Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Joel Robinson

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

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.

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

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

<html><body>
A freehold corner site in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has been listed for sale through Savills with expectations of at least $15 million.
The 354 Brunswick Street site has an area of 871 sqm with two street frontages — Ann Street and Brunswick Street.
The listing agents are Savills’ Peter Chapple and Jack Morrison.
Since acquiring the property in 2000, its local owner has restored and leased the building.
The asset generates more than 75 percent of its income from retailers on the ground floor, Morrison said.
The property is home to Universal Store, Beach Burrito, Brathaus, and Savile Row; the newest venture from the team behind Cobbler, an award-winning whiskey bar in West End. 
The retail on the ground floor, which includes courtyard area to the rear, sits below two levels of fully occupied office space all on the corner of Brunswick and Ann Street.
“The opportunity to secure a property like 354 Brunswick Street, which enjoys an unparalleled prime location on a premier corner at the top of Brunswick Street Mall, and combines low site coverage and future development potential with an excellent mix of retail and commercial tenants, is unmissable for anyone seeking marquee Brisbane property,” Morrison said.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Thriving retail property in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley expected to fetch at least $15 million

<html><body>
An office site marked for development in Sydney’s Mascot is set to hit the market through Savills, amid a lack of quality approved sites for office buildings and strong occupancy in the Sydney CBD.
The 12,602 sqm site comprising 7, 9, 14, 16, 18-21 Chalmers Crescent is one of the largest urban business park sites in greater Sydney, according to listing agents Matthew Dunn and Tim Grosmann of Savills.
The site has approval for almost 34,000 sqm of net lettable area.
The offering comes at a time when conversion of commercial to residential schemes has put greater pressure on suburban office proposals and the evolving scarcity of employment land is a major issue for greater Sydney, say Savills.
The Mascot site is well connected, with the train station close and near to the proposed WestConnex St Peters Interchange. It is also close to Sydney Airport.
The approved scheme for commercial offices with 37,805 sqm gross floor area (GFA) across four office towers which will rise 44 metres above Chalmers Crescent. 
The approved towers are set on top of a landscaped podium with lobby access and service retail to each tower with car parking.
“Green” roof tops allow for the recycling of grey water.
“The urban renewal of Mascot and Green Square together with Alexandria and St Peters has created a major workforce within close proximity, with the area further poised for strong growth,” Matthew Dunn said.
“Recent transactions of commercial assets in the immediate Mascot precinct have totalled close to half a billion and have been purchased on investment yields from low 5% to low 6% reflecting the strong demand for quality investment assets in the area.” 
The South Sydney area and especially Mascot has turned into an important office market, particularly for those in the logistics and transport sectors, due to its proximity to the CBD, added Tim Grosmann.
He expects keen interest from developers due to the site’s strong leasing fundamentals.
The site is near to shops, with Woolworths and 17 specialty shops at Mascot Central retail precinct and major retailers such as Bunnings IKEA, Officeworks and Bing Lee, all nearby.
The site is being sold through an expression of interest campaign closing June 21.
</body></html>

Site approved for office development in Sydney's Mascot listed: Savills

<html><body>
SQM Research posted its listings figures which suggested "ongoing strength" in the housing market. 
Listings were somewhat higher in the month in Brisbane and Sydney (though miles below the peak of around 44,000 in the case Sydney). 
Melbourne's market continues a multi-year trend of tightening since 2012, while Hobart arguably has the tightest market of all of the capital cities.  
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/07/SQM1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<div id="post-body-7453053517917161107" class="post-body entry-content">
<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/2017/06/07/SQM1.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Indeed, both Melbourne (-19.5 percent) and Hobart (-18.9 percent) have recorded enormous year-on-year declines in total stock listings. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/07/SQM2.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/2017/06/07/SQM2.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Melbourne recorded a massive near 6 percent uplift for houses in the month, for a 22.6 percent annual increase. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Melbourne housing market is performing extremely bullishly, echoing out-performance in the local economy.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's also worthy of note that the annual change in listings in resources cities has flattened, after increasing for a long period of time. </div>
 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Listings suggest ongoing strength: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
Submissions for the annual REA Excellence Awards, featuring 22 awards across three categories, close 30 June.
The awards, to be held Thursday 16 November, consist of three categories: Innovation, Service and Marketing Excellence and Community.
Judges include Chris Gray, host of Your Property Empire, Greg Dickason, EGM Real Estate and Partnerships – Australia, CoreLogic RP Data and Tim McKibbin, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Institute of New South Wales amongst others.
The award categories each customer group can enter include:
<ul>
<li>Residential Real Estate Agents &amp; Property Managers</li>
<li>Commercial Real Estate Agents</li>
<li>Developers, Home Builders and Project Marketers.</li>
<li>Media Agencies and Clients</li>
</ul>
Some of the judging criteria for awards for commercial real estate agents are below.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/07/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%2011.31.29%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/07/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%2011.31.29%20AM.png" alt="">
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/07/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%2011.32.30%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/07/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%2011.32.30%20AM.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/06/07/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%2011.33.39%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/07/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%2011.33.39%20AM.png" alt="">
 
2016 winners included Laing + Simmons, who won the award for Game Changer of the Year - Residential after building a Virtual Reality platform. 
Developer Office Hub won the Excellence in Customer Service Award - Commercial as well as the Game Changer of the Year - Commercial.
GardenHill by Beulah International won Game Changer of the Year - Developer.
Amity Property Group won Excellence in Customer Service Award - Developer 
Burgess Rawson won Brand Campaign of the Year - Commercial. According to REA, Burgess Rawson won the award for transitioning from more traditional media channels to utilizing a cutting-edge realcommercial.com.au digital product to help build their brand online and stand out from the crowd.
<div class="award_name">Ray White Double Bay won the New Home Marketing Campaign of the Year Award - Developer for their work on The Gordon. REA said the Uniting Church of Australia owned a derelict car park in Paddington that was to be turned into residential property, The Gordon and through the execution of an integrated marketing campaign, there were over 450 qualified pre-registrations that resulted in all 19 apartments being sold in 19 minutes, totalling $26 million.
</div>
Capitol Grand by LK Property Group won Brand Campaign of the Year - Developer
CBRE Melbourne won Campaign of the Year Award - Commercial
For more information, <a href="https://theareas.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

Submissions for the annual REA Excellence Awards close 30 June

<html><body>
SPONSORED POST
It is no secret that Macquarie Park has been a favourite amongst Australia’s leading property developers and investors with AMP, Goodman, Stockland and the like all taking a substantial stake in the precinct.
Since the early days in the mid 1960’s when the bushland suburb of North Ryde was rezoned for employment land, developers and prospective investors have found solace in the safe havens of Macquarie Park which has transformed into the “Silicon Valley of Sydney” with global tech and software giants such as Microsoft, Oracle and Novartis calling it home.
Macquarie University was built in the early 1960’s as Sydney’s much needed third university, construction of residential dwellings then transpired around the fringes and soon after Macquarie Shopping Centre opened for business which proved to be a major draw card for international and domestic businesses. Since then, Macquarie Park has positioned itself as a power house in the commercial market with over 850,000 square meters of office space creating a work force of over 45,000 and with a competitive 7 percent vacancy rate.
Since 2015 when the Herring Road Precinct was rezoned, we have seen a new form of investment with local and international residential developers acquiring all the newly re zoned land with over $1 billion dollars being transacted since 2015. According to the NSW Government there is over $2.7 billion in Development Applications awaiting approval with a substantial amount also in the pipeline.
The newly created strata laws brought into effect on 1 December 2016 has proven to be the catalyst for site amalgamations in the Herring Road precinct.
Savills Residential Site Sales Directors Stuart Cox and Neil Cooke have been instrumental in amalgamating these sites and have recently taken <a href="https://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/bc8f85aa-9be2-e611-80c7-005056813885/Sale/Macquarie-Park/Macquarie-Park" target="_blank">15-19 Cottonwood Crescent</a> to market with an outstanding response from international and local developers in the first couple of days.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/06/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-07%20at%209.36.43%20AM.png" alt="" width="570" height="359">
This site encapsulates three existing blocks of 15 two bedroom apartments, capable of being redeveloped into a landmark 21 storey 200 unit development under the current development controls.
According to Stuart Cox, “The re-gentrification of Macquarie Park will be home to over 10,000 new dwellings in the next 10 years with residents benefiting from the governments heavy involvement in upgrading public infrastructure through integrated transport connections and improving transport times to and from Sydney and Parramatta CBD’s.”
Strong demand for Macquarie Park has always stemmed from its education and retail backbone that has provided for over 40,000 students and 45,000 employees, new demand stems from the proximity to Sydney and Parramatta CBD’s through the new Metro Sydney Project which will provide trains every four minutes in peak hours.
Macquarie Park is also the second largest employment region in NSW and the fourth largest CBD in Australia with employment figures by BIS Shrapnel quoting a growth of over 40,000 new jobs by 2031. Residential developers have recently been acquiring sites at rates well in excess of $3,500 per square meter of Gross Floor Area for the privilege to own and develop in the extremely hot Herring Road Precinct.
This article was written by Johnathon Broome, Savills Residential Site Sales Executive.
For more information from Savills, <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Billionaires play in the Park

<html><body>
A fully leased office warehouse in Brisbane’s Bowen Hills has changed hands for $3.25 million on a yield of 3.7%. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-bowen+hills-502114846" target="_blank">47 Brookes Street</a> property is in one of Brisbane’s up-and-coming mixed-use urban renewal precincts, which includes more than 100 hectare of under-utilised land, underpinned the sale.
The deal was brokered by JLL’s Sam Byrne and Christian Sandstrom from Metro Sales &amp; Investments.
The asset, which was passed in at auction late last year, was sold to a private investor.
The 1,011 square metre site has a freestanding building with two levels of older-style office and warehouse accommodation totalling 804 square metres.
It is fully leased to three tenants – with one of them in the building for 13 years.  
Byrne said the sale attracted strong buyer interest.
“The property’s location in the Bowen Hills’ Urban Renewal Precinct was a key drawcard in attracting interest, with Brookes Street situated in the high exposure position in the heart of Bowen Hills,” Byrne said.
“This transaction follows on with the trend of investors acquiring land rich assets in core locations to land bank for future development cycles.” 
<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/2017/06/02/BowenHills2.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Leased office-warehouse sale in Bowen Hills fetches $3.25 million

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Last month six of Australia’s top journalists <a href="https://news.xinhuanet.com/zgjx/2017-05/18/c_136295296.htm" target="_blank">visited China for a week</a> as guests of the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
They were greeted by top Communist Party officials and toured some of China’s new infrastructure projects. Some (but not all) returned to Australia singing the praises of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s showcase “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) initiative and <a href="https://www.afr.com/brand/chanticleer/opportunities-for-business-in-chinas-one-belt-one-road-20170522-gwaqoo" target="_blank">the opportunities for Australian businesses</a>.
Bob Carr, the director of ACRI and a professor of international relations at UTS, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/comment/if-australia-listened-to-our-hawks-on-china-wed-have-been-hung-out-to-dry-20170523-gwaw1w" target="_blank">claims we are in danger</a> of being “hung out to dry” if we listen to the “China hawks” and don’t more fully engage with China. Yet few have paused to ask why one of our universities is being used as a conduit to promote China’s national interest, and who is actually paying for it.
China’s rise forces us to think carefully about both the opportunities and costs of a closer relationship with China. These difficult discussions are taking place in government offices, boardrooms and chancelleries around the globe, but must also be a part of the wider public discussion. Australia is no exception. China is our single largest trading partner and an increasingly important source of foreign investment. China is also fundamental to our tertiary education sector.
With federal funding declining, vice-chancellors are being forced to think creatively about new revenue streams. Here China looms large. Nearly <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/the-rising-place-of-deregulated-student-fees-in-australian-university-life/" target="_blank">a fifth of higher education revenue</a> comes from full-fee paying students, with overseas Chinese students contributing the lion’s share. Universities are also looking to China for new sources of research income. Yet the sector’s <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-31/australian-unis-left-vulnerable-by-reliance-on/6737678" target="_blank">growing dependency on the Chinese market</a> could cloud the judgement of senior university administrators.
The circumstances of the Australia-China Relations Institute should serve as a reminder of what is at stake. ACRI was created in early 2014 around the same time that the university defunded its large China Research Centre and sent its director, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/250674" target="_blank">respected historian Maurizio Marinelli</a> packing. ACRI was founded with A$2.8 million in donations from two wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs who recently migrated to Australia. One of these individuals, <a href="https://www.afr.com/news/politics/chinas-local-emperor-huang-xiangmo-says-politics-just-like-sport-20160901-gr66xc" target="_blank">Mr Huang Xiangmo</a> was named chairman of ACRI and would later reportedly claim that he <a href="https://www.afr.com/news/politics/chinas-local-emperor-huang-xiangmo-says-politics-just-like-sport-20160901-gr66xc" target="_blank">personally selected</a> the former Foreign Minister Bob Carr as the director of the new institute.
Despite claims that it is “an independent, nonpartisan, research think tank,” <a href="https://www.australiachinarelations.org/" target="_blank">ACRI</a> has been plagued by controversy since its establishment. In my opinion, the quality of ACRI’s research output is patchy at best, with far more examples of political advocacy than rigorous, independent research.
While it has produced a <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-china-relations-institute-responds-to-questions-on-research-and-funding-78803" target="_blank">handful of quality research reports</a> by respected Australian academics, far more effort has gone into the production of often one-sided, decontextualised fact sheets and opinion pieces aimed at promoting what ACRI’s own website asserts is “a positive and optimistic view of Australia-China relations”.
Despite initial claims that ACRI would use “<a href="https://acyd.org.au/partners-2/australia-china-relations-institute-">big data science</a> to illuminate and explore the Australia-China relationship,” it has published a handful of short opinion polls that lack academic rigour. Take for example the one-page, six-question survey, “<a href="https://www.australiachinarelations.org/content/east-china-sea-what-australians-think" target="_blank">East China Sea: What Australians think</a>,” which claims most Australians desire neutrality in this territorial dispute. Yet the survey contains no raw data or details on the methodology employed by UMR Strategic in conducting the survey.
The Australia-China relationship is complicated; if we iron out these complexities we are left with an incomplete and potentially misleading picture.
Most of ACRI’s activities happen behind closed-doors and largely outside the purview of the Australian public. In his capacity as Director of ACRI, Bob Carr frequently meets with visiting Chinese Communist Party officials. These visits are not reflected on ACRI’s website but are widely reported in the Chinese language media.
In 2015, for example, Bob Carr met with <a href="https://world.people.com.cn/n/2015/0916/c1002-27594016" target="_blank">Zhu Weiqun</a>, one of the chief architects of the Communist Party’s efforts to demonise the Dalai Lama and promote the assimilation of ethnic minorities in China. When the Party’s Minister for Propaganda Liu Qibao visited Australia in 2016, Carr participated in a roundtable “dialogue with Sinologists in Australia,” which was <a href="https://www.weibo.com/ttarticle/p/show?id=2309351000443980755138134282" target="_blank">widely reported in the Chinese language media</a> but went unmentioned in Australia.
ACRI has also been busy courting the Australian media. It has organised a number of study tours to China for Australia-based journalists like Paul Kelly, Ross Gittins, Malcolm Farr, Jim Middleton, and at least 12 others, <a href="https://news.xinhuanet.com/zgjx/2017-05/18/c_136295296.htm" target="_blank">according to Chinese media reports</a>. Wider media coverage on China is valuable. Yet by exposing these visiting journalists to the official Party line, it suggests to me that ACRI is seeking to actively reshape the public perception of China by skirting Australia’s China-based journalists who tend to be far more knowledgeable and critical of China.
Returning journalists published fifteen articles in 2016 <a href="https://news.xinhuanet.com/zgjx/2016-08/11/c_135585550.htm" target="_blank">according to the Party-backed All China Journalist Association</a>, thus “objectively transmitting ‘China’s voice’” to the Australian public through mainstream media outlets. This appears to be one of the concrete outcomes of the <a href="https://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-05/27/c_135394020.htm" target="_blank">Memorandum of Understanding</a> ACRI signed with the Party’s official Xinhua News Agency in early 2016.
Unlike other university-based think tanks, such as the <a href="https://www.ussc.edu.au/about/mission" target="_blank">United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney</a>, ACRI has never produced an annual report <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-china-relations-institute-responds-to-questions-on-research-and-funding-78803" target="_blank">nor does it publicly disclose</a> its budget and financial expenditures. The university now claims to “<a href="https://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2017/04/hon-philip-ruddock-chair-australia-china-relations-institute-advisory-board" target="_blank">fully fund</a>” the institute; yet the Bank of China, the China Construction Bank, Yuhu Group, and other Chinese companies are listed as “<a href="https://www.australiachinarelations.org/about-us" target="_blank">Chairman’s Council Members</a>” under a description of how ACRI is funded.
Who is paying for the transmission of “China’s voice” in Australia? Is it UTS, the All-China Journalist Association, Xinhua or even the Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party? Because ACRI hasn’t disclosed any of its finances, we don’t know who is paying for the trips it organises.
These efforts to promote Chinese “soft power” and influence in Australia are understandable. Public diplomacy is a key part of international relations today, and states have long sought to increase their influence globally.
Yet do centres like ACRI belong inside our universities? The University of Technology Sydney is a public institution that is still predominately funded by the Commonwealth government with taxpayers’ dollars. We risk undermining the neutrality and impartiality of our universities at a time when our relationship with China is reaching a critical juncture.
ACRI’s founding chairman <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/chinese-king-of-the-mountain-brush-with-corruption-scandal-20160224-gn2tvt" target="_blank">Huang Xiangmo</a> is actively involved in Australian politics. He has reportedly funnelled over one million dollars in political donations to the major political parties since arriving in Australia under suspicious circumstances in 2011.
His payment of Sam Dastyari’s legal bills stirred controversy over the influence of Chinese money in Australian politics and resulted in Mr Huang’s decision to <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/china-steps-up-university-influence-effort/news-story/5d09f3cc5d36e4d7295ae1d85543a023" target="_blank">step down as chairman of ACRI</a>. Yet he <a href="https://www.acpprc.org.au/schinese/jinqi/2017/wen4May17" target="_blank">continues to employ the title</a> and his adjunct professorship at UTS when representing himself in the Chinese language media, where he <a href="https://australia.people.com.cn/n/2015/0710/c364496-27284429" target="_blank">frequently praises the contributions</a> of overseas Chinese in upholding national unity and striving for the “China dream” of national rejuvenation.
Mr. Huang is also the Chairman of the <a href="https://www.acpprc.org.au/schinese/huizhang.asp" target="_blank">Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC)</a>, an overseas branch of the Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, which is tasked with promoting the Party’s interests among the Chinese diaspora. When Li Keqiang visited Australia in March, the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/nsw/huang-xiangmos-prochina-group-denies-organising-premier-li-rentacrowd-20170324-gv5z4h" target="_blank">ACPPRC mobilised Chinese students</a> to welcome the Chinese Premier and keep any protesters at bay.
Huang Xiangmo has also provided A$3.5 million to help establish a new <a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/aciac/people" target="_blank">Australia-China Institute for Arts and Culture</a> at Western Sydney University, where he sits on the board of governance. He is reported to be eyeing-off <a href="https://www.afr.com/news/politics/chinas-local-emperor-huang-xiangmo-says-politics-just-like-sport-20160901-gr66xc" target="_blank">additional investments</a> in the tertiary sector in Australia. Yet these supposedly philanthropic donations come with a clear agenda, as Huang revealed when he called for the Chinese community to increase their skill and leverage in the Australian political arena <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1003731.shtml" target="_blank">in a Global Times editorial</a>.
I welcome the role ACRI is playing in broadening and deepening our understanding of this important bilateral relationship; yet I question whether our publicly funded universities are the right place for the institute.
Universities are meant to be places of robust and critically minded teaching and research. If Australia is going to successfully navigate its way through the “Asian Century,” we need independent centres of research excellence on China.
We need places where properly trained experts can study and better understand all aspects of China’s rise — both the positive and the negative — without fear or influence. We do a disservice to this important mission when the reputations of our universities are sullied in the name of one-sided, political advocacy.
<hr>
The Conversation sought a response from the Australia-China Relations Institute, which can be <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-china-relations-institute-responds-to-questions-on-research-and-funding-78803">viewed here</a>. 
James Leibold is Associate Professor of Politics and Asian Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842" target="_blank">La Trobe University</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Australia-China Relations Institute doesn’t belong at UTS

<html><body>
An iconic craft beer pub in Sydney’s Darlinghurst has changed hands for an undisclosed sum.
The Local Taphouse is located at 122 Flinders Street and is a pioneer in the Sydney beer market.
The pub has been bought by brothers Josh and James Thorpe from craft beer aficionados Guy Greenstone and Steve Jeffares, according to hospitality news website The Shout. 
The Local Taphouse is the first pub purchase for the brothers, who have worked in a variety of venues all over Sydney, including Newtown Hotel, The Arthouse Hotel in the CBD, and Gilroys Hotel in north Sydney, said The Shout. 
The three-level hotel has a brand new 20-year lease, including options, along with $54,000 per week in weekly revenue.
It has won numerous awards from publications such as Time Out for its impressive craft beer selection, numbering more than 200.
The pub's elder sister is on Carlisle Street, St Kilda East.
Featuring several bar areas, kitchen and a rooftop terrace,  the property is also centrally located to Oxford Street, the CBD and the Sydney Sports Grounds.
Prior to the current sale, the pub sold for $2.55 million in 2010, RP Data shows.
The sale was negotiated by Ray White agents Blake Edwards and Xavier Plunkett. 
</body></html>

Darlinghurst craft beer pub The Local Taphouse sold

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Mega-trends such as urbanisation and technology are set to have a profound effect on our basic living habits and homes.
In this instalment of our ‘Homes of the Future’ series, we look into how our living rooms will need to adapt for the future. 
The look and feel of the space
With increasing urban populations, the spaces that we live in may become increasingly smaller. 
The design of the space may change, shifting to designs with less clutter and visual noise. Theo Richardson, an industrial designer and co-founder of Rich Brilliant Willing, believes we will see simpler lines, bold forms and bold solid colours.
Business Leader at IKEA Eja Tuominen explains that people want to slow down and relax, and therefore are focusing on living areas around the themes of growing, creation, harmony and compact living, ensuring calm spaces are present as part of the design. 
Multi-functionalism
Other changes we expect to see will be furniture that is more transformable and multi-functional. Future furniture should have integrated technology to make it more responsive both ergonomically and via bio-feedback. For example, a couch may adjust configuration depending on whether there are guests present or if you are relaxing by yourself.
Technology and entertainment
Looking at the future of living rooms, whilst the basic functions will remain the same, the increasing role of technology will change our traditional modes of communication and entertainment. For example, instead of sitting and chatting with friends in person or over the phone, you may instead be speaking to them via hologram. Instead of watching television or playing console games, you may be involved in virtual reality experiences.
Imagine a living room with complete integration between appliances and architecture. At the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony explored a conceptual living room where a mirror became a touchscreen panel, syncing to the wall which transformed into a giant screen, with overhead lighting that projected films. 
Immersive entertainment experiences are already being investigated by many brands, including Microsoft Research’s IllumiRoom video which brings to life the potential of film and game projections coming out of the TV, and Xbox One’s enhanced Kinnect sensor allowing participatory fitness and leisure products with personalised coaching in the home.
Another enhancement we may see in the near future is adding a fourth dimension (motion) to home entertainment – allowing our furniture to move and vibrate in conjunction with our entertainment to allow for a more immersive experience.
Ged Rockliff is the Head of Residential, Savills, and can be contacted <a href="https://www.savills.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
</body></html>

How will urbanisation and technology affect living rooms of the future? Ged Rockliff 

<html><body>
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s national operations headquarters at the Brisbane Airport has been bought by The Patella Group for $23 million in an off-market transaction.
The price reflects a market yield of nearly 8.3 percent, according to selling agents Colliers International.
It also acquired Aviation House in Canberra, which is also occupied by CASA, from Mirvac in 2016 for $68.1 million.
The PCA A-Grade building at Brisbane Airport is fully leased to CASA for another 2.5 years, with a further five-year option. It spans 4,675 sqm. 
The 12-14 The Circuit Brisbane Airport is situated within the Skygate precinct - a retail precinct brimming with fashion, food and leisure.
In all, it has more than 160 retail stores, cafés and diners including DFO, Woolworths, Golf Central BNE, Dan Murphy’s, a 4.5 star hotel, medical centre and childcare.
The building was developed in 2007, and comprises four levels of office space, a ground-level foyer, and basement parking.  
The base building currently has a 5.0 star NABERS Energy rating.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Pty Limited purchased Brisbane Airport from the federal government in 1997 under a 50-year lease with an option to renew for a further 49 years. BAC retains ownership and control of the airport in its entirety for the duration of the lease term up to 2096.  
It will invest $3.8 billion in projects over the next decade including the New Parallel Runway, new car parks and access facilities, terminal expansions, road upgrades, and new aprons and aeronautical facilities.
The sale was negotiated by Colliers on behalf of Garda Diversified Property Fund. 
Tom Barr of Colliers International said there was strong interest from institutions, privates, and syndicators.
“Buyers were attracted to high tenant retention probability due to the “stickiness” of the tenant to the location and building. The rapid growth of the Brisbane Airport precinct underpinned by nearly $4 billion of planned infrastructure investment over the next decade, was also very appealing to buyers” he said.
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News