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]

Joel Robinson

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 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

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>

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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 most important word in the dictionary for any successful real estate agent is not money. It is trust.
From the moment we are born we learn to trust those around us, just as we learn not to trust them. The concept of trust forms part our DNA wiring.
Trust can be defined as “confidence in the honesty or integrity of a person”, and the synonyms associated with the noun are confidence, dependence, belief and credence. Trust is about both character (which includes integrity) and competence (your strengths and your weaknesses).
There is a saying that “Nothing is as fast as the speed of trust”, and this can refer to every real estate agent’s most valuable asset: recommendation by word of mouth. The thing about trust is that if you lose it, it is gone forever. But if you have it, it spreads like wildfire from person to person.
The maxim “Know me, like me, trust me” is often used in real estate training to explain the process of gaining trust. It doesn’t happen the minute you first meet someone. To be recognised as “trustworthy” you have to earn it first by demonstrating your honesty and integrity, and only then will you gain a person’s confidence.
It’s no secret real estate sales agents are held in low regard in the public perception. In fact, in one recent poll they ranked at the bottom after doctors, firefighters and prostitutes. The main reason appears to stem from the initial meeting with a property seller when the agent gives an estimate of market value, but there are also accusations of agents being inexperienced, unqualified or downright dishonest.
From the very beginning of the seller/agent relationship there is an element of mistrust, often compounded by an over-inflated “valuation” of a property. This is the greatest dilemma faced by real estate agents every working day. If they under-appraise they may lose the listing, and if they over-appraise they may lose trust and their own reputation. Over-appraising is often referred to as “buying a listing”.
The crux of the issue appears to lie somewhere between an understanding of the industry code of ethics and good real estate training, and generation Y real estate agents may get caught up in material values rather than traditional fundamental ones.
In an article entitled “Can you trust a real estate agent”, Kevin Turner of Radio 4BC’s Real Estate Talk predicted that 60% of the people in real estate at the start of 2009 would be gone by the beginning of 2010.
In the current climate of uncertainty in the real estate industry, Turner’s predictions may also come true in 2012. Aspiring young agents are leaving the industry in droves, while principals of real estate agencies are going back to listing themselves to cut down on overheads.
At the end of the day a real estate agents reputation is everything, and his or her success or failure depends on it.
Tim Mansfield is founder and principal of Sydney-based buyers' agency <a href="https://www.primepropertybuyer.com/" target="_blank">Prime Property Buyer</a>.
 
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tmansfield-Rk8rBecHRA

The importance of trust in real estate

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Office strata space within the 1966 Peter Muller-designed Bourke Street Hoyts Cinema Centre in Melbourne has been priced upwards from $470,000.
The building’s conversion into strata offices accompanies its relaunch as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.140east.com.au/opportunity">140 East </a>by its developers, Drapac Property.
CBRE agent Tom Tuxworth and David Combes of Alexander Robertson are steering the strata sales campaign.
Whole and half floors as well smaller office ranging from 99 square metres to 677 square metres are being offered.
<img src="/images/stories/hoyts.jpg">
The cinema façade, which has strong Frank Lloyd Wright influences, is National Trust listed.
The building housed three cinemas on its opening. Drapac Property bought the building in 2004 after Hoyts moved its main theatre complex to Melbourne Central. The cinemas closed in 2004
The premium fit-outs of the 7,000-square-metre space over the 10 floors will be designed by SJB Architects.
A half floor in 140 East has already been sold, with the level six strata space fetching $1.72 million, or $5,500 per square metre of building area.
Purchasers will also have the ability to buy car bays in the building, which is accessed off Little Bourke Street.
Buyers will enjoy tax depreciation benefits.
Combes says the Bourke Street precinct has undergone a renaissance in recent years with the addition of the Southern Cross Office development diagonally opposite.
Tuxworth says with no other product like it in the Melbourne CBD, he is expecting the project to be very well received.
"This precinct of the CBD currently – and historically – has the lowest vacancy rates, and there is no doubt rents are increasing and will continue to rise.”
Drapac Property purchased the building for $14.4 million.
The anchor tenant of the lower levels will be Virgin Active health and fitness club.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Strata office space in landmark Melbourne Hoyts Cinema Centre building available from $470,000

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NSW house repossession orders declined by 6% in the final quarter of 2011 compared with the corresponding period in 2010, according to writs of possession notices issued by the NSW Supreme Court.
There were 614 writs of possession notices issued in final quarter of 2011 compared with 649 in the final quarter of 2010 and 703 in the final quarter of 2009.
There was also a similar decline (5%) in the number of writs issues in the second half of the 2011 compared with the first half of the year, with 1,467 writs issued, up from 1,378.
In the final month of the year, there were 150 writs issued, with the Liverpool’s Casula the worst offender with three writs issued.
In total there were 2,845 writs of possession notices issued over 2011. The worst month was May, when 301 writs were issued by the NSW Supreme Court.
In May, Bankstown in Sydney’s outer west and Young, 272 kilometres of south west of Sydney, had the highest number of writs issued, with five apiece.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/repos.gif"><img src="/images/stories/reposthumb.gif"></a>
In 2010 there were 2,564 writs issued, a 33% decline on 3,816 issued in 2009.
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

NSW house repossession orders down 6% in final quarter of 2011

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The total land value of Ballina Shire decreased 1% from 2008 to 2011, according to the latest report by NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
Western found the total land value of the shire was $5.44 billion in July 2011, down from his 2008 valuation of $5.496 billion
In that time residential land values generally had a slight decrease, although some waterfront properties and properties with good water views showed slight to moderate decreases in land value.
M<a href=""></a>uch of decline was from 2010 to 2011, with the median residential land price decreasing 3.5% from $236,000 to $228,000.
Commercial land values in Ballina decreased slightly over the three years, while secondary commercial and commercial properties fronting the highway experienced moderate decreases in land value.
Year-on-year the median commercial land value decreased 5% from $472,000 to $448,000.
Industrial land values decreased slightly, with the exception of industrial land in Alstonville, which had a slight increase in value.
From 2010 to 2011 overall the mean industrial land price increased 1% from $350,000 to $354,000.
Rural land values had a slight increase, though some areas in the western part of Ballina experienced a slight decrease.
Rural residential and hobby farm land values generally increased slightly, with the rise more significant in the northern part of the municipality due to the influence of Byron Bay.
Landowners and rate-paying lessees received a notice of valuation last month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
The median rural land price increased 1% from $347,000 in 2010 to $350,000 in 2011.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>672 square metres at Crane Street, Ballina valued at $285,000 </li>
<li>735 square metres at Tea Tree Place, East Ballina valued at $227,000 </li>
<li>953 square metres at Amber Drive, Lennox Head valued at $396,000 </li>
<li>765 square metres at Ashland Street, Alstonville valued at $190,000.</li>
<li>Typical commercial land values were: </li>
<li>1,092 square metres at River Street, Ballina valued at $490,000 </li>
<li>303 square metres at River Street, Ballina valued at $390,000</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>1,498 square metres at Southern Cross Drive, Ballina valued at $448,000 </li>
<li>1,078 square metres at Northcott Crescent, Alstonville valued at $182,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>24.9 hectares at Bagotville Road, Bagotville valued at $445,000 </li>
<li>33.3 hectares at Meaneys Lane, East Wardell valued at $385,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>4,140 square metres at Hillcrest Drive, Tintenbar valued at $395,000 </li>
<li>4,326 square metres at Teven Road, Teven valued at $266,000 </li>
<li>5,539 square metres at Wenga Drive, Alstonvale valued at $281,000.</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land value was:
<ul>
<li>14.6 hectares at Fernleigh Road, Fernleigh valued at $550,000</li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul></ul>
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Waterfront land losing value in Ballina

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Six 7-Eleven service stations will go to auction on March 22 in Brisbane. 
The six sites are being sold <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=www.propertyobserver.com.au+7-Eleven&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;ved=0CCQQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.propertyobserver.com.au%2Fretail%2Fnsw-7-eleven-service-stations-expected-to-garner-strong-investor-interest%2F2012022053466&amp;ei=uI5ET93pKIOZiAf-0snvAw&amp;usg=AFQjCNHxZJTBWXTN0E9erydQxFoB6AsAcg" target="_blank">alongside a batch of 10 NSW service stations</a>, which will go to auction on the same day in Sydney. 
The largest of the six properties is a 5,072-square-metre site at 1 Kingston Road in Woodridge, about 20 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, which has rent commencing at $136,000 and has an estimated land value of $2 million. 
The full list of properties is:
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Location
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
Address
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
Size
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
Annual Rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Land value
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Woodridge
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
1 Kingston Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
5,072 sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
$136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
$2 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Springwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
53 Springwood Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
3,702 sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
$170,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
$2.4 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Marsden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
79 Chambers Flat Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
3,500sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
$170,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
$1 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Sandgate
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
86 Rainbow Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
1,248sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
$120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
$640,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Strathpine
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
273 Gympie Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
2,365sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
$175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
$920,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Nambour
</td>
<td valign="top" width="129">
922 Nambour Connection Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="124">
1,821sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
$190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="119">
$270,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
  
The properties are being marketed by Sam Hatcher and Ben McGrath from Jones Lang LaSalle. 
All properties come with new 15-year leases with three options of five year renewals and guaranteed 4% annual rent increases. 
McGrath tells Property Observer he expects the petrol stations to sell in a similar price range as achieved in NSW and Victoria. 
Last year about $90 million worth of 7-Elevens were sold in and around Sydney and Melbourne.
Investors paid <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/sales-of-7-elevens-during-2011-secure-investors-yields-of-between-4.6-and-8.5/2011112752554">between$1.6 million for a 1,900-square-metre service station in Bayswater East in Melbourne up to $4.6 million for a 2,824-square-metre site in Turramurra</a> in 2011.
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Six Queensland 7-Elevens to tempt commercial property investors at March auction

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The cruise ship the World of ResidenSea left Melbourne unnoticed, but no doubt arrives tomorrow in Sydney to a somewhat soggy welcome. Continuously sailing the seas, and docking where the owners’ corporation want: that's life aboard The World, the still-unique floating private community that is permanent home to wealthy residents and their occasional guests.
Owned by those who live on board, The World has visited more than 125 nations and circles the globe every two to three years. The 43,524-tonne ship can travel the world at a maximum 18 knots.
Australians, especially Sydneysiders and Gold Coasters, are almost over-represented among the owners, which might explain the frequency of the trips Down Under.
The 165 lavish apartments consist of 106 two- and three-bedrooms units, there are 18 one- and two-bedroom homes, and then there are 39 studios.
There are six apartments currently available for resale including the priciest - a combined 388-square-metre 11th-floor offering at $10 million through Savills.
The facilities include two pools, a tennis court, virtual golf, gym, library, chapel, deli and even House of Graff jewellers.
It’s a 12-deck, 196-metre vessel that first set sail in 2002, and officially sold out four years later. The initial sales were at around the $42,000 a square metre mark.
"OUR EXECUTIVE CHEF GOT SOME LOBSTERS STRAIGHT OFF THE BOAT TODAY, CAN I TEMPT YOU TO TRY ONE?”
Title Tattle was aboard The World of ResidenSea, the first time it sailed into Sydney Harbour in 2003, bunked down in a 30-square-metre studio apartment among the then $850 a night paying guests on the lowest deck. But familiar faces among the owners upstairs were soon apparent. The language translation business entrepreneurs Nicola Chapman and Andrew McLeay – who played the doctor in the murder mystery night during the cruise – ranked among the Australian couples who were owners on The World. The late Sydney stockbroker Michael Toltz was another on-board owner. As where Bill and Imelda Roche, the developers of the Hunter Valley gardens estate.   Developed between 1998 and 2003 and spanning 25 hectares, the site is one of Australia's largest privately owned gardens which comes with cellar door with wines named after Bill and Imelda.  The Roches are presumably still enjoying their eight-floor apartment on The World, although Title Tattle was quite surprised to see them counted as crew in the ship’s manifest when it left Port Melbourne last week bound for Hobart and then Sydney. 
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/roche.jpg" title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/rochethumb.jpg"></a>
The Scottish-born Levin Wine founder David Levin, and his Australian wife, Lynne, were aboard when it left Melbourne. David Levin, owner of The Capital Hotel in London, started growing his own grapes in the Loire Valley, France in 1985 to produce his own private label wines for his luxury hotels and restaurants. The Levins were great mates of the late Len Evans and during their numerous trips to Australia they were introduced to many advances in viticulture that they've now adopted at their Loire vineyard. 
As its many cloistered owners don't wish to be named as owners, ascertaining continued ownership is a little tricky, but acquistions by Australians have continued with Richard Penn, the one-time Gutbuster entrepreneur, and his wife, Heather, now among the reputed owners. From NSW's Southern Highlands, Ken and Susan Cooper, who own the Sutton Forest, Rotherwood estate are among the owners too.
Title Tattle recalls, that boarding in Sydney back in 2003, was the engineer Bob Sparke from Belvedere estate at Burradoo in the NSW Southern Highlands. Title Tattle recollects  Sparke's acquaintanceship with mining tycoon Gina Rinehart had blossomed and they were then regularly following the sunsets from a ninth-floor apartment. Gina, who of course can’t help working, had Queensland government ministers aboard at a 2010 private dinner which triggered some parliamentary controversy.
Built at a cost of $US262 million, The World was conceived in 1997 by Norwegian shipping magnate Knut Kloster jnr, whose father started the Norwegian Caribbean Line in 1966. The idea was to establish an exclusive floating resort whose residents would circumnavigate the world, visiting desirable destinations and attending global events. Initially boasting a one-to-one guest/staff ratio, the ship's exclusivity stemmed from the original requirement that owners have a $5 million-plus net worth. So the World is viewed by some as Noah's Ark for the filthy rich. 
Plenty of Americans were the early buyers including Jim Blair, a retired Silicon Valley property developer, and William Scott, a retired New York adman.  The Colorado-based health-club industry entrepreneur Richard Reed headed the residents' committee after paying $US21,000 per square metre for his 126-square-metre apartment. Any buyers of the 50-year-long leaseholds must prove a net worth of $US5 million and have no criminal record. 
Back in 2003 its wealthy apartment owners were beginning to mutiny. Motivational speaker John Demartini and his late wife, Australian astrologer Athena Starwoman, had outlaid $3 million on their glamorous cabin and expected nothing less than luxury while following the sunset in the ocean-going luxury ship. It was a one-bedroom apartment into which they moved after selling their Trump Tower apartment, unnerved after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
But after setting sail from Oslo in 2002, The World was overrun by rowdy short-stay tourists invited aboard by the ship's financially challenged operator to help fill the many unsold apartments.
"You would get to some ports, and there were three or 400 people who would come on board," complained Demartini. "You're sitting there and they're all tramping through your house."
Apparently the last straw for the owners aboard was when 20 top-selling Ford Australia dealers dressed in their company-logo T-shirts partied aboard during its 2003 Sydney docking.
Things have changed and the $1,000-plus a night six-day minimum stay has cleared the riff raff from the ship. Although Title Tattle did notice last year Demartini was offering one of his motivational lecture attendees the chance to also spend an extraordinary day with him and a small, elite group of other pioneering leaders at his luxury residence on The World. 
After Sydney it’s cruising Milford, Doubtful and Dusky sounds in New Zealand. Bon voyage!
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Millionaires see the world in floating apartment complex ResidenSea: Title Tattle

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The number of suburbs with median house prices above $1 million fell both in Melbourne and Sydney over the second half of 2011, with notable falls recorded in Toorak, a suburb synonymous with wealth and prestige.
APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says the Melbourne prestige market has been “very soft”, with top-end buyers very scarce at the moment.
“There was some activity towards the end of the year, but this was mainly from bargain hunters – there is good value to be had,” he says.
<img src="/images/stories/17.gif">
The number of Melbourne suburbs with a median house price of more than $1 million, down from 28 in the first half of 2011.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/92.gif">
The number of Sydney suburbs with a median house price of more than $1 million, down from 102 in the first half of 2011.
<img src="/images/stories/17.gif" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;">
The number of Perth suburbs with a median house price of more than $1 million.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/4.gif">
The number of Adelaide suburbs with a median house price of more than $1 million.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/2.gif">
The number of Brisbane suburbs with a median house price of more than $1 million.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/1.gif">
The number of Canberra suburbs with a median house price of more than $1 million.
 
<hr>
 
Toorak recorded 92 sales over the period with a median price of $1.2 million while Malvern was also a notable prestige suburb to suffer a major house price correction, with its median sales price dropping 31% to $1.085 million from 73 sales during this period.
Most tellingly, Sydney has 52 prestige suburbs with higher median than Toorak. The list is topped by Bellevue Hill in the eastern suburbs, which has a median of $3.3 million from 39 sales.
AMP senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says there were enough sales in Toorak for the result not to be a “statistical blip”.
“Toorak is traditionally a prestige cachet suburb, but it actually has a mixed profile in terms of price disparity and has some lower-priced properties,” he tells Property Observer.
The top ranking Melbourne suburb was Canterbury – 10 kilometres east of the CBD – which has a median sales price of just under $1.7 million achieved from 54 sales.
The fact that Canterbury ranks at the top reflects the quiet state of the market, Wilson says, because it has always ranked “second or third in terms of prestige”.
However, he says Canterbury is home to Melbourne’s “golden mile”, an area incorporating oak tree-lined Monomeath Avenue, whose residents have included the Minogue family, race car champion Mark Eddy and Andrew Peacock, former leader of the Liberal Party.
One of the strongest-performing prestige suburbs over the six-month period was Albert Park, a few kilometres south of the CBD and well known for its heritage buildings and <a title="Terraced house" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraced_house">terraced houses</a>.
Albert Park ranks second on the list of prestige suburbs with a 35% gain in the second half of 2011 to a median of $1.55 million.
The bayside suburb of Brighton remains the most popular among prestige buyers, recording 151 sales during the second half of 2011, with the median sales price rising 18% to $1.22 million.
Looking at Sydney, Wilson says most prestige suburbs in the top 20 recorded price falls over the six-month period.
Among those to suffer big price falls were Palm Beach, where the median price fell 26%, and Mosman, where prices fell 10%.
Looking ahead, Wilson expects a slow recovery at best for the prestige market.
“One of the positive things has been the stock market, which has been building solid base with incremental increases.
“It’s a key signal for prestige market, but there is a long way to go.
“We won’t see aspirational buyers until the third or fourth quarter, and we won’t see the kinds of prices we have seen in the past.”
Photo by <a href="https://98octanephotography.com/" target="_blank">98Octane Photograhy</a>, courtesy of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>.
 
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Number of million-dollar Melbourne suburbs falls to 17: APM 

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A career in real estate is fulfilling and rewarding. As a professional estate agent, you have the flexibility, freedom and opportunity to control your own career path.
A successful estate agent is goal-focused, committed, self-motivated, ambitious and people-oriented.
Qualified professionals in real estate can specialise in a wide range of areas: residential sales, auctioneering, property management, commercial sales, commercial property management, buyer or vendor advocacy, business broking or a mix of the above.
Real estate professionals work in many different sectors; in addition to working in or running estate agencies, they also work in the development industry, banks, law firms, government and academia.
The first step for most people in becoming a licensed real estate agent is to gain practical experience working as an agent’s representative under the supervision of a licensed estate agent. To work as an agent’s representative you must successfully complete a course of three units of study and meet a range of basic criteria outlined by the Business Licensing Authority.
To take the next step in your career and become a licensed estate agent you must successfully complete an additional 21 units, covering every aspect of the profession. This course can be undertaken in conjunction with the agent’s representative course so that, at the end of your first 12 months, you satisfy both the experience and educational requirements to apply for a licence in Victoria.
The REIV is the number one provider of real estate training in Victoria and will help you achieve the career goals necessary to be successful and to stand out from your competitors.
If you would like to find out more, including current costs and specials please visit <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">www.reiv.com.au</a>. Information about the requirements of the Victorian government can be found at <a href="https://www.bla.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.bla.vic.gov.au</a>.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
 
 
 
 
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How and why to become a real estate agent

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A property manager should be competent to look after all the day-to-day runnings of the property – from assisting the owner with tenant selection, to co-ordinating maintenance, making suggestions on property improvements and updates, paying the outgoings such as council, water and owner corporation accounts, and collecting the rent for the owner.
They should have a good understanding of what the owner expects of them, and they should be proactive and responsive with clients – without simply passing on the problem to the owner to make a decision. Owners pay for the services of a property manager for their advice, experience and to provide direction and recommendations when it comes to making the tough decisions.
When looking for a property manager, I recommend investors take a few minutes to speak to someone they are looking at employing. Don’t base your decision on fees alone, nor the location of the property manager.
Times have changed and a property manager no longer needs to be around the corner from the residence. If you don’t have time to call, send an email and review how long it takes to get a reply. This will give you an excellent indication of their communication and time-management skills. Both are extremely important for a good property manager.
A property manager needs to know a lot. They’re regularly asked for advice on legislation requirements, insurance policies, building requirements (especially with so many clients now buying new and off-the-plan properties), and often assist owners and tenants with budgeting. They’re also required to communicate with owners and tradespeople regarding maintenance or renovation issues affecting the property.
I don’t believe a certain number of years in the industry makes for a good property manager – some have been in the industry for 20 years and haven’t attended any training since 1990.
So, when it comes to appointing a property manager to look after your property, look for someone who has a passion for the industry, who regularly updates their skills and knowledge, and who isn’t afraid of technology or change.
Leah Calnan is the director of <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://www.metropm.com.au/" title="Metro Property Management homepage" target="_blank">Metro Property Management</a> in Victoria and is the chairwoman of the REIV Property Management Chapter.
 
 
 
 
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How to ensure your property is in the best hands

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Property developer Ron Medich has denied bribing an Aboriginal land council to obtain prime real estate at less than market value, the Independent Commission Against Corruption hearing has been told.
The hearing is into the Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council on the NSW south coast.
He acknowledged he gave his associate Lucky Gattellari, $53,000 in cash and $20,000 in cheques in relation to the Narooma properties he intended to buy.
ABC reporter Sarah Gerathy described it has “a testy and combative appearance before the ICAC”.
Gattellari previously gave evidence that the $53,000 was to "butter up" executives on the land council.
Medich denied much of Gattellari's testimony.

"I've never heard those words used in my life," Medich said.
Medich acknowledged he signed a joint venture agreement with the land council to develop the four properties, but said he had always intended to buy them outright.
"I went into it to do a joint venture, but I never wanted to do a joint venture," he said.
He said Gattellari had handled any some dealings without his knowledge.
  
 
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