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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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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Shopping centre owner and manager Centro Retail Australia will seek shareholder approval to change its name to Federation Centres.
An extraordinary general meeting will be held on January 22 and should the new name be approved, it will be progressively incorporated into the branding of its shopping centres.
The new name features a cone-shaped red ribbon as its logo.
“While the creation of a dynamic new brand is a significant step, pivotal to the new name is the use of the ribbon symbol. The ribbon signifies the delivery of a great centre experience and can be used in many creative ways,” says Centro managing director and CEO, Steven Sewell.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/federation.jpg">
The new name follows<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/woolies-and-k-mart-to-anchor-centro-s-new-property-group/2011102752101"> 12 months after Centro was successfully restructured</a> as Centro Retail Australia with more than 100 hedge funds taking shares in the company as part of a $2.9 billion debt-for-equity swap that prevented the company going into administration.
According to Centro chairman Bob Edgar changing the name of Centro Retail Limited to Federation Limited “marks our many achievements over the past 12 months and our commitment to create long term value for securityholders”.
“Securityholders can have confidence in what Federation Centres stands for and how we go about managing centres for the benefit of all stakeholders.
“The name itself has been selected to reflect our business. A federation respects the individuality of its parts but also has the strength of the wider group. That is what we are - a group of strategically sited individual centres that reflect the local communities to which we provide services - while benefiting from the strength of the parent organisation,” he says.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Centro seeks clean break with the past with name change to Federation Centres

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With the mining sector and commodity prices such a topical issue at the moment (for all the wrong reasons), it’s worthwhile having a look at the latest statistics regarding Australia’s resources and energy sector.  As you can see from the Reserve Bank’s ‘Commodity Price Index’ below, non-rural commodity prices are down 21.6% since peaking in July 2011 (the non-rural component of the index includes prices for base metals and other resources, while rural commodities include agricultural items).
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec10.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec10thumb.gif"></a>
The fall in commodity prices is one of the primary reasons why Australia’s terms of trade (the ratio of export prices to import prices) have peaked, as can be seen in the graph below (taken directly from the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/index">RBA’s latest Statement on Monetary Policy</a>).  While the fall in commodity prices and the terms of trade appears to be quite glum news, look at how high the indicators are compared to their long-term average.  Despite falling by nearly 22%, the non-rural component of the Commodity Price Index remains 125% higher than the long-term average.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec101.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec101thumb.gif"></a>
The slowdown in commodity prices can be tied back to the slowdown in the Chinese economy, where economic growth has moderated from around 15% pre-GFC and will likely end the 2012 year around 7.5%, according to the OECD.  The OECD is also projecting an improvement in Chinese economic growth over 2013, with a growth forecast of 8.5%, suggesting we are likely to see at least a stabilisation in Chinese resources demand, if not some level of growth.


<hr class="system-pagebreak">
With so much riding on the mining sector, the release of the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bree.gov.au/documents/publications/mimp/REMP_Oct2012.pdf">‘Resources and Energy Major Projects’</a> publication last week provides a timely update on key economic variables and the investment pipeline for the sector.  The latest update from BREE highlights the changing landscape for resources and energy-related projects; there are 11 fewer committed projects in the pipeline since April 2012 (due to some projects being completed), however the value of committed projects has increased by around $8 billion, which is an historic high.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec102.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec102thumb.gif"></a>
Another key point from the report is the significant proportion of projects which are classified as ‘mega projects’, i.e. those projects worth at least $5 billion.  There are 11 mega projects at the committed stage, which account for 76%, or $201 billion of the total value of currently committed projects.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec103.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec103thumb.gif"></a>
Further to this, the vast majority of mega projects relate to projects involved with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, as can be seen in the graph below, accounting for the top seven most significant committed investment projects. 


<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Australian resources projects have a lot riding on the natural gas sector at a time when price pressures from the oil and gas industry in the US have been seen a significant competitive intensification and will likely place further downwards pressure on gas prices internationally.   At the same time there have been local cost blowouts which are causing the industry to be increasingly uncompetitive on the world stage.  According to BREE, the cost increases are related to skilled labour shortages, the high Australian dollar, and transport costs, as well as some scope creep across the projects.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec104.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec104thumb.gif"></a>
Clearly, the resources sector has some challenging times ahead, and there will be subsequent headwinds faced by Australia’s economic prosperity; it’s no wonder the Reserve Bank are looking towards other industry sectors to fill the economic hole that is being left by the downturn in the resources sector.  While the news appears to be pretty glum across the resources sector, the downshift is coming from an ultra-high base and there is still a huge amount of resources projects that remain committed to, as can be seen in the map from the BREE report below.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec105.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/lawlessdec105thumb.gif"></a>
Tim Lawless is national research director of <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" target="_blank">RP Data.</a>
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tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Just 11 resources mega projects propping up mining boom: Tim Lawless

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If you want to be achieve financial freedom at a younger age, you will need to think and act differently to the herd. If you adopt the same approach as most people (striving for a high-paying job, two nice cars and the most expensive house you can afford), it stands to reason that you will probably achieve the same results as most people. 
For our generation, this is likely to mean working until at least 65 – and possibly far beyond, as retirement ages look set to increase to 70 – and taking a substantial cut in earnings upon retirement. You will need to think differently and be prepared to take another course of action. 
Why not consider shunning buying your own home to live in and renting instead? Part of the problem with buying a hugely expensive house to live in is that you never seem to have enough left over at the end of the month for anything, let alone building a sizeable portfolio of investments. 
Renting is often significantly cheaper than buying a property, partly because interest rates tend to be higher than rental yields, and partly because the landlord retains responsibility for repair costs, strata fees and insurance. Renting can afford you the luxury of investing heavily instead of being tied to a huge monthly mortgage repayment. 
If you were to rent instead of buying a property to live in, there are limitless choices as to where you can allocate your assets.  
The traditional growth assets are shares and property, so a more moderate approach would be to consider some fixed interest investments (e.g. bonds) and some diversified funds. The most aggressive approach would be to shun diversification and invest exclusively in property and/or shares. 
The neat thing about this approach is that because you have not lumbered yourself with a huge mortgage, you can instead take out multiple mortgages and have tenants pay them off for you. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
An interesting statistic is that a high percentage of self-made millionaires in many countries are immigrants. There could be any number of reasons for this. My view is that immigrants are more likely to become self-made millionaires because they are less inclined to be restricted by generally accepted rules. 
Immigrants do not worry what a close circle of friends and family may think of their strategies; they only concern themselves with delivering results. Too many of us do not dare to take the different road for fear of failure, and instead worry about what our peer group will say about us if we fail. 
Here’s a short anecdote: while travelling in Darwin, my wife and I were threatened on a bus by a drunken old lady and her man. The driver made the couple leave the bus, but the old lady returned with a broken brick to smash the window right next to our faces. Nothing much came of it and we were OK. 
I later recounted this story to a friend in Sydney, and he said, ‘You are a millionaire, with all those shares and properties, and you take a bus? A bus! I would never, ever travel on a bus out of principle. I always take taxis. Everywhere.’ 
Although I didn’t respond by saying so, a gross oversimplification of the truth is that I’m a millionaire because I am prepared to take a bus. 
You may not believe that small savings make a difference, but if over time you carefully consider the impact of all your expenditure, seemingly small changes can make a monumental difference to your wealth. 
This is especially true if you choose to invest the savings in appreciating assets such as shares and index funds. Even Warren Buffett has been known to pick up a 10 cent coin from the floor of an elevator: ‘…the start of my next million.’ 
If you are young and the house you want to live in seems forever beyond your reach, think outside the box. Cancel useless subscriptions or the gym membership you don’t use. Get a cheaper mobile phone plan and invest the savings in shares or an index fund. 
If, unlike me, you have wealthy parents, ask them to join you in buying an investment unit, with them supplying some of the deposit, and buy in a cheaper suburb or city that you can afford. Then, you will at least have a foothold in the property market, so that it doesn’t seem to increase in value while remaining forever beyond your reach. 
The options are too numerous to list here. At some stages of the economic cycle you may be able to find a mortgage broker who can help you find a bank that will lend you 95% or even 100% of an investment property’s value, and then, perhaps not too far down the track, that investment property will grow significantly in value so that you can refinance it and buy three more investment properties. 
The specifics will differ for each person, but the fundamental concept is the same. If you can begin to appreciate and believe that it is possible to escape the rat race, then you will automatically begin to reduce the wasting of money on unnecessary items. Start small and grow big. This is the very essence of wealth creation through investment. 
Remember, it is all too easy to be a lemming and to follow your peers over the financial cliff – no individual lemming ever received bad press for failing in the conventional way. It takes guts to take the different path.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/wargentbook.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
Pete Wargent holds a range of finance and property qualifications and is the author of <a target="_blank" href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/">Get a Financial Grip – a simple plan for financial freedom.</a>
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Dare to be different in property investment

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The federal government appears happy to allow the state governments of NSW and Queensland to break their commitment to offer “universal” first-home owner grants following the two states' decisions earlier this year to only incentivise new home purchases.
Since September 12 in Queensland and October 1 in NSW, first-home owners qualify for a $15,000 state government handout if they buy or build a new home.
First-home buyers who purchase an existing home receive nothing.
These decisions, aimed at stimulating the residential construction sector, are in clear contravention of state government commitments to provide a “universal” first home owner schemes (FHOS) to all buyers".
This looks set to change with the <a href="https://www.gstdistributionreview.gov.au/content/Content.aspx?doc=reports/finaloctober2012/00executivesummary.htm#P130_11433" target="_blank">GST Distribution Review Final Report </a>released at the end of November recommending that the states be relieved of their obligation to offer a universal FHOS grant.
“It should become a matter for States’ own policy decisions as to what financial assistance should be offered for new home buyers,” says recommendation 11.4.
It is now up to federal treasurer Wayne Swan to make consult with the states before making his final decision.
However, the states have not had any kind of reprimand, despite offering an incentive that has been called nothing more than a “builders incentive” and flying in the face of logic, given that a higher proportion of first-home buyers wish to buy an existing home than a new home.
This iss borne out in the latest Mortgage Choice consumer survey, which found that more than 47% of first-home buyers looking to purchase in the next two years are looking to buy an existing property with less than a quarter (22%) considering building or buying a new – the remainder are undecided.
In response to a number of questions from Property Observer a spokesperson for the Federal Treasurer’s office said that “regrettably” there was not much that could be said.
Property Observer had asked what is the Treasury’s position was on NSW and Queensland breaching their obligations by adopting these new grant arrangements and whether the Treasury accepted the view that these have become “builders grants” not a first-home buyers grant?
Instead, Property Observer was directed to the following paragraph in the media release issued following the release of the GST Distribution Review Final Report.
“I look forward to discussing the Panel's recommendations with State and Territory Treasurers at the Standing Council on Federal Financial Relations meeting on 17 December 2012, prior to announcing the Commonwealth's position once the Government has given thorough consideration to the complex issues addressed by the Report,” said Wayne Swan.
Speaking to Property Observer in November, Ray White chairman Brian White said the new grants were distorting the market “and not in a healthy way".
“It’s no longer a first-home buyer’s grant but a builder’s incentive,” said White who labelled it deceitful to describe it as a first-home buyer’s grant.
His comments follows the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/reia-says-all-first-home-buyers-should-get-the-fhbg-not-just-those-buying-new-homes/2012102557430">Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) voicing concern</a> at the decisions by the NSW and Queensland governments as well as plans by South Australian government to end its $7,000 universal first-home owner grant in June 2014.
"Not only is this in breach of the InterGovernmental Agreement (IGA) but it ignores the evidence that 70% of first-home buyers have a clear preference for established houses,” said REIA president Pamela Bennett.
“The IGA clearly states that assistance to first-home buyers will be uniform and that an eligible home will be new or established.
Bennett also claimed that first home buyers of established homes “often embark on a program of home-improvement and renovation, which helps stimulate the building sector”.
WA, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory continue to offer a universal $7,000 first-home owner grant.
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Wayne Swan set to assist NSW and Queensland push towards 'builders' first-home owner grants

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NSW prospective buyers have the greatest appetite for off-the-plan apartments and house and land packages, according to the latest consumer sentiment survey by Mortgage Choice.
Mortgage Choice surveyed 1,025 customers of which around 400 said they would like to buy a property in the next two years.
Of these who intend to make a purchase over this time frame, buying an existing property remains the choice of at least one in two prospective buyers (50.6%) with just over one in 10 looking to buy a newly built home and around one in twenty looking to either buy an apartment off-the-plan or buy land to build their first home. 
A high proportion of prospective buyers (27.8%) remain undecided between existing and new property.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="379"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="95" nowrap valign="top"></td>
<td width="70" nowrap valign="top">
National
</td>
<td width="59" valign="top">
NSW
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
VIC
</td>
<td width="56" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="41" valign="top">
WA
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Existing property
</td>
<td width="70" nowrap valign="top">
50.6%
</td>
<td width="59" nowrap valign="top">
48.1%
</td>
<td width="57" nowrap valign="top">
53.3%
</td>
<td width="56" nowrap valign="top">
48.1%
</td>
<td width="41" nowrap valign="top">
53.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Newly built property
</td>
<td width="70" nowrap valign="top">
12.2%
</td>
<td width="59" nowrap valign="top">
12.0%
</td>
<td width="57" nowrap valign="top">
11.5%
</td>
<td width="56" nowrap valign="top">
14.3%
</td>
<td width="41" nowrap valign="top">
12.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Off the plan property
</td>
<td width="70" nowrap valign="top">
5.5%
</td>
<td width="59" nowrap valign="top">
8.9%
</td>
<td width="57" nowrap valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
<td width="56" nowrap valign="top">
2.6%
</td>
<td width="41" nowrap valign="top">
7.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Land to build a property on
</td>
<td width="70" nowrap valign="top">
4.0%
</td>
<td width="59" nowrap valign="top">
5.1%
</td>
<td width="57" nowrap valign="top">
2.4%
</td>
<td width="56" nowrap valign="top">
5.2%
</td>
<td width="41" nowrap valign="top">
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="95" valign="top">
Unsure yet
</td>
<td width="70" nowrap valign="top">
27.8%
</td>
<td width="59" nowrap valign="top">
25.9%
</td>
<td width="57" nowrap valign="top">
29.1%
</td>
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29.9%
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23.4%
</td>
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 Demand for established homes is highest among prospective buyers from Victoria and WA, the survey shows and lowest in NSW and Queensland – two states where the state government is incentivising first-home buyers to build or buy new homes.
Among those looking buy, nearly one in 10 in NSW (8.9%) are looking to buy off-the-plan, the highest percentage of all the major states followed WA (7.2%), Victoria (3.6%) and Queensland (2.6%).
Around one in 20 prospective buyers in NSW and Queensland are looking to buy land to build a new house on, according to the survey.
Demand for land is weakest Victoria with just 2.4% of Victorian prospective buyers looking to buy residential land on the fringes to build their home.
This result will send further alarm bells ringing among Victorian developers following September quarter findings of the National Land Survey Program, which found that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/one-in-three-melbourne-residential-lots-being-returned-to-developers-by-building-firms-report/2012112958179">30% of Melbourne land is being returned by builders.</a>
Of those who intend to buy over the next two years, almost one third (30%) will be first homebuyers, 25% are looking to buy their next home and a very proprtion - 45% - will be investors.
“This investor confidence is very good news. With interest rates the lowest they have been for some time and property prices remaining subdued in parts of the country it is clear from the research that many investors feel that this presents a good buying environment in Australia,” says Mortgage Choice spokesperson Belinda Williamson.
 
Other key statistics to emerge from the survey include: 
 
<ul>
<li>
Rental squeeze: 39% of consumers feel tighter rental vacancy rates and/or rising rents is having an effect on property prices in their state and on them personally. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Property prices: 34% of those surveyed believe Australian property prices will increase over the next 12 months, 16% believe they will decrease, 34% believe prices will remain stable and 16% don’t know. </li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>
The property purchase process: When asked how well informed respondents were about the property purchase process, 19% were well informed, 33% know the essentials, 35% have some idea and 14% have no idea.  
</li>
</ul>
 
<ul>
<li>
The switch to fixed: 45% of mortgage holders will consider switching to a fixed term loan when lenders’ fixed rates fall below 5%.</li>
<li> Using a mortgage broker: 65% of respondents will consider using a mortgage broker in the future.</li>
</ul>
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Appetite for new properties strongest in NSW: Mortgage Choice survey

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The struggling prestige end of the residential market is expected to be boosted by the federal government’s new fast-track investor visa aimed at bringing in capital from wealthy Asian immigrants.
The new Significant Investor Stream Visa requires an investment of at least $5 million in state/territory bonds; an ASIC regulated managed investment fund; or, a direct investment in an Australian company, which would include investments in commercial property backing a business such as a hotel, lodge or other tourism business.
The visa allows immigrants to skip over skilled migration requirements such as being proficient in English while requiring that immigrants only spend a minimum of 40 days a year in Australia over the four-year visa period.
There is also no upper age limit and the main applicant does not have to meet the business points test.
Such investors are also likely to require somewhere to live and may have further funds to invest in both the residential and commercial property market.
According to Sandie Dunne, who runs prestige property specialist Dunne Mosman on the Sydney lower North shore, the new legislation is already having an impact with “several local top end sales under negotiation”.
“There has been a rise in enquiry for high priced properties which have languished on the market for a while," she says.
According to Dunne, even a handful of new buyers from this source will make a difference and bring back confidence in the sector.
“Hopefully we will see sellers listing their properties in the New Year,” she says.
Rob Forde, CEO of Harcourts NSW, sees benefits not just to the top end market but the economy in general, with flow on effect across a number of markets.
“High net worth investors will generally have sound entrepreneurial and business experience which will help to further drive the economy. There are requirements for the investors after their purchase to spend at least 40 days per year in Australia for the time they hold the visa, helping to contribute to local economy.
“Regardless, if the investors stay in Australia they will continue to pay taxes on their Australian property (stamp duty, rates and land tax), which will help in the continued development of infrastructure and contribute towards state budgets which are in need of increased revenue,” Forde says.
The launch of the visas late last month has triggered interest from Asian-based commercial property investors.
CBRE Hotels’ Wayne Bunz and Mullins Lawyers’ Curt Schatz and Tony Hogarth have been advising numerous Asian based investors who have shown keen interest in the hotel market since the introduction of the visas was mooted earlier this year.
They expect further movement by a number of those parties in the hotel investment sphere in 2013.
“The purchase of a hotel, hotel resort or an island with tourist facilities, for example, would be a qualifying business, whereas an investment in vacant land to be held for long term capital gain or rental property might not comply,” says Bunz
“A number of Chinese groups have inspected assets we have had on the market in recent months, many of whom have watched with keen interest to see the final form of the Significant Investor Visa. We are expecting significant interest in this visa from investors considering the Day Dream Island Resort and Spa.”
Foreign investment review board (FIRB) requirements must still be met. However, most commercial enterprises have a substantial financial threshold (currently $244 million) before requiring FIRB approval.
The extent of the threshold varies in some instances, depending upon the specific nature of the proposed investment and the nationality of the investor. Americans have a higher threshold than other nationalities (currently $1.062 billion for most investments).
Tony Hogarth, who is also a registered migration agent say it is significant that English language is not a requirement for these visas
“This is likely to open up the Australian market to Chinese investors in particular, where language skills may have been a prohibitive factor in the past.”
Further information on the visa can be found at the Department of Immigration, which provides <a href="https://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/_pdf/significant-investor.pdf" target="_blank">this summary.</a>
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New ‘golden ticket’ visas to help recovery in prestige Australian residential markets

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Australia has had a boom and gloom economy over the past year. On the one hand our economy still grew – unlike many others around the world –underpinned by a resources boom.  But on the other hand, consumers and businesses were gloomy.
And it was much the same with property. Some areas fared well through the year, but many didn’t.
However, looking back, 2012 will be remembered as the year the property market turned.
It didn't crash like many property pessimists predicted. Sure it stalled in some areas, dropped a little in others and prices fell significantly in a few spots, but in the middle of the year things slowly started to change.
So what gives? 
Our property markets started the year in a tug-of-war caught between falling interest rates on the one hand and market uncertainty on the other.
There were concerns of a meltdown in Europe that could bring the financial system to its knees as well as worries about the US economy. The European economy is still a “basket case” and will remain so for years, however the major risks to the financial system seem to have been averted and over the year the USA economy has improved, albeit slowly.
However we have something new to worry about – the health of our resources boom has come into question. The Chinese economy, the powerhouse behind our resources boom, slowed down during the year, and falling commodity prices and high costs of production have brought concerns about the future of many of Australia’s major mining projects.
What happened in our property market?
We started the year with more properties on the market than there were buyers as many potential home owners and investors stood on the sidelines, too nervous to make a decision waiting for the market to bottom.
Of course it’s not really as simple as that, because there is not one property market.
Well-priced properties in prime locations and with an element of scarcity in the middle price range (say $450,000 and $850,000) have still been selling well, even though clearly there was less interest from both owner-occupiers and investors than before.
However, “B”- and “C”-class properties have not been not selling well. Nor have expensive properties in our more affluent suburbs or holiday properties. Some dropped in value by up to 10%, and some couldn’t be given away.
Well, it wasn’t really as bad as that, unless you were in some remote regional location, but you’d have to give a very steep discount for someone to buy them.
Then things changed:
Eventually a combination of increasing affordability due to higher wages, lower prices and falling interest rates brought buyers back into the market, heralding an upwards trend in values from around the end of May.
This trend, shown in the following graph from RP Data, has also been confirmed by figures from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.apm.com.au/">Australian Property Monitors</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.residex.com.au/">Residex</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://abs.gov.au/">Australian Bureau of Statistics.</a>
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/12/yardneydec7.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/yardneydec7thumb.gif"></a>
How did things finish off?
The latest figures from <a href="https://rpdata.com/">RP Data</a> up till the end of November show that capital city home values remain 5.6% lower than their historic highs of November 15, 2010, but up 2% from their low of late May 2012. 
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/rpdec33.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/rpdec33thumb.gif"></a>
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
More good news
Another positive sign is that the level of confidence among Australian consumers (as measured by the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index) has been rising since April this year.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/11/lawlessnov230.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/lawlessnov230thumb.gif"></a>
An easy way to interpret this index is that when it is over 100, optimists outweigh the pessimists and when the index is lower than 100 there are more pessimists than optimists.
In November 2012, the Consumer Sentiment Index was showing a value of 104.3.
Coincidentally <a target="_blank" href="https://comsec.com.au/">Comsec</a> reported housing affordability as the best it’s been in a decade, as shown in the following chart:
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/yardneydec71.png" width="470">
Consumer confidence is one of the most important leading indicators for the housing market. Put simply, when consumers are lacking in confidence (as they have for the last few years) they tend not to make important and expensive buying decisions such as moving house. And when confidence is high, the number of home sales increases.
And this is already translating into higher levels of finance approvals, which is another important leading indicator, as most home buyers and investors get their finance two or three months before they buy a property.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Where are we now?
What these figures don’t show is how fragmented the markets really are. 
We know there is not one Australian property market. There are many different markets in different geographic locations, at various price brackets and for different types of property. There is no doubt that home values are still falling in some areas and they are rising in others, but overall things are improving.  
Buyers are back in the market, but at the right price. Stabilising house prices and interest rate cuts are breathing life into the property markets.
Auction clearance rates are up in and vendors are more willing to accept realistic offers.
Vacancy rates are less than 2% in every capital city other than Melbourne, pushing up rentals. This together with better affordability will eventually bring more first-home buyers back into the market.
At the same time overseas investors are snapping up many of our new apartment projects and baby boomers are buying properties in their self-managed superannuation funds.
We’re in the stabilisation phase of our property cycle.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/yardneydec72.jpg" width="470">
(c) Metropole Properties
We’ve moved into the stabilisation phase of the property cycle.
You see, the markets don’t move directly from the downturn phase to a property upturn. There is a period of time where buyers return and take up the slack before prices start rising significantly.
And I expect more buyers to return to the market in 2013 year when they realise prices won’t fall any further.
By the way, the stabilisation phase is a great time for smart home buyers and strategic investors to get set for the upturn stage of the cycle.
This may be a good time to buy property – I have always found it a good time to buy when everybody tells you that property is a bad investment. Now is the time to get set for the future.
Michael Yardney is a director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/">Metropole Property Strategists</a>, which creates wealth for its clients through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He is best-selling author, one of Australia's leading experts in wealth creation through property and writes the <a href="https://propertyupdate.com.au/category/property-investment/">Property Investment Update</a> blog. Subscribe today and you'll receive a free video, The Golden Rules of Property Investment.
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myardney-DFoGhGbSJX

Australia's property markets turned in 2012

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A Queensland developer is currently offering a “try before you buy” option to entice buyers.
The unusual marketing strategy includes the option for buyers to live in the new place for a small fee while their house is on the market – and there is also the option of moving back out if their place doesn’t sell.
While developers generally steer clear of subject-to-sale contracts, you have to give them extra points for uniqueness.
One thing that has always intrigued me is the relatively small amount of time you generally take before you decide to buy a property.
In a hot market, like the good ole days of 2007, you were lucky if you got one viewing and you had to make a decision what price you were going to offer before someone else beat you to the punch.
Even today, in sought-after inner-city areas especially, properties that are priced correctly don’t tend to last too long on the market. In fact, I recently went to the first open home of a property in the inner city to find out that it was already under contract.
When you consider that buying a home and/or an investment property is likely to be the biggest financial investment you will ever make, in many cases you have probably spent less than an hour actually inside the property before you decide to buy it. As a juxtaposition, I spent more than two hours at the weekend looking for a new frock that ended up costing me about 150 bucks and will probably be in my closet for, at best, one season.
My first home, I knew immediately – it was almost love at first sight – that I wanted to buy it, but that was probably because I had been to countless open homes in the months beforehand and knew exactly what I wanted. My second property, well I’ve never actually seen it, I only have some plans from the developer to go from as well as a vivid, and I hope learned, imagination.
The ability to live in a property before you legally own it, in my opinion, would therefore be a very good idea. You could suss out the neighbours (which realistically could be a positive or a negative), work out just how much closet-space you will have available for the aforementioned collection of season-specific frocks, and daydream about how your six-year-old, but very comfortable couch, will look in the lounge room.
Most of us, however, will never get such an opportunity, so that is why it’s so important to make sure you know exactly what you want when searching for your first, or your next, property. On <a href="https://www.reiq.com/" target="_blank">reiq.com</a>, we have a plethora of information to help buyers as well as nearly 100,000 property listings from REIQ accredited agencies – that’s the second highest numer of online Queensland property listings in the country, don’t you know!
So to help in your search, here are some tips to think about and check when you go to your next open for a property that might in a short space of time become your home:
Inside the property
• Check for signs of rising damp, such as rotting carpet or mould on the walls and ceiling; • Check the walls and ceilings for warps, cracks and any obvious damage; • Test all light switches; and • Test the water pressure in hot and cold taps and check to see that water drains well – slow flowing water may indicate blocked drains.
Outside the property
• Inspect fences for stability and any obvious faults; • Large trees around the house may have large root systems that can cause structural problems; • Check that the land’s water run-off is adequate and drains away from the dwelling; • Water staining on the eaves may indicate damaged or blocked gutters; • Look at the roof for any broken tiles or capping; and • If the property has a pool, check the legality of its fencing via the <a href="https://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/construction/BuildingPlumbing/PoolSafety/Pages/PoolSafetyCouncil.aspx" target="_blank">Pool Safety Council</a>. Pools in a community titles scheme (body corporate) are the responsibility of the body corporate.
Nicola McDougall is executive manager for corporate affairs for the <a href="https://www.reiq.com/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>. This article originally appeared on the<a href="https://reiqblog.com/" target="_self"> REIQ blog</a>.
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nmcdougall-hv3JvhUJmd

'Try before you buy' property scheme trialed in Queensland

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Looking for the perfect gift idea or stocking stuffer for a property investor in your life? Here are our 12 suggestions:
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/1.gif">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/propbooks.jpg">
A helpful guide to buying, selling or managing property. Examples include<a href="https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/buying-property-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-australian" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/buying-property-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-australian" target="_blank">Buying Property for Dummies</a>, <a href="https://au.dummies.com/store/product/Selling-Your-Home-For-Dummies-Australian-Edition.productCd-0730377156" target="_blank">Selling Property for Dummies</a> and <a href="https://majorstreet.com.au/simple-and-successful-property-management/" target="_blank">Simple and Successful Property Management</a>.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/2.gif">
<a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_irwin-10-pocket-tool-belt-11atc4904_P5821485.aspx?filter=categoryname--Tool+Boxes" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/toolbelt.jpg"></a>
A toolbox or <a href="https://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_irwin-10-pocket-tool-belt-11atc4904_P5821485.aspx?filter=categoryname--Tool+Boxes" target="_blank">tool belt.</a> Whether the investor wants to do an entire DIY makeover or just spruce up a property between tenants, good tools and a can-do attitude can save thousands. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/3.gif">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/calendar4.jpg">
 A calendar with the dates of the Home Buyer and Investor Shows during 2013. The show will hit Perth from March 23-24, Brisbane on June 1-2, Sydney from July 19 to July 21 and Melbourne on August 23-25.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/4.gif">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/hotspottingterry.jpg"></a>
A year's subscription to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">Hotspotting.com.au</a> to identify the next property hotspot. A subscription includes reports, a weekly newsletter and insights from Australia's premier property hotspot expert, Terry Ryder.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/5.gif">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cafepress.com/mf/32304591/landlord-by-day_long-sleeve-tshirt"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/shirt.jpg"></a>
A landlord <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cafepress.com/+worlds_greatest_landlord_rectangle_magnet_10_pac,191781256">magnet</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cafepress.com/mf/32304591/landlord-by-day_long-sleeve-tshirt">shirt </a>or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cafepress.com/+landlords_rock_teddy_bear,34803704">teddy bear</a>, all available from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cafepress.com/+landlord+gifts">Cafe Press.</a>
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/6.gif">
<a href="https://www.gamehouse.com/download-games/buildalot" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/buildalot.jpg"></a>
<a href="https://www.gamehouse.com/download-games/buildalot" target="_blank">Build-a-Lot,</a> a real estate computer game where you can flip houses for quick cash or invest for the long term. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/7.gif">
<a href="https://www.melbournecitymission.org.au/" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/citymission.jpg"></a>
A donation to a homelessness charity, such as <a href="https://www.melbournecitymission.org.au/" target="_blank">Melbourne Citymission</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.huttstcentre.org.au/">Hutt St Cetnre in Adelaide</a>. Christmas is a time to think of those less fortunate, and a donation in someone's name will be much appreciated. 
 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/8.gif">
<a href="https://www.dhub.org/designer-suburbs/" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/designer.jpg" width="470"></a>
 The new <a href="https://www.dhub.org/designer-suburbs/" target="_blank">Designer Suburbs: Architects and Affordable Homes in Australia </a>book about houses by Petitt &amp; Sevitt and similar project builders of the 1960s and '70s. It's written by Judith O'Callaghan and Charles Pickett, who is curator of design and built environment at the <place><placename>Powerhouse</placename><placetype>Museum. <a href="https://www.powerhousemuseum.com/publications/publications_item.php?id=266" target="_blank">Its a $50 book</a>.</placetype></place>
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/9.gif">
<a href="https://www.lisathegingerbreadhouselady.com/" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/gingerbreadhouse.jpg"></a>
A gingerbread house. Wouldn't this be the sweetest investment? <a href="https://www.lisathegingerbreadhouselady.com/" target="_blank">Lisa the Gingerbread Lady</a> makes them for delivery and pick-up in Melbourne, or you can try <a target="_blank" href="https://thatgingerbreadplace.com.au/faqs">That Gingerbread Place</a> in Sydney
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/10.gif">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gamesparadise.com.au/monopoly-sydney-edition-sydney-monopoly"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/sydneymonopoly.jpg"></a>
 The<a href="https://www.gamesparadise.com.au/monopoly-sydney-edition-sydney-monopoly" target="_blank"> Sydney Monopoly game</a>. Who wouldn't want to buy and sell the priciest real estate in the Harbour City? 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/11.gif">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/St-Benedict-Statue-home-protection/dp/B001EK53DO" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/stbenedict.jpg"></a>
 A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/St-Benedict-Statue-home-protection/dp/B001EK53DO">Saint Benedict Home Protection Kit</a>, given Saint Benedict is known as the protector of hearth and home.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/12.gif">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261014979249?hlp=false#ht_1421wt_906" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/crystalball4.jpg"></a>
A <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261014979249?hlp=false#ht_1421wt_906" target="_blank">crystal ball.</a> Wouldn't every property investor like one of these to predict what the market will do next year?
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

The 12 Christmas gift ideas for property investors

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Apart from “middle-ring” suburbs well-connected to the CBD via better transport and infrastructure links, the Brisbane residential market underperformed and remained soft over 2012.
At the start of the year, valuers from Herron Todd White had tipped the Brisbane market to firm up over 2012.
However, while things “may have hardened up some towards the end of this year on the back of interest rate cuts, most of the year remained 'Tontine soft',” says HTW in its December year-in-review wrap.
HTW was “decidedly bullish” at the start of the year but said “a 10% drop across a broad range of the market is far from bullish” with investors instead keeping their heads down.
The outlook is somewhat better for 2013, with a few more investors “fronted up in November in response to the stronger rents and lower interest rates”.
However the best HTW can say about 2013 is that “maybe next year will be more agreeable”.
The only market that lived up to expectations were “mid-ring, well serviced, transport accessible localities”.
“It may seem like a lay-down misère, but frankly we think this patch has continued to be a good investment.
“Those hubs that are now much closer to the CBD in travel time due to the infrastructure boom are feeling the love.
“Once again these markets didn’t make you rich right away, but they certainly performed better than most,” says HTW.
HTW also notes some improvements in sentiment towards property in flood-affected regions of the city.
“We also made one very brave call for the coming year, and that was flood-affected property. In 2011, you could barely get a nod of recognition from purchasers when listing in a suburb that flooded, and woe betide the property that actually copped some water.
“We thought as the mud started to settle, a few speculative types might pop out of the woodwork.
“To some degree, we were right. Whilst it couldn’t be said that fortunes have been made on investing in the flood affected areas, it is fair to say that the market is becoming more comfortable with the risk."
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
According to HTW, the findings of the Queensland Floods Commission, which placed some blame on how the flood was managed in terms of releases and outlined some ways the effects might have been mitigated, has convinced some buyers it won’t happen again, “which means demand is a touch stronger and by this year’s end, sales were a more regular event”.
However, outside of the middle-ring and some flood-prone areas where fears reduced, the market remained soft both at the upper end of the market and at the bargain end.
“The prestige bit of the market looked lacklustre at the end of 2011, and our call was more of the same in 2012. Guess what – we were right," says HTW.
The bargain end of the market spectrum was one area HTW thought had “some real upside going into the year”.
“It always seems a given that in a soft market the really cheap stuff just can’t get any cheaper. In reality, though, buyers just continued to stay away, and if you weren’t competitive in your list prices, then you could forget about anyone turning up to the open house.
“Buyers were spoilt for choice with solid returns for not too much outlay on offer.  Unfortunately the jitters prevailed and even this affordable end kept up the drag.”
Overall, HTW said that on balance the Brisbane market “didn’t fire as much as expected and some markets actually took another hit in the past 12 months”.
“In many respects the statistics show we probably weren’t pessimistic enough about 2012 when making our calls on the year ahead back in February."
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