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 Australian unemployment rate has fallen to 5.1%, beating expectations and driven by an increase in part-time employment.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said this morning that the unemployment rate had fallen 0.1 percentage points, with part-time employment lifting by 34,000 to 3.4 million and full-time employment up by 12,3000 to 8.063 million. Economists surveyed by AAP had tipped full-time jobs would increase by 12,000.
"The increase in seasonally adjusted part-time was driven by an increase in female part-time employment, whereas the increase full-time employment was driven by an increase in male full-time employment," ABS said.
The number of people unemployed fell by 15,300 last month to 614,200, and the labour participation rate edged up 0.1 percentage points to 65.3%.
The statistics bureau added that although recent reports have suggested 2011 was the year with the lowest employment growth since 1992, this statement does not take into account estimations that population growth last year was the lowest in 10 years.
"An alternative method of analysis that removes the effect of population growth is to compare average employment to population ratios for each year."
"In 2011, the employment to population ratio was 62.2%, which is the third highest rate of employment in the last 30 years, up 0.1 percentage points from 2010 and 6.1 percentage points higher than the low in 1992."
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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pmcstafford-pr9eMARWoN

Unemployment drops to 5.1%

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The Lowy family is remarkably pragmatic, prepared to make major changes to the structure of their sprawling property empire to suit the market circumstances and their own ambitions. 
In 2010, the family partially reversed the consolidation strategy they had put in place six years earlier in pursuit of more scale to pursue a global ambition by spinning off half of their core Australian portfolio of shopping centres into a new vehicle, Westfield Retail Trust. That was done in response to a flat-lining securities price and the lingering impact of the financial crisis on the cost and access to funding for property developments. 
The aim was to improve Westfield’s return on equity by maintaining development and management fees, but with a far smaller capital commitment to the portfolio, while releasing a big lump of capital to fund further developments. That strategy is working, with Westfield announcing a 37% increase in profit for the year to December, to $1.53 billion. 
Now it plans to take the concept of a "capital lighter" Westfield a step further. 
Today, it also announced the sale of a 45% interest in a portfolio of 12 centres in the US with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The transaction will release about $US1.8 billion of net cash to Westfield, which will continue to collect development, leasing and management fees from the $US4.7 billion partnership. 
Once that deal has been settled, about half Westfield’s US centres by value will be within joint venture structures, replicating its new Australian structure. 
Westfield also announced the sale of three non-core centres in the UK for $240 million. 
By joint venturing its core portfolio and becoming more aggressive in cashing out non-core properties – it says there will be more divestments and perhaps joint ventures this year – Westfield is releasing cash and capital, which gives it options in terms of how it funds its $11 billion development pipeline and any acquisitions it might make as well as the ability to return capital to security holders. 
It has exercised that latter option, planning to undertake an on-market buy-back of up to 10% of its capital – around $2 billion – which will again leverage its performance statistics and generate higher returns on capital. 
Underneath the strategic shifts, Westfield's portfolio is performing solidly, with growth in income and average rents in Australia, the US and the UK despite quite difficult conditions for its retail tenants. 
The Australian story is interesting, with Westfield generating 4.3% growth in net operating income despite the 2.2% decline in major retailers’ sales and the modest 1.4% and 1.5% sales gains by "mini majors" and speciality stores respectively. Department store sales were down 7.5% last year and discount department stores 2.7%, but that hasn’t stopped Westfield from collecting higher rents. 
Consumer conservatism, the strong dollar and the surging growth in online retailing are definitely impacting the big retailers and there is logic to the view that eventually that will flow through to rents and the value of retail property, although whether it will materially impact the kind of giant "destination" centres a Westfield controls is unclear. 
What’s particularly interesting about the Westfield strategy is that the group is effectively hedging its bets by selling down its ownership of the properties to third parties. It is both reducing and sharing the risk of a structural change in retailing that flows through to the value of its centres while continuing to collect layers of fees for managing them.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/" target="_blank">Business Spectator.</a>
 
 
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Westfield's lucrative risk defence: Stephen Bartholomeusz

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The Perth vacancy rate tightened from 2.8% in December 2011 to 2.3% in January with median house rents rising from $400 to $420, according to preliminary data from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA). 
Median rents for Perth units remain unchanged at $380 per week. 
Despite this tightening, REIWA president David Airey says any talk of a rental crisis in Perth is exaggerated. 
“The percentage of metropolitan rental properties available for lease was unchanged over the three-month period as a whole but did fluctuate a little for each calendar month. 
“We did see the vacancy rate in December lift a bit to 2.8%, but this has subsequently fallen to 2.3% for the month of January. 
Airey says it is possible the vacancy rate might tighten further during this quarter, “but the situation is nothing like the March quarter of 2007, which saw the vacancy rate plummet to just 0.8%. 
“The more notable feature is an 18% fall in the number of properties available for lease from 2,800 at the end of December to 2,300 in mid-February,” he says. 
Across the state, the vacancy rate for the three months to January stands at 2.5%, unchanged from the revised December 2011 quarterly rate, according to preliminary data.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Perth vacancies tighten to 2.3% but no rental crisis looming: REIWA

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<img src="/images/stories/reiwafeb16.gif">
Source: Real Estate Institute of Western Australia
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Perth sales volumes up 25% on same week last year: REIWA

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Property values across the combined capital cities fell by 3.6% over the 2011 calendar year, marking one of the weakest years for housing market conditions in recent memory. Over the 2010 calendar year property values across the capital cities had increased by 5.1% highlighting the marked slowdown in recent times.
Home values fell across each capital city with the declines ranging from -0.3% in Sydney to a -6.8% fall in values within Brisbane. As these results show, although values have fallen across all cities, the conditions across individual capital cities have varied greatly.
As the first graph shows, conditions have varied greatly over the last decade with the market moving in cycles characterised by periods of strong growth, value falls, and limited growth in values.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb161.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb161thumb.gif"></a>
Over the 10 years to December 2011, home values across the combined capital cities have recorded average annual growth of 6.4%. Darwin has been the strongest performer of the last decade with values increasing at an average annual rate of 12.9%. Sydney, which is also the country's most expensive capital city, has recorded the lowest average annual rate of growth in home values of just 4.1% over the 10-year period.  
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb162.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb162thumb.gif"></a>
Obviously with home values falling over the last 12 months, the recent market conditions have been somewhat different to those experienced over much of the last 10 years.
Although home values have recorded solid growth over the last decade, they recorded much stronger increases in values over the first five years of the decade than they did over the most recent five years.
Between December 2001 and December 2006 home values across the combined capital cities achieved average annual value growth of 8.1%. Home values recorded average annual growth in excess of 10%pa in every capital city except for Sydney (4.0% pa) and Melbourne (6.6% pa). The standout performers were Hobart with average annual value growth of 21.1% and Perth where values increased by 20.9% pa.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlessfeb164.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlessfeb164thumb.gif"></a>
Obviously, 10 years ago property values were much lower, enabling many to residents to get on the property ladder. The large adjustment in home values between 2001 and 2004 has exacerbated value growth figures over this period.
The performance of the housing market over the most recent five years shows a significant change in fortunes. Hobart and Perth which were the two best performing capital cities over the first part of the decade have been the weakest over the last five years with average annual growth in values of 3.0% pa and 0.2% pa respectively. Over the most recent five years, Melbourne is the only capital city that has recorded average annual value growth which is superior to that recorded over the first five years of the decade. To put the results in perspective, the best performing capital city over the first five years of the decade recorded average annual growth in values of 21.1% pa while over the most recent five years, the best performing city recorded value growth averaging 8.8% pa.
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/lawlfeb16.gif"><img src="/images/stories/lawlfeb16thumb.gif"></a>
Another recent trend has been the superior performance of the unit market relative to houses. Over the first five years average annual growth was recorded at 8.7% for houses and 6.2% for units, over the last five years the figures have been 4.4% pa and 5.5% pa respectively. The results reflect the fact that affordability has become an issue and people are focusing on cheaper housing options. The results also reflect changing lifestyle patterns and a greater acceptance of unit living, particularly within inner city areas of our major capital cities.
If recent market conditions are anything to go by, the residential housing market is likely to show lower levels of capital gains in the coming years compared to the longer-term historical trend. It is important to note that historically housing has been a long-term asset class which has appreciated at a slow pace over a long period of time. In recent years big spikes in growth rates have seen people more prepared to speculate on short-term value growth. Given the recent data it looks as if the housing market fundamentals are reverting to "normal" market conditions after a period of higher than normal growth rates.
Tim Lawless is research director of RP Data.
This article originally appeared on<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank"> SmartCompany.</a>
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tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

The two-speed decade for home value growth: Tim Lawless

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Australia maintained strong investor interest despite market sentiment in the Asia Pacific region deteriorating over quarter four 2011, according the latest report by CBRE.
The Asia Pacific ViewPoint report says offshore interest in Australia from Asia and Europe was steady through the quarter as competition from domestic groups including superannuation, funds, wholesale funds and unlisted property trusts grew.
In other Asia Pacific areas, market sentiment deteriorated due to increasing investor concern about the eurozone debt crisis and the uncertain global economic environment.
Despite this sentiment, investment volumes in the region rose during the quarter, bolstered by the completion of isolated larger deals and several related-party transactions.
Domestic Australian groups began to increase acquisitions as more substantial assets reached the market, particularly from the A-REIT sector.
Quarter four brought some large local deals including <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/government-employee-super-fund-to-buy-half-of-perth-office-tower-qv1/2011082551284" target="_blank">Australian Reward Alliance’s $310 million purchase of a 50% stake in the landmark QV1 tower in Perth</a> from Dexus Property Group and Industry Superannuation Property Trust’s $200 million acquisition of a 25% share in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/heritage-buildings-can-now-shoot-for-six-green-stars/2011082151231" target="_blank">161 Castlereagh Street</a>.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/cbrefeb16.gif"><img src="/images/stories/cbrefeb16thumb.gif"></a>
Australia remains attractive to offshore investors with high yields, a strong economic outlook and ease in making property deals, with one of the notable transactions being <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/offshore-investment-in-australian-commercial-property-at-20-year-high/2011122052916" target="_blank">the $84 million acquisition of 140 Sussex Street in Sydney</a>, according to senior managing director of international investments in Australia Rick Butler.
Most foreign investment came from Asia, predominantly driven by fund managers and Sovereign Wealth Funds in Singapore as well as cashed-up independent investors. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/offshore-investment-in-australian-commercial-property-at-20-year-high/2011122052916" target="_blank">$185 million sale of the ASX building at 20 Bridge Street</a> in Sydney went to Kwap, a Malaysian pension fund.
Butler is confident about the future of offshore investment in Australia.
“Demand from offshore parties should remain firm in 2012 whilst domestic investors will continue to turn more active,” writes Butler.
“News in January that Charter Hall Office REIT, which owns properties valued at $1.84 billion, had agreed to sell all of its units to an international consortium of PSP and GIC could be a sign of things to come, with investors looking for opportunities to acquire assets from listed and unlisted groups suffering from financial stress.”
China was another country that had sizeable transactions and development deals. Korea and Malaysia also had confident domestic groups.
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Offshore investment in Australian commercial property remains strong in December quarter 2011: CBRE

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The strongest growth market for Australia in 2012 will be Chinese tourism. The latest figures from Australian Bureau of Statistics show that during the year to September 2011, Chinese visitors increased by 23%. Tourism Australia identified that the China in-bound market was worth $3.26 billion to the Australian economy in 2010.
The strength in the in-bound Asian market is expected to offset the decline in travellers from Europe and the US. The number of visitors from the US is expected to be below historic average levels in 2012 due to the increased cost of long-haul flights due to oil price inflation, and the decline in the value of the greenback against the Australian dollar.
During 2012 our tourism markets will be driven by the relatively robust performance of the domestic economy, solid demand from Asian leisure travellers and a strong corporate and conference market.
While previously Australia relied heavily on tourist numbers from Japan, the focus has now firmly shifted to visitors from China and India. This is particularly important for our leisure based destinations, which have suffered from a decline in domestic visitors due to the high Australia dollar. Australians have shown an increasing preference for overseas travel over the past 12 months, and we expect this trend to continue into 2012.
Off shore buyers will dominate Australian hotel purchases in 2012. Domestic institutions are now showing a reduced appetite for hotel investment due to the perceived higher risk profile, and the cost and conditions attached to raising debt. This is despite the recently launched IPD Hotel Index showing that hotels were the best performing commercial property asset class in Australia in 2010, with a total return of 14.6%. During the year-to-date 2011, nearly 70% of total hotel purchases have been made by off shore investors. Large transactions have been made by Asian and North American parties, following an active year in 2010 when Australian hotels saw the largest inflow of foreign capital since 2002.
Asian investors remain the most active buying group and are expected to dominate investment in 2012. The strong fundamentals of the Australian hotel market will also see increased interest from global and sovereign wealth funds looking for core opportunities.
With few new hotels under construction and scarce investment product, demand for prime CBD Australian hotels is likely to see increased competition for assets brought to the market over the coming year.
For more forecasts for the property market in 2012, <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-forecasts-for-2012">download our free eBook</a>.
Michael Thomson is national director of hotesl and leisure for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.colliers.com.au/">Colliers International.</a>
 
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mthomson-dsEQ88ZNQn

Chinese tourism will be the strongest growth market for Australian hotels in 2012

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The January rental vacancy rate for the Sydney metropolitan area rose by 0.3% to 1.9%, the largest single increase since July 2010.
All areas of Sydney recorded increases in the percentage of rental properties available, according to the latest rental vacancy data from the Real Estate Institute of NSW. The figures show Sydney’s highest vacancy rates since August 2006.
Inner suburbs (zero to 10 kilometres from the CBD) rose 0.2 to 1.7%; middle suburbs (10 to 25 kilometres from the CBD, rose 0.1 to 2.1%, and outer suburbs (more than 25 kilometres from the CBD) rose 0.4% to 1.8%.
Areas outside of Sydney also experienced a marked increase in available properties, with Newcastle climbing back from 1.1% in December to reach 1.5% and Wollongong experiencing a 0.2% rise in availability to 2.3%.
The overall rental vacancy rate across the Hunter rose by 0.4% to reach 1.5%.
The entire Illawarra region experienced a 0.5% increase allowing the January vacancy rates to reach 2.1%.
However, vacancy rates dropped on the Central Coast (1.4% from 1.6%), Central West (1.8% from 1.9%) and Orana (1.2% from 1.5%).
REINSW president Christian Payne warns that the increase will be short lived and that tenants can soon expect the market to tighten up once more.
"January and February are traditionally peak periods for change in the rental market across NSW as school leavers, university students and families changing jobs or schools settle into new properties.
"Those looking to join the rental market or move properties from March onwards will find that availability could deteriorate sharply," says Payne.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney's tight rental market eases during January

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Two days after pushing up interest rates independently of the RBA, the Commonwealth Bank has reported a 19% increase in net profit for the half-year ended December 31, 2011 to $3.6 billion.
Predictably, following its raise rise announcement on Monday, the bank reported on “margin pressure from higher wholesale funding and competition, with a 10-basis-point drop in net interest margins to 2.15%”.
CEO Ian Narev highlighted these increased funding costs in two slides in his presentation:
<img src="/images/stories/cbafeb151.gif">
<img src="/images/stories/cbafeb152.gif">
Commenting on the result, Narev said the bank continued to meet the needs of its 13 million customers as well as “maintain the standard of living” of 800,000 Australians who directly own shares or have money invested in the bank’s super funds and other investment vehicles.
“With the outlook for the global economy remaining unpredictable, the group plans to retain its existing conservative business settings. We welcome some positive signs of economic recovery but recognise that in times of uncertainty, banks must remain cautious.
“The fundamentals of the Australian economy remain strong and we have great confidence in the prospects for this economy.  However, in the absence of sustained recovery in offshore economies, particularly Europe, businesses and consumers will remain cautious, and the current trend of weak credit growth, asset allocation towards cash, and volatile markets will continue in Australia. Until we see clear signs of that sustained recovery, average funding costs will continue to rise,” he says.
Narev says the bank has no plans to send jobs offshore and no plans for a major redundancy program.
 
 
 
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CBA announces interim profits of $3.6 billion but highlights drop in loan profit margins

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It’s too early to sense any direction in the major metropolitan auction markets, although it hasn’t taken long for see-sawing weekend results to have returned in 2012.
But Angus Raine was among the first to spot a recent surge in Saturday morning open for inspections.
And he suggests higher turnout typically morphs into sales in the following month.
Then Danny Cobden, a Balmain peninsula agent, advised that foot traffic at his early February open homes had been “huge”, with 30 to 50 groups typically attending open homes for new listings.
“The Sydney weather doesn't seem to be deterring the buyers,” he says.
Raine reckons 2012 presents an interest time in the age-old supply and demand equation.
Buyers have been sitting on their hands for some considerable time, he notes.
“The demand bucket has been filling for a few years,” he says.
“It will spill over in the second or third quarter of this year,” he forecast.
Of course the agents need a boost in sales for their own good – especially in Queensland and Western Australia, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/declining-sales-and-prices-have-agents-clambering-for-the-exits/2012021353371">where estate agent numbers have slumped</a> as a consequence of a nationwide drop in transaction volumes and property prices. Last year's volumes were about 13% lower than volumes in 2010 across Australia, according to RP Data head of research Tim Lawless. The figure was 26% lower than 2009 and 33% lower than the recent highs of 2007.
"The real estate industry is doing it tough," Lawless concludes.
Lawless notes the latest IBISWorld Real Estate Industry report that puts income per employee in the real estate industry as having not changed much over the past four years – remaining around $59,000 since 2008 after generally trending down since 2002.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/agentincomelarge.gif"><img src="/images/stories/agentincome.gif"></a>
After I wrote of this alarming trend one reader commented: “It's funny how the average income of a real estate agent wouldn't allow them to purchase an average house using 30% of their income.”
“Even at 40% of their income they would only get finance of around $340,000 at 7% interest,” the reader advised.
It seems they've successfully priced themselves out of the market.
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