<p>A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.</p>

<p>The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.</p>

<p>Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.</p>

<p>Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.</p>

<p><img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" /></p>

<p>Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.</p>

<p>Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.</p>

<p>Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.</p>

<p>The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.</p>

<p>International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".</p>

<p>The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.</p>

<p>Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.</p>

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

<p>Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.</p>

<p>The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.</p>

<p>Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.</p>

<p>The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.</p>

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

<p>S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.</p>

<p>After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.</p>

<p>Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.</p>

<p>He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a></em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.<br />
<br />
“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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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;</p>


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

<p>Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.</p>

<p>It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.</p>


Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]</p>

<p>Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.</p>

<p>"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.</p>

<p>"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.</p>

<p>The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).</p>

<p>Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.</p>

<p>Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.</p>

<p>The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.</p>

<p>There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

<p>While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

<p>The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.</p>

<p>While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.</p>

<p>It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.</p>

<p>The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.</p>


The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.</p>

<p>The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.</p>

<p>You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

<p style="line-height:1.38">Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.</p>


Ellen Walker

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

<p>Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.</p>

<p>They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.</p>

<p>They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.</p>

<p>Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.</p>

<p><img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" /></p>

<p>Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor</p>

<p>Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.</p>

<p><img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" /></p>

<p>Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>​</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p>The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.</p>

<p>With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.</p>


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

<html><body>
<div>There has been a lot of misleading commentary about population growth dropping off a cliff, and so on.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It really isn't, but the composition of growth is sure changing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I explained <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/students-to-drive-population" target="_blank">here</a> back in 2015 why international students would be the key driver of growth going forward.<br><br> It's a key reason why so many bloggers and analysts got their supply and demand ratios so muddled last year, particularly in Melbourne where <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/melbournes-population-explosion" target="_blank">population growth broke all known records in 2016</a>, but also in Sydney, and to a much lesser extent Brisbane. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The latest figures from the DIBP confirmed a walloping increase of 90,380 temporary visa holders over the year to September 2016, with a crunching increase in student visa holders of 45,070 over the year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Remember many international students are expected to go to secure Australian residency through other visa classes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There was also a massive 51.4 per cent increase in temporary graduate visa holders, easily eclipsing the relatively small decline in skilled 457 visas (that form the basis of most doomsday scenarios).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK4sTHM0uYs/WHdgU0fcoSI/AAAAAAAAhM0/GyXPi2QtKwIIQYK41p-R605PYMtqVcG5QCLcB/s640/V1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK4sTHM0uYs/WHdgU0fcoSI/AAAAAAAAhM0/GyXPi2QtKwIIQYK41p-R605PYMtqVcG5QCLcB/s1600/V1.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lK4sTHM0uYs/WHdgU0fcoSI/AAAAAAAAhM0/GyXPi2QtKwIIQYK41p-R605PYMtqVcG5QCLcB/s640/V1.jpg" width="640" height="240"></a></p>
<p>Source: DIBP</p>
<div>By far the greatest number of temporary visa holders were Kiwis on the visa subclass 444, increasing by 2.3 per cent to 677,030, dispelling the narrative that all Kiwis are heading home.<br><br> Total temporary entrants will rise towards 2.1 million by the end of 2017.</div>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzgXJuEpkk0/WHdgUqv7CTI/AAAAAAAAhMw/DC6WVITK2OUb1g5rEkB6izXpV9_sxBxDwCLcB/s640/V2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a><br><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzgXJuEpkk0/WHdgUqv7CTI/AAAAAAAAhMw/DC6WVITK2OUb1g5rEkB6izXpV9_sxBxDwCLcB/s1600/V2.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzgXJuEpkk0/WHdgUqv7CTI/AAAAAAAAhMw/DC6WVITK2OUb1g5rEkB6izXpV9_sxBxDwCLcB/s640/V2.jpg" width="640" height="270"></a><br><br> Thanks to the visa subclass 444, some 34.5 per cent of temporary visa holders are New Zealanders.<br><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfnlCybJ6ME/WHdgVEXjSuI/AAAAAAAAhM4/SpZNbB3_84gsYYaz5gmVwrT8KZm2wSIHwCLcB/s640/V3.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a><br><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfnlCybJ6ME/WHdgVEXjSuI/AAAAAAAAhM4/SpZNbB3_84gsYYaz5gmVwrT8KZm2wSIHwCLcB/s1600/V3.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfnlCybJ6ME/WHdgVEXjSuI/AAAAAAAAhM4/SpZNbB3_84gsYYaz5gmVwrT8KZm2wSIHwCLcB/s640/V3.jpg" width="640" height="296"></a><br><br> However, the real growth sector is in student visas, particularly to Chinese and Indian students.</p>
<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7kZqDb9cgU/WHdgToxuj0I/AAAAAAAAhMs/WzCBZ5Otx-IThjZwfZ_c-6tQ9aCvGp_ewCLcB/s640/STUDENT.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7kZqDb9cgU/WHdgToxuj0I/AAAAAAAAhMs/WzCBZ5Otx-IThjZwfZ_c-6tQ9aCvGp_ewCLcB/s1600/STUDENT.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7kZqDb9cgU/WHdgToxuj0I/AAAAAAAAhMs/WzCBZ5Otx-IThjZwfZ_c-6tQ9aCvGp_ewCLcB/s640/STUDENT.jpg" width="640" height="298"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Most international students head to institutions in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane - in that order.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As expected, the insatiable demand from international students will keep on keeping on, delivering a substantial boost for population growth in those three capital cities through 2016 and beyond.</div>
<div> </div>
<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>.</div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Students help temporary visa holders soar towards 2 million: Pete Wargent

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<p>De Ville is the Main Beach apartment block in the Gold Coast at the centre of the on-going expenses scandal involving Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley.</p>
<p>Ley, who has stood down from her position after being accused of using taxpayer funded travel entitlements, spent $795,000 on a two bedroom apartment in 2015.</p>
<p>It was claimed her trips to and from the Gold Coast were taxpayer funded.</p>
<p>A one bedroom, in the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-main+beach-123915546" target="_blank">3645 Main Beach Parade building</a>, (above) sold recently for $410,000.</p>
<p>Last traded for $305,000 in 2013, the apartment went back in price after having sold for $360,000 in 2007.</p>
<p>It went for $193,000 in 2002 and just $80,000 in 1984.</p>
<p>Further recent sales in the apartment block suggest Ley isn't likely to make any immediate gain on her purchase.</p>
<p>The apartment next door to Ley's fetched $739,932 in September last year.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-main+beach-123281610" target="_blank">8th floor, 131 sqm apartment</a> (below) had been renovated to the highest standards and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms like Ley's, and an ocean facing balcony.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-12%20at%201.50.46%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The property has gone backwards in price, having last traded for $742,000 in 2011.</p>
<p>It also traded in 2005 for $648,500, 1999 for $310,000 and in 1985 for $285,000.</p>
<p>Another <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-main+beach-122172174" target="_blank">two bedroom, two bathroom apartment</a>, (below) this one on the 5th floor, also offering an ocean facing balcony sold for $625,000 back in May.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-12%20at%201.51.54%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>This apartment too has gone back in price the last two times it's traded.</p>
<p>Last traded for $650,000 in 2012, the apartment also went back from its 2007 price of $770,000, which suggests Ley won't be getting her money back were she to sell.</p>
<p>It previously traded for $250,000 in 1996 and $117,000 in 1980.</p>
<p>Neither apartment tops the big $795,000 price that Ley paid.</p>
<p>Ley's apartment too had gone back in price when she bought it, having last traded for $830,000 in 2006.</p>
<p>It sold for $455,000 in 2002 and $205,000 in 1984.</p>
<p>Ley also used taxpayers money to visit the Gold Coast when bidding on another property, this one on the hinterland, however her offer wasn't accepted.</p>
<p> </p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Falling prices inside De Ville apartments at Main Beach on the Gold Coast

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<p>Brisbane’s outer suburb Deagon has a median value for a unit of $128,644.</p>
<p>But around 10 chances to buy arose.</p>
<p>Deagon — postcode 4017 — had the lowest value in the top 10 list of lowest median values for units, according to housing analytics firm CoreLogic’s Best of the Best 2016 report. </p>
<p>The suburb had a population of 33,565, according to ABS Census Data 2011 and units comprised around 6 percent of the total dwellings. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">The second position was also from Queensland — South Stradbroke from the Gold Coast with a median price of $131,912, while the third spot was taken by Elizabeth Vale in Playford, Adelaide. The median value here was $133,226.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/Brisbane-DeagonTable.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p>Property Observer found a one-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-deagon-122517590" target="_blank">3/126 Board Street, </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-deagon-122517590" target="_blank">Deagon, Qld 4017</a> (above) that sold in June 2016 for $127,500. The unit was sold through Furtado Property.</p>
<p>Another one-bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-deagon-124033414" target="_blank">83/126 Board Street, Deagon, Qld 4017</a> exchanged hands for $128,000, very close to the median price, in December 2016. The selling agent was again Furtado Property.</p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/11/Brisbane-LoMedVal2.jpg" alt=""> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Brisbane's Deagon ranks as cheapest place in Australia to buy a unit: CoreLogic data

<html><body>
<div>GUEST OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Australian Finance Group (AFG) released its index for the final quarter of 2016, reporting more than $15 billion in mortgage lodgement volume.</div>
<p><span>The index, which is not seasonally adjusted, rose by 9.9 percent over the year to December.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/12/AFG5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/12/AFG5.jpg" alt=""><br><br><span>Nationally, the average mortgage size of $488,875 was up from $475,083 from the prior year.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/13/AFG2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/13/AFG2.jpg" alt=""><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong></p>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"Tale of two seaboards"</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Over the year there was strong growth in lodgement volumes in both New South Wales (up 10 per cent) and Queensland (18 per cent), but the real driver of growth was Victoria with a substantial 23 percent rise. </div>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/13/AFG3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/13/AFG3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<p><br><span>Offsetting this, investors have backed off from Western Australia and the Northern Territory.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/13/AFG4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a><br><br><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/2017/01/13/AFG4.jpg" alt=""><br><br></p>
<div>In the December quarter the average mortgage size scaled fresh heights in each of the three most populous states. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/13/AFG1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/13/AFG1.jpg" alt=""><br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Investor rebound</span></strong><br><br><span>Finally, the share of AFG's market relating to investors ticked back up to 34 percent.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/13/AFG6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/13/AFG6.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>While activity in South Australia was flat, the weakness of the WA market in 2016 was evident, with the recent introduction of a new first home owners grant in the state designed to combat this. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Loan to value ratios across the year were fairly consistent at around 69 percent, about 0.7 percent lower than in 2015.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the year non-major lenders have been pinching market share away from the main players, a trend that AFG expects to continue into the new year as consumers increasingly recognise the potential benefits of using a broker.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><em><span>PETE WARGENT </span>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>. </em></div>
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NSW mortgage size passes $600,000 average: Pete Wargent

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<p>A postcard perfect beach box at Mount Eliza is for sale.</p>
<p>Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mount+eliza-121659562" target="_blank">34 Ranelagh Beach</a> the property is a clean and peaceful, picturesque cove.</p>
<p>With 35 sqm of floor space there are ample bench space, storage and room to sit.</p>
<p>There is ample unrestricted public car parking 80 meters away with public toilets, taps and shower blocks at the rear 100 meters away.</p>
<p>It also comes fully furnished, decorated and renovated. Everything sold as presented.</p>
<p>The iconic Ranelagh Club and boat storage is available and the Mt Eliza Village is only 5 minutes away and the city 1 hour.</p>
<p>The property is offered by McEwing Partners agent Adam Hanley.</p>
</body></html>

Postcard perfect Mount Eliza beach box listed for sale

<html><body>
<div id="post-body-4107984278909140699" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>Retail trade turnover missed expectations in rising by a seasonally adjusted 0.2 percent to $25.66 billion, although this was the first miss in four months and came off the back of a 0.5 percent gain in October. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/11/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>The annual rate of turnover growth has eased back to 3.3 percent, comfortably below the half decade average. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Around the traps</span></strong></div>
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<div>There were decent gains in November in New South Wales and Victoria, but not much to write home about elsewhere. </div>
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<br><div>The Australian Capital Territory has long been the leader in annual retail turnover growth since the opening of the Canberra IKEA, with New South Wales slotting into second spot, but growth has stalled in Western Australia. </div>
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<br><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Smashed avo rally over?</span></strong></div>
<br><div>The best performing sector this month was 'threads 'n' treads' - clothing and footwear - and the worst, surprisingly enough, was eating out!</div>
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<br><div>Still, I wouldn't read too much into one month of figures - the trend figures show a 14.21 per cent share of total retail accounted for by takeaway food and eating out. It's never been higher. </div>
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<div>A somewhat underwhelming result for retail trade this month, though when spending on services are included Commsec estimated that spending was galloping along at its fastest level since the financial crisis. </div>
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<div class="post-footer"><em><span>PETE WARGENT </span>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>. </em></div>
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Retail trade consolidates: Pete Wargent

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<p>According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) November 2016 building approvals data there were 17,569 houses and units approved for construction across the country over the month. </p>
<p>Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the number of dwelling approvals rose by 7.0 percent over the month due to a substantial rebound in unit approvals.  Despite an increase in approvals in November, they are -4.8 percent lower over the year and are -18.6 percent lower than their peak in October 2015 when 21,588 houses and units were approved.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/09/chart-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
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<p>In November 2016 there were 9,503 houses and 8,066 units approved for construction throughout the country. Over the month, house approvals fell by -0.4 percent while unit approvals increased 17.3 percent. </p>
<p>Unit approvals tend to be lumpy and volatile, which goes a long way towards explaining the 17.3 percent increase in November following a -20.1 percent decline in September and -22.8 percent fall in October of last year. Year-on-year, houses approved for construction were -2.1 percent lower and unit approvals were down -7.8 percent. </p>
<p>Over the current construction cycle, house approvals peaked at 10,649 in April 2015 and unit approvals peaked at 11,763 over the month of October 2015.  November 2016 house approvals were -10.8 percent lower than the April 2015 peak while unit appears have fallen more dramatically, down -31.4 percent from their October 2015 peak.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/09/chart-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/09/chart-2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Looking deeper into unit approvals by type, it becomes clear that the surge in new high-rise construction projects has slowed.  This data is split into three segments: townhouses, low-rise units (less than four storeys) and high-rise units (four storeys or higher). </p>
<p>The above chart highlights the volatility in unit approvals and also shows that the recent plunge of unit approvals is being driven by the high-rise unit sector. With ongoing concerns about oversupply of high-rise units in certain inner city markets and slowing value growth for units, it seems that developers are responding by seeking fewer new high-rise unit approvals. Another interesting trend over the past year or so has been the steady upwards trend in townhouse approvals. The substantial increase in high-rise approvals over recent years has occurred at the expense of townhouse and low rise approvals. </p>
<p>With the expected further slowing of high-rise unit approvals there is potential for a lift in townhouse approvals over the coming year.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/09/chart-3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/09/chart-3.jpg" alt=""></p>
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<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/09/chart-4.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The two above charts show the proportion of dwelling approvals that were for units.  The data points to the fact that in most capital cities developers have recently slowed their submissions for unit building approvals. As a proportion of all approvals there have been some significant declines in unit approvals in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Darwin over the past six months.</p>
<p>The reality is that this is an appropriate response in most of these cities given how much unit construction has been taking place.</p>
<p>Hobart is the one exception where it could be argued that more unit construction is required, particularly given the booming tourism sector.  Sydney and Canberra have recorded no significant slowdown in unit approvals as a proportion of total approvals over recent months.  Sydney has been approving more units than houses for more than two decades where in most other capital cities the dominance of unit approvals over those for houses is a relatively new phenomena.</p>
<p>Unit approvals are trending lower, particularly for high-rise units, which is an appropriate response so late in the current construction phase. The reality is that at least initially, an increasing proportion of these units approved for construction may not be sold. There remains a substantial pipeline of construction work already underway which should keep residential builders busy for some time. </p>
<p>Should, as we expect, approvals soften further and remain well below their recent heights over the coming years absent a pick-up in non-residential or infrastructure construction, there could be some headwinds for builders and associated businesses. </p>
<p>Housing construction has been a significant driver of economic growth over recent years and a slowdown in this sector could also impact on economic growth over the coming years unless some other large industry segment can pick up the slack. <span> </span></p>
<p><em>Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.</em></p>
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Dwelling approvals bounce in November but don’t expect it to continue: Cameron Kusher

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<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">It's become traditional at this time of year for the media to mention all the potential gloom and risks facing the economy - the auto assembly industry shutting down is an old favourite, and resources construction declining, of course.</span></h3>
<p>Thing is, we've known about these issues for aeons now.  </p>
<p>What is rarely mentioned is that if the all of the downside events do play out the declining Aussie dollar would bear the brunt of the adjustment, quickly declining to 40 to 50 cents.</p>
<p>Given that the Reserve Bank seems unwilling to cut interest rates further, a strong increase in business investment over the next couple of years admittedly doesn't seem all that probable. </p>
<p>Regardless, nothing is all good or all bad, and here are a few possible upside risks for the economy.</p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>1 - Manufacturing jobs increase </strong></span></p>
<p>The car industry will see some manufacturing jobs go this year. Still, manufacturing employment soared by +102,000 last year, and the PMI gauge is in positive territory too. Any more to come where this came from with the lower dollar?</p>
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<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3 - Mining investment bust ends</span></strong></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Commodity prices soared by 45 percent last year, and bulk commodities ripped higher by 145 percent, so it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the nadir is in sooner than expected, possibly before the calendar year is out.   </div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4 - LNG price increases 50pc</span></strong></div>
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<div>LNG export volumes are forecast by Treasury to triple between 2015 and 2021. </div>
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<div>The Henry Hub natural gas spot prices is up by more than 75 percent from one year ago, and there could be more to come yet as oil prices rebound. </div>
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<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 - Property prices rise 12pc in 2017, unleashing a wealth effect</span></strong></span></div>
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<div>SQM Research see strong price gains nationally as possible, with prices in Sydney to rise by as much as 18 percent.</div>
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<div><span><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Source: SQM Research</span></em></span></div>
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<div><span> </span></div>
<div>The wealth effect on household expenditure doesn't seem all that likely, but stranger things have happened, especially with household wealth passing a record $9 trillion last year.<br><br>
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<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 - Infrastructure booms</span></strong></span></div>
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<div>The NSW state government has zero net debt for the first time on record on the back of the biggest stamp duty boom in Australia's history, which should fund some serious infrastructure investment. </div>
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<div><span>Nationally, an infrastructure boom could be underway...</span></div>
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<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">7 - China unleashes its capital account</span></strong></span></div>
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<div>China has a rapidly urbanising population of 1.4 billion. If the capital account ever gets unleashed to buy international assets in earnest... well, there are only 24 million of us...</div>
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">8 - Tourism &amp; education boom</span></strong><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong>Tourism and international student arrivals are already booming, and arrivals could rise 10 to 15 per cent over the next year following a streamlining of student visa rules, helping to send annual population growth back towards 450,000 per annum. Chinese visitor spend is also already exploding. <br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">9 - Global growth accelerates, Australian GDP to above 5 percent</span></strong>
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<div>The Trump victory becomes a global turning point, and a combination of expansionary policy overseas and a revival of the animal spirits sees Australia's GDP growth accelerate to above 5 percent.</div>
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<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
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<div>We won't see all of these unfold of course, but four or five of them could easily play out. </div>
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<div><em><span>PETE WARGENT </span>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>. </em></div>
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Nine upside risks to the Australian economy in 2017: Pete Wargent

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<div>There are certainly some weird ideas out there about property supply.</div>
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<div>Take the example of Pyrmont, if only because I lived there for many years, and as a property owner in the suburb, it's one of the locations I know pretty well. </div>
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<div>From time to time I've heard it said that suburbs like Pyrmont have "too much supply".</div>
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<div>I guess I can kind of see why you might think that if you'd just landed in Sydney, for with about 13,000 residents jammed in to one tight square kilometre, it's the densest suburb in Australia.</div>
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<div>Thing is, the bit of the suburb where people want to live was developed about 25 years ago now!</div>
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<div>There's been very little of note lately, though. </div>
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<div>From memory that was a little unit development on Pyrmont Bridge Road, and there's been a bit going on at Ultimo. </div>
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<div>Oh, and then there was Lend Lease's 391 apartments in the new 40-storey tower at Darling Square, although they sold out in, what, five hours?</div>
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<div>If you were to fast forward to a decade's time I expect that Wentworth Park and White Bay will be developed with apartments, probably the fish markets too one day, while if Mirvac get their way there will be a commercial/residential tower on top of what is now the Harbourside tourist trap.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>These types of developments can take years to become a reality, though. </div>
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<div>At the end of the day, there isn't an oversupply issue here because more and more people want to live in the area by the year.</div>
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<div>Ultimately there are shedloads of people like me who'd enjoy a lazy 5-minute stroll into the city in the morning instead of driving through miles of petroleum fumes and vehicular logjam. </div>
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<div>After accounting for the inevitable frictional vacancies, vacancy rates in Pyrmont are essentially zero. </div>
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<div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBc8yaCwwn0/WG7AugNs4OI/AAAAAAAAhDw/tWnNA8e6WNEx3TzLnbLqoU-3wbKYLHcVgCLcB/s640/PYMRONT.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBc8yaCwwn0/WG7AugNs4OI/AAAAAAAAhDw/tWnNA8e6WNEx3TzLnbLqoU-3wbKYLHcVgCLcB/s1600/PYMRONT.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBc8yaCwwn0/WG7AugNs4OI/AAAAAAAAhDw/tWnNA8e6WNEx3TzLnbLqoU-3wbKYLHcVgCLcB/s640/PYMRONT.jpg" width="640" height="340"></a></p>
<div>Source: SQM Research</div>
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<div>There will be the new developments over time, but we're more or less always playing catch up with demand. </div>
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<div>You could say the same of, say, Coogee in the beachside eastern suburbs, or Manly to the north. Stacks of demand, not much of note being built. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Even in inner-city Erskineville, which has seen development aplenty both within the suburb and all around it, vacancy rates are very tight, because it's such a convenient and popular location to live in. Loads of demand.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyZE02fQnNE/WG7ArXnXA-I/AAAAAAAAhDk/9JLq0Ia5jekQu87qnSXqg03szTeCAM9LACLcB/s640/ERKO.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a><br><br><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyZE02fQnNE/WG7ArXnXA-I/AAAAAAAAhDk/9JLq0Ia5jekQu87qnSXqg03szTeCAM9LACLcB/s1600/ERKO.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xyZE02fQnNE/WG7ArXnXA-I/AAAAAAAAhDk/9JLq0Ia5jekQu87qnSXqg03szTeCAM9LACLcB/s640/ERKO.jpg" width="640" height="342"></a></p>
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<div>Source: SQM Research</div>
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<div>Those are the kind of suburbs I don't mind owning property forever in, through the cyclical peaks and troughs.</div>
<p>Apartment glut<br><br> Now, this is not to say that things aren't a little different elsewhere.</p>
<div>Where exactly? Follow the cranes!</div>
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<div>Wentworth Point is just a mass of new apartments, and without being unkind, I can't imagine what it would be like to live there.</div>
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<div>I guess you'd soon get used to it, though, since as far as I could tell there's only one road in and out (like the Twiglet zone: "Easy to enter, impossible to leave")!</div>
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<div>Vacancy rates are up, up and away...</div>
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<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahyf5FSt0-A/WG7KfKxVcCI/AAAAAAAAhEA/zs6zwtQHABUHOvMA4r_2xAmvBDSm6quigCLcB/s640/Wentowrth%2Bpoint.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahyf5FSt0-A/WG7KfKxVcCI/AAAAAAAAhEA/zs6zwtQHABUHOvMA4r_2xAmvBDSm6quigCLcB/s1600/Wentowrth%2Bpoint.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahyf5FSt0-A/WG7KfKxVcCI/AAAAAAAAhEA/zs6zwtQHABUHOvMA4r_2xAmvBDSm6quigCLcB/s640/Wentowrth%2Bpoint.jpg" width="640" height="350"></a></div>
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<div>
<div>Source: SQM Research</div>
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<div>In Parramatta, there have been high rise towers going up all over the show throughout the last year, a huge concentration risk of generic, high rise, shoebox apartments. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With net multi-unit completions rising fast in 2015 and 2016, vacancy rates have already increased to well above 3 per cent, and there's always an inherent risk of understatement in reported vacancy rates at this stage in the construction cycle. </div>
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<div>There were another 3,500 dwellings approved in the last financial year too, and overwhelmingly, they were multi-unit in nature at 2,750. Golly gosh...</div>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEDIDC6V4OI/WG7AtXKDdgI/AAAAAAAAhDo/chxzk69LiMoioCMQi8YHsNZgVBCO_LCqQCLcB/s640/PARRA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEDIDC6V4OI/WG7AtXKDdgI/AAAAAAAAhDo/chxzk69LiMoioCMQi8YHsNZgVBCO_LCqQCLcB/s1600/PARRA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TEDIDC6V4OI/WG7AtXKDdgI/AAAAAAAAhDo/chxzk69LiMoioCMQi8YHsNZgVBCO_LCqQCLcB/s640/PARRA.jpg" width="640" height="356"></a><br><br> I also read somewhere this week that Blacktown is about to "boom".</p>
<div>Hmm, well that depends how you define 'boom', I guess! A construction boom, maybe. A boom in traffic congestion?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That too! I'm somewhat less than convinced about there being a 2017 property boom in the conventional sense, though. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One thing that you can say in favour of the LGA of Blacktown is that at least there is a level of diversity of development stock between apartments and detached dwellings. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Even so, with more than 11,700 dwellings approved over the last three years and a huge construction pipeline, it looks likely to me that vacancy rates will only be heading north putting more downward pressure on rates.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF-oPQjYAWw/WG7AuciggyI/AAAAAAAAhDs/TFT0_qDYPbIDlgfzuRJlH8xW199o2Y31gCLcB/s640/BLACKTOWN.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF-oPQjYAWw/WG7AuciggyI/AAAAAAAAhDs/TFT0_qDYPbIDlgfzuRJlH8xW199o2Y31gCLcB/s1600/BLACKTOWN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TF-oPQjYAWw/WG7AuciggyI/AAAAAAAAhDs/TFT0_qDYPbIDlgfzuRJlH8xW199o2Y31gCLcB/s640/BLACKTOWN.jpg" width="640" height="340"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>There are plenty more suburbs like Parramatta and Blacktown that face a surfeit of new stock as mentioned here previously, including in the Hills District. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And that's before we even mention the wild exuberance in Western Sydney house prices, with suburb records being smashed by the month in 2016 just as mortgage rates are now beginning to creep back up. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It'll be very interesting to watch all of this play out in 2017. </div>
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Stock versus flow in inner-Sydney apartments: Pete Wargent

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<p>Home prices rose by 10.9 per cent in the capital cities in 2016.<br><br>The gains were largely concentrated in Sydney (+15.5 per cent) and Melbourne (+13.7 per cent).<br><br>In Sydney home values rose by $10,000 per month in 2016.<br><br>Brisbane was a clear two-speed market and recorded gains of only +3.6 per cent overall.<br><br>Australia's regional centres recorded moderate gains of +2.8 per cent.<br><br></p>
<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0-hx0y4Hxg/WGt1IW6r61I/AAAAAAAAhBc/Hj7EGOAF1XELqgVtmeNSeTEU2dTKG3bsACLcB/s1600/CL.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0-hx0y4Hxg/WGt1IW6r61I/AAAAAAAAhBc/Hj7EGOAF1XELqgVtmeNSeTEU2dTKG3bsACLcB/s640/CL.jpg" width="640" height="314"></a></div>
<p><br>In Perth home values are now 7.9 per cent below their 2014 peak, and in Darwin prices are down by 5.9 per cent cumulatively.</p>
<div>However, CoreLogic noted that both markets appear to be "moving through their low points" with both markets reporting strong gains in the last quarter of the year of +2.8 per cent and +5.9 per cent respectively.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>These figures seem to be at odds with low sentiment and high vacancy rates, but will be interesting to watch in 2017.</div>
<p>Regional NSW performed well in parts but there was comparatively little joy elsewhere:</p>
<div>"The remaining rest-of-state regions showed relatively sedate conditions, with values rising by half a per cent across regional Victoria, 1 per cent across regional Queensland and 1.1 per cent across regional South Australia.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Regional Western Australia recorded a 7 per cent fall in house values over the year."</div>
<div>
<p>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>.</p>
<p>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>.</p>
</div>
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