as one of the Top 10 hotel groups in China and among the Top 100 in the world, managing 15,000 guestrooms in 11 provinces in China.
The group was established in 1995 and has assets comprising hotels, infrastructure and real estate development worth 5 billion yuan ($816 million).
The Esplanade River Suites on Melville Parade overlooks the Swan River, and features 101 guest rooms and apartments as well as the Pagoda Restaurant and Bar and conferencing facilities.
It opened in February 1998 on the site of the historic Pagoda Ballroom, which was built in 1922 as a dance hall and tearooms.
The hotel retains the distinctive red-roof Pagoda design.
The sale of Esplanade River Suites was negotiated by Aaron Desange of?Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group.
It was sold as vacant possession.
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Marilyn New exits Perth hotel scene with Esplanade River Suites sale to Chinese hotel group Narada 

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First-home buyers continue to stay on the sidelines of the housing market with economists noting the flow-on effect this is having for the wider housing market recovery. In addition the <a href="/news">different incentives on offer in state and territory housing markets</a> and with different expiry dates, is distorting the picture, pulling forward demand in some cases, but with a vaccum likely to follow when incentives are withdrawn.
ABS housing finance figures show that first-home buyer activity retreated further in March with this segment accounting for 14.2% of total owner-occupied housing finance compared with 14.4% in February.
First-home buyer numbers, as a proportion of the total dwellings financed, are at their lowest level since May 2004 – a nine-year-low..
A year ago they made up 18.1% of the market with the first-home buyer market peaking at 31.4% in May 2009, with first-home buyers spurred on by the $7,000 first-home owner boost (FHOB) for existing homes and $14,000 bonus for new homes, which ran from October 2008 to December 2009 (halved in the final two months).
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/fhbmay14twothumb.gif" width="470" height="328" alt="fhbmay14twothumb">
This decline in first-home buyers is against a backdrop of a stronger-then-expected rise in home lending, which lifted 5.2% in March led by strong gains in NSW and Victoria.
Westpac economist Matthew Hassan highlights a point made by other economists like <a href="/news">AMP Capital’s Shane Oliver</a> that the current housing market recovery has been weak by comparison to previous easing cycles
He told the Australian Financial Review it had taken “a very long time to generate any movement in the sector", but that prior to yesterday’s housing finance bounce, the recovery had been “sub-par”.
Hassan pointed to the lack of activity in the first-home buyer market as a key issue for a sustained recovery, as they typically purchase the homes of those looking to upgrade and move up the property ladder.
“Ultimately you need a new entrant to drive ongoing growth on the buyer side,” he said.
A similar point was made by Commonwealth Bank economist Michael Workman who called first-home buyers “still the missing link to the overall housing activity story”.
“Higher levels of first home buyers in the market are needed to make a solid impact on total housing activity,” he said.
ANZ property market analysts David Cannington and Paul Braddick said that “looking through the distortions from state and territory government first-home buyer policy changes in recent months” the March data indicates “the combined impact of improved housing affordability and low rental vacancy rates (putting upward pressure on rents) is supporting moderate growth in first-home buyer finance, albeit from low levels”.
"First-home buyer activity increased in March (on a trend basis), however its share of the total value of housing finance commitments (excluding refinancing) decreased to 10.9% - the lowest first-home owner share since April 2004," said Cannington and Braddick.
"Growth in the number of first home-buyer commitments in March was lowest in Tasmania, followed by the Northern Territory (-21.3% m/m and -17.5% m/m respectively).
"The withdrawal of the First Home Buyer Grant on established homes in NSW and Queensland and the unwinding of Northern Territory first-home buyer concessions have weighed on first- home buyer lending in these states.
"However, moderate growth in first home-buyer finance in many states in recent months indicates the combined impact of improved housing affordability and low rental vacancy rates (putting upward pressure on rents) issupporting first home buyer activity," the said.
ANZ prepared the following sets of graphs to show how the first-home buyer segment is tracking in each of the state and territory markets, with the five biggest markets – NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia – showing mild improvements, but declining trends in the three smallest states.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2013/05/fhbmay14one.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/05/fhbmay14onethumb.gif"></a>
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Lack of first-home buyer recovery halting stronger housing market rebound: Matthew Hassan

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Property Council of Australia chief executive Peter Verwer has warned the government not to introduce further changes to its withholding tax rules, which could create more uncertainty in the minds of institutional investors.
The withholding tax is charged on income paid to foreign investors who invest in managed schemes, many of which fund large infrastructure and property projects in Australia.
Last year, the government doubled the tax rate on distributions from 7.5% to 15% for all buildings in managed schemes, except those constructed after July 1 with a five-star energy rating, where a 10% tax rate has been implemented.
Verwer told Property Observer that the important thing was certainty amid concerns that government may tinker with the thin capitalisation regime – the debt side of institutional investments.
“There is the potential for them to make changes to the thin capitalisation regime, which would send a further negative signal to rest of the world and would complicate the ability of schemes to raise money internationally,” he said.
Currently, institutional investors can borrow up to 75% and take advantage of a favourable tax regime for this debt. The proposed changes would reduce the gearing threshold at which the thin-cap rules apply.
“International investors have been dismayed by the chopping and changing regime.
"They see Australia’s economic growth as attractive for long-term investment, but are dismayed at the ad hoc approach taken to taxing them,” he said.
Verwer said the PCA’s preference was for a single, low rate “that sends a clear message to the world”.
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Property Council warns against further tinkering with offshore investment rules

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Sydney-based architect Joe Snell has been named as one of the judges on Channel 7’s new reality show House Rules.
From the makers of My Kitchen Rules, Channel 7’s take on the popular reality show The Block.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/house-rules-the-new-addictive-reality-television-show-on-the-block-renovates-for-keeps/2013051261200" target="_blank">House Rules will see six teams of complete strangers transform each others homes around the nation.</a>
Joe Snell (pictured below) first completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in architecture and moved to London to become a real estate agent for two years.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/05/snellmay14one.jpg" alt="snellmay14one" width="400" height="803">
Upon returning, Snell completed his Bachelor of Architecture at The University of Sydney and joined his father's firm, Snell Architects.
Snell Architects was founded in 1978 and won the best retail design award at the Westfield National Awards 2012.
"Being a real estate agent made me a better architect, as I actually learnt what people really wanted in a house," Snell says.
Outside of his architectural interest, Snell recently created an exhibit for Vivid Sydney – an annual festival of light and music.
“Most people think that architecture is this massive thing, but hopefully by watching House Rules they will realise it is just about making your day a little better,” he says.
“I want to see how the contestants use the natural light of the house, how they manage the cross ventilation of air flow, how they use and interpret the space of the house and their employment of scale and proportion.
“I will tell the truth about the space as I see it, regardless of who renovated it, and I will not sugar coat it, but that doesn’t mean I will be a horrible judge.”
Snell currently lives in Sydney with his wife Laura and their two sons.
Snell will judge House Rules alongside Wendy Moore, who is the editor of Home Beautiful magazine and has been in the magazine industry for more than 20 years.
Moore (pictured below) became editor in 2006, having previously worked on Australian Women's Weekly, Woman's Day and Burke's Backyard magazine.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/05/mooremay14one.jpg" alt="mooremay14one" width="400" height="755">
"I am a pretty honest person," Moore says.
"If I do have something brutal to say, I will have a reason for saying it.
"My aim is to be constructive and truthful."
Moore's own home in Sydney's inner west has undergone its own renovation, including the add on of a home office and a kitchen makeover - all for under $2,500.
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Sydney architect Joe Snell headlines House Rules judging on Channel 7's reno series

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Most signs point north for real estate markets around Australia. Indicators consistently describe rising markets.  
The best thing about this generally positive outlook is that few of the indicators suggest we’re charging into a boom. The national figures for home loans, sales volumes, price movements, building approvals and affordability, among others, suggest a steady and sustainable recovery (with the exception of exceptional locations like Darwin, where the numbers of extraordinary).  
This week’s ABS data on housing finance reveals plenty that’s significant about real estate markets.  
The value of housing loans rose 4.5% in March, seasonally adjusted, continuing a generally upward trend since the middle of last year. But the trend graph shows a steady – rather than spectacular – improvement.
The ABS figures also reveal the steady increase in the number of investors active in property markets across Australia. A year ago investors were about 30% of buyers; in March 2013 they were 36%, following gradual increments over the past 12 months.  
The figures also confirm that buyers of all sorts overwhelmingly prefer second-hand homes over new. In March, 83% of loans were for established dwellings, with only 17% opting for new housing. Similar ratios apply to first-home buyers.  
This explains the general failure of government grants in the residential property market. The current trend by state politicians is to reward people who build or buy new homes, but they’re boosting a tiny minority of buyers only. Grants will never have the desired impact when they not only single out first-time buyers but also only those who build new homes.  
Nevertheless, the March figures do show a rise in loans for building or buying new homes. Loans for the construction of new homes rose 4.6% and those for the purchase of new dwellings increased 21%.  
It’s always a mistake to make too much of month-to-month figures. Monthly data can jump about. It’s the longer-term trends that are important.  
But the 21% rise, seasonally-adjusted, in the number of loans for buying new homes in March tends to make nonsense of claims this month by the Housing Industry Association that building and construction has fallen every month for the past 34 months.  
What these figures show, taken in conjunction with other data, is that real estate is on a consistent upward path. But, thankfully, it’s a measured progression.  
Long may that continue.  
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>
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The property market is on a consistent upward path

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Lady Dorothy Macarthur-Onslow, of Mount Gilead, near Campbelltown in NSW, has died aged 90.
She had left the Gilead farm holding, located 56 kilometres southwest of Sydney, to spend her last days at Lulworth House.
The farm, which totals 180 hectares, has been long mooted as having residential housing subdivision potential. The most recent estimates suggest a yield of 1500 dwellings when combined with an adjoining 34-hectare lot.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13one.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13onethumb.gif"></a>
Lady Macarthur-Onslow was the widow of Denzil Macarthur Onslow, the descendant of wool pioneer John Macarthur who died in 1984, and <a href="https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&amp;dat=19671029&amp;id=zngpAAAAIBAJ&amp;sjid=mucDAAAAIBAJ&amp;pg=2158,4449244" target="_blank">mother of Lee and Katrina</a>.
Major-General Sir Denzil Macarthur-Onslow's first wife was Elinor Caldwell, a Scot from Lockerbie.
He married again in 1950 to Dorothy Wolseley Conagher, née Scott, a medical practitioner who had been medical superintendent at Parramatta Hospital.
In the 1940s Mount Gilead house was bought and restored by the family who operated a cattle dairy farm. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16912325" target="_blank">remains of the old windmill on Mount Gilead</a> formed a prominent land mark given the site is 500 feet above sea level. <a href="https://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=354672" target="_blank">Its wooden cogs are held in the Powerhouse Museum</a>.
A concept plan illustrating an indicative residential layout for a quality new suburb on the site has been drawn up with its key features being:
Incorporate and maximise the existing landscape and topographical characteristics of the site; Retain existing native vegetation and protect and enhance biodiversity and sensitive habitats Enhance the existing riparian corridors; Protect visually prominent features such as ridgelines; Enhance visual links to distant views, heritage features and open space; Encourage passive surveillance and increase safety; Facilitate sustainable transport and access; Maximise solar access for future lots and sustainable design outcomes; and Provide a legible and walkable neighbourhood.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13two.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/05/gileadmay13twothumb.gif"></a>
The 2012 Cox Richardson study, with plans featured above by Property Observer, suggested buffers if required to protect the visual curtilage of the Mt Gilead homestead and windmill that  would not impact on the dwelling yield of the proposal given the proposed 700 square metre average lot size and the size of the site.
Mt Gilead Pty Ltd, the owner of the majority of the site, had not received any notices of coal seam gas (CSG) extraction on the land.
Water supply to the site could potentially be drawn from the existing gravity fed water-main owned by United Utilities Australia. The water running through the main is provided by Sydney Water. A connection junction was included in the main on Mt Gilead land at the time the main was constructed. This was paid for by Mt Gilead Pty Ltd in anticipation of future potential development on the Mt Gilead land.
The surrounding locality includes: the low density residential suburbs of Rosemeadow and St Helens Park (including Kilbride Aged Care Facility and Retirement Village) located around one kilometre to the north; the M5 motorway beyond the Mt Gilead Homestead and farm to the west; the Nepean River about 2 kilometres to the west of the Mt Gilead Homestead a number of rural land parcels along the eastern side of Appin Road adjoining the Dharawal State Recreation Area; the Georges River approximately one kilometre to the east of Appin Road, and. the Beulah Estate and rural residential land further to the south.
In 1995 the land, described as the final link between Sydney's southern fringe and the Illawarra, was earmarked for redevelopment by a Canberra company, Landco.
The then Federal MP for Werriwa, Mark Latham, opposed the development noting "every air pollution report has shown that Campbelltown has a particular problem which can only worsen through unrestrained population growth."
Relatives and friends of Lady Macarthur-Onslow attended her funeral at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Ryde, on Friday May 17.
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Mount Gilead's Lady Macarthur-Onslow dies aged 90

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For those who enjoy the odd drop and have a lazy million dollars at hand, there's six vineyards presently for sale which might fit the bill.
The sample of winery listings currently on sale at realestate.com.au with revealed prices range from the $480,000 mark up to $5.5 million-plus.
Two of the listings have been listed by the wine company, Brown Brothers. They come without price guides.
White Hills (pictured below), situated in the picturesque Tamar Valley in Tasmania just 15 kilometres from Launceston, headlines the available vineyards for sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/vineyardmay14two.jpg" width="470" height="173" alt="vineyardmay14two">
It is Tasmania’s third largest vineyard and was bought from the timber company Gunns in 2010.

The 82-hectare property currently produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Reisling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

Also available through Brown Brothers is Whitlands (pictured below) in King Valley, Victoria.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/vineyardmay14one.jpg" width="470" height="174" alt="vineyardmay14one">
It is located 40 kilometres from Wangaratta. The vineyard already has 57 hectares planted and producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Meunier, with another 30 hectares of the property still available to develop.
Brown Brothers chief executive Ronald Wahlquist has commented that the sales are part of a company restructure after facing a shrinking export market in Europe caused by the high Australian dollar.
Offers are due on the Brown Brothers listings by May 10 with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wineryforsale.com.au/for-sale/brown-brothers-vineyards">Toby Langley and Stephen Strachan of Gaetjens Langley</a>.

Elsewhere, Colliers International is selling a number of premium vineyards in Krondorf, located in South Australia’s prominent wine region, the Barossa Valley.

<a target="_blank" href="https://rea.colliers.com.au/property-viticulture-sa-krondorf-7536015">The listing is comprised of four lots</a> (pictured below) which can be purchased separately or as a portfolio with offers due with its Colliers agents Tim Altschwager and Jesse Manuel by May 23.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may14vineyards]}
The St Vincent vineyard is a 20.94 hectare property, with 14.3 hectares of vines, including 9.9 hectares of shiraz vines.

Tschirpig is an 8.67 hectare property with 2.5 hectares of vines, the Augusta Shiraz block is 2.364 hectares with 1.7 hectares of shiraz vines and the Augusta Grenache block has 6.216 hectares with 1.7 hectares of grenache vines.

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Six vineyards for sale that might tempt those fond of the odd drop

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Property Observer took a look at what $100,000 or less got you last month around the nation, with all states except the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia offering a bargain during April. 
In <a target="_blank" href="/news">Taree</a>, New South Wales, a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home sold for $71,000.
Located on <a href="https://file://localhost/-%09http/::www.realestate.com.au:property-house-nsw-taree-113445803" target="_blank">Flett Street</a>, the sale was secured by Alister Currie of Wiseberry Taree.
In <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Arnaud</a>, Victoria, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom property sold on April 30 for $86,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-st+arnaud-113191899" target="_blank">Alma Street property</a> was built in 1940 and sits on a 1,027-square-metre parcel of land.
Graeme Male of Graeme Male Real Estate St Arnuad listed the property.
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in Coober Pedy, South Australia, sold on April 11 for $65,000.
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-coober+pedy-106610108" target="_blank">Grey Street</a>, the home sits on 871 square metres.
It is currently tenanted on a fixed term lease for $130 a week.
Monica Nagyszollosi of Raine and Horne <a target="_blank" href="/news">Coober Pedy</a> listed the property.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-home+hill-112884903" target="_blank">Ninth Avenue in Home Hill</a>, Queensland, sold on April 23 for $100,000.
Peter Andersen of Andersen Real Estate says the 1,012-square-metre property requires a complete transformation, including a new kitchen, shower and toilet.
Anderson originally listed the home for $130,000.
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-george+town-112971915" target="_blank">Agnes Street</a> in <a target="_blank" href="/news">George Town</a>, Tasmania, sold for $82,000 on April 5.
Andrew Michieletto of Harcourts East Tamar, George Town, says the property is definitely in need of some cosmetic improvements, however the structure is very solid.
Situtated on a 696-square-metre parcel of land, the 1951-cottage last sold in 2000 for $27,500.
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What $100k or less got you around the nation last month

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There was a 5.2% lift in the number of home loans issued to owner occupiers in March led by strong gains in NSW and Victoria, according to seasonally-adjusted ABS figures.
In total there were 48,071 home loan commitments in March compared with 46,225 in February.
Analysts had forecast a 4% rise in mortgage lending in March.
The seasonally-adjusted estimates rose in New South Wales (up $1,036m, 8.0%), Victoria (up $664m, 5.2%), Western Australia (up $280m, 4.0%), Queensland (up $157m, 1.8%), South Australia (up $155m, 5.3%), Tasmania (up $30m, 4.2%) and the Australian Capital Territory (up $27m, 3.5%), while a fall was recorded in the Northern Territory (down $6m, 1.6%).
In value terms, home loans to owner occupiers lifted 5.8% to $14.9 billion.
Rises were recorded in commitments for the purchase of established dwellings (up $129m, 1.1%), commitments for the purchase of new dwellings (up $16m, 1.8%) and commitments for the construction of dwellings (up $16m, 1.1%).
The total value of dwelling commitments excluding alterations and additions (trend) rose 1.2% in March 2013 compared with February 2013 and the seasonally adjusted series rose 4.5% in March 2013. 
The value of investment housing commitments seasonally adjusted rose 2.1% in March 2013.
Rises were recorded in commitments for the purchase of dwellings by individuals for rent or resale (up $91m, 1.4%), commitments for the purchase of dwellings by others for rent or resale (up $11m, 1.3%) and commitments for the construction of dwellings for rent or resale (up $7m, 1.3%).
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Mortgage lending surges up 5.2% in March led by NSW and Victoria: ABS

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The listed property trust sector (A-REITs) gained a new participant yesterday with ArenaREIT, a childcare centre property trust, floating with a share price of $1.05
This represented a premium to its net tangible assets of $1 per share and is also a premium to its initial offer price of $1.01 per unit.
The full initial offer of $75 million was taken up ahead of listing yesterday.
The Melbourne-based trust, formerly the Arena Childcare Property Fund, is managed by Arena Investment Management Limited and comprises 172 childcare centres and 5 childcare centre development land sites located in Australia, valued at $228 million (as at 31 December 2012).
The portfolio has a relatively long weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 8.2 years as of December 2012 and an occupancy rate of 97.7% as of March 2013.
Two thirds of the portfolio (66.3% by value) is leased to childcare group Goodstart which purchased the collapsed ABC Learning business.
Goodstart is owned by the charitable organisations The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Social Ventures Australia.
The trust earned rental income of $11.05 million for the half year to December 31 2012 down slightly from $11.8 million in the prior corresponding period.
The joint managing directors of the fund are James Goodwin and Bryce Mitchelson.
The managers of the trust intend to diversify over time expanding beyond childcare into education, healthcare and government tenanted facilities.
Arena REIT trades under the ASX code of ARF. 
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It was established as an unlisted trust in 2003 investing into childcare centres. 
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