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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Perhaps offering some hope on the home construction front, private sector housing approvals picked up in NSW and Victoria over July, according today’s ABS data.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, NSW registered a 4.6% improvement, while Victoria recorded an 8.7% uptick.
The worst-performing state was Queensland, where housing approvals declined 14.5% over the month.
Nationally, private sector housing approvals fell 0.2% in July, are down 4.1% for the July quarter and down 13.1% over the last 12 months.
Westpac called the Queensland result “disconcertingly large” and commented that the state still showing no signs of a rebounding.
The HIA described the 1% increase in seasonally adjusted building approvals over July as “modest” result, noting that they are down by 6.4% over the three month period.
NSW was the only state to record an improvement in total dwelling approvals – up 5.4% in July, with Victoria down 3.1%.
Nationally, the estimate for private sector housing approvals fell 0.2% in July 2011 following a fall of 3.3% in the previous month while the value of total residential building fell 1.2% and the value of non-residential building fell 9.7%
Westpac described the small drop in private sector houses in July as a “reassuring result, suggesting the 3.3% fall in Jun is not necessarily the beginning of another significant re-weakening”.
However, it warns that the 1.4% decline in private sector units approvals is a further sign that this sector is “experiencing a lagged downturn that may still have some way to run”.
HIA’s senior economist Andrew Harvey noted the 0.1% decline in total detached houses (both private and non-private) over the month, which he said “further highlights the weakness within the new home building industry at this point in time”.
“Twelve months of trend decline in approvals in part reflects the weak business and consumer sentiment that exists in the non-resource economy at the moment,” he says.
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Varied outlook on home approvals front

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NSW Treasurer Mike Baird has been suggesting NSW faced a state budget crisis given falling revenues.
But the state’s stamp duty revenue hasn’t completely fallen off the cliff.
Indeed, the latest Office of State Revenue data actually reveals the overall annual transfer duty tally has gone up despite fewer house, unit, commercial and land sales.
There was $3.53 billion in stamp duty paid in the last financial year by 161,000 purchasers.
In the 2009-10 financial year 189,000 purchasers paid a slightly lower $3.51 billion in stamp duty.
Stamp duties typically represent about 20% of total state revenue.
Perhaps what has concerned Baird is that the July sales volumes were the slowest in recent years, with just 12,937 property transactions.
It was the slowest sales tally for the six years that figures are available. Buyers paid $292 million in stamp duty last month, down only slightly on the $303 million paid in July 2010.
There were 15,084 sales in July 2010, with the peak years in recent times being 18,040 in July 2009 and 18,070 sales in July 2007.
The latest monthly revenue does sit well below the $375 million paid in July 2007, but we have all had to get use to a tighter rein on income and expenditure following the global financial crisis.
The figures provide an uncertain backdrop to next week’s first O’Farrell government state budget.
The incoming state government delayed the typical May budget following its March election.
Baird presumably now has a clearer view of the so-called black hole he inherited from Eric Roozendaal, the former Labor government treasurer, and the future of his spending initiatives.
It is understood that the NSW financial position has deteriorated by hundreds of millions of dollars since April, with receipts from GST payments and payroll tax having collapsed since the budget position was last published shortly after the March election.
"The budget is under increasing pressure, as all government budgets are with the drop in revenues," Baird told the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week. It noted stamp duties have been hardest hit.
"Recent global events will hurt our budget, just as they are hurting every budget. And it's not a small amount. It's not in the tens of millions; we're talking hundreds of millions of dollars."
Baird and the Premier, Barry O'Farrell, have warned of a "tough" budget, due next Tuesday.
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Stamp duty revenue hasn't fallen off a cliff, despite slow NSW sales volumes

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Three directors of collapsed property group Australian Capital Reserve have pleaded guilty on the eve of their criminal trial at the NSW District Court to providing false financial information in a prospectus.
The directors – Samuel Pogson formerly of Wahroonga, Murray Lapham of Turramurra, and Steven Martin of West Pennant Hills – headed the Estate Property Group and its fundraising arm, Australian Capital Reserve, until May 2007, when it was placed in administration.
Continuing the post-mortem of the risky boomtime property development company collapses that have ended up before the courts – such as Fincorp and Westpoint –  court documents reveal EPG and ACR financial records were being manipulated from 2004 to present small investors with an encouraging picture of the group’s loss-making operations.
When it collapsed, these 7,000 note holders were owed more than $300 million. Since the deed of company arrangement its creditors have received a total of 49.4¢ on the dollar, just short of the estimated return to its unsecured note holders of 59¢ on the dollar. Further distributions are forecast until July 2013.
It was reported in 2008 that Pogson had no assets, other than a bicycle. His 1890s family home, Havelock (pictured), which was owned by his wife, was sold for $3.85 million in 2008 having cost $3.9 million in 2003. Similarly, Lapham advised he had no assets other than two leased cars. He also lived in a multimillion-dollar home owned by his wife. The latest ASIC filings for Pogson and his wife give their address as one of the two Turramurra houses bought by Lapham’s wife in 2009.
The group's sales have included a $12.1 million Newcastle building that had been bought for $6 million along with the sale to Becton of much of the partly built and greenfield development site portfolio.
It had the Greenwich Village at Waterloo; Brentwood Valley Estate at Pokolbin; Wheatsheaf Place, Parramatta; Neo200, Melbourne; Grosvenor on Queens, Melbourne; The EsCeN, Parramatta; The Sanctuary at Rumbalara, Gosford; The Grange on York, Kellyville; The Verge, Camperdown; Karinya, Wahroonga; Werrington Estate, Kingswood; and Kingfisher Grove at Shortland in its portfolio.
The mezzanine financing investors were receiving a 9.55% return a year for their 10-year unsecured notes.
Pogson pleaded guilty to providing false and misleading information by inflating profits when in fact there was a loss, and along with Lapham and Martin pleaded guilty to another charge of making a false statement to obtain an advantage by soliciting investment in Australian Capital Reserve.
At a 2004 board meeting the financial controller informed the directors that the group had posted a $7.5 million loss as at December 31, 2003.
The directors asked for a list of the loss-making ventures, which were in Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, and Gosford.
Pogson and Lapham then purchased 26 of the unsold Gosford units, increasing the sales from $17.1 million to $30.8 million, and directed the financial controller to backdate the sales and valuations.
Similar directions were given for the Pokolbin property. 
''By placing the alleged sales into the financial figures of the group it turned a pre-tax loss of $7.5 million to a pre-tax profit of $7.4 million, a turnaround of some $14.9 million,'' prosecution documents say, as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald.
The purpose ''was to entice investors to invest in the group''.
The men are due in court for sentencing submissions on October 20.
Estate Property Group Limited and its 21 subsidiaries, including ACR, went into voluntary administration in May 2007.
It raised funds through a series of nine prospectuses offering unsecured deposit notes to the investing public between April 2000 and December 2006.
ACR lent the funds it raised to other EPG subsidiaries that used the funds for the purchase and development of properties.
By May 2007, ACR had lent $332 million of note holders’ funds to 13 of EPG’s property owning subsidiaries.
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Disgraced Australian Capital Reserve property spruikers plead guilty and cry poverty

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On the back of the HIA reporting new home sales falling to their lowest level in more than a decade, residential builders typically say the market is extremely tough with consumers holding back and unfavourable conditions likely to persist into next year.
New home sales fell 8% in July to 6,428 across the country, the lowest level since January 2000. This follows an 8.7% decline in June, according to the HIA survey of Australia's major residential builders.
Ryan Stidwill, who heads up RW Stidwill Construction and builds high-end homes on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, says the market is quieter than usual.
He puts this down to factors such as the carbon tax and the current consumer caution.
“It has been tough for the last couple of years – renovations are more popular at the moment.”
Stidwill, who won the 2011 HIA Australian Home of the Year award for a five-bedroom waterfront home on Scotland Island, says seasonality may be a factor and is hopeful that consumer confidence will pick up in spring and summer. 
Victoria’s Brian Lee master builder, who won the Australian Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year and who specialises in projects in the Balwyn and Canterbury areas of Melbourne, told Property Observer building activity had dropped off. 
“It’s going to be tough going forward. Everyone is struggling at the moment.” 
Another HIA award winner, Pat Ryan from Queensland-based Ryan Design homes, which won the Australian project home of the year, told Property Observer the market was “really tough”.
Ryan, who builds homes from Gympie to North Lakes, says he has had to work hard to maintain a reasonable level of activity.
“We have to make sure every inquiry count,” he says.
Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of the Master Builders Association (MBA), says he is surprised at the lack of recovery given the strong fundamentals of a growing population, strong underlying demand and higher employment.
“We were expecting a recovery by now, but that has not eventuated.”
Based on feedback from members, Harnisch says the biggest factor inhibiting recovery is the lack of confidence in the market, brought about by concerns of higher interest rates and uncertainty about where economy is the heading. 
“These are the main inhibitors leading to slower growth,” he says. 
Asked what would be required to turn the market around, Harnisch says an improvement in consumer sentiment would be a major factor as well as a signal by the RBA that rates are on their way down. 
“We need greater certainty as to where the economy is heading and how the carbon tax will play out.” 
The MBA and the HIA are both vehemently opposed to the planned carbon tax with the MBA estimating the tax will add 2% to building costs and HIA expecting it to add $6,000 to the cost of building a new home. 
But Not all builders are finding the market tough going. 
Jason Agresta, purchasing manager at Modernview homes in Sydney’s Hills district, a finalist in the Australian project home of the year category and NSW winner in 2010, says activity has been “quite good”.
Agresta says he is getting plenty of enquiries, though people are little slower and more careful about making a decision.
Being a new builder and being shortlisted for the award have both helped bring in enquiries from both new home buyers and those seeking custom builds, Agresta says.
“We’re looking to double our capacity and are currently building a display home."
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Even home building award winners finding the market tough

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A new alfresco restaurant, café and shopping hub will form part of investment group <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chatswood-office-tower-refurbishment-to-appeal-to-larger-tenants/2011080150988">F</a><a target="_blank" title="Chatswood office redevelopment" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chatswood-office-tower-refurbishment-to-appeal-to-larger-tenants/2011080150988">KP’s refurbishment of a 15-storey commercial building in Chatswood on the Sydney North shore</a>.
The outdoor piazza to be called The Avenues will be developed outside 465 Victoria Avenue in the western precinct of Chatswood bordering Railway Street, Brown Street and Victoria Avenue and is due for completion in mid-2012. 
It will contain seven retail spaces ranging in size from 61 square metres to 255 square metres totalling about 1,100 square metres of retail space as well as public seating, grassed areas and open spaces. 
About 360 square metres of space on the mezzanine level inside the building is also zoned for potential retail use. 
A spokesperson for the project says FKP will be seeking retail rents in the region of $750 per square metre. 
Restaurant operators are expected to take up the bulk of the retail sites. 
The spokesperson says obtaining pre-commitments for the office tower will be key to attracting restaurateurs. 
The Avenue will provide a pedestrian thoroughfare to the Chatswood Rail Interchange, which services about 70,000 commuters a day and is also situated near “Eat Street” on the other side of Railway Street. 
“Eat Street” includes the Bavarian Bier Café, Mamak Malaysian Restaurant and the Three Beans Café.
Noteworthy nearby restaurants include Fook Yuen Chinese Restaurant, Rocket Modern Australian, and Fiorenzoni Italian. 
A rotunda will be built on the corner of Railway and Brown Streets aimed at attracting a signature restaurant and possibly a wine bar catering for office workers on weekdays and residents and families on weeknights and weekends. 
Other developments in the area include three towers called The Metro Residences featuring 553 apartments, which are about to be built above the Interchange in a $500 million complex called The Metro Residences. This will bring a further 1,500 people to enliven the precinct from day to night, and add to the activity generated by Willoughby Council’s $200 million entertainment quarter called The Concourse which will open in September.</body></html>

New alfresco dining precinct planned for Chatswood

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In every book I have ever written, I’ve outlined the various schemes and scams which are on offer for property investors. Just as I think I’ve come to the last of them, new ones emerge and property investors must remain ever vigilant to ensure that they are not trapped.

A few months ago, Arthur emailed me to tell of his discontent with a service for which he had paid $15,000. He was somewhat sheepish in admitting that, while he sees himself as astute and careful, he had been swayed by the promises of this company, the head of which had written a book and so had acquired some credibility in the property industry.
In a nutshell, Arthur had been promised one-to-one mentoring that would significantly accelerate his investing success and, as these companies often promise, launch him into millionaire status in a short timeframe. Through a succession of workshops and telephone meetings, Arthur would be provided with the secrets he needed to realise his dreams of wealth.
Of course, as you have probably guessed, Arthur quickly discovered that there are no secrets, and after attending a number of unenlightening seminars and receiving a few rushed 15-minute mentoring calls, Arthur’s disillusionment was complete. He had discovered that his mentor was probably only a few steps ahead of him and had no secrets to tell at all, apart from the stunning revelation that he needed to find property with growth of more than 12% per annum!
Well, of course, that would be lovely, wouldn’t it? If only we could all just pluck areas that will return 12% per annum, every year, then we’d all be rich in a short period of time. But the truth was that this company, like so many others, was making millions from the mentor fees of investors just like Arthur, and its own property portfolio is likely the result of this windfall, rather than their own investing prowess.
You most likely read this and think that you would be less gullible than Arthur, but I know for a fact that Arthur is intelligent and enquiring. He’s just really busy, and the chance to have someone, whose  marketing is brilliant, do the hard work for him made him vulnerable to their promises and easily led in that instance. Luckily for Arthur, he was able to have his fees refunded, but not without a considerable battle in which all manner of legal action was threatened. In the end, it was quietly settled, meaning that this company lives to rip off more people like Arthur.
I am not for a moment suggesting that you should not seek a mentor, or even pay for good quality education. I am suggesting, however, that as there are no secrets to be revealed, such mentoring and education should represent value for money and be provided by people who truly have the runs on the board. I know of several experts who have vast experience and skills in the area of property investing, who also provide value-for-money courses and assistance, and who are genuinely in the business of helping others, rather than being in the business of amassing their own fortunes.
Margaret Lomas is a best-selling author and writes and hosts the popular Property Success With Margaret Lomas and heads up the panel on Your Money, Your Call, both on Sky News. This article is an excerpt from her latest book, Investing In the Right Property Now. For more information about the book, <a href="https://majorstreet.com.au/53/investing-in-the-right-proeprty-now/" title="Investing in the right property now" target="_blank">click here</a>. Tomorrow Margaret will outline self-managed superannuation scams to avoid.
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Property investment is not a get-rich-quick scheme: Margaret Lomas

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Singaporean funds have continued to flow into Australian commercial property, with private investment firm Nadathur Fareast buying Tourast Corporations’ Constellation Hotels business, which includes management of over 60 hotels in Australia and New Zealand.
The sale price has not been disclosed.
The portfolio includes Chifley, Australis Resorts and Hotels, and Country Comfort brands. The company also operates the Sundowner Motels brand and includes six hotels in New Zealand.
Singapore funds have invested heavily in Australia commercial property this year, with real estate trust <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/singapore-commercial-trust-to-invest-in-sydney-tower/2011070750733" target="_blank">K-REIT spending $150 million in July for a 50% stake in the 8 Chifley Street, Sydney office tower</a>, currently under construction.
Touraust Corporation chairman and founder Darryl Courtney-O’Connor says the sale has secured a “strong future for Constellation Hotels, its people, brands and unique business platform”.
 He says the deal with Nadathur Fareast is the best way to maintain Constellation Hotel’s successful Australian operation while optimising growth of the business throughout Asia Pacific. 
“Constellation Hotel’s ambition is now to meet the increasing demand for new generation hotels in lively destinations across the region by replicating the successful brands, operational platforms, loyalty systems and culture developed on Australian soil.” 
Courtney-O’Connor founded Constellation Hotels 25 years ago. 
Constellation Hotels CEO John Wooller and his executive team will continue to manage the business, the Australian Financial Review reported.
Nadathur Fareast manages an investment portfolio of about $600 million and was founded by NS Raghavan, co-founder of US-based IT consultants Infosys Technologies.
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Singaporean private equity firm buys Constellation hotels

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Investing in commercial property is not rocket science.
Nonetheless, there are certain key steps you do need to follow. And those involve you in making a number of simple (yet vital) decisions.
DECISION #1: Your goals for the long and short term? 
In other words, are you seeking income or capital growth – or both? Maybe you are after some good tax savings – through negative gearing or depreciation?
DECISION #2: The sleep test
You need to establish your comfort level as far as the amount you will borrow. For some people 80% is fine; for others, 50% is all they can live with. So you need to determine your "threshold of insomnia".
DECISION #3: Your overall portfolio mix
Do you intend to focus on just one sector in the commercial property market – like retail? Or do you prefer a spread across the office and industrial sectors as well? Having some diversity will help you smooth out any ups and downs that may occur along the way.
DECISION #4 Go it alone, or join with others
Not many people starting out are able to jump straight into the market and buy a commercial property for more than $1 million. Therefore, you can step above the competition by joining with another 12 to 15 like-minded investors in a private syndicate to buy something in the $2 million to $5 million range, where you obtain better value for your money.
DECISION #5: Choosing your team of consultants
As you'll appreciate, simply being able to move quickly can snare you some of the best deals. Therefore, you need to have a trusted team of consultants ready to help you with assessing value; putting the deal together; reviewing the contracts; arranging finance; undertaking the due diligence and so on.
Bottom Line: All you need to do is quickly grasp the various ins and outs of commercial property so that you, too, can start reaping the enormous rewards available.
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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Five key decisions to help your commercial property success

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Investors poured more than $2 billion into Australian commercial real estate over the June quarter, accounting for a quarter (24%) of all Asia-Pacific transactions, according to research by CBRE.
About 30% of Australian commercial property was bought by offshore funds over the three-month period – double the long-term average.
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board’s purchase of half of the 92,000-square- metre Northland shopping Centre in Melbourne at the end of May for $455 million accounted for almost a quarter of the total investment in Australian commercial assets and was also the biggest Pacific commercial transaction of the year.
Offshore funds continue to flow into Australian commercial property in the third quarter of the year, with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/overseas-investors-buy-anz-sydney-headquarters-for-refurbishment/2011082851315" title="Overseas investors buy ANZ headquarters" target="_blank">Boston-based international real estate advisor Pembroke Real Estate, on behalf of an affiliate, buying 20 Martin Place, Sydney from ANZ for about $95 million</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/asiapacaugust30.gif">
Investment in the pacific region (including New Zealand) surged by 228%, albeit coming off a low base following a slow start to the year, while activity in Asia fell by 52%.
Overall, the Asia Pacific region registered just $9 billion worth of commercial transactions, a quarter-on-quarter drop of 52% as investors turned more cautious following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the economic picture worsened in the United States and Eurozone.
The drop would have been significantly greater were it not for Singapore-based Mapletree Investments spending $2.25 billion to acquire Festival Walk shopping mall in Hong Kong at the end of July, the largest commercial deal in the city's history.
Over the period Australia overtook Japan as the most heavily traded office market, accounting for 25% of all transactions by value. In total more than 50 office transactions took place over the period, with an average value of $80 million.
According to CBRE regional director for institutional investment properties Rob Sewell, the Sydney office market had been the subject of particularly keen investor interest.
“Buyers are keen to enter this sector now in order to capitalise on rising occupier demand for premium office space and the anticipated rental growth predicted to take place over the next few years,” Sewell says.
“Looking ahead, we expect foreign investors will be looking to further increase their presence in the Pacific region, especially at the quality end of the market, with investors turning to Australia and New Zealand as safe havens amid rising global volatility. Capital is currently seeking out high quality assets in prime locations with superior tenants and a lease length which offers security of income.” 
“Core Australian property assets are providing some outstanding defensive characteristics with the promise of very good upside income and growth. With Australian 10 year bonds currently yielding around 4.5% there is a much wider spread for core investors with returns of nearly 5% above the risk free rate. This represents quiet a compelling investment case.”
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Offshore funds investing heavily in Australian commercial property

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Having survived a hedge fund management takeover bid, Charter Hall Office REIT is now the subject of a $1.7 billion offer from a Macquarie Group-led consortium of “global institutional investors”.
The offer follows soon after the listed property trust posted net annual profits of $69.4 million in the 12 months to June 30, compared with a $90.7 million loss in the previous 12 months.
The offer equates to $3.52 per unit and is subject to a number of conditions being met, including the consortium reaching agreement with Charter Hall on the “appropriate terms” that the existing management team continues to manage the trust.
The Charter Hall Office REIT share price closed at $2.90 on August 26 – a 27% discount to its net tangible assets.
Directors of the REIT received the conditional, non-binding proposal following the close of trading on August 26. The offer excludes the 13% of the REIT held by Charter Hall.
Macquarie has also requested a six week period to undertake due diligence of the REIT’s Australian assets.
Another condition is that the REIT concludes the sale of its US assets.
The $3.52 per unit offering includes $1.13 in expected capital earnings from divestment of its US assets.
Directors will now undertake discussions with Macquarie with the aim being to decide whether to grant the investment bank due diligence access.
On July 27, shareholders voted against a resolution to replace the management of the REIT following a campaign from three US hedge funds.
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Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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