<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

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The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

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Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

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>

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First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

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Since June 2000, first-home buyers (FHB), nationally, have averaged around 27% of purchasers in the market seeking finance—from a low of 19% (March 2007) to a high of 42% (May 2009).
A recent <a href="/news">Property Observer article</a> outlined the national situation for FHBs and noted the shallowness of the housing recovery in comparison to previous cycles. 
Focusing on NSW, FHB numbers have averaged some 26% of purchasers over the same period—a low of 11% (May 2013) and a high of 47% (May 2009). Since November 2013, FHB numbers have not exceeded 15% and have averaged about 12%.
The demise of NSW’s FHB is far more than an issue for market—it is the issue. FHB are the foundation market.
By and large, FHBs aspire to become upgraders, since property (or more precisely, the consumption of living space) is a normal economic good—the wealthier we become, the more of it we tend to consume. FHBs possess the momentum investors generally lack; to improve, to buy better, and move up the ladder. With a diminished base, up-graders must either sell into their own market or to investors.
Such momentum is necessary for the state, whose finances are bound to the market’s transactional volumes—Macquarie Street really needs to think that one through and come up with a less volatile revenue stream. Stamp duty in my opinion is a retrospective capital gains tax for the state—since it indirectly taxes the wealth made on the sale of an existing property at the time a new property is purchased.
How fair or sensible is it to tax FHB for wealth they haven’t yet earned? In this regard, stamp duty for FHB is a punitive tax; it sits closer to the suite of measures government employs to discourage self-harming activities, so society doesn’t stray too far from the straight and narrow. It’s surprising to see that first-home ownership is one of them.
In October 2012, the NSW government varied the FHB concessions and grants in the hope of stimulating housing supply and supporting a weak construction sector. Both the $7,000 cash grant and—far more importantly—the stamp duty exemption were replaced by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/benefits/first_home/first_home_new_home/">first home-new home</a> scheme; increasing the grant to $15,000, raising the price thresholds, exempting stamp duty payment for new homes only.
Following the October 2012 where FHB represented 22.8% of the market, their numbers fell away precipitously compared to the same month a year prior:
<div align="center">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
November
</td>
<td valign="top">
(14.6%)
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="50" valign="top">
February
</td>
<td valign="top">
(12.3%)
</td>
<td width="51" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="40" valign="top">
May
</td>
<td valign="top">
(11.2%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
December
</td>
<td valign="top">
(12.6%)
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="50" valign="top">
March
</td>
<td valign="top">
(11.5%)
</td>
<td width="51" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="40" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td valign="top">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
January
</td>
<td valign="top">
(11.9%)
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="50" valign="top">
April
</td>
<td valign="top">
(11.3%)
</td>
<td width="51" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="40" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td valign="top">
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
The NSW state government’s policy is failing and is flawed. The numbers speak for themselves, but who is speaking for the FHB?
Cash grants for the most part inflate property prices, ultimately harming those they purport to help—but they win votes, apparently. FHB, by and large, are not new dwelling purchasers; these dwellings more commonly are bought by up-graders and investors for differing reasons. The key factor in the purchase equation for a FHB is stamp duty and how this plays through the purchase transaction via the “funds to complete” scenario. The following table illustrates the situation faced by a FHB prior and post October 2012:
<div align="center">
<table width="460" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="85">
pre-FHOG change
</td>
<td width="64">
current situation
</td>
<td width="96">
Equivalent purchase pre-FHOG
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Price of property
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
350,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
350,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
460,953
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
FHOG
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
7,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom"></td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
7,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
NSW Stamp duty
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
0
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
(11,240)
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Legals
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
(900)
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
(900)
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
(900)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Building &amp; pest inspection
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
(470)
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
(470)
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
(470)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Lender's mortgage insurance
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
(2,469)
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
(2,469)
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
(4,066)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Bank establishment fees
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
(600)
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
(600)
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
(600)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Banks LVR
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
85%
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
85%
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
85%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap width="215" valign="bottom">
Funds required to complete sale
</td>
<td nowrap width="85" valign="bottom">
49,939
</td>
<td nowrap width="64" valign="bottom">
68,179
</td>
<td nowrap width="96" valign="bottom">
68,179
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
From the above it can be seen that FHB wishing to purchase a secondhand $350,000 property today will require an additional $20,000 deposit. But, it presumes that they will find a bank willing to lend on a 15% deposit—the banks wish to minimise their risk exposure by qualifying their borrowers. And the banks never lose, which is why lending to upgraders and investors makes so much more sense as they are a far less risky proposition.
Importantly, the table highlights that pre-October 2012, FHB who were in the market to purchase a $460,000 property are now restricted to those priced $350,000 and below. The inference being that FHB will have to consider areas that are cheaper because they are either further out or stigmatised so as to become affordable.
The following chart illustrates in a general way how this could result, by looking at the median 2-bedroom unit values for inner, middle, and outer ring Sydney.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2013/08/bregozzo-sept-2-big.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/08/bregozzo-sept-2-small.jpg"></a>
This is a claytons solution, since the housing affordability problem is simply being transferred to the less affluent; what happens to the existing residents in these areas?
What the table doesn’t illustrate is the FHB’s life situation; how many are about to start a family (knock around $20,000 off what the banks are prepared to lend)? How many are working as contractual employees (higher mortgage insurance or deposit, if approved at all)? How many are in stagnant businesses where wages haven’t changed, for the better? How many carry education debt?
It would be fair to argue that for some (especially those who have started a family as tenants), October 2012 marked a line in the sand for home ownership. Not only have FHB been dealt a blow to their purchasing power, by delaying their entry into the market, they will fail to benefit from the compounding wealth effect of real estate.
There are long term implications here, unless of course, today’s generation of property owners are smart enough to work out how to transfer the affordability baggage to future generations.
<hr>
Martin Bregozzo is a <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/bregozzo" target="_blank">property economist</a> with extensive experience spanning all asset classes, across private &amp; public sectors; specialising in project feasibility and arguing the case for change.
Image opf Sydney courtesy of Michael Coghlan/flickr.
 
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mbregozzo-j6q7uYzhAT

The NSW first-home buyer demise lays a weak foundation: Martin Bregozzo

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Over the past twelve months house prices have been on the rise, led by Sydney, but also in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Alongside this trend we have seen many high profile and extensively publicised auctions and pre-auction home sales with prices reported as well over the reserve having been paid.
We have also seen a number of apartment projects released for sale and sold out in only a few hours. Meanwhile, in parts of Sydney there's an ongoing land rush, with buyers camping out to buy a block of land in Sydney's booming north-west and south-west.
This sort of activity has not been an aberration, it's the type of market we are seeing more often than not. So called 'Super Saturdays' when big numbers of auctions come onto the market in one day are no longer the exception.
In Sydney in particular, we have almost an entire market showing strong demand even as prices continue to rise. On a slow news weekend this is the stuff of everyday drama, and so it's reasonable to examine why the market is acting this way.
Real Estate is a very different commodity
Against this sort of market environment setting the 'right price' might be starting to look like a somewhat scary prospect for real estate agents, for buyers and for sellers, for either a single private treaty sale, an auction or an entire apartment building or land estate. Real estate is a unique commodity, it is fixed in time and place.
Supply is very inflexible - you can't simply call up the assembly line manager and ask for a new delivery of homes, apartments or land. And we can't over look the overarching role of finance as a key driver of supply and demand.
Can we define value? When we set-out to define value, there is no lack of academic study or case law in this area but much of which comes from 'gentler times'. But none the less it's well worth considering. When looking at value there is the general supposition that firstly any buyer is perfectly acquainted with the property they are looking to buy, that the buyer does the necessary homework to size up the market, which today, thanks to so much published data is a far easier task than it used to be.
That buyers are alert of all the circumstances, which might affect value and the open market price, aspects both good and bad and ticking off a property's location, quality, access to facilities and the surrounding features. That buyers also understand the present levels of demand and the likelihood of what competition they might face, for example at an auction, from other buyers.
And then having either the ready cash or access to secure finance in a competitive market among those capable of buying a particular property. It all sounds very reasonable, very sensible, but then the factor of emotion enters the mix and any neat formula all of a sudden looks less useful.
So we might ask: what are the factors driving the 'emotion' in the market?
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 Every Property is Unique
While economics defines the rules of supply and demand, the pressures of market over and under supply and the mechanism of price every property remains unique. As such, they rarely only attract one willing buyer.
As cities grow, there will always be competition and that's on the increase.
We should not overlook the impact of population growth. Currently, according to the OECD, Australia has one of the highest population growth rates in the OECD at near 1.8%, while in NZ its 0.9%, in the USA 0.7%, Canada 0.85% and in the UK its -0.8%.
We are fast heading towards a population of 24 million. This one factor alone helps to explain why homes are in such demand.
In New South Wales and Victoria, growth is being strongly fuelled by overseas migration and a big drop in the outflow of population to states like Queensland and Western Australia.
There is a finite supply and, yes, while you might be able to create more apartments or houses, every location is itself unique and so is the local community. They're not possible to replicate.
You can't put extra supply on a freight train and move it. It's fixed in place and time and is always influenced by local conditions. We also have a problem in the amount of time it takes to get new developments off the ground. The DA process at times appears to be stuck in the slow lane.
And because markets are so local, it's possible to have both under-supply and over-supply, which can't easily be fixed, if at all and so prices will always respond. If there are not enough properties for sale, then prices will always rise. Even in new estates or in development areas where more homes can be constructed it takes time to deliver new stock and so prices will rise.
People want to buy and secure their position now, even when this is via an off-the-plan purchase.
Property is local by nature and auctions clearly show how after reflecting upon all of the market factors (like those outlined above) the price paid will always reflect the scarcity and demand at any point in time.
Supply and demand in real estate isn't easy to balance, it takes time and supply needs to be in locations that buyers are after, that buyers want. Buyers are influenced by a range of external factors like the availability of jobs and local services and their needs can be very specific – schooling for a young family, university access for a more mature trade-up family or, for an aging population, medical, recreation and security might be the big issues.
Buying a home, an apartment or an investment in exactly the right community and neighbourhood is not that easy. So it's possible to see why supply and demand is always a local and very personal issue. When there is ready access to finance the competition will remain intense for limited opportunities and prices will always respond. This should not come as a surprise.
Demand and the prices paid for real estate are influenced by many factors including lifestyle options, investment goals, development constraints, population growth, demographics, off-shore buyers and finance. All of these then combine to influence supply and demand, and in today's market many of these factors are instantly recognisable.
 
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

How much did they pay? And why?

<html><body>
The key to prosperity in property investment is buying in the right places.
It's clear from the figures I presented in my previous column that capital city price growth has been ordinary at best in the past 10 years. Darwin (averaging 8% a year) and Perth (7%) have been okay, but five of the eight capitals have growth rates no better than wages growth or the rate of inflation.
Sydney has averaged just 3.8% per year in the past decade, despite the lift in the past 18 months.
Would you invest in real estate on those numbers? I would suggest no – not if those growth numbers applied everywhere.
The secret is finding places likely to deliver out-performance. To give you an idea of what's possible, here are some of the results of places we identified one to two years ago as good places to buy for future growth.
Toowoomba in regional Queensland is a standout example. In 2012, I started shouting about its prospects to rise from ordinary performance to out-performance. In the past 12 months, the potential has started to be realised.
Many Toowoomba suburbs, which have long-term growth averages of around 6% per year, have recorded double-digit growth in the past 12 months.
East Toowoomba, Harristown, Mount Lofty, Newtown, North Toowoomba, South Toowoomba and Toowoomba City have all registered growth ranging between 12% and 19% in 12 months.
You would not have poured money into Toowoomba based on its historic performance, but with real estate investment it's the future that matters.
Another Queensland regional city with a poor recent history but a glittering future is Cairns.
Some Cairns markets, particularly unit markets, still have pricing lower than five years ago. Others have averaged less than 1% per year in growth since 2009. That reflects weakness in the local economy and developer over-supply.
The future, however, looks very different. Cairns is rapidly transitioning from an economy overly reliant on tourism to a place where a massive infrastructure spend is broadening and strengthening the base.
That, plus previous price decline and the highest rental yields in Australia, has made Cairns an attractive proposition for investors.
In the past 12 months, Cairns has started to deliver. In terms of median price growth (based on Australian Property Monitors data), here are some of the results in Cairns suburban markets:
<ul>
<li>Bungalow houses up 18%</li>
<li>Edge Hill houses up 14%</li>
<li>Woree houses up 16%</li>
<li>Yorkey's Knob houses up 15%</li>
<li>Cairns City units up 19%</li>
<li>Earlville units up 19%</li>
<li>Edge Hill units up 12%</li>
<li>Holloways Beach units up 27%</li>
<li>Manunda units up 30%</li>
<li>Woree units up 27%</li>
<li>Yorkey's Knob units up 23%</li>
</ul>
In 2012 and 2013, I suggested the Swan City precinct of Perth as a place with appeal from the collective viewpoints of location, lifestyle, affordability and infrastructure spending. It's shown pretty solid growth in the years since - including, in the past 12 months, double-digit growth in Aveley (14%), Ballajura (11%), Caversham (15%), Lockridge (12%) and The Vines (13%), well ahead of city averages.
Monash City has appealed as a middle market location with growth prospects in Melbourne. About a year ago we included it in our Top 10 reports and since then multiple suburbs in this municipality have delivered double-digit growth in median prices, ranging from 12% in Clayton to 23% in Glen Waverley – well above the average (about 8%) for metropolitan Melbourne in the past 12 months.
There are many other examples, spread across the major cities and regional Australia.
It serves to highlight the shallowness of most commentary about Australian real estate, especially by economists who continue to speak in terms such as: "Australian house prices have risen 9% in the past year".
In most places, the growth has been less than that – but in select locations with the right growth drivers, the upside has been considerably more.
Finding them is the essence of good investing.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Spotting an out-performer

<html><body>
It is quite sad to see what gets promoted as 'investment' advice in the property space these days.
This was again brought to my attention a few weeks' back when a new inner Brisbane apartment project, under the 'investment' tab on their shiny new website, wrote that apartment values in the area in question had risen by over 10% per annum since 2000 and weekly rents had lifted by over 150% over the same time frame.
It also claimed that the local population is projected to increase almost fourfold over the next 25 years.
The price and rent values used were medians and any increase in population will involve much more new housing supply.
Medians are muddied by new developments, which artificially lift values, especially when used on a small- scale, suburban basis. And there have been a lot of new developments in this area over the past 15 years.
When you look at actual apartment resales, you find a 4.5% annual gross capital average gain over the last ten years in the area (we survey 25 select apartment projects in each major Queensland suburb in order to understand what's going on) and over the past four years there has been little to no resale apartment price growth in the suburb in question.
In addition, the vacancy rate has more than doubled – up from 2% to 4% over the past two years &amp; one-bedroom rents are even starting to fall.
Back in 2000, renters in this area were paying, on average, less than 20% of their income on rent. Local tenants, based on the rents promoted by this new project, would have to give up between 35% &amp; 40% of their income to live there.
In addition, local home values are now close to ten times earnings compared to 3 to 4 times in 2000. Keep in mind that interest rates have fallen from close to double figures to record lows since 2000, and up until the last couple of years, wages were growing by over 4% per annum.
Today, most local jobs are part-time. And a record number of new apartments are proposed in the area; the subject site is surrounded by other development opportunities &amp; population growth/migration are lower than historical averages.
In short, the next 10 to 15 years are very likely to be different from the past decade or two. No doubt there is a movement towards inner city living – heck, I was one of the first (in 1988) to outline why such a trend was imminent – but the cranes on the skyline suggest a potential apartment oversupply. Hopefully, it won't last that long.
But this isn't what gets my goat; it's that too few in the development/selling space really seem to give a hoot about the information used to spruik a new property.
I think buyers should challenge the information supplied. "<a href="/expert-insights/what-is-caveat-emptor-and-how-it-affects-you">Caveat emptor,</a>" many will say; while others will suggest that buyers do their own research and due diligence. I agree with both statements, but where to start?
Here are seven things that a property buyer should do or know when looking to purchase an investment property.
<ol>
<li>Question the time period being used.  Best to look at the last cycle – i.e. seven years, and the last year too.  Try to understand where the local market is in the property cycle.</li>
<li>Ask for resale evidence – the same property, without major improvements, selling over time. Not median prices. Median or middle values work as broad indicators and only when used across big areas, like a city or municipality.</li>
<li>Ask who is buying, the proportion of investors versus owner residents, and where the buyers are coming from.</li>
<li>Request rental evidence, and from at least two independent sources. Ring the sources up and ask them about what they wrote. Ask who will manage the property and the intentions regarding tenant tenure – long or short-term stays.</li>
<li>Quiz the developer, selling agency &amp; local council about the immediate development plans around the subject development. Will the view be blocked out? Overshadowing? Little space between buildings? More competition?</li>
<li>Ask for a 'current market assessment' or 'spot' valuation. Valuers often lowball; they can get things wrong, but to their defence, they carry a lot of professional risk and don't get paid enough. That being said, don't pay more than 5% above the valuation price, unless you believe the area has some real upside (for example, a new hospital being build nearby or major university about to open in the area).</li>
<li>Make sure your property has the potential to be bought or rented by three out of six key housing demographic segments.</li>
</ol>
Better still, I think what is needed is a standard set of rules – a formula that is used to measure all passive residential property performance, regardless of location or property type.
This would need to include the same time frame; same resale equation; same base of measurement – i.e. rate per square metre; same calculation of gross rental yields based on the local vacancy factor and a regular and independent audit of the figures.
Now that would make property investment much easier.
 
Visit Michael's <a href="https://matusik.com.au/" target="_blank">website</a>, read his <a href="https://matusik.com.au/missive/" target="_blank">blog</a>, follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelmatusik" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
 
 
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

Seven ways to improve your investment analysis

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This story is dedicated to my very best friend Tracey.
She is a real fighter and I think what she has proven recently can be applicable to us all. Today's message is: When you want something badly enough, you fight for it.
Trace and I go back a long time, we met in our early 20's playing sport and we went on to buy property together under a joint venture agreement, but mostly we've just hung out and had lots of fun times.
She's recently had to fight hard to win a battle with a large government agency. You see she missed out on a promotion after spending about a year preparing for it.
There was a dispute in her application that led to her just missing out by only one placement. This had massive implications on her career path, not to mention her emotions.
She didn't miss out because she wasn't good enough. She was aware of a discrepancy that meant that she actually should have been accepted but due to certain circumstances I can't talk about, she didn't make it.
She could have gone one of either two ways.
She could have accepted 'fate', moved on and forgotten about her dream of making it to this level.
Or, she could be very brave, speak up and expose the person and agency for the error that had occurred and fight for what she knew she deserved. This was not the easier option.
I'm proud to say Tracey took the second option. She spend a crazy amount of time researching the applicable Acts and becoming very familiar with her rights.
After her initial complaint fell on deaf ears, she engaged the best solicitor she could find who specialised in this area. She worked with him to ensure that the correspondence sent out truly represented her and what was in her heart.
It wasn't too long before the agency virtually admitted guilt (in a roundabout way) and she received a personal phone call from the 'big guy'. He offered her a chance at the role she was so focussed on achieving. She still has a lot of work ahead of her before she can be awarded this role.
All she wanted was an equal chance, one she had fairly won but was not given.
I have no doubt in my mind that she will not only achieve accreditation but exceed all expectations because she is determined.
My friend has drive. She is focussed on what she wants and she will get it. I know she will.
I can't help use Tracey's story as inspiration. I think to achieve our goals, there is nothing better than having a very focussed mind, a firm understanding of why we want to get there and  then, if we can add in a sprinkling of emotional energy we have a very powerful force.
So what is it that you are trying to achieve and do you want it badly enough? What are the emotions behind your goal? Is it to set up your financial future so you can spend more time with loved ones? Is it to know that the people you love will have enough? Is it to retire early and have more fun?
Many people I speak to want property investing to be their financial saviour.  It can be, but what you need to bring to the table is focus, determination and a strong passion to stay on track and drive your investment strategy.  If you want it badly enough, are focussed and have done your homework, you can achieve anything.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank"> www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Drive and determination can equal great achievement

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First home buyer data continues to be understated.
A point which has been much discussed over the past year: the non-sensical figures being reported as "fact" for levels of first home buyer activity.
Even until relatively recently the Reserve Bank (RBA) was producing stats for first homebuyers which suggested that numbers were abnormally low after a spike caused by home buyer grants.
<img src="/images/2014/10/13/graph1.png" alt="">
Some time ago, however, the Reserve gave up on reporting those figures since it was quite clear to impartial observers that with the withdrawal of first home buyer grants, a significant proportion of first time buyers were not being recorded as such.
For example in this month's Chart Pack, the RBA only reports the following, which is a strong and rising market. With no credible first home buyer data available, it is no longer reported:
<img src="/images/2014/10/13/graph2.gif" alt="">
What gives?
Unfortunately, despite this all being well known about for yonks, this has not stopped commentators from continuing to post the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures uncritically, as though to imply that all first home buyers have been frozen out of the housing market by greedy investors.
While there has no doubt been a fair element of this happening, and particularly so at the margin and in inner city locations in Sydney and Melbourne, it never really made sense to suggest that first home buyers were casually sitting out of a rising market with disinterest. History suggests that is unlikely.
Had banks been requiring 20% deposits, thenyes, clearly this would have happened. But, unlike in the UK, lenders have generally not been requiring large deposits at all and high Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) loans have remained widely available (and in any case, outside Sydney, property price growth just hasn't been that strong over recent years), and thus unsurprisingly, first home buyers are still buying.
Look at the reported data for Western Australia, for example! A huge segment of the market has been first timers, between a quarter and a fifth of all buyers.
Listening to the data critically and understanding its message - generally, there have robust property markets, particularly in cities like Sydney - would surely lead you to the right conclusion.
Another point, which I touched on here back in March, is that a significant number of first time buyers in Sydney, have been buying investment properties as their first step on the ladder, thereby never being recorded as first-timers at all. Indeed, I have known from my own client base that it's a cast iron fact that the number of first homebuyers is understated... the real question is only "by how much?"
The problem is that we now have no true way of knowing the quantum of the issue, if indeed there is much of an issue on a national basis. Of course, there are always anecdotes about first homebuyers being outbid by "the Chinese" (i.e. anyone of Asian appearance), and investors do compete with first home buyers for properties (it's a market - that's life) but anecdotes also frequently lead to poor conclusions.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
ABS confirms under-reporting
Not at all surprisingly, here is what the ABS reported in its Housing Finance release on Friday:
"A preliminary investigation has been conducted to evaluate the robustness of estimates of loans to first home buyers. In collecting this information, lenders are asked to report all loans to first home buyers. Concerns have been raised that under-reporting could occur if some lenders were only able to accurately report on those buyers receiving a first home buyer grant.
"Most data on first home buyers are collected by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). The investigation indicates that some lenders experience difficulty reporting on loans where the buyer is not receiving a first home buyers grant. Estimates of loans to first home buyers are therefore under review and users are advised to exercise caution in referencing this data.
"The ABS is working with APRA to explore options to make it easier for lenders to report correctly in future. In the meantime, the ABS is further investigating the potential for under reporting first home buyer data and the feasibility, if necessary, of estimating the extent of under reporting and adjusting the first home buyers estimates accordingly. The outcomes from the investigation will be published on the ABS website."
No shocks there.
From Shane Oliver, Chief Economist and Head of Financial Strategy at AMP:
<img src="/images/2014/10/13/AMP.jpg" alt="">
Indeed. As a sometime "first-time investor" (and thus, never being recorded as a "first time buyer") himself many years ago, to his credit Shane was always well aware of this issue.
Hot sectors of the market
Over the past year we have bought a lot of properties for clients in Wollstonecraft, Waverton and other Sydney lower north shore suburbs such as Neutral Bay.
The Sydney north shore market has been absolutely flying in 2014, with some properties recording huge gains.
A run-down wreck at 47a King Street, Wollstonecraft sold yesterday for an astonishing $2,230,000, a monster $830,000 over the reserve price. Meanwhile, 2 bedroom unit 14/4 Gillies Street in Wollstonecraft sold for $780,000, implying an uplift in the market of well over 10 percent in a matter of fewer than 6 months. John Howard will be pleased.
People have tried to torture the Sydney data a little lately to show that the market has been relatively soft (generally, it hasn't), but if you look at what has happened to individual properties, particularly in suburbs such as these, price action has been very hot.
Indeed, gains over the past year have been exceptional on the north shore in suburbs such as Milsons Point, Crows Nest and even Hunters Hill and a number if others, as well as in our old favourite inner west suburb, Erskineville, which notched a yet further 25% of capital growth in the past year. Huge returns.
<img src="/images/2014/10/13/graph4.jpg" alt="">
 
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First home buyer figures are still understated

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The Killarney Vale couple Kara and Kyal Demmrich – contestants on Channel Nine's The Block Albert Park series – have bought again on the NSW Central Coast.
Their new home is a cottage at Bateau Bay in the Wyong municipality that cost $580,000, with the prize money they earnt coming in handy. 
<div id="description" class="stackItem">
It is an original cottage,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bateau+bay-117226003" target="_blank"> </a>with a north facing front yard on a level 639 square metre block, within easy walk to Shelly and Blue Lagoon Beaches.  
</div>
They sold this week for $735,000 at Killarney Vale, which is five ams away from their next project.
They bought, then renovated their first home in 2008 having paid $285,000, after getting married in February 2007.
Agent Chantel Laing-Chadwick at George Brand Real Estate Avoca Beach/Copacabana described their recently sold house as an "architectural masterpiece".
Last year the couple appeared in The Block: Fans v Faves as the so-called Super Ks.
Around the time of the April Albert Park auction, the couple indicated they were planning to launch a boutique renovations company called Diverse Design and Construct.
The couple also suggested they were considering a move from their home in the Tuggerah Lakes precinct.
“We haven’t thought about it too seriously, but our long-term goal is to get ourselves as close to the coast as possible. So we’re thinking about selling, maybe in the next 12 months," Kyal told Property Observer.
The Super Ks were given the highest reserve of any apartment – $1.9 million – after a stellar number of winning challenges and room reveals.
But they finished third behind Steve and Chantelle and Alisa and Lysandra on auction day.
They indicated they could pay off the mortgage with their $567,250 in prize money.
Bateau Bay's médian house price sits at <a href="/news">$500,000</a>, record levels, while Killarney Vale's median house price likewise tav record levels, but <a href="/news">$375,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block's Kyal and Kara buy at Bateau Bay and sell first home

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Talk in the industry is about whether or not house prices are in a bubble, if so have we been in one for some time and is it expensive bubble or a seriously expensive one?
One quote I read recently in relation to the current housing market was "One thing seems clear: If we’re having a discussion about whether or not house prices are in a bubble (as we have been for some time now), house prices do not represent good value at the current level. The debate is about whether they are expensive, or seriously expensive."
Now, of course we're all guilty of making sweeping comments - and myself more than most given my tendency towards a macro focus on this blog - but this snippet gives the full broom treatment to Australia's property markets.
The last time I checked in at the back end of 2014 there were 9,448,300 dwellings in Australia, a figure that will be approaching 9.5 million or so today.  
<div id="post-body-4846812275271867441" class="post-body entry-content">
<div><img src="/images/2015/05/22/Waregent1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Are some of those dwellings expensive? Indeed, and some of them are extraordinarily so in the present and persistent low interest rate climate.</div>
<div>
<div> </div>
<div>But equally, aren't some house prices very cheap? Very much so - in outer suburban Adelaide and Hobart, for example, and in any number of regional centres - although of course, "cheap" does not been good value ("cheap today is cheap tomorrow" as the old real estate mantra goes).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The same holds true of share prices and indices, for that matter. Are some share indices and stocks trading at high valuations? Yes. In fact, globally some markets are romping ahead to dizzying heights as I looked at only earlier this week.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That does not mean that some individual stocks don't offer great value, though, particularly for those investors with the requisite skills in fundamental analysis. With the benefit of hindsight, although not my favourite sector due to being capital intensive and reliant on the sale of commodities, 1999 was a great time to buy resources stocks. 2009 was an amazing time to load up on bank shares.  Today, health care and materials companies are worthy of consideration.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/05/22/wargent2.gif" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Of course, this doesn't mean all companies in a sector are worth buying, or even any of them. There is no "one size fits all."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Focus</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This was one of a raft of pieces of late referencing popping property bubbles, property speculators, the end of the property boom, shares now being due to outperform property, and so on.</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/05/22/monty.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div><img src="/images/2015/05/22/monty2.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div> </div>
<div>
<div>All fair enough, although the truth is that ex-Sydney (and to a lesser extent Melbourne) there hasn't actually been a property boom to date in this cycle, rather a protracted period of relatively flat prices in real terms, and correspondingly there is no "Australian property bubble". Resources influenced Perth and Darwin are seeing declining rents, the polar opposite of frothy conditions, while a number of mining towns have already capitulated. Canberra's property markets seem similarly uninspired.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Why so much angst from equities-only investors then, one wonders, apart from the wider ramifications for the Australian economy and share markets of a genuine and material property correction?</div>
 <div>An obvious point from a fundie perspective is that more funds under management equals more fees, so naturally enough does make sense to point out from time to time the benefits of a diversified share portfolio over the risks of holding a specific investment property or portfolio of properties. I'm not sure whether it makes a great deal of difference, though. In my experience there exists a fair proportion of investors who are simply "shares people" or "real estate" people, and they won't ever be budged either way! Stock valuations decline
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Perhaps another of the reasons for the angst is that the Australian share markets (generally!) have been on the receiving end of a bit of a shellacking over the past month, which naturally the financial media reports unfailingly on a daily basis.</div>
 <div>Since threatening to crunch through 6,000 on March 18 the market has tanked, paring all the way back down to 5,600. 6,000 now seems like a distant dream once again, although the recent dovish Board Minutes from the Reserve Bank reinstated a moderate easing bias, which may help to fire markets up again.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Now as intelligent people both you and I know that such short term movements don't mean a great deal for stock market investors with a long term mindset. In fact, cheaper market prices equates to a greater array of buying opportunities for those with an appropriately disciplined investment approach.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But it's funny what daily media headlines can do to folk, particularly when Sydney house prices are suddenly once again rising at an annualised pace of somewhere north of 15%. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The XJO (ASX 200) chart shows that this index has pulled back to the same level as the beginning of March 2007, well over eight years ago.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/05/22/ASX.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>While experienced investors are well aware that accumulated returns inclusive of dividends have been robust, a good proportion of Mum and Dad investors tend to like to see capital gains, preferably of the fast buck variety. Sydney property leads cycle
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>What seemed to be a highly unlikely outcome for much of the past decade is now once again becoming a reality - Sydney houses selling for double what they did during their last cyclical low around 2005.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Granted I have only come across a few such examples to date, all of them houses rather than apartments, and usually in popular beachside suburbs such as Bondi, but I expect this will become an increasingly common occurrence over the year ahead.</div>
<div>
 Of course, the main advantage that property investors have over share market investors is the use of leverage which can magnify gains...and losses.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>An investment which doubles in value can see the dollars invested increased 10 or 20 fold before transaction and holding costs - for those who get it right and are prepared to hold through the lean periods of the cycle.</div>
<div>
 Dare we even mention it, some folk even used 100 per cent leverage in the period leading up the the financial crisis, making the returns on "investment" extraordinarily high. Risks to the downside
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There is an old saying in investment that if something sounds too good to be true then it probably is. So, what's the catch? </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One such catch is that most people just aren't very good at investing in property. The stats show that most don't achieve their goals, owning only one or two properties, with many selling within the first early years of ownership.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's not always entirely their fault, mind - property advisers have recommended some desperate choices over the last decade, including mining towns and any number of far-flung locations which haven't fared anything like as well as Sydney has. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was popular for a while to say that capital city investors were singing the same old tune from years ago and had failed to move with the times, though I haven't heard anyone saying that of late as the Sydney market continues to take off. Inner ring Brisbane is now seeing prices rising again too, though not for all property types and suburbs it must be said, and I believe that generic apartments will struggle through this cycle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Spruikfest</div>
 <div>You only had to set foot in the Sydney Homebuyer Show this year to see that the property forum was packed to the rafters with the flocking crowds far outweighing the numbers at the share trading and investing event.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This is what always happens when house prices are rising, of course.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Unfortunately so too were the self managed superannuation fund (SMSF) property spruikers out in force, barking orders about setting up trust structures to buy property to anyone who would listen - and anyone who wasn't listening as well, come to think of it.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The thing to remember is that property and shares are not really directly comparable investments for any number of reasons which I don't have the space or inclination to repeat here.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Equities are a far "cleaner" and more liquid asset class, very well suited to retirees of the right mindset contrary to popular opinion, particularly given the favourable tax treatment of franked dividend income in Australia. No tenants or related headaches. No repairs and maintenance bills, Quick and easy to sell parcels of shares. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Property investment suits many long term Mum and Dad investors, despite its illiquidity, and the leverage can see them magnify gains (or losses) at a greater rate, provided they invest well (or badly).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>For reasons I never really got my head around some property advisers have recommended investing in towns where there is acres of land around and thus no scarcity. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The key to long term successful property investment is finding an asset which is in extremely high demand. This generally means the larger capital cities, near jobs and where people want and need to live - and is scarce in supply, which ideally means a dwelling with a land value content, and in a land-locked suburban location. The long run data shows that even most average capital city property has generally done well through the cycles, beating inflation over time. It won't be long before the Sydney median house price has doubled again since 2003, soon thereafter to be threatening the $1 million level.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/05/22/Property.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.
His book '<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>' is out now.
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Blowing bubbles (again): Pete Wargent

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So why choose commercial property over residential?
Obviously this is the question every residential investor asks… whenever they are considering the transition across to commercial property.
However, you will quickly discover the reasons are rather compelling.
Reason #1: Your tenants stay for longer
For the most part, you find residential tenancies will be on a month-by-month basis… maybe 6 months, perhaps for a year if you’re lucky.
Whereas commercial leases will tend to range between 3 and 5 years - and it can often be for longer. That means you have fewer tenancy changes, and a far more predictable income stream.
Reason #2: You have greater control
When residential tenants wish to leave half-way through a lease, they simply need to find a suitable substitute tenant. And then, they will transfer the lease across to that person.
From there on, this new tenant becomes responsible for the rental, over the remainder of the lease term.
Whereas commercial tenants are running a business from your property. And whenever they sell their business, they also require your approval to “assign” the lease.
However, here’s the real difference: If the new commercial tenant defaults in paying the rental, you also have recourse to the previous tenant as well - because commercial leases are business contracts, enforceable by law.
Reason #3: You no longer need to pay the outgoings
Typically, residential properties will provide you with a 5% gross rental return.
From this, you need to pay the rates &amp; taxes, insurance, maintenance and so on — leaving you with about a 2.5% to 3% NET return, at the end of the year.
Depending upon what (and where) they are… commercial properties will generate a 5% to 9% NET rental return, each year.
And that’s because commercial tenants are also required to pay the various building outgoings on top of their rental - making this a true NET rental return for you.
Reason #4: Commercial tenants maintain your property
As you know, if the toilet stops working in an apartment … the tenant asks you to send around a plumber. Whereas commercial tenants quickly attend to (and pay to fix) the problem themselves - so as not to disrupt their business. 
Furthermore, the overall appearance of the property becomes a reflection on them. As such, your property is maintained in top condition … at their expense.
Therefore, whether the lease requires it or not … most commercial tenants will regularly repair and repaint the property, in order to maintain a good corporate image.
Reason #5: Greater regularity with rental payments
Most residential properties are rented by individuals. Therefore, the rent is often paid in cash, by personal cheque or by direct transfer. And this can often vary in its timing.
Because they are running a business, commercial tenants consider rent as simply another regular expense each month.
And generally, this gets set up as an automatic Periodic payment - and can be specified as such, within the lease.
Bottom Line: In essence, you find yourself having to deal with the vagaries of individual people… as a residential investor.
However, when you become a commercial investor… you start to enjoy a more predictable long-term relationship with your tenants - based upon a proper business footing.
Doesn’t that sound like a far better arrangement - particularly when you can purchase a small office for the same price as a two-bedroom apartment?
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors, sell-out author and regular speaker on how to invest in commercial property. You can contact Chris <a href="https://commercialpropertymadeeasy.com" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Why choose commercial property over residential? Chris Lang

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If politicians wish to stall on a difficult issue, they hold an inquiry.
If the issue is really thorny and they’re reluctant to confront it, they’ll hold two inquiries, with the second to begin after the first has ended.
This is what federal politicians have done with housing issues. 
All the core problems with housing could be solved if government stopped taxing it to within an inch of its life. Politicians won’t face that hard reality, because they’re addicted to the revenue they rip out of real estate. So they hold inquiries.
They spent all of last year and part of this one conducting an inquiry into housing affordability. Recently, having just handed down their findings from this long and expensive exercise, they announced another inquiry.
I have commented many times on the similarities between real-life government processes and the 1980s television series Yes Minister. Those who thought Yes Minister was a comedy were mistaken. It was a documentary.
According to the Yes Minister philosophy, the best way to do nothing on an issue, while giving the appearance of action, is to hold an inquiry. The longer it lasts and the less it achieves, the better.
This means you can hold press conferences, issue media releases, express lots of moral outrage, point the finger of blame in various random directions but ultimately change nothing. 
The perfect outcome of a smokescreen inquiry is to identify an unpopular minority and make them the scapegoat for all the perceived problems. 
If you think I’m being a tad cynical, consider this chain of events. On 12 December 2013, the Senate referred an inquiry into affordable housing to the Senate Economics References Committee and asked it to report by 26 June 2014. On 17 June 2014, the Senate granted an extension to the committee to report by 27 November 2014. On 2 October 2014, the committee was granted a further extension to report by the first sitting day in March 2015. On 2 March 2015, the committee was given yet another extension and was scheduled to report by 14 April 2015. On 13 April 2015, the committee presented an interim report, with the intention of tabling its final report in May 2015.
This long-winded and bumbling inquiry, which was almost a year late in delivering its findings, produced nothing of value. One example was its conclusions on negative gearing, one of the fundamental issues it sought to examine. The Senate Economics References Committee’s final report found that negative gearing “probably” had “a detrimental effect” on housing affordability, but they weren’t sure. The committee said that it was also unable to clearly determine what effect negative gearing had on rental affordability.
In a word, pathetic. They were given 11 extra months but they came up empty.
But the inquiry served its primary political purpose. It identified a scapegoat. Foreign investors, despite their small numbers and minimal impact on housing markets, were deemed the culprits for rising prices and poor affordability. 
This allowed the Federal Government to look tough while threatening all kinds of consequences (including jail) if foreign investors broke the rules. This was justified, the Prime Minister said, because it would help first-home buyers. He was unable to explain how. And that was because it was bullshit.
Within days of the committee delivering its tardy report, federal politicians compounded their failure by announcing, don’t laugh, another inquiry.
The new inquiry, by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, will allegedly examine rates of home ownership, supply-demand drivers in the housing market, the proportion of investment housing relative to owner-occupied housing and the impact of current tax policy at all levels. 
I almost fell off my chair when I read this, because the answers to all of those questions are well known. Anyone who doesn’t know the answers could discover them with 10 minutes on the Internet. Our 17-year-old could write a quick assignment on it because they’ve been studying real estate at school.
But of course the objective is not to find answers and make changes. The goal is to achieve further delays, distractions and diversions.
No one has the political will to take action on the fundamental problems, especially the taxation component in the cost of new dwellings. Lots of research has been done on this already. The facts are well known.
The committee chairman John Alexander set the tone for another drawn-out waste of money and lots of people’s time with a series of motherhood statements including this classic: “Home ownership is an issue that lies at the core of the Australian dream and represents the largest investment that most taxpayers will make during their lifetime.” 
Stunning stuff. With any luck, Alexander and his mates should be able to drag the process out until at least 2017, before recommending a royal commission.
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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