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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With the crooks long gone, local home buyers outbid six other bidders with small business intentions when the former <a target="_blank" title="Surry Hills" href="/news">Surry Hills</a> police station sold at weekend auction in Sydney for $1.9 million.
The former Bourke Street police station and lockup dates back to 1895.
It was marketed as able to be reinvented as a boutique gallery, showroom, design studio or professional suites, but its 2B zoning invited residential dwelling opportunities.
Set under a slate-tiled roof, its original period details include soaring four-metre ceilings, a marble fireplace and timber floors.
It has been bought by Mona and Joe Tower, director of the bridge construction company Bridgeworks Australia, who recently sold their Bourke Street, Darlinghurst terrace through BresicWhitney agent Mark Foy for $920,000.
Four of the registered bidders put in bids during the auction through Raine &amp; Horne Newtown agent Michael Harris. It was announced on the market at $1.72 million under instructions of the NSW Department of Health.
The property sits diagonally opposite an 1890s house that was previously owned the late Abe Saffron, the Kings Cross nightclub identity.
The former police station premises is a single-storey brick and sandstone Federation Romanesque building with a façade that also combines Arts and Crafts design influences in its design by Walter Liberty Vernon.
Vernon’s career as government architect left about 30 of his works listed on the National Estate Register, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Central Railway Station.
Set on a rare level double block, it has been an alcohol and drug advisory centre since 1981, most recently as the AIDS Council of NSW Positive Living Centre.
NSW Health put the building up for sale when ACON recently moved to its Elizabeth Street premises, with the proceeds from the sale to be used to fund capital works within the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
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Heritage Sydney cop shop apprehended for almost $2 million

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Westfield has taken its overseas spending tab for the week to $600 million following a 50% investment in Italy.
The shopping centre group will spend $160 million to acquire a 50% interest in a development site in Milan, Italy.
It follows the retail giant’s August 10 announcement that it will spend $440 million to acquire a half-share of a Brazilian shopping mall owner.
The 60-hectare site adjacent to Milan's Linate airport has planning approval to develop a regional shopping centre similar in scale to Westfield London.
The site is being acquired in a joint venture with Gruppo Stilo, an Italy-based developer owned principally by its founder, Antonio Percassi.
Westfield chairman Frank Lowy says the acquisition is “another significant step in the expansion of our business globally”.
"This acquisition represents a unique opportunity, notwithstanding the volatile financial markets at present, to establish our franchise in one of the wealthiest population centres in Europe. We believe that this site represents one of, if not the, best shopping centre development opportunities in Continental Europe,” he says.
Milan, in the north of Italy, is the country's major financial centre and has the highest income demographic. It is considered to be one of the world's fashion capital cities.
The project is due to be completed in 2015 to coincide with the Milan World Expo.
Westfield expects the 170,000-square-metre project would represent a total investment in the range of €1 billion to €1.25 billion ($1.38 billion to $1.72 billion ) with a target yield in the range of 7%  and 7.5% and an unlevered internal rate of return of between 12% - 15% on the capital invested.
On completion, the centre will be branded Westfield Milan and will be managed by Westfield in conjunction with Gruppo Stilo.
Westfield expects to invest a further €20 million ($28 million) in acquiring additional development rights, which will be payable when a second stage project of approximately 60,000 square metres commences in the future.
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Westfield to spend $160 million to develop Italian shopping centre

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The Western Australian property developer Warren Anderson has commenced proceedings to overturn his recent bankruptcy and thereby seeking to avoid or delay eviction from his sprawling Fern Hill estate on the outskirts of Sydney.
Anderson says he is a tenant at Fern Hill paying a $479,000 annual rent.
A Federal Court hearing has been scheduled for September 5, according to the Australian Financial Review. 
The outcome of the hearing will determine how long he can remain at the colonial estate, which is currently listed for sale by receivers of the Anderson family trust through Colliers International. 
Anderson is arguing the June bankruptcy was based on an "invalid personal guarantee."
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Warren Anderson seeks to overturn bankruptcy and stay put

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It’s a case of chalk versus cheese or perhaps mutton versus lamb when comparing the US housing market with Australia’s subdued market, according to analysis compiled by RP Data.
The US housing market is significantly worse off than Australia on every key metric.
The five most significant differences are:
<ul>
<li>US home prices are down 32% from their peak in 2006. While Australian house prices are down 1.9% for the year to June, since 2006 they have increased by 31%.</li>
<li>US transaction volumes are running 33% below the five-year average and are yet to show any consistent improvement. Australian transaction volumes are tracking about 16% below the five year average. </li>
<li>Nearly a quarter (22.7%) of all US homes were in negative equity at the end of the first quarter 2011, according to US-based data analytics group CoreLogic. A further 5% are in “near negative equity?. RP Data will release an “Australian Equity Report” that will show extremely low number of homes are showing negative equity. </li>
<li>The percentage of homes that are at least 90 days in arrears is slightly higher than 8% in the US. Comparable data for Australia shows delinquent housing loans remain well below 1%. </li>
<li>Distressed sales - homes that are being sold by the lender or sold at a price lower than the amount owed on the property - comprise 30% of all sales in the USA. The number has tripled over the last two years and CoreLogic estimates the number of short sales is expected to increase by another 25% during 2011. While there is no official data on home foreclosures in Australia, outgoing Commonwealth Bank CEO Ralph Norris said last year the percentage of home foreclosures in Australia was “about 0.000001%”</li>
<li> The vast majority of US home loans are on a 30-year fixed term basis which means most mortgage holders cannot immediately take advantage of the very low interest rate environment until they are able to re-finance. In comparison, while the percentage of people taking up fixed rate mortgage in Australia has picked up recently to around 13%, the vast majority are on variable rate loans, meaning they immediately benefit if rates are cut.</li>
</ul>
RP Data national research director  Tim Lawless says the US government and banking sector are looking for increasingly creative ways to combat the high rate of default and rising number of bank and Government owned properties.
“Banks in the US are offering principal reductions on mortgages and flexible re-payment options rather than facing the likely losses if the property is taken to market or the mortgage holders simply chose to walk away from the debt,” Lawless says.
 Unlike Australia, most mortgages in the US are non-recourse, so if the home is worth less than the loan it is very difficult for the bank to recoup its loss from the borrower. 
“A principal reduction is simply reducing the amount of out-standing debt payable by the mortgagee in order to ensure that they don’t walk away from their debt responsibility,” he says. 
While the US housing market is vastly different to Australia, Lawless says Australians should not be complacent. 
“The mortgage market meltdown in the US has resulted in a greater level of data transparency which is a good thing and potentially one way in which the Australian economy can learn from the changes now being made in the US".
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US and Aussie housing markets chalk and cheese: RP Data

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Retired car dealer Laurie Sutton has relisted his Mosman harbourfront residence, which has been his home for the 34 years since it was bought from the Pick a Box presenters Bob and Dolly Dyer.
It last sold in 1977 for $376,960, when the Dyers headed to Queensland and sold to the Sutton family. Sutton hopes to secure $20 million for it.
The Bay Street tropical holding is like Hawaii meets Hamilton Island on Middle Harbour and despite renovations over the past three decades, there are still traces of the Dyers' day, including the imposing sandstone fireplace in its living room that overlooks Quakers Hat Bay.
But the teeth and jawbone of the couple's world-record 1062-kilogram great white shark catch that hung above the fireplace has long gone. As have the Dyers' cruisers, Tennessee I, II and III, along with Bob’s imported American car with the BOB 000 numberplates.
The property is Mosman's largest waterfront estate, on 5,154 square metres. Dyer, who was a hillbilly Tennessee vaudeville singer on his arrival in Australia in 1937, had paid £15,068 for the property in 1950, after upgrading from a house on the Balmoral side of Mosman.
Dyer had just signed a $33,000-a-year contract for his radio shows, which the newspapers reported was 11 times the salary of the then NSW premier, James McGirr. Dyer went on to host the television show BP Pick a Box between 1957 and his retirement in 1971.
Dyer, with his raucous "Howdy, customers" greeting, presided over contestants who faced a sudden-death decision of choosing between "the money or the box" with the secret prize.
He died in 1984. His widow – who, as Dolly Mack, had been a Sydney Tivoli showgirl in her teens – lived for another 20 years.
The listing in 2009 had expectations of beating Mosman's $22.5 million house price record.
The property developer Albert Bertini and his former wife, Heather, hold the record for a Mosman purchase, paying $22.5 million for Karawa on the Balmoral cliffs in 2007. They bought the estate from the property investor Phil Arnold. Albert Bertini created and runs Trivest, a property development company with holdings worth $400 million.
Karawa's sale beat the previous record for a Mosman house by more than $7 million.
Phil Arnold had bought the house in Hopetoun Avenue for $380,000 from Lady (Delzie) Hooker, the widow of the real estate tycoon Sir Leslie Hooker, in 1980.
After he paid £3,050 for the property in 1940 Leslie Hooker built a three-level 1950s house with boatshed.
The average Mosman house price has stood at $2.15 million for the past year, according to RP Data.
The Sutton property comes with approved plans for a replacement three-storey residence.
The vendors raised their family there and now entertain their grandchildren.
“It’s an estate for a young family to enjoy and make full use of all the gardens and facilities,” says Laurie Sutton.
“My children played cricket on the lawn and had many parties on the flood-lit tennis court and pool.
“It was the place where all the family’s  friends would hang out, which is the way I liked it.
“It is a very private place” says Laurie.
“Once inside the gates, you are away from the rest of the world whilst the grounds are enormous they are fully fenced and secured and very dog friendly”.
The listing agent agent Sandie Dunne says its rare to find a property of this size and calibre.
“Most others have been chopped up into smaller sub-divisions.
“It really is a family resort with every conceivable facility you could think of – tennis, cricket, sailing or just lazing around the pool; it’s just magical.”


<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Its marketing campaign comes at a tricky time for Mosman in the wake of the latest stock market turmoil.
The municipality has been among the hardest-hit by the initial 2008 global financial crisis given its strong reliance on buyers from the financial services industry.
The softness in its market was beginning to turn around during the past few months with an increased number of pre-auction sales along with a reduction in the overhang of stale stock.
A Cross Street mansion sold to a former Macquarie Bank buyer pre-auction through Belle Property.
A Noble Street house sold this week for $3.2 million, two weeks before its scheduled LJ Hooker auction.
Some four sales on Prince Albert Street have been secured in the past few months.
The winter months over the past three years have typically yielded about 90 house sales, according to Clinton McNabb, a research analyst at Australian Property Monitors.
So far there are about 45 sales, so the final settled numbers ought to mirror the recent path.
The bulk of the sales are not at the pointy premium end of the Mosman market which is still overwhelmed by silent listings. Two double-digit million-plus sales have been recorded to give some hope to the top-end vendors.
One premium listing with $20-million plus hopes has been publicly market through Dunne Real Estate agent Sandie Dunne at the eastern end of Mosman on Parrawi Road.
Dunne has indicated there had been some tentative buyer interest from Chinese buyers, although this has yet to come to fruition.
"We are very focused on marketing to Chinese buyers," says Dunne, who is working with buyers agents linked to the community.
It’s the stark white Mosman landmark called the George Williamson House but colloquially known as the igloo house.
Following its design by architect Harry Seidler in 1951, the Modernist Parriwi Road property caused traffic mayhem as Sydneysiders sought to get a glimpse.
It was saved from demolition in the late 1990s and heritage-listed in 2002. It now comes with approved extensions and a new harbourfront wing overseen by the Seidler architectural practice, which was commissioned by the current vendors, Ian and Tanya Oatley.
The recent $8 million Ingleside acreage sale in Sydney was secured through a buyers’ agent from a Chinatown, Sydney agency rather than a local northern beaches agency.
Optimistic estate agents might claim that Chinese buyers are underpinning the market, but the realist would say they are cherry-picking the best offerings.
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Mosmanites playing property pick a box with caution 

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Seven regions across Australia – all with coastal strips and national parks – have been found to account for 21% of total Australian tourism expenditure, according to Tourism Research Australia.
Three of the seven are in Queensland with the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland.
NSW had the Mid-North Coast, the Northern Rivers and South Coast. There was also the South West of Western Australia.
The economic importance of tourism in these regions ranged from 4.8% of income for their local economies from tourism the WA South West to 9.7% in Tropical North Queensland.
Tourism Research Australia is a branch of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, which has 77 defined tourism regions across Australia derived from data collected in the National Visitor Survey and the International Visitor Survey.
The dominant attractions across the seven major regions revolve around the beach and/or the nature experiences offered.
The number of accommodation establishments within the regions ranges from 147 in Western Australia’s South West to 260 in the Mid-North Coast. The typical tourism region has 93 accommodation establishments.
The Northern Rivers is among the most accessible destinations, with three domestic airports in the region servicing 83 flights to and from Sydney and 20 flights to and from Melbourne per week. and Gold Coast Airport is less than five minutes from the region.
The result was a diverse range of domestic visitor origins when compared with the other regions. Its international market has heavily focused on European tourists, with 30% from the UK, 11% from Germany and 29% from other European nations, with a significant backpacker market.
The Northern Rivers is a region where visitors do not spend long periods of time, with 91% of domestic visitors spending a week or less and 30% just one night.
However, it is a region where domestic visitors travel repeatedly, with 78% having previously visited Northern Rivers.
The NSW South Coast has a very large and important domestic visitor market, where domestic visitors outnumber international visitors 69 to one.
The South Coast does have a high proportion of repeat domestic visitors (77%), most of whom come from Sydney.
The breakdown of accommodation type varies markedly across the regions.
With the exception of the Gold Coast, these regions are highly seasonal, with most the domestic peak season occurring in the March quarter, corresponding with the summer holiday period.
A difference occurs in Tropical North Queensland, where the peak occurs in their dry season, which corresponds with the September quarter.
International peak seasons are very similar to domestic, with the Sunshine Coast changing from a March to September quarter peak, and Australia’s South West summer peak shifting to the December quarter.
The Gold Coast ranks as the fourth largest tourism region in Australia by tourism expenditure, behind Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Domestic visitors, nights and expenditure outnumber the international figures. In 2010, 11% of tourism expenditure in regional Australia (including the Gold Coast) was from international visitors.
Within the seven regions the contribution of international visitors was highest in Tropical North Queensland, with 32% of expenditure from international visitors, and the Gold Coast (21%)
Similar to the national regional benchmark were the Northern Rivers and the Sunshine Coast at 11%.
The lowest international spend was in the South Coast (9%), Western Australia’s South West (8%) and the Mid-North Coast (3%).
Tourism Research Australia notes the trends in both domestic and international visitors have been similar across the regions, with a general decline in domestic visitors over the past decade, while outbound travel by Australians increased significantly.
Between 1999 and 2010 the average annual growth in domestic visitors ranged from 0.2% per year increase in Tropical North Queensland to 1.8% per year in the South Coast.
This is compared with a decline of 0.7% per year nationally and 1% per year in regional Australia excluding capital cities.
Visitor nights decreased across the board from between 0.3% per year in Tropical North Queensland to 1.7% per year in the South Coast.
In contrast, outbound travel increased, on average, by 8.5% per year between 2004 and 2010, with outbound travel to Indonesia increasing at a rate of 13.9% per year and Fiji at 10.2% per year.
Between 1999 and 2010 average annual growth in international visitors was positive for all regions except Tropical North Queensland, Gold Coast and Mid-North Coast (declines of 1%, 0.6% and 0.3% per year respectively).
This compared with increases both nationally (2.5% per year) and regionally (0.7% per year).
International visitor nights increased across the board, ranging from 0.5% per year in Tropical North Queensland to 7.1% per year in Australia’s South West. This compares with 5.7% nationally.
The only region not on the east coast of Australia, Western Australia’s South West, provides some valuable insights through its different geographical location.
With regional tourism expenditure of $881 million, 1.6 million visitors and 7.1 million visitor nights, Western Australia’s South West is one of the smaller regions ranking sixth out of the seven regions.
It is also the least economically dependent on tourism out of the seven regions, which can be attributed partly to the presence of the mining industry in the region.
Contributing to its size is the fact that it has the fewest accommodation establishments and tourism businesses.
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One-tenth of tourism regions make up 21% of expenditure

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The current market turmoil comes at a time when consumers are already exhibiting a great deal of restraint.
Since the last interest rate rise in November, we have seen a lot of information from the RBA and the media suggesting to consumers that there is another rate increase or two during that year
That, combined with the high cost of living, rising fuel prices and energy costs and the carbon tax, has an effect on consumers that has not been seen before.
The RBA has not really done anything. It has just talked about interest rates having to rise. This has had the desired effect on borrowing and spending behaviour. People are now very conservative.
In fact, I don’t know of another time since Australians have been so responsive to this market noise.
Ten years ago and beyond people did not even know when the RBA monetary committee sat. But people are so highly leveraged these days.
Before the last rate decision in August, someone asked me if a rate cut would make a difference in consumer behaviour. I said no, not in the medium or short term.
Consumers are not looking for a rate reduction but some market stability.
A reduction will help but what is really needed is a period of stability. This will mean people can go back to upgrading their existing properties and buying investment properties.
We are undergoing a cyclical change, but the property market is not homogenous. This is a mistake a lot of property commentators make. You can’t discuss the market holistically.
Some areas have had a slight correction, but other areas will prosper such as regional areas, those that are undergoing gentrification, those where local government are engaged, and those where there is a diversity of industries.
These are areas where a really savvy property investor can prosper.
I was at an investment and property expo in Sydney recently and have never seen a room of people so engaged and interested in building their property portfolios.
People are talking and listening, and willing to take control. Just look at self-managed super funds. People want to take control of their future – they are not willing to put it into other people’s hands.
Lisa Montgomery is CEO of <a title="Resi" href="https://www.resi.com.au/" target="_blank">Resi Mortgage Corporation</a> and a regular media commentator.
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Property buyers are savvier than ever, and they want stability

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While the local economy remains healthy, property is likely to benefit from uncertainty in the stock market.
The last 20 years have shown that investment in Melbourne property has provided better returns that in the stock market, a factor that will encourage investors to shift their portfolio in favor of property.
The same study by RMIT which showed quarter on quarter growth of 1.6% for property compared with 1.3% for shares between 1990 and 2010. It also showed less volatility than shares.
A shift to property will not happen quickly. Investors have to study the market and then compete to buy the property of their choice. There are also higher transactional costs making it important to make the right decision.
Enzo Raimondo is the CEO of the<a target="_blank" title="REIV" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/"> Real Estate Institute of Victori</a><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au" title="REIV" target="_blank">a.</a>
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Property offers better returns than share market

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With global financial markets dipping and diving on an almost daily basis, the safe haven of a quality, well-located residential property is once again proving an appealing option for investors.
However, don’t for one minute think a real estate investment is a licence to print money, and in these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to get the fundamentals right.
An investment property should tick a number of boxes for you and prospective tenants. For starters, its location is paramount. Look for investment homes that are close to shopping, schools, hospitals and recreational facilities, and if they’re in walking distance, even better. Tenants must be able to get to work as quickly as possible, so access to motorways and railway stations are other valuable features to look for when buying an investment home.
Also, if the budget allows, a newer property purchase will provide decent depreciation benefits, which is helpful when times are tough. A new home or apartment will usually (but not always) have fewer maintenance issues, which can be a great cost saving.
Likewise, investment homes in locations with traditionally low vacancy rates (which means tenants love the suburb or town) can provide a level of investment security and cash flow.
Choosing the right managing agent is also an important consideration, especially when the chips are down. In other words, you want an agent who represents your interests, but not to the detriment of the tenant. The right property manager will have a policy of conducting regular rental reviews (every six or 12 months preferably) rather than just when tenants vacate a property. This can help maximise your returns so you are assured you are receiving market rent.
As a guide, looking at the current average rent for similar properties in the area is a good way to calculate the weekly rent for your property – your managing agent can give you an up-to-date appraisal, or you can refer to websites such as <a target="_blank" title="RP Data" href="https://www.rpdata.net.au">RP Data</a>, Australian Property Monitors or <a target="_blank" title="Price Finder" href="https://www.pricefinder.com.au">PriceFinder</a>. But any rental increases you do make should be gradual, rather than a one-off spike which your tenant/s might find hard to swallow.
Angus Raine is CEO of <a target="_blank" title="Raine &amp; Horne" href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/">Raine &amp; Horn</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/">e</a>
 
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It is more important than ever to get property fundamentals right

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The current turbulent market will encourage more buyers to use their self-managed superannuation funds to buy property, according to Belle Property CEO Peter Hanscomb. 
“Superannuation funds themselves have recently provided very low return on investment due to the current challenging economic conditions,” he says.
“Property is turning out to be a far more appealing investment opportunity given its consistency in capital growth and return caused by a growing population in Queensland.”
According to Hansomb, property is generally not as susceptible to market peaks and troughs as the share market, and therefore provides a safer environment for investors.
One of the most beneficial aspects of investing using an SMSF is that all costs associated with the property are paid by the SMSF. 
This includes council rates, land tax (if it applies), loan fees and repayments, maintenance and repairs conducted on the property and the property management costs.
“This is particularly appealing, given the recent astronomical hike in stamp duty in Queensland. Most buyers would be keen to not have to be directly responsible for this added tax,” Hanscomb says.
Another advantage, he says is that the SMSF also receives all proceeds of rent or other income into a low-tax environment, and can improve or renovate the property as any other investor may.
“Despite home buyer and investor confidence being slightly shaken recently by the stamp duty increases, the local property market is actually currently providing a number of incentives to invest now. 
“Interest rates are still low, and due to property values having stabilised, it is very affordable right now to enter the market at all price points.”
A survey carried out by Mortgage Choice found that about 15% of first-time property investors on the Gold Coast plan to use their self-managed super funds to buy their first investment property.
Nearly 6% intend to use their SMSFs to purchase the property in its entirety, and about 9% expect to use their super to help supplement other sources of funding.
About 6% of first-time Sydney investors and 5% of Melbourne investors plan to tap into their super funds when making their first property acquisition.
The March Multiport SMSF Investments Pattern Survey found that a least 13% of the 1,400 SMSFs administered by the firm are borrowing to invest using limited-recourse loans. (Multiport will publish an updated report over the next couple of weeks.) 
The average property loan among Multiport client funds is $200,000, compared with $110,000 for shares and managed investments. And 56% of the loans taken by these SMSFs are invested in property.
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Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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

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