Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

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.

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

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>
Malvern East has the highest growth for unit prices in Victoria according to the REIV.
Over the March quarter, Malvern East’s unit median price has risen by 24.1 percent from $621,500 to $771,000.
This is followed by Brighton with 23.50 percent and Reservoir with 21.40 percent.
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Suburb"}'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Mar-17 Median"}'>Mar-17 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Dec-16 Median"}'>Dec-16 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Quarterly Change"}'>Quarterly Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MALVERN EAST"}'>MALVERN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":771000}'>$771,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":621500}'>$621,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.241}'>24.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRIGHTON"}'>BRIGHTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1300000}'>$1,300,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1052500}'>$1,052,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.235}'>23.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"RESERVOIR"}'>RESERVOIR</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":555000}'>$555,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":457000}'>$457,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.214}'>21.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BUNDOORA"}'>BUNDOORA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":400000}'>$400,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":334250}'>$334,250</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.197}'>19.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BORONIA"}'>BORONIA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":571000}'>$571,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":485000}'>$485,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.177}'>17.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BOX HILL"}'>BOX HILL</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":571000}'>$571,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":485000}'>$485,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.177}'>17.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MELBOURNE"}'>MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":532500}'>$532,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":455000}'>$455,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.17}'>17.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PRESTON"}'>PRESTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":512000}'>$512,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":442500}'>$442,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.157}'>15.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CARNEGIE"}'>CARNEGIE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":620000}'>$620,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":539950}'>$539,950</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.148}'>14.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"HAWTHORN EAST"}'>HAWTHORN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":706000}'>$706,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":614750}'>$614,750</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.148}'>14.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"DONCASTER EAST"}'>DONCASTER EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":929000}'>$929,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":824000}'>$824,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.127}'>12.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MARIBYRNONG"}'>MARIBYRNONG</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":510000}'>$510,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":453500}'>$453,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.125}'>12.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"RINGWOOD"}'>RINGWOOD</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":596000}'>$596,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":530125}'>$530,125</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.124}'>12.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PRAHRAN"}'>PRAHRAN</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":587500}'>$587,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":523500}'>$523,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.122}'>12.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MITCHAM"}'>MITCHAM</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":731500}'>$731,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":660000}'>$660,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.108}'>10.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PASCOE VALE"}'>PASCOE VALE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":565000}'>$565,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":510000}'>$510,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.108}'>10.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CROYDON"}'>CROYDON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":542000}'>$542,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":494500}'>$494,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.096}'>9.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BENTLEIGH"}'>BENTLEIGH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":842500}'>$842,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":770000}'>$770,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.094}'>9.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRIGHTON EAST"}'>BRIGHTON EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1205000}'>$1,205,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1101000}'>$1,101,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.094}'>9.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRUNSWICK"}'>BRUNSWICK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":530000}'>$530,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":498500}'>$498,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.063}'>6.30%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
A three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-malvern+east-125192046" target="_blank">9/602-606 Waverley Road</a>, Malvern East (above) has been listed for between $750,000 to $825,000.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-malvern+east-125278550" target="_blank">1/29 Grant Street</a>, Malvern East (below) has been listed for within the median price range.
<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/2017/05/03/1_29%20Grant%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-malvern+east-124845238" target="_blank">1/48 Serell Street</a> (below) was recently sold in March this year for $785,000.
<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/2017/05/03/1_48%20Serell%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-malvern+east-124608158" target="_blank">4/5 Ellison Street</a>, Malvern East (below) was recently sold in February this year for $771,000.
<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/2017/05/03/4_5%20Ellison%20Street.jpg" alt="">
*Only suburbs with at least 25 sales in the relevant quarter are included
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Malvern East tops REIV unit median price growth with 24 percent

<html><body>
The Coolibah Hotel in Merrylands has sold for a rumoured $40 million by the Vlandis Group.
According to reports in the Australian Financial Review, the property sold for around $40 million, with the off-market deal, netting a yield of about 8 percent.
Andrew Jolliffe, Asia Pacific Director of the Ray White Group said the sale of the hotel marks the highest freehold going concern sale achieved nationally to date in 2017.
"Our client identified this time in the market as a suitable exit point at which to conclude its long term investment in what is truly an outstanding hotel property spanning some 8500 symmetrical sqm," he said.
"The profile of the purchaser, much like the vendor, is one of an established and very well respected hotel group.
"The market has been patently well supported by sophisticated on and off-shore investor groups, and we feel this trend will continue.
"We've spoken openly, regularly and confidently in the past about the emergence of the Super A-Grade hotel category, and the applicable yields associated with irreplaceable hospitality assets such as the Coolibah Hotel."
The sale beats Merivale's Justin Hemmes paying $37.05 million for the Tennyson Hotel in Mascot late last year.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney's Coolibah Hotel sold for record $40 million

<html><body>
Burnie is the cheapest Tasmanian locality to purchase a unit, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that units in Burnie can be purchased at around a $139,000 median.
This is followed by East Devonport with $149,000 and Launceston with $155,000.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Burnie
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$139,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
East Devonport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7310
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$149,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Launceston
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
Studio and 1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$155,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Upper Burnie
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$160,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Newnham
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7248
</td>
<td valign="top" width="81">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$162,500
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-tas-burnie-124780074" target="_blank">5/47 North Terrace</a>, Burnie (above) has been listed for $112,500.
Similarly a two bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-tas-burnie-124390686" target="_blank">25/47 North Terrace</a>, Burnie (below) has been listed for $109,000.
<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/2017/04/12/25_47%20North%20Terrace.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

Burnie the cheapest Tasmanian locality for units: Investar

<html><body>
Templestowe has the highest house quarterly median price growth in Victoria, according to the REIV.
In the March quarter Templestowe's housing price has grown by 17 percent.
This is followed by Mount Eliza with 15.5 percent and Cranbourne North with 14.90 percent.
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
<col width="100">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Suburb"}'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Mar-17 Median"}'>Mar-17 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Dec-16 Median"}'>Dec-16 Median</td>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"Quarterly Change"}'>Quarterly Change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"TEMPLESTOWE"}'>TEMPLESTOWE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1552000}'>$1,552,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1320000}'>$1,320,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.176}'>17.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MOUNT ELIZA"}'>MOUNT ELIZA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1270444}'>$1,270,444</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1100000}'>$1,100,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.155}'>15.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CRANBOURNE NORTH"}'>CRANBOURNE NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":518000}'>$518,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":451000}'>$451,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.149}'>14.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"KILSYTH"}'>KILSYTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":699950}'>$699,950</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":610000}'>$610,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.147}'>14.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MORNINGTON"}'>MORNINGTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":870000}'>$870,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":760000}'>$760,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.145}'>14.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BRUNSWICK"}'>BRUNSWICK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1271000}'>$1,271,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1125000}'>$1,125,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.13}'>13.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BUNDOORA"}'>BUNDOORA</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":746625}'>$746,625</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":663000}'>$663,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.126}'>12.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"NORTHCOTE"}'>NORTHCOTE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1462000}'>$1,462,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1300000}'>$1,300,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.125}'>12.50%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CRANBOURNE"}'>CRANBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":487000}'>$487,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":434990}'>$434,990</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.12}'>12.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"CAMBERWELL"}'>CAMBERWELL</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":2295000}'>$2,295,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":2055000}'>$2,055,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.117}'>11.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BALWYN NORTH"}'>BALWYN NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1925000}'>$1,925,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1731000}'>$1,731,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.112}'>11.20%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PRESTON"}'>PRESTON</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1000000}'>$1,000,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":900000}'>$900,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.111}'>11.10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"KEW"}'>KEW</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":2165000}'>$2,165,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1950000}'>$1,950,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.11}'>11.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"HAMPTON PARK"}'>HAMPTON PARK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":476500}'>$476,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":430000}'>$430,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.108}'>10.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"RICHMOND"}'>RICHMOND</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1482500}'>$1,482,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1340000}'>$1,340,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.106}'>10.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"SUNBURY"}'>SUNBURY</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":455500}'>$455,500</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":412625}'>$412,625</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.104}'>10.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"PAKENHAM"}'>PAKENHAM</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":450000}'>$450,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":410000}'>$410,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.098}'>9.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"BENTLEIGH EAST"}'>BENTLEIGH EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1270000}'>$1,270,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":1165000}'>$1,165,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.09}'>9.00%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"MOOROOLBARK"}'>MOOROOLBARK</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":697000}'>$697,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":640000}'>$640,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.089}'>8.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='{"1":2,"2":"ROSEBUD"}'>ROSEBUD</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":550000}'>$550,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":4,"2":"\"$\"#,##0","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":506000}'>$506,000</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='{"1":3,"2":"0.00%","3":1}' data-sheets-value='{"1":3,"3":0.087}'>8.70%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-templestowe-125341554" target="_blank">12 Clays Court</a>, Templestowe (above) has been listed for between $1.6 million to $1.75 million.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-templestowe-125087666" target="_blank">44 Unwin Street</a>, Templestowe (below) has been listed for between $1.68 million to $1.75 million.
<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/2017/05/03/44%20Unwin%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-templestowe-124950934" target="_blank">254 Serpelis Road</a>, Templestowe (below) was sold recently in April for $1.505 million.
<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/2017/05/03/254%20Serpelis%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-templestowe-124913290" target="_blank">26 Bali Hi Boulevard</a>, Templestowe (below) was sold recently in April for $1.51 million.
<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/2017/05/03/26%20Bali%20Hi%20Boulevard.jpg" alt="">
In January this year Property Observer reported <a href="/news/ringwood-caulfield-and-toorak-price-growth-lead-melbournes-median-house-to-750-000-plus-reiv">Melbourne</a>'s housing median rose to $750,000.
*Only suburbs with at least 30 sales in the relevant quarter are included
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Templestowe homes top REIV quarterly median price growth list

<html><body>
ANZ reported an interim cash profit of $3.4 billion for the half, an improvement of 23 percent - the prior year result having been hit by write-downs - but missing market expectations of a $3.5 billion result. 
The group's net interest margin was only impacted to a very small extent by funding costs, but did decline nevertheless.
ANZ announced rate hikes on investor and owner-occupier loans last week, with steep increases of up to 40bps on interest-only products (but some cuts being applied to principal and interest mortgages).
Over the next year we can expect to see lenders forcing borrowers away from interest-only loans as I looked at in more detail here. 
This isn't the place for a detailed review of the ANZ interim financials, but below I'll take a quick look at the home loan portfolio. 
ANZ's 90+ day home loan delinquencies have been relatively contained to date in the Australia division, though they have tracking at somewhat higher levels than seen in recent years. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/04/ANZ1.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/2017/05/04/ANZ1.jpg" alt="">
A closer look at the portfolio performance for the Australia division reveals the concerning rate of deterioration in home loans that are 90 days past due in Western Australia.
Since 2013 home loans that are 90 days past due in the state have risen sharply from as close to zero as you will see across a loan book towards 1.4 per cent of home loans. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/04/ANZ2.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/2017/05/04/ANZ2.jpg" alt="">
Queensland has typically had a higher rate of delinquency than elsewhere since severe flooding in the state in 2010-11. 
Now more than half a decade on the flood-related delinquencies have mostly either been impaired or resolved, but loans that are 90 days past due remain higher than elsewhere in Australia due to the very poor economic conditions in many parts of regional Queensland.
Vacancy rates are also elevated in Perth and many parts of regional Western Australia and Queensland, a knock-on impact from the end of the resources construction boom.
The ANZ share price took a knock from yesterday's results, dropping by 2.12 percent by the close to $32.25. 
Genworth Mortgage Insurance (ASX: GMA) dropped 4.19 percent to $3.20 yesterday, having been down by 7 percent in early trade. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">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">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

WA home loan portfolio deteriorating: Pete Wargent 

<html><body>
The May 31 Ray White commercial auction day will take on a regional theme with hotels from Wollongong, Maitland and Picton coming to market.
Blake Edwards from Ray White said the major regional markets are hot spots for hospitality investors seeking yield in growing economies.
"Last year we sold a hotel in Maitland to a very experienced Sydney hotel group for a record Hunter Region price of around $11 million and I think it caused the industry to re-evaluate where there might be better opportunities in the market place," he said.
"Particularly given the quality of the offerings we are showcasing at our May 31 auctions in the form of Maitland CBD's outstanding Belmore Hotel.
"The fact is that a similar quality hotel in Sydney would sell for considerably more than the market price for the Belmore Hotel, and investors are awake to the opportunity to place equity in an investment underpinned by commercial property and strong gaming revenues at more attractive returns," he said.
<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/2017/05/03/Belmore%20Aerial.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
Also being sold at the Ray White Auction Day is Wollongong's Unanderra Hotel, which is situated on a 3700 sqm land parcel.
Daniel Dragicevich of CBRE said the recent hotel renovation has attracted a new level of patronage to the offering.
"Hotels in close proximity to large, successful Registered Clubs often do very well; particularly in respect of gaming revenues,where the Unanderra Hotel has recently attributed some strategic capital to," he said.
Andrew Jolliffe, director, Ray White Asia Pacific said recent sales are strong evidence of market health.
"With our catalogue of recent on and off market sales over the past 12 months containing several category sale price records, it is not difficult to draw confidence from our strong transactional dealings," he said.
“We’re a business with international representation via a 1000 office network, hence our market receptors are able to provide us with real-time connectivity to the pulse and strength of various commercial property asset classes; and both recent and immediate future sales we are due to announce will underwrite our continued confidence in the sector."
Also being auctioned on 31 May 2017 are several high quality commercial properties, with Head of Ray White Commercial Jeff Moxham tipping the level of interest on the day to be very high.
"Auctions are at the very core of this company's DNA, and have been for over 100 years; accordingly our strategic auction process has seen outstanding results achieved for our valued client base," he said.
"When managed properly, there really is no substitute for this method of sale, and our recent results both in terms of prices enjoyed and clearance rates achieved, bears clear testimony to the high regard and level of confidence in which we hold our strategic auction process" Moxham commented.
Also being auctioned by Ray White's Blake Edwards on 31 May is the George IV Hotel in Sydney's satellite suburb of Picton.
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Regional hotels at Ray White's May auction day

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Online retailing is set to increase resulting in retail sales facing difficulties, according to Mirvac’s latest report.
While retail sales are facing headwinds from lower wages growth and an increase in online retailing, quality urban-based centres with an attractive tenancy mix are expected to continue to perform well.
New South Wales continues to record above trend levels of economic growth, with a large infrastructure investment pipeline, low interest rates and a lower currency supporting a positive outlook.
With a 64 per cent exposure to Sydney, Mirvac is positioned well in this environment.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2011.40.40%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/2017/04/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-27%20at%2011.40.40%20am.jpg" alt="">
Retail Highlights:
<ul>
<li>maintained high occupancy of 99.5 per cent 1 (99.7 per cent at 31 December 2016);</li>
<li>solid comparable moving annual turnover sales growth of 3.5 per cent and comparable specialty sales growth of 3.6 per cent;</li>
<li>achieved total sales productivity of $9,934 per square metre and remain on track to achieve a sales productivity target of $10,000 per square metre in FY17;</li>
<li>increased comparable specialty sales productivity to $9,749 per square metre with specialty occupancy costs of 14.9 per cent;</li>
<li>executed 69 leasing deals across approximately 17,500 square metres, with leasing spreads remaining positive. More than 250 lease deals have been executed in the retail portfolio in the nine months to 31 March 2017, representing approximately 36,600 square metres;</li>
<li>Broadway Sydney, NSW ranked No.1 in the Shopping Centre News’ Big Guns Awards for annual turnover per square metre for the fifth consecutive year;</li>
<li>East Village, Zetland, NSW ranked No.1 in the Shopping Centre News’ Little Guns Awards in its first year of entry;</li>
<li>progressed with the $19 million Flinders Gallery development at Birkenhead Point, NSW. The 3,500 square metres of recon figured retail space is 95 per cent pre-leased and includes several premium international brands; and</li>
<li>received development approval for a 6,800 square metre expansion at Kawana Shoppingworld, QLD, delivering cinemas and an expanded dining precinct. The project, which is expected to commence in FY18, is 85 per cent pre-leased 1. This follows the successful $85 million expansion completed in 2014, which saw sales increase 28 per cent in the 12 months post completion. Mirvac has also commenced a campaign to sell-down a 50 per cent interest in Kawana Shopping world, in line with the Group’s capital partnering strategy.</li>
</ul>
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz commented last week that its focused urban retail strategy continued to support a solid performance during the quarter, with high occupancy and strong sales productivity maintained.
"We remain on track to achieve our FY17 targets as we continue to grow a resilient urban income stream and extract further value from our existing high quality assets.”
</body></html>

Online shopping begins to impact on retail sales: Mirvac

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GUEST OBSERVER
Whether or not the government removes the ability of self managed super funds (SMSFs) to borrow to purchase property or other investments, the implications for investors are relatively minor.
With rare exceptions, borrowing to purchase assets outside super is far simpler and more tax-effective than borrowing in an SMSF.
Even ignoring the strict regulations governing limited recourse borrowing by an SMSF, the maximum tax benefit from deductions including borrowing costs, depreciation allowances and other expenses is the superannuation fund tax rate of 15 per cent. In pension funds there’s no tax benefit.
In personal names, the tax benefit ranges from 34.5 percent to 49 percent, providing a much larger benefit from borrowing, especially to purchase low-yielding property assets.
Complicating matters for SMSF property purchasers, regulations prohibit related party transactions except in the case of business rental property. In practical terms, the restriction on related party use reduces the tenancy options, preventing use of the property by owners or their children.
No such limitations apply to the use of negative-geared personally owned properties which can be used as a future personal residence by the owner or children. Even after the regulator’s tightening of individual investment borrowing, providing the collateral and obtaining a high loan-to-valuation ratio is much easier than borrowing in an SMSF.
The low 15 percent superannuation tax rate increases the attractions of owning high-yielding assets in super funds instead of in personal names. Property assets generating low current income and steady or even spectacular capital gains are better suited to personal portfolios, especially for longer-term investors.
In superannuation, any capital gains tax rate on gains realised after 12 months is only 10 per cent compared with up to 24.5 percent on gains realised in personal names. Given that capital gains tax is only payable when assets are sold, this advantage is most significant when assets are bought and sold regularly.
Property investments are generally held for longer, particularly compared with shares. For this reason, as well as the higher annual income including franking credits, borrowing to purchase shares in a super fund can help reduce capital gains tax bills.
Borrowing to purchase investments increases the risk of losses if the investments perform poorly. Investors need to be cautious when contemplating gearing their portfolios. Losses generated in superannuation and pension funds are difficult to recover as are losses in personal names. The one consolation for personal investors is the greater value of carry-forwarded capital losses as an offset to future capital gains.
Considering all the above factors, borrowing in an SMSF has major drawbacks.
Daryl Dixon is executive chairman of Dixon Advisory and can be contacted <a href="https://www.dixon.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Borrowing to purchase investments increases the risk of losses

<html><body>
Retail is hot property in and around Melbourne, suggest a number of recent sales.
The latest to go on the market is a retail freehold located at Armadale in Melbourne’s inner east.
Savills Australia opened up expressions of interest for the sale of the <a href="https://commercialpropertysearch.savills.com.au/searchdetailplainnew2noborder.aspx?id=690caa7e-9f0e-e711-80cf-005056816353&amp;jt=For%20Sale&amp;com=False&amp;ret=False&amp;ind=False&amp;lan=False&amp;addr=941-951%20High%20Street%20Armadale%20%20VIC%203143" target="_blank">941-951 High Street</a> property expecting it would fetch more than $5.5 million. It came with a May 18 deadline, but sold within days of its listing.
It will be sold subject to a short term leaseback to antiques retailer, Capocchi.
Occupying 809 sqm, the commercial 1 zoned site comprises a single-level retail building.
The listing agents are Savills’ Nick Peden, Clinton Baxter, Jesse Radisich and Benson Zhou.
"Its position in High Street Armadale is regarded as Melbourne’s most high profile, luxury shopping strip – opposite Armadale Railway Station, and within close proximity of Glenferrie Road retail and Malvern Central Shopping Centre and some of Melbourne’s best schools,” said Baxter.
Peden described the property as a prime opportunity because of its development potential and being located in one of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs.
“This is one of those opportunities that comes up very rarely presenting an extraordinary investment as it is, but then also offering significant redevelopment potential given the zoning and the resounding success of other development ventures in the precinct,’’ he said.
Recently, a restaurant in Armadale sold at auction for $1.22 million through Ray White Commercial Oakleigh. 
The 857 High Street property is leased to Zia Rina’s Cucina. It fetched a yield of 3.46 percent and sold $120,000 over the vendor’s reserve.
 
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Armadale High Street retail offers development potential: Savills

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Bali-via-Melbourne womenswear brand Mister Zimi has leased prime retail space in Melbourne’s South Yarra for its latest boutique.
The shop at 555A Chapel Street will be label’s fourth outlet.
The lease for the shop which has an area of 121 sqm, was negotiated for $145,000 per annum plus GST and outgoings. It was signed for four years with options for another four.
The deal was brokered by Jordan Ceppi of Fitzroys, who said the strong rental and long-term lease achieved in the prime section of the iconic retail strip demonstrated the confidence businesses have in Chapel Street’s future prospects.
“A label of the calibre of Mister Zimi selecting Chapel Street for its next site is the latest show of faith that the precinct is on its way up,” said Ceppi.
The Chapel Street shop will be the husband-and-wife run label’s fourth outlet, following Melbourne sites in nearby suburbs Armadale and Albert Park, as well as Byron Bay.
The business grew from a leather jacket designed by Zoe Paul and handmade by a local tailor on a trip to Bali with her husband Jimi in 2007.
The Pauls established the label in 2008 and relocated to Bali in 2010 to focus on their business. Designs are a fusion of Australian and Balinese influences and feature patterned and exotic prints, and offer inter-seasonal dresses, swimwear, footwear and accessories. Each is created individually, catering to individual needs, look and body type.
As well as having grown to four stores, the label has a strong social media following, with more than 123,000 Instagram followers and 42,500 Facebook page likes.
“The local residential population has continued to boom and is underpinning the future upside of the strip, led by the nearby Forrest Hill project that is home to nearly 4,000 residents and has seen around $2 billion worth of construction take place,” he said.
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