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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Investment bank Morgan Stanley will pay US$1.1 billion (A$1.05 billion) to purchase the largest shopping centre in St Petersburg.
<img src="/images/stories/galleria.jpg">
The bank’s Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund VII will purchase the Galleria Mall from Meridian Capital CIS Fund, a private investment fund backed by a group of Kazakh investors.
The transaction is due to be completed later this month.
<img src="/images/stories/galleria2.jpg">
Galleria cost US$380 million to build. It opened in November 2010 and has 250 stores occupying 93,000 square metres over five floors.
<img src="/images/stories/galleria3.jpg">
It includes a multi-screen movie theatre, a 27-lane bowling alley plus underground parking for 1,200 vehicles.
By comparison, Australia’s biggest shopping centre is the Chadstone Mall in south-east Melbourne, which is owned by Colonial First State. It has 126,000 square metres of gross lettable area and is valued at $1.53 billion.
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Morgan Stanley pays $1.05 billion for Russian shopping centre

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Australia's population increased by 1.4% – or 320,800 people – to 22.6 million people, for the year to June 2011.
Net overseas migration accounted for 53% of the growth, with the remaining 47% due to natural increase – births minus deaths.
But the preliminary net overseas migration estimate of 170,300 people was 9% lower than the 198,000 estimate for the year ended June 30, 2010.
The ABS says the recent decline in migration was due to both a decrease in arrivals and an increase in departures.
Migration arrivals decreased by 5% (22,900 persons) between the years ended June 30, 2010 (446,800 persons) and June 30 2011 (423,900 persons).
This reflected a continuing decline in arrivals since the peak of 536,000 people recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Migration departures increased by 2% (5,200 persons) between the years ended June 30, 2010 (248,400 persons) and June 30, 2011 (253,600 persons).
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Australia's population up 1.4% in 2010-11 as migration slows

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Not all business is good business – and not all property managers are the same.
For years now we have seen the decrease in management fees for property managers. When i first started in the industry, the market hadn’t been de-regulated and the fee structure was set, there was no negotiation. Deregulation gave people the opportunity to increase fees, provide additional services and be the professionals that they are – but somehow, everything has gone the other way.
The average management fee in Victoria has decreased, and clients want more access to their property managers. Much more than ever before. We all have smartphones, but really that’s the wrong name for them. They should be called “being on call 24/7” phones. I personally love the calls on a Monday morning that begin with, “I rang you yesterday, but you didn’t answer or you haven’t returned my call.” No, I didn’t answer, I was busy with my children. They too are entitled to have a piece of me.
While I am all for building relationships with clients, because it’s both rewarding and beneficial, sometimes the expectation is a little out of whack!
I remember growing up my parents taught me that you never made a telephone call after 8.30pm or 9, yet now our mobiles continue to ring until late into the night, on weekends and even on Christmas Day. So when is it too late to make a call?  When does it become rude or an invasion of your personal time?
With all that being said, how has the management fee we earn per property decreased when we do so much more work and are more accessible than ever before?
So how can things change?
Property managers and directors need to stand up and say enough is enough. If you want more of me than the average property manager, then you have to pay a little more. This means I will no longer be prepared to agree to low management fees. I will no longer be agreeable to providing my services time and time again and not be paid accordingly.  We are professionals, so if we don’t make a stand, we can never expect to be paid what we deserve.
Now with all that being said, there will always be someone cheaper. And that’s when you have to remember that not all business is good business. Sooner or later clients realise cheap is not always best.
I recently lost some business to a new client who elected to have their property managed by someone else. The other manager offered lower fees than we did. The funny part is, when it came to transferring the management, the new agent asked one of my team, “So what information do I need to obtain from you to take over this property?”. A perfect example of what cheap buys you. Unfortunately for that client, it will probably result in a continual change in property managers (which is an owner’s pet hate) or the rent roll being sold as that agent can no longer afford to be in business. I suppose only time will tell.
Leah Calnan is the director of <a href="https://www.metropm.com.au/" title="Metro Property Management homepage" target="_blank">Metro Property Management</a> in Victoria and is the chairwoman of the REIV Property Management Chapter.
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leahcalnan-pwE6GD6KY9

Property managers should not have to be on call 24/7

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Every capital city has both a CBD and suburban office market. And as you can appreciate, keeping tabs on all the various suburban markets is almost an impossible task for most investors.
But generally speaking, the health (or otherwise) of the CBD office market within each capital city will provide you with a fairly good gauge of the overall office scene around Australia.
Accordingly, this graph will provide you with a clear picture of what has occurred over the past four years.
<img src="/images/stories/langjan20.gif">
As a rule of thumb, office markets are said to the "in balance" when their vacancy rate lies between 5% and 7%.
A vacancy rate within this range provides landlords with consistent rental growth and tenants with the ability to relocate or expand, with few constraints.
As a commercial property investor, what you are seeking is solid predictable growth — rather than wildly frustrating fortunes.
So let's take a quick look at how the vacancy rates for each capital city have fluctuated over the past four years.
<img src="/images/stories/langjan201.png">
As you can see from this table and graph, of all the capital cities, Melbourne remained pretty much within the "balanced" range over this period – despite the global turmoil.
Whereas, once the turmoil struck:
The vacancy rate for Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide overshot that balanced range in the opposite direction.
Sydney's vacancy rate remained around 8% because of its high concentration of financial institutions; and
Canberra's high vacancy rate simply reflected some major government relocations.
Throughout this period, the Melbourne market experienced only a 2.7% spread between its lowest and highest vacancy rate.
Whereas Brisbane and Perth experienced spreads of 10.7% and 8.3%, respectively.
Such wild fluctuations can bring untold joy as long as you're lucky enough to get out before the inevitable collapses, which tend to occur in these rather volatile markets.
That way, you can avoid the accompanying financial heartache.
Bottom line: If you're like most investors, you probably prefer being able to sleep peacefully, knowing that your growth is predictable and secure.
Therefore, unless you are an experienced on-the-ground trader in commercial property, you would be well advised to steer clear of the rather volatile markets in both Brisbane and Perth.
Right now, Melbourne offers you the greatest surety of long-term profit for commercial property — with Sydney expected to respond once the financial turmoil subsides.
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.
 
 
 
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

What an office vacancy rate means for commercial property investment

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Channel Seven’s Sunrise host David Koch and his wife, Libby, have put the boot into the struggling Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast markets by warning property investors to steer well clear of these two coast locations.
As part of their 2012 outlook the Kochs note “the property catastrophe underway in places like the Sunshine and Gold coasts” and “slowly deflating residential property values”.
“Property is all about demand and supply. Those regions which went through a construction boom in recent years are currently suffering the most,” the Kochs say.
This is by no means the first time the Kochs have warned investors of the perils of buying in Queensland’s tourism heartland.
In October last year, Kochie blogged that on the Gold and Sunshine coasts the oversupply of high-rise apartments was “nothing short of devastating”, with possible flow-on effects for Brisbane.
“Brisbane could turn in to a property nightmare with its declines being accentuated by the crash in nearby Gold and Sunshine coasts, where there is a massive oversupply of stock,” he says.
“In both regions there is four to five years’ worth of stock on the market as massive apartment blocks sold off the plan have failed to settle. Even just across the border at Tweed Heads is suffering. It will be years before there is any sort of recovery.”
<img src="/images/stories/kochiechart.gif">
Chinese buyers clearly disagree with the Kochs at least when it comes to the Gold Coast – according to research by Colliers, they upped their investments in Gold Coast real estate by 128% in the last year, spending around $66 million.
According to research by Lynda Campbell from Colliers, there about 1,2oo new apartments for sale on the Gold Coast – the lowest level since 2004.
 
 
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Kochie to property investors: Avoid ‘catastrophic’ Gold and Sunshine coasts

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House price expectations improved markedly in January led by improvements in the resource-rich states of Western Australia and Queensland, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer House Price Expectations Index.
The index posted a strong rise in January, increasing 16.1 points from 9 in October to a current level 25.1 – the highest reading since April last year and the first gain since January 2010.
Despite this improvement in sentiment, less than half (47.6%) of consumers expect prices to be higher in 12 months, with 30% expecting no change and the remainder (22.5%) expecting further price declines.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations.gif">
Source: Westpac-Melbourne Institute 
On a state-by-state basis, Queensland recorded the biggest improvement in sentiment, with its index rising from -9.8 in October to 27 points in January. Nearly half of respondents expect Queensland house prices to increase in 2012. About 30% of respondents expect house prices to stay the same in Queensland.
The Western Australian index improved strongly from 10.1 points in October to 32.7 points in January.
Western Australians are the most optimistic about house prices rising and the only state where more than 50% of those surveyed expect prices to rise over 2012.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations2.gif">
Commenting on the January index result, Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan says state trends were “striking”.
“All states recorded a rise in house price expectations, but by far the biggest gains were in the resource states.
“Expectations have swung 180 degrees in Queensland from price pessimists dominating in October to optimists now outnumbering pessimists by two to one in January.
“Expectations also jumped sharply in WA, which was the only state to record an outright majority expecting house price gains in the year ahead.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations3.gif">
Source: Westpac-Melbourne Institute
“Victorian consumers were much more subdued on the house price outlook, with one in four still expecting price declines in the year ahead,” Hassan says.
Hassan says the RBA's interest rate cuts in Nov and December appear to have “driven a significant shift in consumer house price expectations”.
“To date, the trajectory looks similar to that in 2008-09. However, there are some notable differences – the starting point for price expectations is firmer, the interest rate stimulus is less aggressive (mortgage rates fell more sharply and were much lower in 2008-09) and fiscal measures (first-home buyer incentives in particular) are providing less support.
“The improvement is much more lopsided as well with younger age-groups and those in resource states leading the way. This suggests we may also see an uneven improvement in housing markets in 2012.”
First-home buyers are the most optimistic about house prices among buyer types with, investors the least optimistic.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations4.gif"> 
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Queensland and WA lead improvement in house price sentiment in January: Westpac

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Residential land sales remain at low levels, but sales look to be climbing off the mat, which may flow through to improved retail conditions, according to the HIA-RP Data Residential Land Report.
“It’s a long climb back, but at least we have now seen three consecutive quarters in which land sales volumes have increased, although there is no avoiding the fact that overall levels remain low,” says HIA senior economist Andrew Harvey.
The report found the volume of land sales increased by 1.3% in the September 2011 quarter although volumes were 16.8% lower than in the September 2010 quarter and substantially lower than the September 2009 peak.
“Land sales are an early leading indicator so an upturn in trajectory is essential to the prospect for an eventual recovery in new home building activity – although we really do need much higher sales levels to make a material difference,” Harvey says.
“Having land sales still at less than half the September 2009 peak speaks for itself in terms of how far the market has come off and adds to the already strong case for stimulatory policy, both in terms of further rate cuts and fiscal measures to stimulate new home building,” Harvey adds.
“Any improvement in land sales is an encouraging development for the housing construction industry, while there are also positive flow-on affects,” RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher says
“When people build a new home they typically purchase furniture and homewares, buy new electrical goods and spend money on hardware. Should the improvement in land sales continue it is likely to provide a much needed boost for retailers,” Kusher says.
The weighted median land value in Australia grew by 0.5% in the September 2011 quarter to be 1.7% higher than in 2010.
The median value for capital cities land rose by 1% in the September 2011 quarter to $213,718, or 2.5% higher than one year earlier.
The median value for regional land eased 0.7% in the quarter to $154,989, to be up by 0.2% on the same time in 2010.
Kusher says the result is encouraging, but he cautions that the market still has a long way to go.
“Following the low point in sales activity in the December 2010 quarter there has been a noticeable improvement in the number of vacant land transactions.
“It is also important to remember that the improvement commenced at a time when many expected that official interest rates would climb higher.
“With successive 25 basis point cuts to interest rates in November and again in December 2011, we would expect that a steady improvement in sales activity which commenced in the December 2010 quarter is likely to continue and perhaps gather further pace.
“However, we believe the market still has a long way to go to return to healthy levels,” Kusher says.
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Small uptick in residential land sales activity might bouy retail: HIA- RP Data

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HIA and RP Data have released a list of the least expensive regional markets for vacant land.
<table style="width: 470px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Median lot price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Northern (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$60,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
South East (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$75,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Southern (TAS)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$77,250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Mallee (VIC)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$78,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Northern (NSW)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$83,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Murray Lands (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$87,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Murrumbidgee (NSW)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$90,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Yorke and Lower North (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$91,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
9
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Mersey-Lyell (TAS)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$95,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
10
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Murray (NSW)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$100,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: HIA, RP Data
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Top 10 least expensive regional markets for vacant land: HIA- RP Data

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HIA and RP Data have released a list of the top 10 most expensive regional markets for vacant land.
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
Rank
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Region
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Median lot price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
1
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Richmond-Tweed (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$238,250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Sunshine Coast (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$237,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
3
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Gold Coast (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$225,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
4
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Illawarra (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$220,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
5
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Barwon (VIC)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$189,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
6
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Fitzroy (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$180,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
7
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
South Eastern (WA)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$179,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
8
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Hunter (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$178,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
9
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Mackay (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$172,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Mid-North Coast (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$170,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: HIA and RP Data
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Top 10 most expensive regional markets for vacant land: HIA- RP Data

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The Sydney unit market remained resilient in 2011, with prices rising 2.16% over the year to a median of $488,000. The New South Wales capital outperformed the national market, which fell 0.3% to a median $398,000, according to the latest Residex data. 
However, the pace of Sydney unit price growth slowed in the last six months of the year – at the end of June 2011, Sydney unit prices were growing at annualised rate of 4.4%. 
As with its <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/melbourne-leads-nationwide-drop-in-house-prices-in-second-half-of-2011-residex/2012011753062" target="_blank">housing market</a>, the decline in Melbourne’s unit prices accelerated significantly in the last half of 2011. 
According to Residex, Melbourne unit prices declined more than 5% over 2011 to a median price of $434,500 – six months ago, the Victorian capital’s unit prices were still growing, albeit at a very modest 0.26%. 
There was some respite in country Victoria, which recorded a small increase in unit prices, with values rising 0.67% for the 2011 calendar year to a median of $258,000. 
Canberra was the only capital city unit market where values picked up in the second half of 2011, rising 2.4% on annualised basis to a median of $432,000 after recording growth of 1.97% at the end of June 2011. 
The federal capital also bucked a trend of declining sales activity and recorded a 23% increase in unit sales over the year, compared with a drop 6.2% nationally. 
Melbourne was the only other market to record an increase, with sales activity rising by just over 1% over the year. 
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Annual change in unit prices as of December 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Annual change in unit prices as of June 2011
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-5.05%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-3.54%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-4.28%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
0.26%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-4.18%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-3.19%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-3.53%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.33%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
2.39%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
1.97%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
2.16%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
4.43%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Australia
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
0.44%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: Residex
Outside of the major capital cities, Darwin unit prices fell by almost 8% over the course of 2011 to a median of $391, 500. Six months ago Darwin unit prices were down 5.61%.
Outside of urban areas, country unit prices tumbled most notably in country Queensland, where prices fell over 10% to a median of $300,000 and in country Tasmania, where prices fell 9% to $206,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Area
</td>
<td>
Median unit value
</td>
<td>
10years % p.a.
</td>
<td>
Year ending Dec 2011
</td>
<td>
Last quarter
</td>
<td>
Last month
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
ACT
</td>
<td>
$432,000
</td>
<td>
9.22%
</td>
<td>
2.39%
</td>
<td>
0.29%
</td>
<td>
1.99%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
$307,500
</td>
<td>
9.12%
</td>
<td>
-3.53%
</td>
<td>
-0.92%
</td>
<td>
-0.81%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
SA Country
</td>
<td>
$230,500
</td>
<td>
7.20%
</td>
<td>
-1.96%
</td>
<td>
0.89%
</td>
<td>
-0.50%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
$353,000
</td>
<td>
8.83%
</td>
<td>
-4.18%
</td>
<td>
-0.78%
</td>
<td>
-0.01%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
QLD Country
</td>
<td>
$300,000
</td>
<td>
7.32%
</td>
<td>
-10.11%
</td>
<td>
-4.63%
</td>
<td>
-2.47%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
$391,500
</td>
<td>
10.72%
</td>
<td>
-7.73%
</td>
<td>
0.42%
</td>
<td>
1.31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Northern Territory
</td>
<td>
$377,500
</td>
<td>
10.62%
</td>
<td>
-8.05%
</td>
<td>
-1.10%
</td>
<td>
0.08%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
$274,500
</td>
<td>
10.08%
</td>
<td>
-5.14%
</td>
<td>
2.33%
</td>
<td>
1.47%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
TAS Country
</td>
<td>
$206,000
</td>
<td>
9.91%
</td>
<td>
-9.01%
</td>
<td>
-0.98%
</td>
<td>
1.47%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
$434,500
</td>
<td>
6.99%
</td>
<td>
-4.28%
</td>
<td>
-1.79%
</td>
<td>
0.34%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
VIC Country
</td>
<td>
$258,000
</td>
<td>
7.99%
</td>
<td>
0.67%
</td>
<td>
-0.74%
</td>
<td>
0.29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
$378,500
</td>
<td>
9.01%
</td>
<td>
-5.05%
</td>
<td>
-0.96%
</td>
<td>
1.84%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
WA Country
</td>
<td>
$301,500
</td>
<td>
7.02%
</td>
<td>
-0.72%
</td>
<td>
-0.43%
</td>
<td>
1.76%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
$488,000
</td>
<td>
4.81%
</td>
<td>
2.16%
</td>
<td>
0.87%
</td>
<td>
0.24%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
NSW Country
</td>
<td>
$298,000
</td>
<td>
6.28%
</td>
<td>
-1.14%
</td>
<td>
-1.04%
</td>
<td>
-0.85%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Australia
</td>
<td>
$398,000
</td>
<td>
6.58%
</td>
<td>
-0.30%
</td>
<td>
0.34%
</td>
<td>
0.50%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
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