The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Joel Robinson

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cove-on-ourimbah-40-56-ourimbah-road-mosman-nsw-2088">Cove on Ourimbah</a>, a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Another major apartment proposal signals Mosman's development boom

A new State Significant Development Application (SSDA) could reshape a prominent vacant site in Gosford's CBD, with Ming Tian Real Property proposing a mixed-use precinct that combines affordable housing, retail activation and a new public plaza.

The proposal for 43-45 Beane Street and 2 Keevers Lane would deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/43-45-beane-street-gosford-nsw-2250">two-building development</a> comprising a 26-storey residential tower and a five-storey affordable housing building above ground-floor commercial space. A key focus of the project is the delivery of dedicated affordable housing alongside new public domain improvements designed to transform Keevers Lane into a more active urban destination.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development would provide 130 apartments, including 20 affordable housing dwellings managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years. The market housing component comprises 110 apartments across a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences, while the affordable housing includes six one-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartment. The proposal also incorporates 416 sqm of ground-floor retail, three basement levels accommodating 140 car spaces, 42 bicycle spaces, communal open space and extensive landscaping.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b858791-9060-4ee7-9178-44cb9e640a85" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20b_0.png?VersionId=_jbY0mqPEs7.jBZxozR7d6T4u85FoPmb" />

The affordable housing component has been distributed across both buildings, with four apartments located within the main tower and a dedicated five-storey building delivering a further 16 affordable homes. The project also includes 12 adaptable apartments and 24 dwellings designed to Silver Level Liveable Housing Guidelines.

The architectural design draws inspiration from Indigenous storytelling.

"The design is based on the indigenous motif of the Rainbow Serpent," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

"The Rainbow Serpent is a traditional totem of coastal eastern Australia. It represents natural forces, creation, change, and rebirth and is often associated with bodies of water. This motif can be seen in the undulation of the balconies rising on the building," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

Beyond the residential offering, the proposal seeks to revitalise the surrounding public realm, particularly Keevers Lane.

"The ground floor streetscape includes a commercial and dining precinct which will significantly improve the amenity of the area. This strategy transforms a currently inhospitable laneway into a thriving centre of urban renewal and day and night time activation to compliment the new adjoining UNC facilities," the architects said.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36b0ca6b-af15-424c-81db-9f3049c07b0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20podium.png?VersionId=QCAv7bCitrg3zIGZUHI2z_HR8qVfKbp1" />

The Environmental Impact Statement notes that the project aims to "improve the provision of diverse housing options within Gosford City Centre, enhancing the mixed-use precinct by delivering high quality residential development, whilst concurrently providing a diverse range of housing choices through the provision of affordable housing, which is in growing need within the Gosford City Centre."

The site occupies approximately 2,070 sqm in the Gosford city centre, around 250 metres from Gosford Railway Station and within walking distance of Gosford Hospital, Mann Street's retail precinct and the University of Newcastle's Gosford campus currently under construction. The currently vacant site previously received approval for a lower-scale residential development, with the new proposal leveraging the NSW Government's in-fill affordable housing pathway to increase density while introducing dedicated affordable housing.

First look: Rainbow Serpent inspires bold new Gosford apartment tower

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;

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;

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;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

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;

"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;

"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;

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;

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;

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;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

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

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>

&nbsp;

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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A contemporary five bedroom home behind its Federation Armadale facade topped the nation's results when it fetched $5.925 million at its weekend Marshall White auction.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-armadale-125599174" target="_blank">The </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-armadale-125599174" target="_blank">9 Alleyne Avenue, Armadale </a>offering was the renovation project of the advertising guru turned property developer Nick Condon, who was formerly managing director of ad agency DDB, and his interior designer wife Kate Beadle.
They secured $900,000 above reserve for the 1910 home that traded in 2014 unrenovated at $2.022 million. They kept the home’s charming red brick facade and the front four rooms, adding a modern extension with five metre high ceilings at the rear.
National clearance rates continued to trend below 70 per cent across the combined capitals, with preliminary results showing 69.1 per cent of auctions found a weekend buyer.
There were 2,323 capital city auctions held this week, down from the 2,444 held last week.
"This week’s preliminary result indicates that clearance rates are continuing to soften," CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
"Compared to results from one year ago clearance rates are relatively similar with the 67.4 per cent rate of clearance," he noted.
Volumes are up slightly on last June when there were 2,183 offerings.
"Underlying demand is still strong," the Domain chief economist Dr Andrew Wilson noted in Fairfax Media reports.
"And this year, we have higher mortgage rates for investors," Dr Wilson added.
Melbourne’s preliminary clearance rate increased to 71.9 per cent this week, according to CoreLogic, up from last week’s final of 71 per cent, when the lowest clearance rate since July last year was recorded.
Auction volumes decrease slightly with 1,050 auctions held over the week, down from 1,129 over the previous week.
At the same time last year, the Melbourne clearance rate was 68.3 per cent across 1,085 auctions.
The Mornington Peninsula region was the best performer in terms of clearance rates, with an 87.2 per cent success rate across 44 auctions, followed by the North West region, where 79.5 per cent of the 90 auctions sold.
Melbourne had the cheapest result when $262,000 was paid at Moonee Ponds. It had been tipped to sell for around $240,000 to $250,000.
The one bedroom at 6/78 Argyle Street had last sold in 1997 at $53,500.
Across Sydney, 918 homes were taken to auction this week with the preliminary clearance rate for the city at 73.1 per cent.
The final clearance rate dropped for the third week in a row, with 66.7 per cent of the 927 auctions clearing last weekend.
The volume was lower one year ago, when 768 Sydney homes were taken to auction for a 73.4 per cent clearance rate was 73.4 per cent.
Sydney's highest result was a longway from the traditional Saturday auction hotspots, as winter triggers fewer listings.
Offered for the first time in 29 years, an imposing Glenhaven home on a five acre estate fetched $4,625,000. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-glenhaven-125607338" target="_blank">The vast six bedroom residence</a> was built in 2001. 
The preliminary clearance rate in Brisbane this week was 30.7 per cent, down from 46.4 per cent over the previous week.
Auction volumes were lower this week with 129 auctions held, down from 151 last week.
But Wilston secured a record price when a four level home at 39 Ray Street sold for $3,851,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wilston-125614870" target="_blank">The seven-bedroom, seven bathrooms trophy home</a> sits on a 1657 sqm block, with a pool, pool house with a shower and bathroom, and a tennis court.
It was sold through Queensland Sotheby’s International realty agent Douglas Tonkin who sold it to an international buyer, whose top bid broke the suburb record of $3.2 million.
"Fastidious owners have remodelled and extended the home to incorporate multi-level living flowing out to the finest in al fresco entertaining and recreation," Tonkin advised.
A total of 101 Adelaide homes were taken to auction this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 67.6 per cent across 68 results, down from 69.5 per cent last week when 103 auctions were held across the city.
Adelaide's prices ranged between $313,000 at Ingle Farm and $940,000 for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-linden+park-125593922" target="_blank">a 1950s house at Linden Park</a>, which was marketed as representing land value. There had been $790,000 price guidance.
A four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-ingle+farm-125637250" target="_blank">24 Sloan Road</a> at Ingle Farm had been marketed with $300,000 price guidance.
In Perth, 54 auctions took place this week, with Perth’s preliminary clearance rate of 36 per cent higher than both last week’s result (32.3 per cent) and one year ago (31.9 per cent). 
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 73.9 per cent this week is higher than last week, when the final auction clearance rate was 50.8 per cent and higher than the 61 per cent recorded last year.
Canberra's top sale was $1.4 million when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-o%27connor-125622950" target="_blank">79 David Street, O'Connor</a> was auctioned, having been marketed with $1.25 million plus hopes.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Federation Armadale home tops weekend auction results

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<div style="text-align: left;" align="center">
 
Residential property prices have had four consecutive quarters of growth according to the ABS who report property prices rose 2.2 percent in the March quarter. 
 
Price rose 3 percent in Sydney, 3.1 percent in Melbourne and fell 1 percent in Perth and Darwin 0.9 percent in Darwin.  Marcel van Kints, Program Manager for the ABS Prices Branch said while residential property prices rose in most capital cities this quarter, Sydney and Melbourne continue to drive the national result.
 
Yearly growth in residential property prices reached 10.2 percent in the March quarter 2017, according to the ABS. Sydney recorded the largest through the year growth of all capital cities at 14.4 percent and by Melbourne at 13.4 percent. The total value of Australia's 9.9 million residential dwellings increased $163.1 billion to $6.6 trillion. The mean price of dwellings in Australia is now $669,700. 
 
</div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-23%20at%209.53.58%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

March quarter rise for residential property prices: ABS

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Shopping centre giant Vicinity Centres has begun the search for a new chief executive with Angus McNaughton to retire at the end of this year.
The surprise announcement comes just under two years since Mr McNaughton stepped back into the top role in controversial circumstances following the merger that formed formed Vicinity.
"Including my time with Novion and its predecessor, CFS Retail Property Trust Group, I have been involved with this business for nearly 10 years," Mr McNaughton said in a company statement on Thursday.
"It has been a privilege to be part of Vicinity's transformation and, together with the board and executive team, to establish Vicinity's strategic direction.
"Vicinity is in a strong position and I am very confident in the highly competent executive team that we have built and their ability to drive the future growth of our business."
In August 2015, Mr McNaughton replaced Steven Sewell, who led Federation Centres when it merged with the larger Novion.
​But Mr Sewell's management styled irked the new board, which moved to axe its chief executive just two months after the the 2015 merger was formalised.
Mr McNaughton, who had stepped aside when the merger took place, was recalled and has led the growth of the renamed Vicinity, now an $11 billion property trust, since then.
The New Zealander has bedded down the amalgamation that created the second largest listed landlord of Australia retail property.
Among the highlights of his renewed tenure, Mr McNaughton has overseen a $660 million expansion of Chadstone shopping centre, now Australia's largest mall.
The mall is co-owned by Financial Review Rich Lister John Gandel, who is also Vicinity's largest shareholder and will be influential in the selection of the its next chief executive.
Among the challenges for Vicinity's next leader will be the rapidly changing retail environment that is forcing landlords to rework their massive shopping centres to re-engage shoppers enticed by the ease of online retailers such as Amazon  
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Mall giant Vicinity's CEO to resign

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An idea seemingly out of left field given record dwelling completions in Sydney, but stick with it. 
Despite record apartment construction in 2016, the rental market is ultimately governed by the supply of rental properties on the market and the demand from tenants, not the absolute number of properties built.
Sydney is a city with an unusually high demand for rentals, for a few reasons.
Firstly, because it's an expensive city to buy a home to live in, and in an era where job stability is far less common most inhabitants will be a part of the rental market at one time or another (if nothing else the high rates of stamp duty ensure this). 
Sydney can also be a transient type of place - the harbour city attracts the most migrants from overseas, but also loses the most incumbent residents interstate or to the regions of New South Wales. 
This is a dynamic which leads to a high rate of churn and lots of tenancies. 
As home to the strongest economy in the nation in recent years, the annual rate of net overseas migration into New South Wales has been accelerating again, from 50,000 in 2010 back up to to more than 76,500 at the last count in September 2016. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/A1new.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/22/A1new.jpg" alt="">
<div id="post-body-2812967251055994400" class="post-body entry-content">
 And then there is the unprecedented boom in the number of international students. <div class="separator"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></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/2017/06/22/A2.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>At the same time, a significant crackdown in lending to investors is underway, with a credit squeeze and rates being hiked on investor loans, while investors increasingly starved of credit are beginning to turn their interest to cheaper markets upstate or interstate. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Changes announced in the state budget were designed to bring more first homebuyers into the market in their stead. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Domain Group reported this week that apartment rents have increased by 17.4 per cent in Sydney over the last five years, with the growth in apartment rents topping 20 per cent in half a dozen sub-regions. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/DOMAIN.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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 <div>Sydney may not be at full employment just yet, but with an unemployment rate of just 4.4 per cent it's been getting pretty close, and we know from historical experience that this tends to bring a high demand for rental properties. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/B1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
 <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/2017/06/22/B1.jpg" alt=""> <div>Sydney also has a track record of seeing rental prices spike when demand for investment properties falls sharply, such as from 1985 to 1988 (negative gearing ban), and in 2008 (financial crisis). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>A post to bookmark and watch over the next year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Is Sydney heading for a rental crisis?

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After a long period of soft housing market conditions post the 2008 GFC, we’re seeing a pick-up in housing demand across regions, according to CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher.
Buyers are looking outside the capitals for "more affordable options,” he said after analysis of the 50 most populous non-capital city council areas.
“While a majority of the regions are showing an upward swing, areas linked to the mining and resources sector are continuing to see values fall.”
Of the non-capital city council areas analysed, areas close to Sydney are seeing the strongest growth in New South Wales.
As an example, the Wollongong council area is the most expensive for houses ($730,427) and units ($530,170).
The area also recorded the greatest increase in house values, and now holds the fourth highest increase in unit value over the past year.
“Places like Wollongong are on the rise as demand ripples away from Sydney where affordability constraints are more pressing.”
Regional areas in Victoria which are close to Melbourne are experiencing value growth, however, Mr Kusher said.
“It is nowhere near the magnitude to which values are growing in those locations close to Sydney.”
“Although values are rising, the softer growth can be linked to the fact that values have not risen as sharply in Melbourne as they have in Sydney and subsequently affordability hasn’t deteriorated as severely in Melbourne,” he said.
For Queensland, the results are more mixed with the south-east corner generally seeing values rise, while across the remainder of the state, growth is extremely mild or values have fallen.
Stripping the spotlight from Brisbane, CoreLogic confirmed that the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Noosa are now seeing more rapid value growth than for Brisbane.
“It seems as though much of the demand across these regions is coming from an acceleration in internal migration to Queensland, and where buyers from Sydney and Melbourne are using substantial equity earned to secure lifestyle properties in the state.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.42.30%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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Of the areas observed by CoreLogic, each of the 24 regions highlighted in New South Wales have recorded value growth for houses over the past year.
For units, only 4 of the 24 regions have recorded value falls over the past 12 months.
In Victoria, of the 10 regions analysed, two recorded value falls over the year for houses and 2 regions also recorded falls for unit values.
Greater Shepparton was the only council area of the state which recorded value falls for houses and units.
Of the 13 regions highlighted for Queensland, five have recorded value falls for houses over the past year and seven have recorded declines for units.
Each of the regions highlighted in Western Australia have recorded value falls over the past year for houses and units.
Launceston was the only region analysed in Tasmania and it has seen house and unit values rise over the past year.
It should be noted while values have increased they have done so at a more moderate pace than those in Hobart.
Mr Kusher said, “Overall, we’re seeing housing demand in regional areas of the country is rising.
“While many regions are seeing values increase, the strongest demand appears to be in those areas within relatively close proximity to capital cities, particularly those which are coastal and tap into lifestyle demand.”
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Regional areas showing home values rising: Cameron Kusher

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A land parcel with development potential in the north-west Sydney suburb of West Pennant Hills has been listed for sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-nsw-west+pennant+hills-502365662">14-16 Highs Road</a>, the 0.41 hectare block is being marketed as "for a developer seeking a land with a view".
McGrath agent Mark Vinogradov suggests the property offers the potential for retail, commercial or housing
He noted that the cosmopolitan hub of Castle Hill is close by.
The median price of houses in West Pennant Hills is $1.65 million, which is an increase of $105,000 compared to last year's median price.
The area also has 668 more website listing visits than most suburbs in NSW.
Older residents account for the majority of the area with 31% living in the area with 15 percent of established residents as the second largest.
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West Pennant Hills site with development potential listed

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Most indicators suggest that Melbourne has moved into first place as the city creating the most jobs and growth.
That said, the New South Wales Treasurer handed down a 2017-18 Budget yesterday revealing that the state's finances are in rude health.
Each month I've been tracking the unprecedented stamp duty take resulting from Sydney's property boom, a gift which has kept on giving.
It was reported yesterday that the state beat projections in 2016-17 to hit another surplus of $4.5 billion, with NSW now in a negative net debt position, boasting a net worth totalling more than a quarter of a trillion dollars, and with enough left over to set up a $15 billion Future Fund.
To complete the virtuous circle the state now plans to unleash a towering $72.7 billion spend on infrastructure, incorporating an impressive range of projects, a further record $7.7 billion for health infrastructure, and $4.2 billion to build 26 new schools and to fund upgrades.
This is a positive move for Sydney, and the harbour city will need to get these projects moving to fill the hole left by any coming downturn in the rate of apartment building.
Melbourne vacancies keep falling
We seem to have reached an inflection point in this property cycle.
Lower interest rates spurred record numbers of property investors into the market since 2012.
But now regulators and banks are winding back interest-only loans and have introduced tougher serviceability measures and higher mortgage rates for investment products.
And this is at a time when demand for rentals has never been higher, with employees changing roles and locations more frequently than in times past, and a record boom in international visitors and students.
While the rate of dwelling construction has been impressive, I recently mused <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/is-sydney-heading-for-rental-crisis">here</a> whether the number of available rental properties will keep up with demand this year and next. 
Vacancy rates declined across much of Australia in May, with the national vacancy rate dropping from 2.4 per cent to 2.2 per cent. 
Vacancies remained super-tight in Hobart (0.6 per cent) and Canberra (1 per cent), while in Sydney the vacancy rate declined to just 1.8 per cent. 
Vacancy rates ticked down in Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin in May, though from elevated levels in the case of Perth and Darwin, where median asking rents continue to slide. 
In Melbourne the vacancy rate is almost in freefall, halving from more than 3 per cent at the end of 2014 to a 7-year low of just 1.5 per cent.  
Inflation impact?
SQM's asking rents index shows rents already rising for apartments in Sydney (up 3.5 per cent over the year to June 20), and quite sharply for apartments in Melbourne (up 5.9 per cent).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/SQM1-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The vacancy rates figures suggest that rental prices may soon level off in the resources capitals, while there is mounting evidence of a tightening rental market in the two most populous capital cities.  
If rents do start to rise again then this has implications for monetary policy since rents form an important part of the consumer price index (combined with rising energy prices, a strengthening rental market could be enough to scope out further rate cuts). 
On the other side of the ledger, oil prices have declined to their lowest level in 9 months. 
Overall, the figures suggested that the rental markets in the weakest cities are approaching their cyclical nadir, while most other markets ex-Brisbane are either tight or tightening. 
Most notably, the feared oversupply in Melbourne has not materialised - if anything the number of available rentals is failing to keep pace with demand. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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Melbourne vacancies crash to a 7-year low

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Mackay's housing market has had its second-largest annual housing median price fall, according to the REIQ'S Queensland Monitor Market's latest report.
Mackay reported the second-largest fall in the state’s annual median price, falling 8.7 percent from $345,000 in March 2016 to $315,000 this quarter.
Over five years the fall has been 24.6 percent, from $418,000 in 2012.
Sales volumes increased from 256 over the September quarter to 311 over the December quarter.
Listings have also increased, up by 40.5 percent, effectively preventing rising demand from putting upward pressure on prices.
Listings bumped up from 2372 listings in February 2016 to 3332 listings in February 2017.
The increasing number of listings has eliminated the benefits from the increasing demand of housing.
In contrast to other areas in regional Queensland, median days on market and median vendor discounting improved for the 12 months to February 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-20%20at%201.20.24%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-20%20at%201.20.24%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Median days on market reduced from 81 days in February 2016 to 69 days on February 2017, and, median vendor discounting reduced from 10.7 per cent to 9.8 per cent for the 12 months to February 2017.
This is a clear indication that demand is increasing and vendors are having more realistic price expectations.
For a fourth consecutive quarter, the median sale price for units followed a downward trend triggering a reduction in the annual median sale price of 14.6 per cent, from $266,500 in March 2016 to $217,500 for March 2017.
This compared with the median sale price of $325,000 five years ago in March 2012.
The most active price range for units is for transactions below $250,000.
The volume of transactions in Mackay has increased by 75.8 per cent from 33 sales in September to 58 sales in December.
The size of the unit market remains very small, which adds a level of complexity and challenges to a market where the number of listings increased by 57.5 per cent for the 12 months to February 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-20%20at%201.20.32%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/20/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-20%20at%201.20.32%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The market trend indicators to February 2017 position Mackay as the region with the longest median days on market (133 days or more than four months) and the highest vendor discounting (13.9 per cent).
The rental market in Mackay is weak, although the vacancy rate tightened from 7.9 per cent to 6.4 per cent in March.
Local agents indicated that vacant properties usually receive only one rental application and tenants have their choice of available properties.
The weekly median rent over the March quarter held steady or increased for three-bedroom houses, three-bedroom townhouses and two-bedroom units.
This was just the reflection of a stronger rental demand over the first quarter of the year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2012.58.42%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2012.58.42%20PM.png" alt="">
When assessing the 12-month trend for weekly median rents, three-bedroom houses and three-bedroom townhouses have followed a downward trend while two-bedroom units remained steady.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2012.57.26%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2012.57.26%20PM.png" alt="">
This demonstrates the long- term challenges experienced by the rental market in Mackay.
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Mackay's housing median price sees second-largest annual fall

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Sydney’s median house price is expected to decline in the next three years.
Figures from BIS Oxford Economics has predicted that in 2020 Sydney’s median price will fall by 4% to $1.15 million compared to this year’s median price of $1.2 million.
This is compared to Canberra where it has an expected rise the highest of all, at 16% from $665,000 in 2017 to $770,000 in 2020.
The only other locality with a predicted drop in median price is Darwin where BIS Oxford Economics has predicted that there will be a fall of 1% from $525,000 to $520,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.45.13%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.45.13%20am.jpg" alt="">
Similarly for units all locality except Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart are predicted to experience a decline in median unit prices.
The biggest is Brisbane with a predicted drop of 7% from $425,000 to $395,000.
Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin follow soon after with a predicted drop of 4%.
In contrast to this Hobart’s unit median price is expected to increase by 6% from $315,000 to $335,000.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.45.22%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/06/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-22%20at%2011.45.22%20am.jpg" alt="">
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Median house price for Sydney expected to fall in next three years

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A student accommodation provider has put a portfolio of 14 long-term leasehold properties in central Sydney on the market through Savills.
The Furnished Property business currently provide 326 beds in 203 bedrooms and offer student and short-stay accommodation.
The listing comes amid a trend of increasing student numbers in the Harbour City. 
Full time international student numbers in Sydney’s five largest central Sydney universities showed strong growth in the last two years of available data (2014/2015) with increases of 4,115 and 3,221 respectively, according to Savills. 
Anecdotally, it appears that this growth has continued in 2016/2017, it says even as supply struggles to keep up with demand.
Savills Research indicated that 2,022 beds are in the development pipeline with development approval, or under construction, with expected completions from 2018-2020. 
The marketing is being handled by Conal Newland of Savills Australia.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/21/SAVILLSSTU.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/21/SAVILLSSTU.png" alt="">
Newland had previously noted that there was a "critical undersupply" of appropriate Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Sydney.
The Furnished Property portfolio currently targets students, but is flexible enough to attract other occupiers.
“First established in 2001 by the current owners of the Furnished Property Business, the portfolio has steadily grown over the last 16 years. Its extensive track record of profitable performance demonstrates excellent margins and growth and includes a diversified range of accommodation offerings,” said Newland.
The portfolio comprises self-contained studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, together with twin and triple shared bedrooms. Most properties have communal facilities.
The majority of the properties are within 3.5 km of the Sydney CBD and all are close to amenities and public transport, according to Savills.
The expressions of interest campaign for Furnished Property closes July 19. 
“This portfolio presents an existing opportunity to acquire a well-established student housing business with significant opportunities to enhance returns and expand further into Sydney’s buoyant short-term accommodation market,” Newland said.
 
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