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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[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>

&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

<html><body>
The five NSW councils with the lowest mean gross determination time for development applications in 2010-11 were:
<img src="/images/stories/11days.gif">
Murrumbidgee Shire Council
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/13days.gif">
Temora Shire Council
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/18days.gif">
Coolamon Shire Council
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/18days.gif" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;"> 
Conargo Shire Council
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/18days.gif" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;"> 
Berrigan Shire Council
 
<hr>
 
The five NSW councils with the highest mean gross determination time for develpment applications in 2010-11 were:
<img src="/images/stories/136days.gif">
Boorowa Council
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/133days.gif">
Tweed Shire Council
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/115days.gif">
Leichhardt Municipal Council
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/114days.gif">
Mosman Municipal Council
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/111days.gif">
Botany Bay City Council
 
The mayor of Leichhardt, in Sydney’s inner west, has defended her council’s planning system despite its ranking as the slowest Sydney metropolitan council for approving development applications.
Leichhardt, which determined 448 applications valued at under $500,000, was one of only eight councils taking more than 100 days to approve developments, in gross mean terms, according to the NSW government’s annual report card on the state’s 152 councils.
Now at 115 days, Leichhardt had recorded 113 days in the year prior.
“I think the issues you need to consider are that Leichhardt Council’s local government area is the fourth most intensely developed in Australia,” Leichhardt mayor Rochelle Porteous told the Australian Financial review.
“We have some of the smallest lots of any local government area, and 70% of Leichhardt Council is heritage conservation zone.”
The 2010-11 Local Development Performance Monitoring report provides an overview of the performance of the NSW planning system and information on local and regional development determined by councils, private certifiers and joint regional planning panels.
This year’s report is the sixth in the series. 
The ongoing effects of the global financial climate are evident in the development activity results for 2010-11. Development activity fell compared with 2009-10 while the total value of development increased during the same period.
While key indicators of performance, such as the statewide average determination time across 152 councils, were similar to 2009-10, the most recent year continued the trend of fewer councils with very high average determination times. 
Overall development approvals fell by 3% compared with 2009-10. 
A total of 81,147 local development approvals (DAs and complying development certificates or CDCs) were reported for 2010-11. 
This was 3% higher than 2008-09 when development activity reached a historic low.
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The NSW best- and worst-performing councils on residential development approvals

<html><body>
Investor interest is likely to be high for the latest group of 7-Eleven service stations, which will go to auction on March 22.
Ten service stations will go under the hammer in NSW ranging in size from just 955 square metres for a West Pennant Hills service station to South Windsor property measuring 4.7 hectares (by the far the biggest to be sold to date), in the Hawkesbury municipality.
Initial annual rentals for the 10 service stations range from $160,000 to $320,000 with a guaranteed 4% annual rent increase.
The stores are part of the 250 retail sites acquired by 7-Eleven following its $61.1 million acquisition from Mobil Retail in May 2010. Each includes a service station, convenience store and customer parking
The South Windsor property is located close to the Bligh Park shopping centre and on the major access path to the Windsor town centre and Penrith. 
The 4,465-square-metre Bankstown service station has the highest annual rental of $320,000. It is located close to the main commercial and retail centre approximately 16 kilometres from the Sydney CBD.
The full list of NSW services stations is:
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319"> </td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Size
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
Annual rental
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
South Windsor, 735 George Street 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
47,370 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$250,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Roseville, Cnr Pacific Highway &amp; Boundary Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
2,598 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$250,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Bankstown, 180 Stacey Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
4,465 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$320,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Greenacre, 301-313 Hume Highway
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
8,268 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$300,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
West Pennant Hills, 552 Pennant Hills Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
955 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$160,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Parramatta, 81 Victoria Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
2,802 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$170,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Dapto, 125 Princess Highway
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
2,335 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$200,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Newport, 307-311 Barrenjoey Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
1,435 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$250,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Burwood, Cnr Shaftsbury Road &amp; Parramatta Road
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
4,549 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$170,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="319">
Minchinbury, 815 Great Western Highway
</td>
<td valign="top" width="151">
2,419 sqms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="146">
$250,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
All properties come with new 15-year leases, with three further renewal options of five years each and 4% annual fixed rent increases. The tenant pays all outgoings except land tax.
The 4,549-square metre Burwood service station sits on the most valuable land – estimated at $4 million – and has the highest estimated 2011 land tax bill of $64,000.
The 2,335-square-metre Dapto property is valued at $400,000 and has an estimated land tax bill of just $164.
The properties are being marketed by John Macree from Jones Lang LaSalle, who led the 2011 NSW campaign, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/high-yields-for-7-elevens-continue-to-attract-investors/2011120752720">which culminated in 10 sales of 7-Elevens at auction</a>.
Macree could not provide a price guide, but says the 2010 sales results “may be useful as a guide”.
“Buyer appetite for these passive investments secured by long-term leases remains strong,” he says.
Last year commercial property investors snapped up more than $90 million worth of refurbished 7-Eleven service stations across NSW and Victoria with prices ranging from $1.6 million for a 1,900-square-metre service station in Bayswater East in Melbourne to up to $4.6 million for a 2,824-square-metre site in Turramurra.
A further six Queensland 7-Elevens are to be sold by Jones Lang LaSalle’s Ben McGrath.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

NSW 7-Eleven service stations expected to garner strong investor interest

<html><body>
When it comes to commercial property investing, have you ever actually sat down and analysed your principal aims?
And have you then matched them against the properties you already own — or those you may now be considering?
Basically, you'll find most people purchase commercial property for one (or more) of four reasons.
<ul>
<li>to receive a solid cashflow;</li>
<li>to provide a profitable return;</li>
<li>to benefit from tax savings; and</li>
<li>as a hedge against inflation.</li>
</ul>
You may feel you'd like to achieve all of these. But generally, one or two will stand out as being more important for you.
As you're probably aware, the truly rich tend to generate their capacity for wealth through their business activities. But then, they turn to commercial property to preserve and grow that wealth.
And in the same way, your underlying principles should also be to protect your original equity, and then obtain a worthwhile, ongoing return on it.
With that in mind, you would need to remove anything of a highly speculative nature from among the properties you pursue. Because, what you're effectively seeking is solid growth — without unnecessary risk. And that brings us to:
Your investment profile
More often than not, you can determine your profile based upon your personality type and your past experience.
Type #1: The Risk Taker
Some people love telling stories about how they "gambled a lot" — where they would have either made a fortune or gone broke. These investors can be quite entertaining to listen to, but rather dangerous to imitate.
Type #2: The Armchair Investor
These people certainly know their stuff — because they attend lots of seminars, read many books and are probably a regular on several forums. But they never have enough conviction to actually invest for themselves.
Type #3: The Shrewd Conservatives
These are the mildly aggressive investors, who only increase the size of the portfolio when they have enough funds in reserve. They do their homework before buying and don't put the existing properties at risk.
Bottom Line: As you can appreciate, it is the Type #3 investor who is most likely to succeed. And that's the one you should strive to emulate, going forward.
Anyway if you'd like to explore all of this in more detail, I would invite you <a target="_blank" href="https://commercial-property-secrets.com/">to watch a video</a>, where I'll walk you through a case study and also outline the precise steps you need to follow.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog" href="https://his-best.biz/">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
 
 
</body></html>

chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

The three types of commercial property investor: Which type are you?

<html><body>
<table width="361" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
Median weekly asking rent for units
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3008
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
DOCKLANDS
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$560
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3006
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
SOUTHBANK
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$550
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3207
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
PORT MELBOURNE
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$540
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3205
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
SOUTH MELBOURNE
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3003
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
WEST MELBOURNE
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$477.50
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
MELBOURNE
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$450
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3065
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
FITZROY
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$450
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3066
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
COLLINGWOOD
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$450
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3002
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
EAST MELBOURNE
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$440
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
3142
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="149">
TOORAK
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="143">
$427.50
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
 
 
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Top 10 most expensive inner-Melbourne suburbs for unit rentals: RP Data

<html><body>
<table width="388" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
Median unit price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2027
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
POINT PIPER
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$2.85 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
DAWES POINT
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$2.05 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2027
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
DARLING POINT
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$1,231,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2026
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
TAMARAMA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$1,055,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2000
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
THE ROCKS
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$1 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2090
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
CREMORNE POINT
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$971,400
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2137
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
CABARITA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$943,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2030
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
DOVER HEIGHTS
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$926,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2041
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
BIRCHGROVE
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$885,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="101">
2074
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="155">
NORTH TURRAMURRA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
$857,500
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
</body></html>

Top 10 most expensive suburbs in Sydney for unit purchases: RP Data

<html><body>
Over the 2011 calendar year, home values fell by 3.6% across the combined capital cities and sales volumes also eased as market activity slowed. The slowdown in buyer activity has made achieving sales much harder and for property professionals it has made finding commissions much more challenging. Data also shows that the premium end of the housing market has experienced greater value falls than those recorded for more affordable property types.
In terms of sales activity across the combined capital cities, homes priced between $300,000 and $400,000 have recorded the greatest volume of activity with 23.5% of all sales occurring within this price band. Over the year, 58.4% of all home sales have occurred at prices between $300,000 and $600,000. Sales of properties priced in excess of $1 million accounted for just 7.8% of all sales over the year.
Across individual capital cities, sales activity at prices between $300,000 and $400,000 accounted for the largest portion of sales in Sydney (19.1%), Melbourne (24.7%), Brisbane (29.4%) and Adelaide (29.5%). Property sales between $400,000 and $500,000 accounted for the greatest proportion of all sales in Perth (24.2%), Darwin (25.5%) and Canberra (32.7%) while in Hobart most sales occurred between $200,000 and $300,000 (29.7%).
Property sales in excess of $1 million were most prevalent within Sydney (11.3%), Melbourne (8.3%) and Perth (6.9%) while in every other capital city sales in excess of $1 million accounted for less than 4% of all sales.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb201.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb201thumb.gif"></a>
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb202.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb202thumb.gif"></a>
Although looking at the volume of sales provides a valuable insight of where demand is, from an agency perspective the value of the home is very important as it directly relates to commission payable. Across the capital cities, sales of homes priced between $400,000 and $500,000 had the greatest total value of sales, accounting for 16.6% of the total market. The $400,000 to $500,000 price point also accounted for 21.2% of the total volume of sales, suggesting that this is a market which is both attractive for purchasers and potentially most lucrative for sales agents. Properties priced between $1m and $2 million accounted for 14.9% of the total value of all sales making it the second largest price point in terms of value of sale.
Across individual capital cities, the $400,000 to $500,000 price band accounted for the greatest total value of sales in Melbourne (16.3%), Brisbane (22.2%), Perth (19.5%), Darwin (24.6%) and Canberra (27.1%). In Sydney, the $1 million to $2 million price point accounted for the greatest total value of sales (19.3%) and in Adelaide (23.7%) and Hobart (26.4%) it was the $300,000 to $400,000 price point.
The results highlight that with home values falling and sales volumes at below average levels, now more than ever property professionals need to understand where the strongest level of demand exists.
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb203.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb203thumb.gif"></a>
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb204.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb204thumb.gif"></a>
<img src="/images/stories/volumevalue.jpg">
 
Tim Lawless is research director at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RP Data</a>.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>
</body></html>

tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Demand is strongest at $300,000-plus price point, but there is a million-dollar sweet spot for value: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
All t<a href=""></a>he political Machiavellian machinations are hurting property confidence around the country.
Villa World, which sells affordable house-and-land packages, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/investors-and-upgraders-not-first-home-buyers-behind-villa-worlds-building-lot-sales-in-past-six-months/2012021453385">recently presented its half-year results</a> and pointed the finger directly at the politicians.
It attributed its slowing sales to the standard global economic instability, along with interest rate uncertainty but then also blamed “the domestic political situation.”
It is the first real estate company to go public with the suggestion that the Gillard-led minority federal government’s inherent instabilities are impacting on house-and-land sales.
Villa World, which is dominant in the politically unstable state of Queensland, is just saying publicly what the industry has been thinking for many months.
Increasingly anxious since mid-2011, many in the property industry - from billionaires to sales staff - want some quick resolution. And they ideally want a change of government as well.
As hard as it is to nail the origins and connection, the real estate industry just reckons some confidence will return to the market with a dose of firm leadership from the Lodge and the Treasury.
The latest weakened weekend auctions results of course preceded the latest Rudd video flare-up.
Auction clearance rates dropped slightly in Melbourne and rose slightly in Sydney in the first weekend after <a target="_blank" href="/news">all four big bank increased their interest rates</a>.
The rate rises will certainly cement buyer caution and could also stall any improvement in the capital city markets, which had been set to record price growth.
The number of properties for sale in each city is still lower than at the same time last year.
The weekend clearance rate in Melbourne was 59% according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, down on the 64% clearance rate the week before and the 63% last February.
There were 579 properties put under the hammer in Melbourne, about 140 fewer than at the same time last year, according to the REIV.
There was a <a href=""></a>54% clearance rate in Sydney, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Last week, 52.5% of Sydney properties auctioned were sold, and at the same time last year, 61% of properties sold, APM figures show.
APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says the smaller volumes reflected the subdued market.
He says fragile confidence remains a significant barrier to increased housing market activity.
“Certainly there’s consistency in the lower numbers being offered this year compared to last year,” he says.
The most expensive house to sell in Sydney last week was a four-bedroom Federation Queen Anne-style house in Mosman that fetched $2.9 million.
The top property sold in Melbourne was a five-bedroom home in Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, which fetched $3 million plus.
</body></html>

Property industry looks to the Lodge for firm leadership to strengthen sales activity

<html><body>
The infamous Snowtown bank has been listed for sale.
Hale Real Estate director Nigel Christie says the Snowtown property has a $200,000 price guide. It’s located about 150 kilometres north of Adelaide.
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/snowtown1.jpg">
Convicted murderers John Justin Bunting and Robert Joe Wagner used the former bank's vault to store their victims’ bodies in barrels in 1999.
The bank has more recently been used to shoot scenes for the film Snowtown.
It comes with the four-bedroom former manager's residence for the State Bank of South Australia.
The property on a 1,000-square-metre corner block on the corner of High Street and Railway Terrace needs updating, Christie says.
"It has this solid brick home, which is in excellent condition, which you could rent out, plus it's got a shop you could rent out," he adds.
"The vendor used the bank as a music room and games room," he told Adelaide Now.
Buyers’ agent Tim Mansfield says selling agents <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/murder-and-mayhem-what-an-agent-should-disclose-if-a-property-has-an-unsavoury-past/2012021953438">have a duty to tell buyers if a property has an unsavoury past</a>.
A High Street four bedroom house set on a 1618 – which has a rental return of $150 per week – is currently listed at $158,000 through Butterfield Real Estate.
A five-bedroom timber cottage on Railway Terrace listed at $89,000 appears to have been snappily sold.
</body></html>

Infamous Snowtown bank for sale: Title Tattle

<html><body>
Investors will be able to own a piece of the Empire State Building after its owners announced plans to list the New York landmark on the New York Stock Exchange.
The 102-story building, once the tallest in the world, forms part of the Empire State Realty Trust Inc, owned by the Malkin Family since 2002.
The REIT plans to issue two classes of stock – class A shares being sold to the public worth one vote each and class B shares with 50 votes each.
On a pro forma basis, the company generated revenue of about $156.7 million from the building for the nine months ended September 30. In total, it earned $71 million, rebounding from lows during the financial crisis.
The Empire State Building accounts for the largest chunk of revenue for the REIT, which also owns 12 office properties and six standalone retail properties mostly located in midtown Manhattan.
Between $175 million and $215 million of capital raised through the listing will be used to renovate and reposition its properties.
Standing at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street, the Art Deco building rises to 443.2 metres when including its antennae spire.
It was built in 1931 and reined as the tallest building in the world until the construction of the World Trade Centre North Tower. It famously featured in the 1933 movie King Kong as the site where the giant ape battled fighter planes.
It is currently the tallest building in New York, third tallest in the US and 15th tallest in the world.
The Empire State Building was designed by William F. Lamb from the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, which produced the building drawings in just two weeks.
Empire State Realty will use the ticker symbol ESB.
As part of the IP, the company said it would consolidate a group of closely held companies to form a real estate investment trust.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Investors offered shares in New York’s Empire State Building

<html><body>
The Charter Hall Retail Trust has reported a 5.6% drop in interim statutory profits to $41.7 million despite “resilient” non-discretionary sales growth from its anchor tenants Coles and Woolworths.
The two supermarket groups recorded sales growth of 4.6% for the six month reporting period to December 31, 2011, compared with the REIT’s specialty tenants, which managed sales growth of just 1.7%.
Acting CEO Scott Dundas says the resilience of non-discretionary retail spending “continues to positively reinforce the REIT’s underlying strategy of being a specialist owner of supermarket anchored neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centres in Australia.
“We believe the continued sales growth of this sector, as highlighted by recent Australian Bureau of Statistics retail data which reported annual food-based turnover of 4.2%, coupled with 8.2% specialty occupancy costs of the REIT’s portfolio provides a positive opportunity for further income and capital growth for unitholders,” Dundas says.
Over the six-month period Charter Hall Retail disposed of four US retail assets as it refocused on strengthening its Australian portfolio with the acquisition of three former Centro-managed malls, all of which are anchored by either a “dominant” Coles or Woolworth’s supermarket.
The trust intends to sell a further three wholly owned assets in the US by June 2012.
In December the trust acquired the Lansell Plaza in Bendigo for $32 million from the Centro Group and the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/centro-sells-adelaide-shopping-centre-following-brisbane-settlement/2011092051630" target="_blank">Gladstone Shopping Centre</a> in Queensland from a syndicate managed by the Centro Group for $17 million.
In August it acquired the Albany Creek Shopping Centre in Brisbane for $40.1 million from a Centro/MCS-managed syndicate.
In its annual results, Charter Hall Retail REIT said its Australian portfolio continued to perform well during the year, “highlighting the resilience of the non-discretionary retail sector”.
Occupancy across its Australian portfolio stands at 98.7% with same property net operating income growth of 3.5%
The $946 million portfolio achieved specialty rental rate growth of 4.1% and signed 82 new lease and 77 renewal transactions in the half year.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News