<p>Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.</p>

<p>Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]</p>


Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.</p>

<p>Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.</p>

<p>The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.</p>

<p>The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.</p>

<p>Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]</p>

<p>Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.</p>

<p>“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.</p>

<p>“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.</p>

<p>“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.</p>

<p>“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”</p>

<p>2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.</p>

<p>The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.</p>

<p>A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.</p>


Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.</p>

<p>A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.</p>

<p>Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>A major focus of the design has been the public domain.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p data-end="239" data-start="66">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.</p>

<p data-end="442" data-start="241">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.</p>

<p data-end="661" data-start="444">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.</p>

<p data-end="909" data-start="663">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.</p>

<p><em>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></em></p>

<p data-end="1339" data-start="1019">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.</p>

<p data-end="1339" data-start="1019">[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]</p>

<p data-end="1398" data-start="1341">It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.</p>

<p data-end="1805" data-start="1400">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.</p>

<p data-end="1805" data-start="1400">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]</p>

<p data-end="1991" data-start="1807">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.</p>

<p data-end="2303" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="1993">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.</p>

<p><em>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></em></p>

<p><em>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></em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

<p data-end="492" data-start="327">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.</p>

<p data-end="843" data-start="497">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.</p>

<p data-end="1109" data-start="848">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.</p>

<p data-end="1109" data-start="848">[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]</p>

<p>Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.</p>

<p>"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]</p>


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

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<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>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: 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.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>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.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> 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.</p>


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?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><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></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<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>

<p style="line-height:1.38">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.</p>


Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><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" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>​</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.</p>


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

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<p>A freehold building on Sydney’s Bondi Beach is set to go under the hammer on August 17, making it the third iconic site on the famous beachfront to go to the market in the last 12 months. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property-profile/134-138-campbell-parade-bondi-beach-nsw-2026" target="_blank">134-138 Campbell Parade</a> property earns a net income of more than $500,000 per annum.</p>
<p>Listing agent Miron Solomons of Colliers International, who is marketing the property along with and Matt Pontey, said they were expecting this to be the “biggest auction of the year – there will be some serious heavy hitters present”. </p>
<p>Market chatter suggests price expectations of about $20 million.</p>
<p>This sale comes to market following two highly successful campaigns of neighbouring assets; Bates Milk Bar at 124 Campbell Parade in September 2016, and 128-132 Campbell Parade in May this year, with the latter breaking the Australian record for the highest price paid per metre for land, according to a media release from Colliers.</p>
<p>The 1951 Bates Milk Bar, one of Bondi Beach's most iconic retail premises, sold for $19.12 million last year to developers of the Pacific Bondi, Rebel Property Group's Allen Linz, Capit.el Group's Eduard Litver along with Gil Baron.</p>
<p>The milk bar was known for its choc-malt milkshakes until its closure in 2001.</p>
<p>“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity – three buildings in this location, on the Bondi beach front with uninterrupted views – coming to market within 12 months is unheard of. These assets are typically held by local families for 50-60 years each,” added Solomons.</p>
<p>There are also two retail tenancies currently within the building. The current ground floor tenants are Ben and Jerry’s and Ezymart in addition to eight residential units above, said Pontey, adding that they were expecting keen interest from developers and investors due to the flexible mixed use zoning.</p>
<p>“These are solid, diverse income streams with significant development potential that are attracting international interest.”</p>
<p>Solomons says the interest in the past two Bondi sites indicates there is still plenty of appetite for Sydney’s top end ‘trophy’ market.</p>
<p>“Any talk in the media of a downturn in the market has not jilted the momentum for the last two campaigns – we aren’t seeing any negative effects in the trophy, high-end of the market.” </p>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Bondi commercial beachfront property hits the market: Colliers

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<p>Over the last financial year (2016-2017), CoreLogic found that combined capital city dwelling values increased by 9.6% which was actually greater than the 8.3% rise over the 2015-16 financial year.</p>
<p>According to research analyst Cameron Kusher, combined capital city dwelling values have now increased over five successive financial years however, prior to these increases there were successive financial years in which values fell (-1.4% in 2010-11 and -3.6% in 2011-12).</p>
<p>He said, “Across the individual capital cities the growth story over recent financial years has been vastly different.”</p>
<p>In most capital cities, the rate of value growth over the past financial year was superior to that over the previous year. The exceptions were Brisbane and Darwin. A number of cities recorded their greatest increases in values in a number of years highlighting that the rate of growth has been accelerating.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.15.18%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><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/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.15.18%20am.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Mr Kusher said, “Two of the primary factors influencing the rebound in capital gains during the most recent financial year was the increase in investment activity after 2015/16 which saw investment activity slow on the back of changed prudential policies implemented by APRA, as well as successive rate cuts in May and August last year that added further incentive to property buyers.”</p>
<p>With a new round of macroprudential policies announced at the end of March this year, Mr Kusher said, “It’s likely there will be a similar, if not more pronounced slowdown in investment activity across the housing market.”</p>
<p>“Coupled with affordability constraints and higher mortgage rates, we expect the 2017/18 financial year will record a less substantial rate of capital gains that what was seen in 2016/17.”</p>
<p><strong>How the capitals performed over the 2016-2017 financial year: </strong></p>
<p><strong>Sydney </strong>– dwelling values increased by 12.2% over the past year and it was the fifth successive year in which values rose. Value growth was slightly higher than the 11.3% over the previous financial year.</p>
<p><strong>Melbourne </strong>– values have now increased for five successive financial years with each of those years progressively seeing a faster rate of value growth. Over the past year, values increased by 13.7% which was their greatest increase over a financial year since 2009-10.</p>
<p><strong>Brisbane </strong>– a 2.0% increase in values over the past financial year was down on the 5.3% the previous year. Brisbane values have increased over each of the past five years however, last year was the slowest rate of growth since 2012-13.</p>
<p><strong>Adelaide </strong>– the 2.4% rise in values over the past year eclipsed the 2.1% increase the previous year and marked the fifth consecutive financial year in which values increased.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.15.51%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><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/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.15.51%20am.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong>Perth </strong>– dwelling values have fallen over each of the past three financial years however, the rate of decline has slowed from -4.7% in 2015-16 to -1.3% in 2016-17. At no other time over the past 20 years have values fallen over three successive financial years in Perth.</p>
<p><strong>Hobart </strong>– the 6.8% increase in dwelling values over the past financial year was the greatest increase in values over a financial year since they rose by 8.5% in 2005-06.</p>
<p><strong>Darwin </strong>– dwelling values have fallen for three successive financial years. The -7.0% fall in values over the year was the largest annual decline since values fell by -12.6% over the 2010-11 financial year.</p>
<p><strong>Canberra </strong>– values rose by 9.6% over the last financial year which was the greatest rise in values over a financial year since 2009-10 when values increased by 13.3%.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.16.02%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><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/2017/07/14/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-14%20at%2010.16.02%20am.jpg" alt=""></p>
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

How did the capital city housing markets perform over the financial year? Cameron Kusher

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<p>Houses in Newcastle, the New South Wales Central Coast and Coffs Harbour are still at the peak of market, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White’s July property clock.</p>
<p>Houses in those three regions were at the top of HTW's property clock last month.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%208.11.38%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-13%20at%208.11.38%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
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<p>Herron Todd White said finding a property with a lazy $500,000 is becoming increasingly difficult in the NSW Central Coast region as a result of market value increases over the past two years. The analyst firm said There are still some areas where the owner- occupiers and investors are looking to buy at this level and can be accommodated, however the pool of stock is shrinking.</p>
<p>"We think most buys in the housing market will be found in the older suburbs at the northern end of the region," HTW said.</p>
<p>"Some parts of Blue Haven, San Remo, Gorokan, Toukley, Budgewoi and Charmhaven are still offering properties at or below the $500,000 mark.</p>
<p>"These properties are mostly single level, 2- or 3-bedroom bro or brick and tile homes, mostly with garaging on average size blocks of land. If villas or townhouses are being considered, then reasonably priced stock is available within Mardi and Watanobbi.</p>
<p>"The middle of the region includes suburbs like Bateau Bay, Killarney Vale, The Entrance and Long Jetty. While still available, properties with a $500,000 price tag are becoming rare and will mostly be limited to villas, townhouses and units.</p>
<p>"There are a few dwellings seen at this level, however these properties will be older style and most likely in need of renovations or repairs.</p>
<p>"Killarney Vale and Berkeley Vale are good, solid suburbs with equally good facilities.</p>
<p>"There is a good vibe in these locations for younger buyers and families.</p>
<p>"Buys at the $500,000 mark are becoming limited, yet they are still around and it’s our recommendation to look here.</p>
<p>"Expect an older dwelling with 3-bedrooms and room to improve. </p>
<p>"With the Newcastle market running hot for a lengthy period of time, first home buyers and growing families are looking at alternative and cheaper options in outer suburbs and nearby towns. Medowie and Raymond Terrace are two of these areas both around 35 minutes drive from the Newcastle CBD.</p>
<p>"Half a million dollars will get you quite a bit more house and land compared to the inner suburbs of Newcastle and for growing families it is just not practical to live in a 2-bedroom unit when you can get a modern 4-bedroom house on 1000 square metres for the same price.</p>
<p>"Medowie’s two major economy drivers and employers are the nearby airport and RAAF base.</p>
<p>"A current expansion of the RAAF base and the proposed upgrade to an international airport have created more job opportunities and a subsequent high demand for property. The Bower Medowie subdivision which recently opened stage one sold out all 31 lots in 48 hours with some buyers camping out to ensure purchase. "</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;"> </span></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Houses in Newcastle, NSW Central Coast and Coffs Harbour still at market peak: HTW

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<p>Centuria Property Funds said its listed office fund, Centuria Metropolitan REIT (ASX: CMA), has bought three commercial properties in Perth and Melbourne for a total of $150 million. </p>
<p>In Perth, Centuria acquired two new commercial assets: <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-wa-perth-502267250" target="_blank">The Hatch Building</a> at 144 Sterling Street (above), and 42-46 Colin Street, for a total of $91.8 million. The deals marked the fund manager’s first foray into the Perth office market.</p>
<p>Late in June, Centuria acquired the new Target headquarters at Williams Landing in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Together with the Perth deals, the total value was $150 million and will increase Centuria Capital Group’s (ASX: CNI) entire funds under management to $4.15 billion, it said in a media release.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, Centuria Property Funds sold its commercial office tower in Brisbane’s Spring Hill for $38.7 million to Sentinel Property Group.</p>
<p>“Centuria’s approach is to pay the fee and to take over the management from the agent, freeing them up to work on the next property, which enables us to generate income returns alongside the potential for capital growth,” said CMA trust manager Nicholas Blake.</p>
<p>The two Perth properties are fully 100% leased, with the major occupiers being WA Police, Insurance Australia Group Ltd, and consulting firm Hatch. </p>
<p>“This diverse range of high-quality tenants, from government-owned and listed companies to international firms, means shareholders can feel confident in securing attractive and stable yield,” added Blake.</p>
<p>The combined WALE of the three properties is 6.5 years and their fixed rental reviews sit between 3.25% and 3.75%, Centuria said.</p>
<p>The acquisitions were partially funded by an equity raising of $90 million.</p>
<p>The acquisitions will help REIT’s property portfolio to increase in value by 25% to $760 million. </p>
<p>It will see the trust’s market capitalisation increase from approximately $430 million to more than $520 million, improving its potential for S&amp;P/ASX300 index inclusion (based on securities prices at 12 July 2017). </p>
<p>CMA is also doing the due diligence on a development site in South West Sydney for the construction of an A-Grade commercial office building expected to be valued at around $75 million, it said. </p>
<p>On the Perth acquisitions, Blake said the metro market was beginning to show excellent fundamentals, while AREITs in general are proving attractive to risk-averse investors.</p>
<p>“At CMA, we believe a truly quality property can provide unitholders with returns and yields over time in any market.” </p>
<p> </p>
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Centuria REIT buys three office assets in Perth and Melbourne for $150 million

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<p>Over the year to March 2017 Victoria delivered an impressive 66,085 new dwellings, 31,337 of which were attached dwellings of one sort or another.</p>
<p>Yet annual population growth has exploded to +146,600.</p>
<p>In short, you can basically forget any chance of an oversupply in Melbourne until population growth comes down from the stratosphere. </p>
<p>It's not happening, and indeed Melbourne's vacancy rates appear to be approaching decade lows.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
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<br><div>Different dynamics<br><br>Annual population growth has ramped up in New South Wales too at +116,400.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But with 64,824 new dwellings delivered over the year this crude ratio has shifted favourably towards the supply side after ten years of relative under-building in Sydney.</div>
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<br><div>With some 82,836 dwellings under construction across New South Wales there's plenty more to come too, in spite of dwelling starts now finally having passed their peak. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Despite being a more diverse state - as well as being home to traditional boom/bust markets such as the Gold Coast - Queensland has followed a similar pattern. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Sunshine State delivered 46,469 dwellings over the year through a period where population growth had slowed dramatically following the peak of resources construction boom in 2012. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Although population growth has now picked up in Queensland and dwelling starts are apparently slowing to a crawl, it's clear that an oversupply of new dwellings is writ large.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The number of dwellings under construction has been in decline since September 2016, with 37,624 dwelling units 'live' as at the end of the first quarter of 2017, and new starts have slowed dramatically, so the market is in the process correcting itself.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Notably, 28,391 of the dwellings under construction were of the attached variety, reflecting the super-boom in apartment construction up north. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course these models aren't intended to be anything other than a crude dashboard, but are a simple display of the apartment oversupply that faces parts of inner city Brisbane.<br><br>Finally, Western Australia saw the completion of 28,535 dwellings in 2016, yet population growth slowed sharply to 16,835, illustrating what can happen to population growth in an economic slowdown.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div>
<br><div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br>Population growth appears to have bottomed out in WA in line with a number of other indicators, but there is now a clear oversupply of dwelling stock to be absorbed. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><em>His latest book is </em><a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s2"><em>Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
</div>
<p> </p>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Forget any chance of an oversupply in Melbourne dwellings: Pete Wargent

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<p>The distant beating of jungle drums is getting just that bit harder to ignore as the Australian economy continues to pick up the pace.  </p>
<p>It's true that the much stronger jobs figures seen in 2017 are a lagging indicator, but job vacancies surveys are pointing to good things ahead.</p>
<p>And now the timely business survey from National Australia Bank (NAB) is turning north towards further gains.</p>
<p>The reading for business confidence rose to +9, in June 2017 well ahead of the long run average of +6.</p>
<p>And business conditions have stormed to +15, which is the highest reading in 9 years and follows the other key measure of conditions already reported. </p>
<p>The long run average reading for the series is +5. </p>
<p>Granted things promptly got worse last time we reached these heights, but this survey now sits a world away from the stuttering results of 2014.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/Nab1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div id="post-body-9183274645780661760" class="post-body entry-content">
<br><div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/Nab1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Source: NAB</span></em></div>
<br><div>Conditions looked relatively upbeat across all industries except for mining, with even retail turning in a much improved result. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Capacity utilisation rates point to further declines in unemployment, and even the labour costs index has broken out, suggesting that stronger wages growth may also follow in time. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of the mainland states, Queensland has seen a huge leap in business confidence to +13, now overtaking New South Wales +10. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Consumer confidence is expected to follow this series higher. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Rates to follow?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Markets have seen enough and are now pricing a rate hike before the end of 2018.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Despite this, it seems likely that the core inflation rate for the second quarter of 2017 will remain under the target 2 to 3 per cent range. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The inflation report is due for release on July 27. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><em>His latest book is </em><a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s2"><em>Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
</div>
</div>
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NAB survey burns house down: Pete Wargent

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<p>It's been Australia's greatest ever building boom, but the end of the boom is nigh. Let's take a run through the latest numbers released this morning in the usual three parts.</p>
<div>Part 1 - Housing starts drop sharply</div>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<div>Seasonally adjusted housing starts fell sharply by 11 per cent to 50,395 in the March quarter, to be 19 per cent lower over the year, with unit commencements down by a thumping 29 per cent year-on-year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>When plotting the smoother trend figures the drop doesn't look quite so dramatic, but nevertheless the downturn is underway. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A5.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>The main driver of the drop has been Queensland, particularly Brisbane apartment starts which have dropped off a cliff since March 2016.</div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A3-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A3-1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>So it's been a genuinely impressive run, but dwelling commencements are now resolutely pulling back.</div>
<p>Part 2 - Completions roll in</p>
<div>A unique feature of this construction boom has been the length of time it has taken for the flood of new apartment projects to be delivered.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, completions are now starting to flow through nicely, with more than 223,000 completions over the year to March 2017. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A6.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>And there is still plenty more to come. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Part 3 - Apartment pipeline remains at large</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were still more than 215,000 dwellings under construction at the end of March 2017, including more than 152,000 attached dwellings. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A1-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A1-1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Activity remains particularly high in Sydney, with more than 63,000 attached dwellings under construction across New South Wales at the end of the first quarter of the calendar year (and a massive 82,836 dwellings in total, an all-comers record). </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A2-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A2-1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, more than 40,000 approved dwellings have never been commenced, and nearly 20,000 of these are located in New South Wales. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/13/A4-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/13/A4-1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>The wrap - what goes up...</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, it can hardly be a huge surprise that the number of dwelling commencements has pulled back sharply over the year to March, particularly for apartments. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>There is still a high volume of residential building work in the pipeline, however, while non-residential building approvals have now been trending higher for two years, which will go some of the way to plugging the gap.</div>
<p> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">AllenWargent</span></a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="s2">blogger</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><em>His latest book is </em><a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s2"><em>Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</em></span></a><em>.</em></span></p>
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Building boom was the biggest ever; but it's ending: Pete Wargent

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<p>Developer Greaton has purchased three adjoining land parcels in Sydney's North Shore suburb of Lindfield with a total size of 9,120 sqm.</p>
<p>Development approvals for 43 luxury townhouses and two free-standing homes esigned by Sydney architects Rothelowman on the site, 16 – 18 Beaconsfield Parade, have been lodged.</p>
<p>Council approval for stage one is expected in the second quarter of 2017. The development is expected to cost over $100 million.</p>
<p> Nicho Teng, managing director of Greaton said they saw this site as a great opportunity to enter the exclusive North Shore market.</p>
<p>“Downsizers and young growing families from the North Shore area are expected to primarily purchase in this project," he said.</p>
<p>"It is our view that luxury townhouses will appeal to these markets as they are looking for something larger than apartment living and also enjoy private courtyards and gardens.</p>
<p>“It made smart business sense to expand the company’s presence into the North Shore area which is well established. We are currently creating beautiful liveable communities across Australia.</p>
<p>"The Lindfield development further expands our growing property footprint in Sydney. We are looking for more investment opportunities in the area.”</p>
<p>Stage one is expected to be released in Spring 2017.</p>
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Developer Greaton buys three adjoining land parcels in Sydney's North Shore

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<p>Fractional property investing platform BrickX has updated the valuations for six of its properties in Sydney and Melbourne, with growth varying from 0 to 7.4 per cent.</p>
<p>The valuations were done by independent valuation firm Preston Rowe Paterson in June 2017.</p>
<p>BrickX, which buys properties and splits each one into 10,000 units or ‘Bricks’ which investors can then buy, has been on a buying spree in the last few months. It purchased six properties between April and June, five in Sydney and one in Melbourne.</p>
<p>In its year-end sale, the investing platform waived the transaction fees for buying or pre-ordering ‘bricks’ for its Brunswick property (above). The company charges a the transaction fee of 1.75% on every purchase of ‘brick’ or while selling ‘bricks’.  </p>
<p>The biggest change in valuation was for a two-bedroom house in Annandale, where the property value rose 7.4 per cent in the last six months to $1.45 million as at June. The growth was in line with the wider suburb index, BrickX said.</p>
<p>Brick valuation increased 8.81 per cent to $112.84, taking into account the acquisition costs and cash reserve, BrickX said. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, a one-bedroom unit in the Sydney suburb of Enmore remained constant at $650,000 compared with six months before. In fact, the new value of a ‘brick’ is $67.48, a slight fall from December’s $67.82. The same was the case with a two-bedroom unit at Mosman, which was steady from its December valuation. </p>
<p>The property was valued at $1.4 million in June while the ‘brick’ price actually edged down 0.51 percent to $143.43 per ‘brick’.</p>
<p>Among other properties with notable growth was a two-bedroom unit in Bondi Beach, which increased 3.7 percent in value to $1.4 million from its initial purchase price of $1.35 million. BrickX said the growth was also in line with the overall growth in the suburb.</p>
<p>The brick price rose to $100.19 from an initial $96.</p>
<p>Another two-bedroom unit in Double Bay showed a growth of 3.4 percent in value at $1.35 million on the initial purchase price in September 2016. This property exceeded the suburb index, said BrickX.</p>
<p>The value of a ‘brick’ is now $98.46, a 3.64 percent increase from the initial $95.</p>
<p>The only property with an updated valuation from Melbourne, was in Prahran. This two-bedroom unit rose 1.3 percent to $1.19 million and BrickX said it performed in line with the wider suburb index. </p>
<p>The ‘brick’ also rose a modest 0.44 percent to $123.88.</p>
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Annandale house provides biggest boost to BrickX investors with 7.4 percent growth in six months

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<p>The former Sapphire Lounge venue in Sydney's Kings Cross, now known as The Carlisle Bar, is up for lease.</p>
<p>This 400sqm split-level <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://metrocommercial.com.au/property/rental/2185" target="_blank">venue</a> has three bars, VIP area, indoor showpiece tree, birdcages and white decor.</p>
<p>It features a 24 hour liquor license (currently trading until 3am), 300 patron capacity, a full commercial kitchen and designed to cater for large corporate functions, product launches and special events.</p>
<p>The property is up for lease through Metro Commercial agents Jerry Leis, Dillon Frain and Nik Simonovic.</p>
<p>It has been an on off operation over the past decade, among the premises caught amid the lockout laws.</p>
<p>According to a News Ltd report last October, several Kings Cross club owners were intent on joining forces to amalgamate and then sell the adjoining properties on the infamous strip to a developer.</p>
<p><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/2017/07/12/2%20Keellett%20Place-2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The Sunday Telegraph noted the consortium hoped the area will be rezoned to make way for two high-rise buildings modelled on Malaysia’s Petronas Towers with the development comprising 500 luxury apartments.</p>
<p>Sapphire Lounge owner Charlie Saleh told The Sunday Telegraph he began collecting signatures from the 65 property owners.</p>
<p>“It took a long time and a lot of money but we finally got the last landowner on board that we needed,” Mr Saleh said.</p>
<p>“This is a huge parcel of land that we think has great potential. You have the train station across the road, the CBD is 20 minutes away and you have views of everything from the Blue Mountains to Bondi and Manly.</p>
<p>“I think it’s the last great pocket of city land that hasn’t been redeveloped and if it’s done the right way I think it could transform Sydney.”</p>
<p><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/2017/07/12/2%20Keellett%20Place-3.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>He said the area will never again be what it once was, due to the lockout laws, driving the decision of landowners to sell.</p>
<p>The lockout laws, introduced in 2014, state venues in the CBD and nearby Kings Cross close by 3am with last entry at 1.30am.</p>
<p>The nearby former nightclub and music recording studio known as “Studio X”, the 1200 sq m floor span immediately under Kings Cross’ famous “Coca Cola” sign, is for sale.</p>
<p>Colliers International’s Miron Solomons is marketing the property with Gunning Commercial’s Daniel Gunning.</p>
<p><span>Solomons says the property has been priced to sell at $13 million to $14 million. It is in two strata lots so it can be sold in one line or two separate areas. </span></p>
<p><span>The expressions of interest close Wednesday 26 July. The two empty lots have total outgoings for rates, strata, land tax and water of $116,476.</span></p>
<p>Solomons says the listing typifies the changing use of Kings Cross/Potts Point from the old bar and nightclub scene to a work and lifestyle environment. </p>
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