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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The strongest capital growth prospects for the next 12 months are for houses under $250,000, according to the latest NAB Residential Property Survey.
Capital growth is expected to be "good" for property under $500,000 and under $250,000, according to the survey of 300 property market participants. The higher the property price, the lower the expected capital growth, according to those who participated in the survey.
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Best capital growth prospects expected for houses under $250,000: NAB Residential Property Survey

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The Peppers Anchorage hotel in Port Stephens has been listed for sale by Bay Holdings Ltd, a joint venture company owned by Greg Shand and Allan Vidor.
Set on a 1.5 hectare site on the Tomaree Peninsula, the 1.5-hectare luxury hotel opened in 1992.
The 80-room hotel development project was first unveiled in 1988 then built at around a reported $23 million cost. It was designed to resemble a New England fishing village consisting of a series of coastal-style cottages, linked by covered walkways.
<img alt="anchorage6" src="/images/stories/2012/anchorage6.gif" height="306" width="460">
CBRE Hotels agents Andrew Jackson and Rob Cross are selling the property, with the campaign ending August 23.
The hotel is attached to a 90-berth marina, which is being sold concurrently through Knight Frank.
Many of the visitors to the hotel come for dolphin and whale watching as well as game-fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking and scenic flights in the hotels seaplane.
The area is also a sailing hotspot and home to a number of sailing regattas.
The Peppers lease finished in 2011, and the building is being offered vacant.
No price indication has been giveb for the Peppers officering. 
The hotel almost sold to Macquarie Bank in 2002, and then was last listed in early 2008.
Its 2008, Jones Lang LaSalle expressions of interest campaign sought around $30 million for the hotel with marina.
<img alt="anchorage7" src="/images/stories/2012/anchorage7.gif" height="289" width="460">
Jackson says the Colette Point Road hotel is an icon in Port Stephens. 
“The property benefits from a diverse business mix, which includes corporate clientele, as well as conferencing, leisure trade and weddings,” Jackson says.
“The hotel and restaurant are also very popular with the locals, and there is an opportunity for a more hands-on owner to achieve further upside by developing the conferencing and wedding business.”
The development got its 1988 approval after two years of negotiating with the Lake Macquarie City Council by the Peppers Hotel Group, the headed by Mike O'Connor, reportedly in partnership with Mercantile Credits Ltd, Centennial Developments and McAndrew &amp; Associates.
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Peppers Anchorage Hotel in Port Stephens listed for sale

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The problem with being called “the lucky country” is that it’s passive.
We’re actually hard-working and optimistic. And we’re fighters. So what’s wrong with the “resilient nation”?
I went to the Twittersphere this week and asked followers: “what do you think is the BEST thing about the Australian economy right now?” These are some of the more than 75 replies:
<ul>
<li>@markbouris The strength &amp; resilience shown despite high AUD, world economy &amp; constant negative reporting</li>
<li>@markbouris it's resilience. But without some political leadership that may soon evaporate</li>
<li>@markbouris The tenacity of its people to keep going and believe that things can only get better</li>
</ul>
What struck me about the responses was the way Aussies combine sophisticated understanding of the world with old-fashioned faith in hard work.
Amid the financial stress and uncertainty, the national psyche is still about resilience and working hard, and it will get us through.
And we’ll push forward without tearing ourselves apart with the false “class war” or wealth envy as we’re seeing in Europe and the United States.
We’ve seen a brief hint of it here, but it doesn’t seem to stick. Australians want to work hard for their rewards, not to tear down those who are succeeding.
So when we see negative attention showered on the mining industry – either because the mining moguls are too rich or the miners are overpaid – I think it’s time we got away from the spin and saw this for what it is.
For a start, the mining moguls are employing people, driving exports, building infrastructure and creating billions of dollars in ancillary employment and wealth generation. Every time mining moguls build a new railway line or open a new project or sign a new supply contract, they have to employ construction companies, consultants, professionals and lots of manpower. And they all pay taxes.
Secondly, the people who work in the mining industry work incredibly hard, in remote locations, in the heat and the dust and often away from their families for extended periods. They work knowing that when China, Korea and Japan have a downturn in their industrial output, Aussie mining jobs are on the block.
So give these people a break – they’re as hard-working and ambitious as workers employed in east coast manufacturing.
Resilience shows itself in many ways. Some workers take pay cuts to keep the factory open, while business owners make sacrifices in the home to keep the business afloat. Mothers with young kids go back into the workforce to help with the bills.
Tenacity shows up in the official figures too. Bankruptcies are 6,000 per year fewer now than they were in 2010, and despite the GFC-affected global economy, our unemployment is around 5%. And we didn’t have to drop our official interest rate to zero to do it.
We’re not out of the woods yet, but if we can keep our optimism and our resilience to the fore, and avoid the temptation to turn on ourselves, this nation will emerge stronger than it ever was.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
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Give hard-working miners a break: Mark Bouris

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The proportion of dwellings that are rented has remained fairly consistent across Australia over the past decade, based on figures from the 2011 census.
Rented dwellings comprised 27.6% of all occupied homes back in 2001; 10 years later the proportion had risen by only slightly more than one percentage point to 28.7%. 
The census data shows the biggest shift in dwelling tenure was seen in homes that are fully owned and homes that have a mortgage. The proportion of homes that are owned outright fell from 39.7% of all occupied private dwellings in 2001 to 31.0% in 2011.  Conversely, the proportion of homes that are owned with a mortgage rose from 26.5% in 2001 to 33.3% in 2011.
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The census provides some fascinating insights about the trends and geographic spread of renters. Considering that most rental accommodation is owned by private investors, analysing this data also provides an insight about where property investors have been most active (in 2011, 71.5% of all rented dwellings were privately owned, 9.4% were rented from the government and 2% were rented from community or church groups. A further 6.7% of renters fall into the "other landlord type" classification or did not respond to this question in the census).
Nationally, the proportion of dwellings occupied by renters stands at 28.7%, however there are difference from region to region. The largest states, New South Wales and Victoria, show a bias towards capital city investing with 31.6% of Sydney dwellings being rented compared with a lower 27.6% of dwellings outside of the capital city. Similarly, 27.2% of Melbourne dwellings are rented, compared with 24.5% outside of the capital city.
That trend is reversed in the mining states where investment is more popular outside of the capital cities, probably due to the high yields and capital appreciation that has been evident across the resource driven regions in both of the these states. Regional Western Australia accounts for the largest proportion of dwellings occupied by renters (apart from regional Northern Territory, which is influenced by the large number of government-supplied rental housing) at 35.3%, compared with 27.6% across the Perth market. The margin is much slimmer in Queensland, with 33.4% of regional Queensland dwellings being rented compared with 33% in Brisbane.
Of the capital cities, Darwin shows the largest proportion of investors with 41.9% of all occupied dwellings being rented. Brisbane, at 33% of all dwellings, is the second most popular capital city for investors.
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Getting down to a more granular level, the census suburb classifications show exactly where rental housing/investment is more or less popular. The results also provide an indication as to where social housing is most heavily concentrated. The tables below show the top 10 suburbs across each capital city based on the highest proportion of rental dwellings. We have included median house and unit prices as well as typical rental yields to provide an indication about prices and gross returns in the suburb ("n.a." indicates the suburb has recorded fewer than 10 house or unit sales or fewer than 10 rental observations over the past 12 months). It is also important to understand whether the high proportion of renters is being driven by market forces or by social housing; for this reason we have included a summary of the proportion of rental dwellings privately and non-privately owned.
It is clear to see from some of the suburbs on the list how predominant social housing is in some areas. For example, the Sydney suburbs of Claymore (97.9%), Airds (96.2%) and Daceyville (92.6%) show extremely high levels of non-private rental housing (ie. government or community/church rented). High proportions of non-private rental dwellings are also evident across the northern regions of Adelaide and eastern areas of Hobart. The benefits of integrating social housing throughout the community rather than establishing social housing "enclaves" is well documented; these examples are a stark reminder of the town planning principals that were prevalent several decades ago.
It is important to point out that some regions showing a high proportion of non-private rental dwellings are influenced by other factors such as military bases and mining sites.
Australian Capital Territory 
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Greater Adelaide
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Greater Brisbane
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Greater Darwin
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Greater Hobart
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Greater Melbourne
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Greater Sydney
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Tim Lawless is national research director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" rel="nofollow">RP Data.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" rel="nofollow"> </a>
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Property investor guide to the suburbs dominated by tenants - highlighting private and government landlords

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The slow rate of new home building in Australia – much lamented by industry bodies – could actually insulate the housing market from collapse should there be a sharp slowdown in the Chinese economy, according to banking analysts.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/value-of-new-home-building-declines-for-fourth-consecutive-quarter-in-march-abs/2012071955661" target="_blank">March quarter figures released on Wednesday by the ABS</a> show that the new housing construction sector declined for the fourth straight quarter, with the value of new residential building work done falling 1.2% to $9.29 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a 1.7% decline in the December 2011 quarter.
Concerns have been raised that a drop in Chinese demand for Australian coal and other raw commodities as result of the Chinese economy slowing further could have far-reaching consequences for the wider Australian economy and demand for housing.
In March this year, credit rating agency Standard &amp; Poor’s warned that Australian house prices could fall 20% this year if Chinese growth stalls to 5%.
But in a recent report, Citigroup strategist Tony Brennan said that major housing corrections, defaults and foreclosures often came after periods of excessive home building, leaving an excess supply of housing that put downward pressure on prices.
However, he says Australia does not show indications of over-building of homes.
Merrill Lynch equity strategist Josh Kirkwood expects no change in Australian house prices over the next three years due to the level of deleveraging and changing attitudes of investors.
He disagrees with people who believe the Australian housing market is bulletproof, but says there won’t be a house price crash as occurred in the US, the Australian Financial Review reported.
The latest figures released by the Chinese government’s National Bureau of Statistics and reported by Savills show that while China's real estate investment growth slowed sharply in the first half of the year, “dragging down the broad economy”, property sales swung into positive growth in June for the first time in eight months.
Savills says this “bodes well for a recovery in the sector, which could ease concerns about a hard landing of the world's second biggest economy”.
Real estate investment, which affects more than 40 other sectors from cement, steel to furniture, grew 16.6% from January to June versus an annual rise of 32.9% in the same period last year, the National Bureau of Statistics.
Fears of a flow-on effect for Australian prices have been expressed not just in relation to China, but also as evidence shows significant house price falls in the United States and Europe, most notably Spain.
Fund managers have suggested Australian investors look offshore due to the high dollar and discounted real estate.
“If you have an Australian dollar above parity and housing prices in America which are down 50% [since the GFC], it is a far easier decision to invest your money overseas than here,” says Ashley Pittard, portfolio manager at PM Capital.
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Australian housing market insulated from Chinese slowdown risk by slow rate of new home building: Analysts

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Investors are surging back into the housing market, according to Australian Property Monitors’ Dr Andrew Wilson.
He points to May ABS housing finance figures showing that the value of investor housing rose 26% over the month to the highest monthly total recorded since June 2010.
Wilson says the value of investor loans over the first five months of the year is now 7.2% higher than for the same period in 2011.
The value of investor loans approved over the first five months of the year rose 31% in Queensland and increased by 16% in WA and 6% in NSW, compared with the same period in 2011.
“Investors have surged back into the housing market,” says Wilson.
“These figures indicate increasing confidence by investors in the Sydney, Perth and Brisbane housing markets.”
However, the value of Victorian investor loans fell 3.6% over the first five months of the year, bucking the trend.
Wilson says NSW is the shining star of the investor market as it is the only state where the value of investor loans is higher than the same period in 2010, when housing markets were very active due to various government stimulus packages.
“This data certainly provides more positive data for housing markets with the realistic prospect of increased buyer activity and some house price growth in most centres over the coming months,” he adds.
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Investors surging back in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney but Melbourne left out:  APM

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The landmark Westpac Bank site in Church Street Parramatta, first taken up by Bank of NSW in 1874, has been listed for sale.
The imposing sandstone building on the site was built in 1938.
The façade of the two-storey interwar stripped classical building is dominated by large ashlar sandstone columns, flanking timber four-panelled double doors.
Prior to and during its early life as a bank, the site was also operating as the Australian Arms Hotel.
After leasing for some years, the Bank of NSW acquired the two-storey inn, altered it and used it till 1938 when it was demolished and the current premises were built.
The land was originally granted to Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s superintendent of public works, Richard Rouse, in 1823. He built the Australian Arms Hotel in 1838.
The new building was designed by architect firm Spain, Cosh and Dods, also responsible for Edwards Dunlop Building in Brisbane, Daily Telegraph Building in Sydney and St Brigid's Catholic Church at Red Hill.
The site now includes an adjacent three storey modern building bringing the total area to 1,275 square metres and includes on-site parking for up to nine cars.
The site is 100% leased to current tenant Westpac, which emerged from Bank of NSW in 1982.
The site earns a net income of $536,000 per annum plus GST. There are 2.5 years left on the lease with two five-year options.
Westpac sold the site for $3.03 million in 2000 to two partners. One partner then bought the other’s 50% stake for $3 million in 2007.
Agent George Khoury from Khoury &amp; Partners says the property is attracting significant investor interest.
He is looking to sell the property for $7.5 million to $9 million.
Parramatta was established in 1788 and is the oldest inland European settlement in Australia.
The town was founded after the first fleet settlers built farms there to support the 1,000 convicts, soldiers and administrators. The site was the furthest navigable point on the Parramatta river and the soil was deemed significantly better than those around Sydney Cove.
Growth in the area was minimal until the 1850s when development was aided by the construction of a railway line. Then rapid expansion continued through the late 1800s, with Parramatta becoming a commercial hub for the western Sydney area.
Some of the most significant development in the city happened during the post-war years with industrial growth, immigration and the establishment of public housing estates.
The town is home to many of Australia's earliest colonial buildings, with more heritage-listed buildings in than Sydney's historic Rocks quarter.
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Historic Westpac Parramatta bank listed with $7.5 million-plus hopes

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It's official – Costco has confirmed it will open a second Melbourne store in the eastern suburb of Ringwood.
Nearly three years after the company opened its first location in Melbourne, the retail giant has expanded into both Sydney and Canberra. As part of a nation-wide plan, Costco has now started doubling up, with Melbourne the first city to get its second location.
The Ringwood move has been rumoured since as early as last year.
This opening will have a lot in common with the Sydney store, located in Auburn. The first Melbourne store is in Docklands, away from other retailers. This time it will be in the middle of suburbia, where plenty of SMEs will feel the effects.
Retail Doctor Group managing director Brian Walker says businesses need to be prepared.
"They really need to focus on their differentiated offer," he says. "Focus on service levels, loyalty programs, and so on. They should work their database, and figure out the value they add to the surrounding area."
"And what they really need to do is study Costco and then figure out what they need to do. Look at what it's designed to do and then think about the response."
For instance, Walker says, Costco isn't designed to be a company focused on customer service. Businesses in the surrounding area should focus more on investing in staff, so they can offer a complementary offering to Costco.
"They need to look at the way customers move through the stores, look at the staffing levels, and then try and identify those points of difference they can cover."
"Costco is not designed to be a very customer service-oriented business."
Last year, the Sydney opening brought a huge amount of foot traffic to the surrounding area. While businesses may complain about the extra traffic, there are plenty of other things they'll have to get used to as well.
Here are the four things you'll have to get used to when Costco comes to your neighbourhood.
Increased foot traffic
There are going to be a lot of people in your area – a lot of people. Not only will people from the surrounding suburbs be flooding into Ringwood every day, but you'll also see more people from further away. After all, Ringwood sits right on a stretch of freeway where southern commuters have access to the city. They'll just choose to stop at Ringwood instead of going into the city.
Of course, this is an opportunity in itself – more marketing opportunities!
Buying
Costco brings some great benefits, and not just for consumers, but businesses as well. If you need supplies or any other sort of product, then a Costco membership is probably a good investment and could save you on some costs.
Traffic
It's going to happen, and you're just going to have to deal with it. The traffic is going to be excessive, especially on weekends, and there isn't much of a solution. The other consequence of this is parking – people will try to avoid the crowded Costco car park if they can.
While this can be a nuisance, it's also another opportunity – having further to walk means more opportunities for advertising.
Price erosion
One of the main reasons Costco customers are so tied up in their memberships is the huge savings they can make. As a result, if you're selling groceries or any other type of food product in the Ringwood area, then you'll need to prepare for some price erosion. Customers are just going to expect lower prices.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing. You just need to adjust your expectations – as Walker says, focus on your customer service offering. If you're being threatened by Costco, then identify its disadvantages and strike back.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany</a>.
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Costco to open second Melbourne store in Ringwood

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Sydney apartment rents have risen almost 10% over the past year, compensating investors to a degree for a lack of capital growth, according to the June property update from Residex.
Figures compiled by Residex show that nationally unit prices increased modestly by 1.24% over the quarter to a median of just under $400,000.
Sydney unit prices were virtually unchanged over the quarter at $490,000 – up just 0.18% – and have risen only 1% over the past year.
In comparison, rents are up 9.78% over the past 12 months to a median of $505, making it one of the strongest-performing capital city apartment markets over this period.
The strongest rental growth was recorded for Perth units, where the median rent rose 12.2% over the past year to a median of $415.
In comparison with a more than 4% drop in Perth house prices over the June quarter, Perth unit prices increased by 7.45% over the three-month period to a median of $421,000.
Melbourne unit prices dropped nearly 1% over the quarter to be down 4.43% for the year with a median price of $428,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/residexjuly19.gif">
The June results will disappoint Brisbane apartment investors – the inner-city Brisbane market is awash with more than 40 new apartment projects, with capital growth stalling over the quarter (down 0.18%) curtailing annual growth to 2.92% and a median price of $349,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/residexjuly193.gif">
In addition, rents have gone backwards over the past year, falling 2.78% to a median weekly rent of $350.
Figures compiled by Residex suggest the Brisbane unit market is one of the most affordable in Australia, with 28% of median household income required to meet median loan repayments, compared with 37% in Sydney and 34% in Sydney.
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Sydney unit rents up 10% in flat market as capital growth stalls: Residex

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The new housing construction sector declined for the fourth straight quarter, according to March 2012 figures released by the ABS.
They show that for the March 2012 quarter, the value of new residential building work done fell 1.2% to $9.29 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, following a 1.7% decline in the December 2011 quarter.
Over the past year to March new residential building work is down 8.7%.
Work done on new houses rose 0.2% to $6.14 billion while work done on new units fell 3.9% to $3.15 billion.
The value of alterations and additions to residential building fell by 5.5% over the quarter to be down 5.5% over the year to March.
“New residential building work done has now fallen for four consecutive quarters, while renovations work done has fallen for three consecutive quarters. Combined with leading indicators which show further weakness ahead, there is no doubt that the Australian home building industry is in recession,” says HIA senior economist Andrew Harvey. 
“As the residential building industry continues to contract, we are seeing real consequences for jobs, small business, the supply of new housing and rental costs. Governments can no longer ignore the negative impacts on employment, housing stress and Australia’s economy.” 
On a state-by-state basis when comparing the March 2012 quarter with the March 2011 quarter, the total seasonally adjusted value of residential work done fell by 14.8%in NSW, 0.8% in Victoria, 3.2% in Queensland, 8.5% in South Australia, 17.7% in Western Australia, 11% in Tasmania, and 2.8% in the ACT. 
In trend terms, the value of residential work done rose by 0.7% in the Northern Territory. 
Master Builders Australia was equally glum on the latest figures, with CEO Wilhelm Harnisch saying the statistics back up the findings of other surveys that show there is considerable uncertainty and reluctance amongst new home buyers.
“While today’s data is a look into the ‘rear mirror,’ forward housing indicators do not provide much optimism for a sustainable housing recovery taking place this year.
“The industry is anxiously awaiting the cumulative effect of four Reserve Bank rate cuts totalling 1.25% over recent months to kick in.
“The March ABS figures indicate the rate cuts from November and December 2011 haven’t had the effect they typically would have. The industry is relying on the effect from last year’s cuts, and the rate cuts in May and June this year begin to take hold.
“The March quarter statistics confirm the state of Australia’s two speed economy and the need for the Reserve Bank not to discount additional rate cuts,” he says. 
Non-residential building work slumped 4.1% in the quarter following a fall of 3.7% in the December 2011 quarter.
Overall, the seasonally adjusted estimate of the value of total building work done fell 2.8% to $18.7 billion in the March quarter, following a fall of 2.1% in the December 2011 quarter.
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