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]

Joel Robinson

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

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

A proposal to redevelop one of North Sydney's ageing commercial buildings has taken another step forward, with plans for a 38-storey mixed-use tower adding momentum to the long-awaited transformation of the Alfred Street precinct.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority-led State Significant Development pathway, the proposal for 271-273 Alfred Street would replace an underutilised commercial building with 95 apartments, ground-floor retail, commercial space and affordable housing. The proposal was submitted by&nbsp;Tara Shore Pty Ltd, acting for the John Taylor Family Trust.

While the project will deliver much-needed housing on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, it also represents another piece of a broader precinct that has spent years in planning limbo.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e1ce1b4-38df-48ab-992f-386814d86308" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=sC_h6w.A9VEoB98qsqowPlIoz__sBZBt" />

Despite its proximity to both North Sydney Station and the Victoria Cross Metro, redevelopment of Alfred Street has progressed slowly over the past decade as broader planning controls, zoning and building heights remained unresolved. The introduction of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway has provided a new avenue for projects to progress, allowing rezoning and development assessment to occur concurrently and unlocking sites that have long been earmarked for renewal.

Designed by Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder, the proposal seeks to do more than replace an ageing office building. The architects have positioned the project as the first stage of a wider public domain vision that would improve pedestrian connectivity and create a more cohesive mixed-use precinct as neighbouring sites are redeveloped over time.

The proposal includes a widened Alfred Street setback, new street trees, landscaping and outdoor seating, along with a landscaped through-site pedestrian link connecting Alfred Street with Little Alfred Street. The connection is intended to become the first section of a future east-west pedestrian network extending across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ea39ac3-46ad-4562-b4a0-b862e91c2dda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20site.png?VersionId=K7umCd21KpetEFuVfsPlnJKhUOsmTTdV" />

The mixed-use tower would comprise retail space at ground level, commercial uses on level two and apartments from level three upwards.

In total, the development would deliver 95 apartments, including nine one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 56 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom residences. Twenty-one apartments, representing 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area, would be secured as affordable housing and managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years.

Nine basement levels would provide 133 resident car spaces, seven motorcycle spaces and 111 bicycle spaces.

According to the Architecture and Urban Design Report, the public domain strategy is designed to transform what is currently an inward-facing commercial edge into a more active and connected pedestrian environment, creating a stronger relationship between the commercial core and surrounding residential neighbourhoods.

Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder has also prepared a broader public domain framework spanning neighbouring properties between 263 and 283 Alfred Street, arguing that a coordinated approach to redevelopment will deliver better public spaces, improved tower separation and a more connected streetscape as the precinct evolves.

The proposal comes at a time where North Sydney is slated for future residential growth. Commercial developer FiveX has residential plans for the neighbouring site at 275 Alfred Street. They've proposed a 39-storey mixed-use tower with 184 apartments, while Freecity was recently approved for nearly 300 apartments across a 51-storey building on Walker Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-freecity-gets-green-light-for-mixed-use-apartment-and-hotel-tower-in-north-sydney">First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-plans-39-storey-residential-tower-in-booming-north-sydney">First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney</a>

&nbsp;

Alfred Street the latest North Sydney pocket to be transformed by residential development

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

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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Sydney's prime office capital values market has moved from about seven o'clock to about eight o'clock on the property clock between the first and second quarters of 2012, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
The real estate services firm puts Sydney's prime office capital values market in the "capital value growth accelerating" quadrant of its property clock, alongside the prime office capital values markets of Los Angeles, Frankfurt and Atlanta. 
Click to enlarge
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Sydney's prime office rental market also progressed from about seven to about eight o'clock on the property clock, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.
Click to enlarge
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Sydney prime office values and rents rising as it moves forward on the property clock: Jones Lang LaSalle

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Pacific Brands has sold its Bonds factory in Wentworthville for $27 million. The factory has been in operation since 1923. The historically important site in Dunmore Street contains working examples of 1920s factory construction, mainly the cutting room.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/pacificbrands4.jpg">
It will generate a one-off sale profit in 2013-14 of about $11 million for the company.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/pacificbrands1.jpg">
The sale completes a transformation program to manufacture offshore started in 2009 when it was announced the factory would close. Some 223 people would lose their jobs after Pacific Brands, the company that makes the brand of Bonds and Berlei, announced it would axe 1,850 jobs across the group.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/pacificbrands2.jpg">
The property is on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au/building__and__development/heritage/heritage_items/heritage_items/190-220_dunmore_street,_wentworthville">Holroyd City Council heritage list</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/pacificbrands3.jpg">
The suburbs last big sale was when Metroland Australia sold Wentworthville Mall to a local investor for $18.3 million. The mall spans a lettable area of 5,403 square metres and had annual net income of $1.73 million. 
Photographs courtesy of <a href="https://www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au/building__and__development/heritage/heritage_items/heritage_items/190-220_dunmore_street,_wentworthville" target="_blank">Holroyd City Council</a>
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Pacific Brands sells its Bonds factory in Wentworthville 

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We might like to think that life is certain, but it is not. Neither is the market. History shows us that the market is on the precipice of uncertainty pretty much all the time. That’s because the market is actually a composite of people’s opinions. And opinions can change on a five-cent piece.
Buyers and sellers act out of need, out of want and out of instinct. Their many actions culminate in exchanges of ownership. These exchanges are what society focuses on and records in an attempt to give a sense of certainty to the market.
The opinion-recording mechanism that society uses to try to create an element of certainty is price. Price is a very imperfect unit of measurement when it comes to describing the emotional certainty of a transaction. But it’s the most practical and the only uniformly acceptable measurement we have.
In Melbourne in 2012 there is currently a malaise of uncertainty on price that is besetting many an inexperienced buyer and seller out there. This uncertainty is creating a wide range of emotions for many buyers, even if they don’t realise it.
How do you as a buyer live, deal and feel comfortable with your emotions in a world that is currently headlining uncertainty over certainty right now? How do you as a buyer function within the Melbourne property market without going a little crazy when you use price as a measurement to give you certainty?
To get some comfort when you are uncertain there are two magic pills. They are very different, and either can work for surviving this current market.
One magic pill is ignorance. The other is being properly informed.
Ignorance can work well when buying homes in a booming market like that of the early 2000s. But in the current uncertain market, using ignorance is a bit of a crapshoot. While sometimes it can work, we’ve also seen it hurt a lot more people than it has helped – particularly in the outer areas, in overpriced apartments and in poorly located, poorly laid-out or over-priced inner-Melbourne family homes.
The other magic pill for managing your emotions in the property market is information. Being properly informed can allow you to traverse the current market of uncertainty in a manner involving less pain, both now and in the future.
So back to price, which is where all the pain is right now – how do we lessen the pain of price uncertainty? How do you get comfort in your price selections right now?
Simple: you have to understand what price is and how it works.
In our current market you can only look at price with certainty if you look at it as a mechanism that allows a transaction and almost nothing else.
You need to understand that price characteristics change in a falling market. And those changes bring in a whole new genre of commentary called risk analysis. Risk analysis is about examining your chances of achieving your goals. Risk management is about minimising the possibility of missing out on what you want.
At the moment, if you are feeling uncomfortable about price it is probably because you are uncomfortable with what price actually is and does, and with the associated risks.
But how can you get comfortable with price in this market? Understand what it is and what it isn’t.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Is there such a thing as the right price in 2012?
Here is a practical example: A client comes to us and asks, “Is this a good price for this home?” We respond, “On any specific number we honestly don’t know. We can show you how to try and achieve this price or that price within a range, but whether it is a good price is hard to say right now.”
Let’s say that one weekend there are two bidders on a home. The vendor is feeling bullish. Bidder One is prepared to pay $2.1 million and Bidder Two is prepared to pay $2.05 million . The vendor passes the property in at $2.05 million and says he wants $2.15 million. In the end he gets $2.1 million from Bidder One, who is nervous about Bidder Two.
But the situation could have turned out completely differently if on that weekend Bidder Two had already bought a home and so the property was passed into the sole Bidder One, at $1.8 million. Say the vendor had also been told during the week by his spouse that he must buy another home they had seen two days earlier or she’d file for divorce. Our vendor is now a “motivated’ vendor and has moved from bullish to nervous – so he takes the $1.81 million offered post auction from Bidder One who, seeing no other bidders, is prepared to stick to her guns on that lower price.
Which of these prices was a good price? Well, one price was lower than the other, but that was as a result of a convergence of circumstances and opinions. The lower price in the second situation was simply because Bidder Two was no longer in the game, and the vendor was very motivated to sell. But for Bidder One in the first situation, the higher price was also a good price – because she managed to beat off Bidder Two and come to a deal with a vendor who had high expectations.
Is $2.1 million a bad price – is $1.81 million a good price? Well, we don’t know all the circumstances. Was the home the right home for both parties? What if the $1.8 million buyer has to sell in six months because it’s not right for her and prices had dropped by 15%? What if the $2.1 million buyer is very happy bringing up her family in the house and the street and holds on to it for the next 20 years? Which price then was the right price?
The nature of a weak market like the one we’re in now is that we’re relying on a smaller pool of opinions. There may be two bidders, or just one. There’s no certainty. There are just large variances – that is why a $300,000 variance is a very real possibility.
(In a strong market you’re less likely to see these sorts of variances at a public auction, because with three or more bidders, even if one drops out there is still competition to support the price.)
The point is that at the moment prices can vary big time, and for those looking for comfort we recommend you look to your decision-making processes rather than just price.
The good decisions you can make, as a buyer, are to decide whether the house is the one you want, whether you’re prepared to pay what it takes to buy it, what your alternatives are if you don’t buy, what are reasonable price ranges (even if they are wide), what are your strategies to get the lowest price and what are the risks involved in your actions.
If you are to act, then this process will give you some comfort in the uncertainty of price in this market.
Mal James is principal of<a title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" target="_blank"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.</body></html>

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How to have confidence in your property buying decisions, even though the market is always on the precipice of uncertainty

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Over the past two decades there has been explosive growth in the supply of new apartments. Every capital city and many major regional centres have now experienced the spread and popularity of apartments, in particular projects in or close to the CBD.
Major apartment developments are now a central element of urban growth and planning. The Gold Coast is now home to one of the world’s tallest residential buildings. Q1 is an impressive 322.5 metres tall, but other cities, including Melbourne, Chicago and Dubai, also have impressive residential towers.
There are an estimated 100-plus very tall residential buildings across the globe, thus clearly establishing the trend of mega residential towers on our skylines. And while these are impressive projects with extensive marketing campaigns, there is another side of the market – the smaller, more boutique style of development that increasingly peppers our suburbs. In particular these are popular in our popular and more expensive inner suburbs, where there are many projects on the go.
It’s a trend that is evident in particular across many older established suburbs, but this is not a new fashion, as areas like Sydney’s inner east and Melbourne’s St Kilda have long been home to many apartment buildings. Located on what would have been seen as the fringes of the CBD, Sydney’s 13-level Astor (built in 1927, architect Donald Esplin) is a great example of how smaller projects stand the test of time.
These inner-city apartments used to offer a very wide spectrum of prices, from the modest and affordable to the opulent and very expensive, but the reality now days is that to be financially viable, smaller buildings, in particular new developments as opposed to refurbishment projects, need to attract high prices.
However these projects can still cover a generally wide cross section of developments that can range between six and 20-plus apartments, and they are almost always in very desirable and well-established locations.
There tends to be very expensive apartments in these smaller buildings, in highly sought-after locations with AAA finishes, close to the best of established amenities and accordingly with multimillion-dollar price tags – but this does not always have to be the case.
Where do the residents come from for these apartments? Experience shows that many of these projects have become attractive to older buyers trading down from large family homes, either in the immediate area or from other wealthy suburbs.
However, when it comes to marketing these and other smaller projects there is never a simple answer, as the buyers are a diverse group. Smaller developments still attract a wide cross section of people, and while there may be fewer first-time buyers with young families, the market will still represent a mixed community.
Experience also shows that while the market has depth and diversity, the buyers can be harder to find and engage. This partly reflects the limited nature of supply and frequently there is less urgency.
Because of the size of each project the number of apartments for sale will be limited in any one location, but there may be several small projects spread across the area and there is always the private treaty market to consider.
Unlike a large project that can accommodate varied needs and product with much more flexibility appealing to many different buyers, smaller buildings tend to have a more specific target demographic and so the marketing plan, budget and mix of activity is very different.
Commercially it is also necessary to accept that a larger development with wider appeal could have more avenues for success, as the market is bigger. However the development costs will be much higher. This risk is harder to package and requires years of experience by the project team to get it right.
However, in setting the marketing outcomes for any development it is always necessary to take into account the impact of how the mix of apartments and the size of the project will be received by the market.
In some locations, like those mentioned above, generally much higher prices will be required to justify the risk. The amount of capital involved is higher, including the reality that land costs per apartment will be more, alongside demolition and possibly extended holding charges.
In such a case the mix of apartments, their size and standard of finish will be central options to consider if the desired net return is to be achieved. Here again the marketing will be critical so that time on the market is limited, and this would include targeting early off-the-plan sales successfully.
Given the impact of the development costs involved and the resulting asking prices for the project the target demographic that have to be reached should be locked in well before any marketing is undertaken.
The apartments that are created will have to appeal to a very select market in order to be commercially viable. This may appear obvious, but highly focused and accountable marketing will be required to ensure the target is engaged. Be they owner-occupiers or investors, the high prices involved only further emphasise this reality.
Mistakes will be harder to undo. If the target is not engaged, prices will suffer and it will take more time to sell all apartments. Also if the target is engaged and sells fast then prices can be adjusted.
Smaller developments in prime locations simply have to deliver appropriate, quality apartments for sale to justify the development risk with products to precisely match market expectations.
The marketing message needs to be structured for maximum impact to the particular target market. It will also be important in a smaller development to maintain consistent brand values, as a mixed message will only create confusion in the eyes of a very observant buyer.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx">Colliers International.</a> 
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To market smaller developments you must fully understand your target market

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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/360to380.gif">
The estimated net rent per square metre per year that two tenants will pay for more than 2,000 square metres of office space at the Riverside Quay precinct on Melbourne’s Southbank. The two leases were negotiated by Ben Christie, Colliers International director of office leasing, in Buildings 1 and 2 at Riverside Quay. The whole of level four, Building 2 at Riverside Quay has been leased to global property and project consulting firm WT Partnership Australia. The lessor was Mirvac Asset Management. WT Partnership Australia will occupy 1,360 square metres on a six-year lease. Japara Holdings has signed a six-and-a-half year deal to sub-lease level four (1,026 square metres) in Building 1 at, Riverside Quay. Japara took on the sub-lease opportunity offered by Adecco Australia.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/330k.gif">
The net rent per annum that Rip Curl Group parent company RC Waves Pty Ltd is believed to be paying on a new six-year lease over an office and warehouse facility at Keysborough in Melbourne’s south-east in a deal negotiated by Savills Australia. The 134-148 Atlantic Drive property comprises a 3,855-square-metre building including a 479-square-metre office component over two levels, a 100-square-metre mezzanine space, and a 3,276-square-metre warehouse on a 6,750-square-metre site. The deal was brokered by Savills Australia divisional director of industrial Joseph Catanese. The lessor was a private investor.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/100kplus.gif">
The estimated gross annual rent that Indian restaurant operator Masala Art will pay to lease new premises in Toowoomba. Masala Art has leased the site of the former Weis Backdoor café in the Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre in a deal negotiated by Ray White Commercial Toowoomba’s Mark Wynhoven and John Smith. Masala Art has subleased the site, taking up the remaining four years of the Weis lease. The shop measures 120 square metres.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/110.gif">
The estimated annual rent that church group the Harvest Centre will pay to lease a Burleigh Heads industrial property on the Gold Coast. The property at 1/62 Township Drive has existing approval to be used as a church and was recently vacated by a church group.  The new lease deal was negotiated by Craig George of Colliers International.  The Harvest Centre has taken on a three-year lease with renewal options. It will occupy the 343-square-metre building, which consists of a 280-square-metre fully carpeted warehouse and 63 square metres of mezzanine office. The property is owned by Dawnlite Nominees at Township Drive and is one of two units in the complex and is situated alongside the M1.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/295650.gif">
The gross face rent per annum that Precision Mail will pay to lease 5,913 square metres of industrial space at 223-225 Barry Road, Campbellfield, in Melbourne’s outer north. The five-year lease was negotiated by Tim Homes and Marco Sandrin from Colliers International. The property is part of the investment portfolio of 360 Capital Property Group. The office-warehouse property is located just off the Hume Highway within close proximity to the Metropolitan and Western Ring Roads.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/75k.gif">
Roughly how much truck repair firm Bronco Truck Repairs will pay to lease an office/warehouse facility at Laverton North in Melbourne’s western industrial precinct in a deal  negotiated by Savills Australia. The property at 41B Little Boundary Rd comprises a 400-square-metre office/warehouse facility on a 2,600-square-metre site. The three-year deal was negotiated by Savills industrial executive Luke Jesson. The property is situated on the corner of Leslie Road, offering immediate access to the Western Ring Road and West Gate Freeway.
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Commercial leasing: Indian restaurant operator Masala Art leasing premises in Toowoomba

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Self-managed super funds and smaller commercial investors punting on a recovery in the Noosa property market could have an opportunity, with a number of shops on the Noosa retail strip listed for sale around the $2 million mark and under in a market that has been dormant for the past two years.
Currently tenanted, the retail properties are offering yields of around 7% and 8% with the potential for capital gains should the market start improving.
The heavily tourism-dependent Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast markets have struggled in the last few years, having not received the flow-on benefits of the mining boom and have been hurt by the high Australian dollar.
However, Paul Butler, director of Ray White Commercial Noosa, says he is seeing an increase in confidence from buyers for properties with good lease covenants.
“Super funds are becoming particularly active as buyers look for stable returns outside of the stock market,” Butler tells Property Observer.
“Retail leasing is gaining some momentum again after a prolonged period of limited activity,” he adds.
Butler says food outlets and coffee shops have been the strong achievers in the current market.
Last month, Colliers International agents Nick Dowling and Brad Moore marketed 27/40 Hastings Street, with 65 square metres of retail space with an additional exclusive-use outdoor area of 51 square metres, currently occupied by fashion store Venetian Laundry. RP Data records show it sold for $1.57 million.
Dowling says that while there are a number of assets on the market in Hastings Street at present, retail sales activity on the strip had been non-existent for at least the past two years.
“Hastings Street is the epicentre of the world renowned Noosa Heads and comprises a mix-use environment primarily made up of three-storey resorts with ground floor retail tenancies,” he says.
Other recent sales on Hastings Street include a mixed-use development at 11 Hastings Street measuring 949 square metres, incorporating La Vida restaurant on the ground floor and guest accommodation and office spaces on the second floor, which sold for $10.8 million in July. Office space from 66 square metres to 167 square metres is available for lease at 11 Hastings Street at $450 per square metre.
Further down Hastings Street at number 18, a medical suite measuring 58 square metres changed hands for $370,000. It las sold for $561,000 in January 2005.
 
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In April last year a 50-square-metre shop at 14 Sunshine Beach Road at Noosa Heads sold for $270,000 on a yield of around 8%.
On the high-end shopping strip of Hastings Street at Noosa Heads shop five in the French Quarter mixed-used precinct at 62 Hastings Street (pictured below) is up for sale by private treaty with an asking price of $1.65 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/hastingsshop.jpg">
The shop generates rental income of around $115,900 per annum – a yield of around 7%.
It is currently tenanted by retailer Poeta – incorporating the businesses of Gordon Herford master jeweller and the artistic works of Belinda Herford – on a new five-year lease until 2016.
Other retailers in the “The French Quarter” include Quicksilver Surfwear and Tom Offermann Real Estate.
The property is being sold by Tracey Ryan and Paul Forrest from Ray White Commercial Noosa.
A cheaper investment with exposure to Noosa shoppers is three-level strata building on Thomas Street in Noosaville (pictured below), including the premises of take-away joint Burger Bar, which is listed for sale with a price tag of $775,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/hastingsshop2.jpg">
The two-storey unit is situated within the “The Islander Resort” a low-rise holiday unit complex comprising 51 residential apartments and 15 retail shops with two street frontages to Gympie Terrace and Thomas Street at Noosaville.
According to the investor memorandum, Thomas Street is regarded as one of the prime “eat streets” locations in Noosaville and services the surrounding residential and tourist resorts.
The shop measures 39 square metres, with the property currently bringing in gross income of around $55,000, translating into a yield of around 7%.
Above the shop is a two-level, two-bedroom apartment.
The owner has the opportunity to receive dual incomes form both the residential and commercial aspects of the property.
The shop is up for sale by private treaty and is being sold by David Brinkley, a commercial property consultant  from Ray White Commercial Noosa.
Also in Noosaville, Paul Butler and Paul Forrest from Ray Commercial Noosa are selling a 340-square-metre first-floor medical/ professional suite with lift access on Gibson Road by private treaty (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/hastingsshop3.jpg">
The property adjoins 24-hour gym Jetts Fitness and has an asking price of $1.16 million.
It is currently tenanted until April 2013 with a five-year renewal option returning rent of $93,500 per annum and representing a net yield of around 8%.
According to the investment report, the strata office is in an area that “has in the past experienced strong capital growth”.
The strata office is opposite the Noosa Village Shopping Centre and within the Gibson Road retail precinct, which is home to Harvey Norman and various homeware and electrical retailers.
Other retail assets for sale nearby include a bar/bistro and three shops on one title include this property on Duke Street, with strong leasing already in place.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/noosashop.jpg" width="470">
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Opportunities for smaller investors with Noosa shops and suites from $800,000 to $2 million

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Was it the Greek tragedian Sophocles who said “no enemy is worse than bad advice”? If he’d lived in the 21st century, he’d no doubt be aiming his words at media reports from the property or finance industries. He may have followed his words with “no bad advice is worse than ‘expensive’ bad advice”. Because in both these industries, the consequence of bad advice costs exactly that – a good deal of expense.
It has the power to make or break an individual - the latter it will do quickly, the former it will do slowly – but undoubtedly, a bad mistake made on bad financial or property advice alone is not easily, or painlessly, undone.
Both industries are hard to control and even if the current level of regulation increased, it would be difficult to restrict what can and can’t be published in the media altogether. The best option seems to be by way of education – teaching readers to “read between the lines”.
It starts with a broader understanding of the base motivation lying behind the authorship – although in the age of digital media, ideally it should start in school.  This aside – the reader should question everything, because currently the landscape of hype is littered with misinformation.
Like other professionals in the industry, I’m contacted weekly regarding submissions to various property magazines and websites.  Sometimes I’m given the freedom to write on a subject of choice, other times I’m asked to comment on current newsworthy items.  However, I made a personal commitment some time ago to remove the “party line” from my articles and write from an independent viewpoint – a viewpoint not always shared, or welcomed, by those I work with.
This past week, a request came from what many would assume to be a respected property investment magazine wanting to beef up the content on its website. As with many property outlets, the publication sent out a mass e-mail requesting material from “area specialists” in return for some free promotion.  Obviously the idea is not just to attract readers but more importantly advertisers – the more content, the greater the number of hits.
In this instance, the publication wanted information on “hotspots” – where the market’s heading, which areas would outperform, and so forth. Obviously if you ask selling agents to identify a hotspot for the sake of free promotion, they’re going to spruik the suburb they specialise in. The advice is not independent or unbiased, and the word “expert” should come with a large disclaimer attached. If they sell in Doreen, Victoria for example, they’re hardly going to advise a purchase in East St Kilda! However, it’s fair to suggest a broad spectrum of readers will be influenced by the data.
The information carried in local and national newspapers holds the potential to portray a more balanced viewpoint.  However, unless the reader has foundation of understanding about the subject, misconceptions can easily occur.
This leads me to a brief mention of a report a few days ago in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.news.com.au/realestate/news/property-values-double-in-10-years/story-fndba8uq-1226441495370">Herald Sun</a> claiming “house prices” had risen some 125% in Melbourne over the past 10 years. Before vendors dance around in glee, it’s important to draw a distinction between the terms “house prices” and “median values”.
The term “house prices” suggests every property and every vendor has experienced the windfall, however we know this isn’t the case.  Common sense alone dictates that areas close to city centres and major transport hubs, where the available residential land has been used and the population continues to increase, has inevitably underpinned established property prices over the last decade. Therefore, the vendors who purchased carefully a decade ago would no doubt have attracted healthy growth – growth that could be in excess of 125% in some cases.
However, there are plenty of vendors who wouldn’t have benefitted from a 125% windfall. They may have purchased the first roll out of apartments in Melbourne’s Docklands for example, or in outer suburbs. They may not have taken due care with the type of property, price paid, or buyer demographic in the near vicinity when choosing.
Property prices rise and fall, as they do with any other asset.
Another report, <a target="_blank" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/14456028/property-experts-blame-the-gfc-for-dud-forecasts/">“Property experts blame the GFC for dud forecasts”</a>, demonstrates the foolhardy nature of trusting respected analysts without a good deal of due diligence or risk management. In this instance, the article points out how previous rather bullish forecasts regarding the outlook for Perth’s growing prospects pre GFC were a little more than off the mark.
It’s true, few could have predicted the “X factor” event – but it also highlights how a complex the arena has become and importantly, how wary any investor should be prior to accepting predictive report (especially considering eruptions from the international landscape play an increasing role in consumer sentiment).
However, it’s not just pre-GFC reports that get it wrong – a post-GFC “off the mark” example can be viewed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestnews.com/html/ep130_6">here</a> – BIS Shrapnel predicted in a report in 2009 that house prices in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide would increase up to 22% over the following three years. Or read <a target="_blank" href="https://www.news.com.au/money/property/sydney-property-prices-set-to-double/story-e6frfmd0-1225843302974">here</a> – data providers in 2009 predicting 7.6% growth per annum in Sydney over the next decade.
Granted, we still have a while to go before we can calculate the accuracy contained in some of the above information, however all are based on median house prices, which as previously mentioned have little relevance for individual property prices.
With overall sales turnover still lagging behind that of previous years, any rise in median value is only representative of the particular composition of “good” properties selling.  Buy well and you may sell well and get an average 7.5% per growth per annum.  One the other hand, purchase into one of the high-rise blocks currently under construction and based on the level of supply alone, you’ll probably get the opposite.
This aside, reading reports on future hotspots is all well and good.  However, they tend to feed the concept that money can be made from property short term.  It’s important to balance the message with an understanding of the motivation – good or bad – lurking behind the words. This aside – boom markets (hotspots) have a habit of “correcting” rather sharply.  The risks are always greater if due diligence isn’t taken initially. Be warned!
I don’t expect anyone to think politicians can be trusted on the face of the information they provide.  Even the most innocent of minds will be educated in this regard. 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2012/08/03/341851_news">The market in Geelong, Victoria, was expected to remain flat with minimal growth over the past 12 months</a>. But it turns out, when it comes to council rates, property prices are soaring!
According to the latest rate assessments, values in Geelong have increased 10.2% over a two-year period.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.news.com.au/realestate/investing/geelong-houses-jump-10-per-cent-in-two-years/story-fndbarft-1226444485811">“The property value increase, a jump of 10.2% over two years, follows an 11.2% increase in values during 2008-10.”</a>
The lessons gleaned from all of the above should ring clear – it’s only through careful researching and an element of self-education that you can really buffer against a risky environment. Don’t blindly accept the advice of a “property expert” or journalist, any more than you’d trust that of a politician without investigating the reliability of the data they provide or motivation behind the sales pitch.
Catherine Cashmore is a market analyst with extensive experience in all aspects relating to property acquisition.
 
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catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

Read between the lines to get the most out of property investment advice

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Conveyancers are absolutely integral to facilitating any type of property transaction, yet most people are somewhat in the dark about their role.
Conveyancers are very much the quiet achievers in the property industry but are absolutely integral to facilitating every type of property transaction.
Many people, including some in the property industry, don’t necessarily understand the full extent of what we do. For example, many buyers and sellers aren’t aware that they can choose their own conveyancer in a property transaction.
A good conveyancer can hold a property transaction together – they are an important resource for the buyers and sellers, but also for real estate agents and mortgage brokers.
The role of a conveyancer
Conveyancers are responsible for the legal and statutory processes involved with the transfer of ownership of real estate from one person or entity to another. The preparation, execution, verification and lodgement of numerous legal documents are important elements of conveyancing.
Your conveyancer is very much a key part of your advisory team, in addition to your real estate agent and mortgage broker, and should be involved with the purchase or sale of your property from the outset.
A good conveyancer will assist you in many ways whether selling or buying – this includes reviewing the contract and offering independent advice, advising on the information provided in statutory disclosure statements, searching within government departments and local authorities for matters affecting the property, and preparing the legal documentation.
Some of their duties include responsibility for attending to payment of stamp duty on the transfer of the property on behalf of the client, coordinating and attending settlement with the client's financial institution, advising a client when settlement is completed and notifying the state’s water utility, the  local council and any affected strata or community managers of change of ownership.
A good conveyancer can also assist you with various other transactions such as leases, sales of business and land divisions, to name a few.
Your right to choose
As a key member of your selling or buying advisory team, it’s important to know that you have the right to choose your own conveyancer to help facilitate this process, in the same way as it’s your decision which real estate agent or mortgage broker you use.
As a result, it’s important that you make a well researched and informed decision. While there’s merit in considering the recommendations of others, don’t feel pressured to use them, but do your own research and make your own choice. Remember, it is your choice.
Chances are you’re going to be involved in a property transaction more than once in your life, so look to work with a conveyancer who you feel comfortable with and who you would happily use again in the future.
It’s also very important that you do not choose the conveyancer that the other party to the transaction is using. While some might suggest that it saves time, effort and money for the same conveyancer to act for both, it has the potential to create issues should a conflict of interest arise in your transaction.
Your conveyancer is ‘in your corner’ to help advocate for and protect your interests. If they are also acting for the other party there is the very real potential for them to be compromised if there is a problem with the transaction.
What to look for
When looking for a conveyancer to assist in you there’s merit in talking with two or three in the first instance to help you make your decision.
Look for a conveyancer who is a member of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers and is a certified practising conveyancer, this means he or she maintains a certain level of ongoing professional development and has a certain level of qualifications and experience. It means the conveyancer is up-to-date with changing legislative requirements and industry standards.
A conveyancer who has a certain level of longevity working in the local real estate market and knowledge of and experience in a broad range of property transactions is also a good candidate for your business.
Ask about the likely fees and charges (although don’t choose a conveyancer that is simply the cheapest), how long settlement is likely to take and how the conveyancer will communicate with you throughout the process.
It’s important that you brief your chosen conveyancer on anything that may impact on the transaction or delay settlement, such as financial issues or a short timeframe, so he or she can factor this into process. 
Most importantly, remember it is always best to speak to your conveyancer from the outset of any property transaction. The earlier your conveyancer is involved, they more likely he or she is to be able to identify any problems or issues and address these. 
Penny Erskine is a qualified conveyancer and marketing manager at Adelaide conveyancing firm <a href="https://www.conveyancingmatters.com.au/index.php">Conveyancing Matters</a>.
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perskine-BHZgNi29JU

A good conveyancer can hold a property transaction together: Penny Erskine

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Auctioneer Damien Cooley had a busy and very successful weekend.
He achieved a 100% clearance rate on 10 auctions on Saturday.
<a href="https://twitter.com/damiencooley" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/cooleytweets.jpg"></a>
On Sunday, he completed the Sydney City to Surf  in just over an hour
Cooley’s next big challenge will be the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/southern-highlands-burrawang-cafe-reverse-auction-not-the-first-but-still-stirring-up-debate/2012072055673" target="_parent">reverse auction of the historic Burrawang Cafe and Bower Cottage in the Southern Highlands on August 26</a>.
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Tweet of the weekend: Sydney auctioneer Damien Cooley has a run of good fortune

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The decision by the RBA to start reducing interest rates in November last year has added “ballast” to a housing market that was “starting to list quite badly”, according to Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan.
Writing in Westpac’s August Market Insights report, Hassan points to a number of signs that “after a shaky start, Australia’s housing markets are now showing more convincing signs of stabilising”.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/westpacaug13.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/westpacaug13thumb.gif"></a>
He says the 125-basis-point cut from the cash rate since November last year has eased the pressure on those servicing existing mortgages, while affordability is near decade-best levels for prospective buyers.
“With rates now on the ‘easy’ side of neutral, the pressure is easing on the mortgage belt – mortgage arrears appear to have peaked and, on the basis of interest rates and incomes at least, should start to track lower from here.
“Housing affordability is also greatly improved with would-be buyers enjoying the most conducive mix of prices, interest rates and incomes since 2003 (excluding the ‘ultra-low’ rate settings in 2009),” says Hassan.
Consumer attitudes are also changing, with Hassan pointing to the results of the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment survey “showing consumers starting to warm to real estate again”, setting the scene for a housing market recovery.
“Views on whether now is a good time to buy a dwelling (a sub-index of the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment survey) are now at relatively upbeat levels that have led upturns in the past.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/westpacaug132.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/westpacaug132thumb.gif"></a>
“Fears of house price declines are also subsiding with a notable uptick in the proportion nominating ‘real estate’ as the wisest place for savings, a tentative sign of renewed investor interest," he says.
“Sentiment is an important catalyst for generating a sustained upturn.”
However, Hassan warns of “significant headwinds to a housing recovery in Australia”.
He says the most powerful headwind to a housing recovery is household deleveraging.
“Despite five years of restraint, household debt levels remain near historic highs. Housing upturns usually go hand in hand with rising household leverage.
“This does not preclude a recovery – the rebound in 2009-10 showed housing can still have an up-cycle – but it does mean any recovery that does eventuate will be harder to sustain.
Hassan expects that when the market recovers, "trend price growth" will be below 5% per annum.
He also warns that while sentiment is positive on housing, “sentiment remains much weaker on other aspects crucial to the home buying decision: job loss fears remain very high and consumers’ financial attitudes are still firmly fixed on conservative/defensive risk-averse and debt-averse behaviour”.
“With labour markets and the global financial system likely to remain unsettled in 2012, these factors will continue to deter many potential buyers – both owner-occupiers and investors,” he adds.
As a result, Hassan expects the current housing cycle to show a “much bumpier, more gradual transition from stabilisation to a recovery that is likely to be relatively lacklustre by historical standards”.
But the overall picture is of markets “clearly stabilising” with all price measures recording a moderation in declines with most up slightly for the year to date, says Hassan.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/westpacaug133.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/westpacaug133thumb.gif"></a>
Other positive indicators, he says are:
<ul>
<li> “Annual price inflation across ‘all dwelling’ measures ranges from –2.7% to –1.1% with annualised six month growth rates of between –1.2% and +1.9%. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“Auction markets are telling a similar story with clearance rates up about 7 percentage points from their February lows. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“Housing loan approvals have also moved off recent lows for both owner-occupiers and investors and dwelling approvals have snapped out of what was looking like a disturbing drop-off between August and April.</li>
</ul>
Hassan notes that some of these readings may be being skewed by state government policy changes.
“The NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia state governments all made significant changes to bonus and concession schemes for first home buyers and/or those building new dwellings.
“Several of these were introduced around June/July and would have encouraged buyers and builders to bring forward activity into the first half of the year.
“As such recent finance and dwelling approvals may be overstating strength a little and price measures may also have been impacted (skewed lower during ‘pull forward’ periods with a statistical ‘bounce’ as this effect drops out)."
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