One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

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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Paper giant Visy Australia has signed a 20-year lease with Frasers Property Australia.
The new $46 million purpose built cardboard manufacturing and distribution centre is situated in West Park Industrial Estate in Melbourne’s western suburb of Truganina.
The state of the art facility will sit on 7.843 hectares of land located at 27 Doriemus Drive.
The facility will be 42,770 square metres.
It includes a 1,025 square metre office and 124 car spaces. 
The facility is now under construction by Frasers Property’s in-house construction division in two stages.
Stage 1 is expected to be completed by September 2018, while Stage 2’s completion date is December 2018.
The industrial park boasts access to the Western Ring Road, Deer Park Bypass and Melbourne’s ports and airport. 
Visy Australia will join several significant groups in the estate including Ceva Logistics, Toll, DB Schenker and National Tiles.
The transaction was brokered by Ben Fahey from Frasers Property, Stuart Duncan from Visy and Michael Green from Cushman Wakefield.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Visy signs new lease for manufacturing and distribution centre in Truganina 

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Tewantin's Caltex has been sold.
The auction for 44 Doonella Street, Tewantin fetched $3,120,000 with a new 15 year lease.
It last sold at $1.1 million in 1991.
It was listed by Michael Collins and Aaron Dahl from Cushman &amp; Wakefield Brisbane.
<a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-tewantin-502864998" target="_blank">The property on a 1,199 square metre corner site </a>features 70 metre of frontage, on site parking, and 15 year lease to 2033 plus options to 2053.
The tenant pays all usual outgoings, including Land Tax.
It is close to Tewantin Noosa RSL, Woolworths, BWS, Liquorland, Westpac, CBA, ANZ, and Medical Centre.
Tewantin is a tourist location supported by strong local economic administrative centre including the Noosa Shire Council Chambers and professional services.
</body></html>

Caltex petrol station in Tewantin sold under the hammer

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One of Australia’s largest hotel portfolios will soon be placed on the market by AccorInvest.
The AccorInvest hotel portfolio is made up of 23 real estate assets and lease interests located across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth, together with several major regional cities.
JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group’s Craig Collins and Peter Harper are handling the sale.
The AccorInvest Australian Hotel Portfolio encompasses 17 real estate assets comprising 1,797 rooms of which four are branded as ibis hotels and the other 13 ibis Budget hotels. Notable assets include the ibis Hotel &amp; Apartments Melbourne, ibis Sydney Airport, ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park and ibis Newcastle. 
The six lease interests include The COMO Mgallery by Sofitel in Melbourne, the Novotel, Mercure and ibis hotels in Brisbane and the Mercure and ibis hotels in Perth. A full overview of the Portfolio is provided overleaf.
All hotels within the Portfolio are currently operated by AccorHotels, Australia’s largest hotel management company, under hotel management agreements. 
“Never before has an offering of this nature been presented to the open market in Australia," Craig Collins, CEO Australasia, JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group, said.
"The pure scale of this portfolio and its diversity – in terms of location, market positioning and income profile - presents investors with an opportunity to immediately establish an unparalleled foothold in one of Asia Pacific’s most highly sought after hotel investment destinations.
“Economy hotels are a highly proven and successful hotel model in the Australian market.
"Their typically low operating costs and high level of profitability make them very attractive investments,” Collins added.
Peter Harper, Executive Vice President, JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group said the portfolio occupy a combined 54,500 square metres of land.
AccorInvest Australian Hotel Portfolio: 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Property
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Location
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Tenure
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
Rooms
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
15 Tay Street, Watson (pictured top)
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
ACT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Ground Lease
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
75
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Campbelltown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
3 Rennie Road, Campbelltown
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
72
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Casula Liverpool
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
437 Hume Highway, Casula
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
74
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Coffs Harbour
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
1A Mclean Street, Coffs Harbour
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
70
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Dubbo
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
Victoria Street &amp; Newell Hwy, Dubbo
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
65
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Enfield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
626-628 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
80
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Newcastle
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
3-5 Thomas Street, Wallsend
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
79
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget St Peters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
178 Princes Highway, St Peters
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
105
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Sydney Olympic Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
8 Edwin Flack Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Ground Lease
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
156
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Wentworthville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
377-383 Great Western Highway, Wentworthville
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
102
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
ibis Newcastle
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
700 Hunter Street Newcastle West
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
97
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Sydney Airport Hotel
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
205 O'Riordan Street, Mascot
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Thornleigh
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
208-212 Pennant Hills Rd, Thornleigh
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
105
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Brisbane Airport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
18 Navigator Place, Hendra
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
93
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Dandenong
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
185-193 Princes Highway, Dandenong
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
71
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Budget Fawkner
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
1399 Sydney Road, Fawkner, Victoria
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
103
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Melbourne Hotel &amp; Apartments
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
15-21 Therry Street, Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Freehold
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
The COMO Melbourne - Mgallery
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
630 Chapel Street, South Yarra
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
110
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Mercure Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
10 Irwin Street, Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
239
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
334 Murray Street, Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
192
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Novotel Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
200 Creek Street Brisbane City
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
296
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="142">
Ibis Brisbane and Mercure Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="198">
16 Ann Street, Brisbane City
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="40">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="53">
Leased
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="49">
412
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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AccorInvest to sell Australian hotel portfolio

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A newly renovated 100 square metre commercial space at South Coogee has been sold for $800,000.
Built in 1915, it was marketed as suitable for many uses including as medical consulting/physio or wellbeing centre.
It was listed for sale with the price of $950,000 last year.
It was sold earlier this month by Mark Fragias from Ray White Randwick &amp; Bondi Junction.
Situated at 374-376 Arden Street, the internal comes with polished floors.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/25/south%20coogee%201.jpg" alt="">
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South Coogee premises sold with medical consulting potential

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Centuria has settled on its 80 Grenfell Street, Adelaide purchase with half of the property to be held in a single asset fixed-term unlisted fund.
 Demand for the fund was unprecedented with the offer closing 200% oversubscribed in only four and a half days. 
Centuria raised $57.1 million, with 30% coming from major overseas investors. 
Jason Huljich, head of real estate and funds management for Centuria, said Adelaide offers some of the best value in the country right now.
"The infrastructure pipeline for South Australia will drive economic and job growth…the $90 billion submarine and frigate contract is forecast to create up to 8,000 direct and 25,000 direct roles," Huljich said.
He added as of 1 July stamp duty was zero in South Australia, "which means transaction costs are significantly lower than in other states”.
It is one of the Adelaide CBD’s most high tech buildings added to its $4.7 billion portfolio.
The ASX listed Centuria Capital Group has exchanged unconditional contracts for the purchase of a 50% stake in the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank headquarters at 80 Grenfell Street for $92.3 million. 
Acquisition of the $184.6 million office tower was made in partnership the Lederer Group, which will take up the remaining 50% stake.
80 Grenfell Street is a A-grade office building, that is 96% let to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
The weighted average lease expiry (WALE) is long, at 7.3 years and rental increases are fixed at 3.75% annually.
Huljich said the Adelaide market has become increasingly attractive to property investors.
“The SA government’s decision to reduce stamp duty has been a positive strategic move to help drive investment into the state,” he said. 
“Compared with other states, where stamp duty averages 5.5%, SA’s is zero from July 1. 
“When transaction costs are lower, yields are higher, which means better returns for investors.”
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Zero stamp duty benefits Centuria's purchase of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank HQ in South Australia

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The Hilton Surfers Paradise, comprising the Hilton Hotel and the management rights for the Hilton Residences, is being marketed for sale with a price tag of about $80 million after its Chinese based investors decided to sell.
The privately owned company Ji Feng bought the five star hotel from Brookfield in 2011 for about $37 million.
It is reported the vendor has no other commercial property interests in Australia.
The hotel, once part of the failed Raptis company, comprises 169 guest rooms, four food and beverage outlets, conference facilities, pool deck, two gyms, a day spa and 89 undercover car parks.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/24/HILTON%202.jpg" alt="">
A strong rebound in tourism and hotel occupancy sees the Gold Coast market recording revenue growth per available room in the year to date up 15.6% on the same comparative period last year.
The listing agent Sam McVay said the new owners had the opportunity to replace Hilton as the manager.
The hotel spreads across two towers and is offered with the associated management rights for the Hilton Residences.
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Hilton Surfers Paradise listed with $80 million price tag

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Temple &amp; Webster, which suggests it was becoming "the next Harvey Norman" has reported its inaugural profit.
It claims to be Australia’s largest e‐commerce company in the furniture and homewares market.
Temple &amp; Webster has over 130,000 products on sale from over 700 suppliers.
Temple &amp; Webster earned $300,000 before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation in the June-half following a 24% rise in revenues.
The company finished the year with a cash balance of $9.9 million and had net cash flows of $600,000 in the June quarter.
"[Two] years ago we promised our shareholders we would reach profitability during calendar year 2018 without having to raise additional capital, and I am proud to say that we achieved this goal," Coulter said in a statement on Monday.
He expected Temple &amp; Webster to be EBITDA positive in 2019, eight years after its launch in 2011 and two year after being floated in 2016 with its management team, including Mike Henriques (former Wayfair Australia GM) and Sven Lindell (ex Bras N’ Things, Woolworths and Rebel).
Temple &amp; Webster shares rose 7% to 76¢, compared with their issue price of $1.10.
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E-commerce furniture and homewares store Temple & Webster makes its inaugural profit

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Lendlease has reached structural completion of the world’s tallest and largest engineered timber office building, 25 King, at Brisbane Showgrounds.
Designed and manufactured by Lendlease and owned by Impact Investment Group (IIG), the ground floor plus nine-storey timber commercial tower features open and flexible office space.
Lendlease is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, 5 Star NABERS Energy rating and WELL Core &amp; Shell rating for the 25 King Street tower.
Global engineering firm, Aurecon, will occupy 43.5% of the net lettable area, with IIG working within Lendlease to secure new tenants for the remaining office space.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/7/25/25%20King%20Street.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
25 King (pictured above) is on track for completion later this year.
"The topping out of 25 King represents another significant milestone in the completion of what will be the world’s tallest and largest engineered timber office building by gross floor area," said Tony Orazio, General Manager QLD &amp; NT, Lendlease Building.
“With each new milestone, we get more and more excited about this brilliant building. 25 King is the definition of a connected, collaborative workspace for high-performance teams,” stated Darren Brusnahan, Head of Funds Management – Real Estate, Impact Investment Group.
JLL has been appointed to manage 25 King Street, the world’s largest engineered timber office building. 
It is a Queensland first and the world's largest by gross floor area.
The management role will be led by JLL Director and Head of Commercial Management, Lydia King. 
At a height of almost 45 metres, the ground plus nine-storey tower designed by architect Bates Smart will become the future home of global engineering firm Aurecon, which is also the project’s lead engineer. 
Aurecon has committed to 6,500 square metres on a 10-year lease. 
Aurecon was advised by JLL's Michael Greene, while Lendlease was represented by JLL’s Adam Barrett and Sam Barr. 
The tower includes three bespoke ground level retail tenancies built using a revolutionary building timber technology called cross laminated timber (CLT) and glulum (glue laminated timber) which has a structural strength akin to traditional concrete and steel.
Constructed with wood, CLT has a far lower carbon footprint than other building materials, the production process produces zero waste, and timbers are sourced from certified sustainably managed forests.
King said 25 King Street represented the next generation of workplace design. 
“25 King is targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.1 and a NABERS Energy 5 Star rating," she said.
The building will be LendLease’s fifth engineered timber building in Australia.
JLL also manages Kingsgate, the first tower developed by LendLease at the RNA precinct. 
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World's tallest timber tower reaches structural completion in Brisbane

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The retail centres of tomorrow are all about democratisation, according to Susanne Pini, the national director of retail and mixed-use at HDR who says the local shopping centre was evolving to take on the role of the suburb’s town square.
However she suggest one of the country’s leading mixed-use architects advised there was only a handful of neighbourhood centres in Australia with the capacity to play the social infrastructure role expected of them today.
Pini says the generic design of existing neighbourhood shopping centres results in physical and cultural isolation.
A radical shift needs to take place, she says.
“Design which resonates with the community and is of its time and of its place has been the issue.
"Design which reflects its community will be the solution,” Pini says.
“Traditional shopping centres are providers of ‘stuff’. People come, buy, then leave.
"They’re generic in design and there’s no natural light so you lose track of the day.
"The internally focused ‘Vegas’ model makes no reference to the community externally.
"It’s an architecture of ‘anywhere, anyplace, anyone’ which produces the effect of ‘nothing, nowhere for nobody’.
“Limited and stretched local resources have authorities struggling to provide all the ‘glue’ such as libraries, markets, community centres and local shops, that used to bind our communities together. 
“This means the role of the local shopping centre has had to grow and evolve to take on the role of the suburb’s town square.
The shopping centre is becoming the community lounge room, dining room and backyard.
“This recognition necessitates a new design approach, moving away from a model of isolation to a model of connection. They need to form part of our everyday life and not because of the ‘stuff’ we need but because they connect us to the community. They need to connect physically and culturally to the community they are within.
“Shopping centres must deconstruct the pieces that have us living in isolation and connect them together. And while it sounds obvious, you can count on one hand the number of centres in Australia that actually do that,” says Pini.
She identifies The Ponds Shopping Centre and Rouse Hill Town Centre in Sydney as being in this extreme minority.
HDR has also designed the town centre for Ed.Square, a brand new mixed-use community in south west Sydney, to embrace new community design expectations.
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“The ‘democratisation of design’ means there is no longer anywhere to hide,” Pini says.
“The prevalence of design programs, and the elevation of the notion of design in the public consciousness, has brought greater attention to the importance and possibility of design when it comes to the community arena. 
“This is the democratisation of design.
"Once viewed as the exclusive domain of the affluent, good design is now a community expectation.
"It is a symbol of the pride we take in our towns. But how many shopping centres in communities across the country are a source of pride for the people that visit them?”
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According to Joanna Russell, General Manager – Retail Development, Frasers Property Australia, increased design expectations have given rise to a new sub-sector in retail assets: the super-neighbourhood centre.
Typically between 10,000 square metres and 25,000 square metres in retail area, super-neighbourhood centres differ from sub-regional centres through their tenant mix and response to local community needs.
They may share some qualities with sub-regionals, including commitments from anchor tenants, but the slightly smaller retail area, as well as the target mix of anchor tenants and supporting speciality shops, reflect their community in a much deeper way. 
Super-neighbourhood centres balance everyday convenience shopping needs with non-retail services, such as collaborative working spaces, lounge areas, education zones and childcare, as well as experiential offers, such as cinemas, play areas, yoga and meditation areas, and gardens.
“The super-neighbourhood centre has now emerged conceptually, but not yet in widespread reality. But these centres have an opportunity to claim the position of the community’s natural heart and soul and the right design will legitimise this claim,” Russell says.
“These centres have the opportunity to create a sense of place where people really feel comfortable and want to spend time. 
“To achieve this, the design must understand and consider more than just census demographics or LGA statistics of the local community, going much deeper to investigate the surroundings, history, culture and aspirations of the people that live there. 
“Going beyond the site’s footprint, the super-neighbourhood centre should be a natural part of the townscape, designed from a whole-of-neighbourhood perspective, complementing the existing amenity, nestled within the natural street grid, and in symbiosis with the land and the people in its catchment.
“Achieve this balance, and you create a super-neighbourhood centre that the local community feels belongs to them. It becomes a source of pride. Visiting the centre becomes part of daily routines. 
“Get the design wrong – design in a generic or inauthentic way – and the centre does not form an intrinsic part of the neighbourhood.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

The inside-out shopping centre of the future

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SPONSORED POST
With Australia’s Life Sciences sector beginning to take shape, overseas experts in the field have Queensland tipped to have the right fundamentals for promoting the evolution of this sector.
David Lupson from Savills Science (UK) has made the trip to Queensland this week to review ripe markets and offer his advice on the fundamentals of a ‘science precinct’ based on his involvement and experience in crafting the Cambridge Science Park and other new science parks including those in Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The origins of science parks date back to the early 1950s with the creation of Stanford Research Park in the USA. In 1970, Trinity College commenced development of the first UK science park in Cambridge. Following this movement a number of UK-based universities recognised that an era of integrated educational and knowledge based businesses had arrived and realised the benefits of aligning multidisciplinary research and business. 
Today, Cambridge consists of 11 science parks in total; which includes the University Hospital and University &amp; Technology based businesses to complete the full ecosystem. New generations of science parks have spread all across the UK, however Cambridge still stands out as a front runner with a value proposition that has market appeal.
According to the University, Cambridge is now Europe’s largest technology cluster, with around 57,000 people employed by more than 1,500 technology and science based firms, which have a combined annual revenue of over £13 billion.
“It’s important to remember that the science sector competes on a global stage, our advice is pragmatic and evidence based using our industry experience coupled with ongoing benchmarking,” Mr Lupson said.
Mr Lupson is Europe’s most experienced commercial science park practitioner and has acted as the Development Director and Chief Operating Officer for a number of leading science park projects and bio-innovation centres across the UK.
“The first secret to the success of the Cambridge Science Park has been the relationship between individual entrepreneurs, the university and the science park operations and development team.
“The close proximity of the park to the university and teaching hospital in the city has been instrumental in both creating and feeding the businesses that reside there,” he said.
Science parks aim to enable the commercial exploitation of intellectual property by the provision of fit for purpose hard and soft infrastructure.
“The collaborative nature of the park has also helped to foster a sense of community, which the landlord has tried to maintain by including more amenities, which in turn has been crucial in attracting and retaining staff,” Mr Lupson said.
Chesterford Research Park near Cambridge bolstered its offering with the construction of the Nucleus Building, which provided a gym, restaurant, bar and conferencing facilities for its tenants. 
With science and technology continuously evolving, so are the businesses which work within the field, therefore conditions for these tenants need to remain fluid.
“St John’s Innovation Park is an excellent example of how providing incubator space with flexible lease conditions gives businesses the opportunity to grow.
“It’s not uncommon to see users grow from medium size floorplate requirements to taking an entire headquarters before the end of their leases,” he said.
The infrastructure and transport networks around a science park also play an important role in the precinct’s mechanics. 
In recent years Cambridge Science Park has seen substantial improvements to its accessibility through the provision of highway upgrades, new cycle ways and access to a guided busway. More recently the opening of a new railway station north of the city has further improved access options.
Mr Lupson will be speaking at three seminars in Queensland this week which will further educate the market on the emerging knowledge economy trends of the life sciences sector. 
For more information on Life Sciences or Science Park development in Queensland please contact <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/forms/contact-individual.aspx?id=104639-0" target="_blank">Dustin Welch</a>, Director of <a href="http://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/project-management.aspx" target="_blank">Savills</a> Health Projects. Savills Health Services provides bespoke transactional and planning services for medical service professionals, developers, government and investors across all aspects of primary healthcare, research and tertiary built form.
Savills is a leading global real estate service provider offering the full spectrum of services from strategic advice to managing assets and projects and transacting deals. To learn more about Savills, visit <a href="http://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">savills.com.au</a>.
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