Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

<html><body>
Commercial property sales in Brisbane's fringes increased in the past three months but sales figures dropped, according to latest research from CoreLogic.
The last three months to the beginning of August 2016 recorded 24 sales for a total of $195.3 million, with $3.9 million for commercial, $3.2 million for commercial strata, $5.3 million for retail, $4.2 million for retail strata and $178.7 million for other, according to the latest Commercial Market Update – Brisbane Fringe Cityscope.
In comparison, the last three months to the beginning of May 2016 recorded 44 sales for a total of $139.1 million, with $56.3 million for commercial, $3.2 million for commercial strata, $54.5 million for retail, $4.6 million for retail strata and $13 million for other. The 12 months leading up to early August 2016 recorded 136 sales for a total of more than $772.4 million, over $107 million more than the same time last year.
<a href="/images/2016/08/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-14%20at%206.30.32%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-14%20at%206.30.32%20PM.png" alt="">
Together, the top three sales recorded this quarter total over $183 million:
<ul>
<li>The 900 Ann Street development in Fortitude Valley has been presold for $169.82 million to Charter Hall Direct Office Fund and Charter Hall Prime Office Fund. The sale represented an initial yield of 6.50% on passing income of $11,038,300. The sale was negotiated by Seb Turnbull and Geoff McIntyre of JLL Brisbane. 900 Ann Street will comprise a 15-storey office building with ground floor retail/restaurant space.</li>
<li>The Tivoli, 52 Costin Street, Fortitude Valley, a single-storey Art Deco style building originally built in 1917. Bought for $8.3 million by Parkedge Holdings Pty Ltd as trustee for SBS N02 Trust. Hunter Higgins and Pat George of Colliers International Brisbane negotiated the sale in conjunction with Michael Gard and Nick Spiro of Cushman &amp; Wakefield (Qld).</li>
<li>The GPO Hotel, 740 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, was sold for $5.25 million to 740 Ann Street Pty Ltd. The sale represented an initial yield of 6.5% on a passing income of $341,106 (net). Daniel Dragicevich, Glenn Price and Darren Collins of CBRE Hotels and CBRE Brisbane negotiated the sale.</li>
</ul>
<a href="/images/2016/08/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-14%20at%206.14.59%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2016/08/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-08-14%20at%206.14.59%20PM.png" alt="">
Properties for sale include:
<ul>
<li>134 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley – a 430 sqm vacant block of land. For sale with an asking price of $1.7 million; agent, Richardson &amp; Wrench Commercial Brisbane North (Kenneth King).</li>
<li>211 Leichhardt Street, Spring Hill – a St Pauls on Leichhardt Tavern, recently reconfigured for office use. For sale by private treaty in August 2016; agents, Chesterton International (Jeff Dolan) and CBRE (Darren Collins).</li>
<li>123-127 Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley – a three-storey office building with basement car parking. For sale by private treaty; agent, JLL Brisbane (Christian Sandstrom and Sam Bryne). The property was originally advertised with a net income of $861,378 per annum (as at 1 Nov 2015) with fixed annual increases of 4%.</li>
</ul>
Properties under due diligence:
<ul>
<li>Kings Row Office Park, 40-52 McDougall Street, Milton – a mixture of office buildings ranging up to six-storeys. Due diligence is currently being undertaken; agent, CBRE (Bruce Baker and Flint Davidson) and JLL Brisbane (Seb Turnbull and Geoff McIntyre).</li>
<li>2-4 Dorsey Street, Milton – a two-storey weatherboard building. Due diligence is currently being conducted; agent, Blue Commercial (Tony Pagano).</li>
<li>505 St Pauls Terrace, Brisbane – Green Square South Tower, a four-storey office building with ground floor retail space. Due diligence is currently being undertaken; agent, Colliers International Tom Barr, Don MacKenzie</li>
</ul>
Cityscope covers 28 predominantly capital city CBD markets across Australia and New Zealand, providing a rich level of property level data including building attributes, tenancy detail, sales and ownership.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Commercial property sales in Brisbane's fringes rise, but deal count down: CoreLogic

<html><body>
Restaurateur Neil Perry has announced that the V by Crown Group tower at Parramatta, will be the location for his next Burger Project. 
Burger Project Parramatta is set to open in early 2017 seating for 100 guests.
Crown Group National development director Pierre Abrahamse said that securing Burger Project was ‘a great coup’ for Parramatta.
"Neil has established an enviable reputation for his burgers and many people have been waiting for him to bring Burger Project to Western Sydney,” he said. 
 
Neil Perry says Parramatta has such a diverse and emerging food and cultural scene.
"We cannot wait to add Burger Project to the mix,” he said.
The 29-storey V by Crown Group will include 590 apartments and hotel suites, a swimming pool, gymnasium, library above a large retail and dining plaza and a unique archaeological display on ground level. 
The tower will also be home to Parramatta’s highest bar located on level 26 on the corner of Macquarie and Marsden streets less than 500 metres from Parramatta train station.
Residential apartments within the V by Crown Group development are now available to buy including studio, one-and-two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses priced from $486 000 to $2 295 000.
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Neil Perry to open Parramatta restaurant at V by Grown Group

<html><body>
Balmain’s Iconic Exchange Hotel has been purchased by local investor Jon Adgemis, for circa $5 million, with the aim to reinvent the pub to entice the locals back to the heritage listed, iconic establishment.
Built in 1885, the Exchange Hotel boasts a long history of being Balmain’s favourite meeting place, comprising the popular Beattie Bar, Bistro, Balcony bar and new cafe and bar ‘Oliver's Corner’, not to mention numerous elegant function rooms and smart new restaurants. 
The National Trust classified Exchange Hotel at Balmain was a favoured meeting place of the early Labor movement.
Set at 94 Beattie Street, just 6kms west of the Sydney CBD, the freehold property grandly sits on a 640sqm site on the corner of Beattie and Mullen Street and offers 1076sqm of NLA.
Miron Solomons and Vince Kernahan of Colliers International negotiated the sale and said the property has the potential to unlock multiple income streams and development upside, with an opportunity for a mixed use conversion (subject to council approval).
Mr Solomons said there are very few freehold opportunities available and in particular undercapitalised value-add opportunities in an area like Balmain. 
“The Exchange Hotel is certainly unlike most hotels in the area. Its size alone over the multiple levels offers potential for diverse incomes streams and we received strong interest from national owner occupiers, investors and value-add specialists throughout the sales campaign.
“With the buzz around White Bay, Balmain is starting to attract new interest from creative users, especially with Surry Hills and Pyrmont close to full occupancy, it appears that Balmain could be the next creative hub”.
Previous owners of the Exchange include brothers Joe and Peter Polifroni and hotelier Stan la Vin.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Balmain's iconic Exchange Hotel has sold

<html><body>
A strata store leased to men’s designer swimwear brand Orlebar Brown in Sydney’s Bondi Beach will go under the hammer on September 6. 
The British label recently opened its flagship store on <a href="https://www.gunningre.com.au/1P4098" target="_blank">1/79 Gould Street, Bondi Beach</a>, signing a six-year lease that commenced in June.
Orlebar Brown’s entry is another example of Bondi’s status as an affluent beachside location and joins the swimwear label’s other top-end locations such as St Tropez, Cannes, London’s Notting Hill, Mayfair and New York’s Soho.
Gunning’s director of Metropolitan Sales and Investments Tom Speakman said Bondi has undergone many changes and is a tightly held commercial and retail property market.
“Bondi is one of the hottest locations in Australia with its mix of high end brands and popup shops, eateries, luxury accommodation and lifestyle products,” Speakman said. 
In the last 30 years, Bondi has grown from a suburb with a median house price of $246,000 to recording one of the highest apartment sales in the country at $25.2 million at the renowned Pacific Bondi Development, according to the media release.
“The locals are affluent, with a high proportion of professionals, creatives and merchant bankers living in the area. Sixty per cent of residents are in managerial or professional roles, earning some 50 per cent above the Sydney average wage, which makes it appealing to retailers,” Speakman said.
The net rental for the 57 sqm store is $105,102 annually, exclusive of GST with options until 2026. There will be four percent increases from 2019.
The property will be auctioned at auctionWORKS at Sydney’s  50 Margaret Street.
The listing agents are Tom Speakman and Harry Sullivan of Gunning Real Estate.
 
 
</body></html>

Bondi shop leased to fashion swimwear label goes to auction

<html><body>
Quest Apartment Hotels has opened Quest Mounts Bay Road in central Perth, the second from Quest in Perth's CBD. It features 71 fully self-contained studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Quest East Perth will open in September.
Zed Sanjana, chief executive officer of Quest said Western Australia is experiencing a tourism resurgence, along with significant growth across the education and agricultural sectors.
“The Australian headquarters of many global companies are located in the City of Perth due to its proximity to key international markets. Strong growth is expected to continue over the next decade as major industries strengthen and diversify, thereby expanding the workforce in the CBD," he said.
“State Government investment in WA is strong, with an ongoing commitment to several major redevelopment projects, including the $1 billion Gateway WA project improving access to and from the Perth Airport precinct, the $2 billion Fiona Stanley Hospital and the new $1.2 billion Perth Children’s Hospital.”
Quest Mounts Bay Road franchisee Don Goode said the new property is ideally located for both the corporate and leisure guest, within walking distance of Mount Hospital, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Esplanade Station, Elizabeth Quay, the Perth Arena, and the State Theatre.
</body></html>

Quest Mounts Bay Road, Perth opens

<html><body>
Uniplex Industrial Park, the last infill industrial land estate development in Brisbane’s Carole Park, has had four lot sales in the last two months, prior its completion. 
The 9.7 ha estate comprises seven fully serviced and ready to build-on lots, subject to local authority approvals.
Four lots totalling 3.23 ha have contracted for $6.1 million to a local developer, a transport business and local civil contractor, and are due to settle in September. 
Cushman &amp; Wakefield and Raine &amp; Horne were involved in the sale of the lots.
The estate is being marketed by Colliers International’s Stewart Gamblin and John Slater on behalf of Unison Projects who purchased the englobo site and got  development approval for an industrial subdivision last year.
Gamblin said Uniplex is ideally located within the sought-after Brisbane western corridor. 
“The estate provides centralised positioning to ensure ease of access to existing trade suppliers, as well as direct access to the major transport routes and business hubs,” he said.  
The remaining three lots range from 9,766 sqm to 32,300 sqm, and have the ability to develop facilities over 15,000 sqm, he added. 
</body></html>

Majority of infill site in Brisbane sold off before completion

<html><body>
A childcare centre in Coffs Harbour leased to Petit Early Learning is up for sale at a Burgess Rawson portfolio auction on September 13.
The <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/buying/NSW/Mid-North-Coast/Coffs-Harbour/MedicalorConsulting/3P1368#.V7pTx2XwxPM" target="_blank">1 Kiddell Place</a> property is on a long-term 15 year lease to Petit Early Learning with two possible five-year extensions to 2040.
Petit Early Learning is owned by Australia Childcare Projects and is an experienced childcare provider with 15 centres across Australia. 
The 696 sqm modern facility is licensed for 84 places and comes with annual rent increases of 3.5 percent, with the tenant paying all outgoings.
The net income from the property was $202,343 pa. 
The location is close to shops, medical facilities and even a service station. 
The selling agents are Adam Thomas and Natalie Couper.
</body></html>

Coffs Harbour childcare centre on sale at Burgess Rawson auction

<html><body>
Sydney’s North West is trending into a sought after investment hotspot amid the soft development market and the investor rush to cash in on record low interest rates, according to real estate firm CBRE.
The recent sale of 2A Hector Court, Kellyville to supermarket chain Woolworths for $12.5 million through CBRE Capital Markets is a case in point. 
Tom Sheridan of CBRE’s Western Sydney Capital Markets team said areas such as Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Dural and Blacktown were particularly in demand from investors, mostly along busy thoroughfares and in neighbourhood centres. 
“The softening development market over the past five months is prompting buyers to park their money in investment assets, in order to benefit from historically low interest rates and tightening yields,” he said. 
The softening Australian dollar is also driving offshore groups to invest in Australia, with Asian buyers honing their focus on the North West, added Alex Mirzaian, senior manager, CBRE Capital Markets.
“In addition to the significant amount of local buyers in the market, including existing owner occupiers looking to expand, Asian buyers are targeting the region’s commercial and retail assets to acquire sites with a holding income,” said Mirzaian.
“Freestanding retail investments leased to blue chip tenants including major supermarket chains are sought after, with investors wishing to acquire these assets to anchor their property portfolios.” 
An oversupply of housing and undersupply of “community benefit stock” such as service stations, neighbourhood shops, grocers and food premises in Sydney’s North West was also prompting leading national brands to set up shop there, said Alex Ugarte of CBRE Capital Markets.
The elections and the debate on negative gearing has triggered a major shift in the residential market - which is contributing to the interest in the commercial and retail sector, he added. 
The sale to Woolworths was via an expressions of interest campaign, which saw strong interest from a range of investors due to the site’s B2 local centre zoning, according to CBRE executives. 
</body></html>

Offshore investors target Sydney’s North West: CBRE 

<html><body>
That’s the big question that many are thinking with his current running commentaries on the Australian economy – but will he tee – off on exactly what are the major problems facing our economy?
I hope he does with his ten-year term expiring on 17 September having taken over as the Head Teller back on September 18, 2006. Interesting to note that over that time he has left the cash rate alone on sixty-seven (67) occasions, cut the cash rate on twelve (12) occasions and increased the cash rate on six (6) occasions.
Surprising how time flies when you’re having fun as the last cash rate increase was back on November 3, 2011 so in essence he has spent his last term as Head Teller cutting the cash rate.
One really could not blame him for cutting the cash rate this month to a record low of 1.50 percent – “whilst prospects for growth were positive, there was room for stronger growth, which could be assisted by lower interest rates.”
It is irresponsible to use last week’s record Sydney clearance rates as a consequence for the latest rate cut as this was always going to happen and I will get to that a little later. A big problem is the Wage Price Index where seasonally adjusted, private sector wages grew 0.5 percent and public sector wages grew 0.6 per cent in the June quarter 2016.
On an annual basis that equates to private sector wages growing 2.0 percent and public sector wages growing 2.4 percent annually. Trying to create and then increase consumption has been the biggest challenge for central banks globally. On the other hand, controlling property prices can be achieved although this task is beyond the control of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) which may explain why Glenn Stevens appears an angry man.
As I wrote earlier,<a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/blame-governments-high-property-prices/"> </a>blaming the governments for high property prices maybe somebody might like to explain why the latest Australia Bureau of Statistics survey reveals that last year 93,000 Australians moved overseas in the last twelve months, which is four times the average. Fifty per cent were in the 25 to 35-year-old category which is a telling statistic.
According to the latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey that was recently released by the Melbourne Institute, home ownership rates among those aged 25 to 34 years fell from 39 per cent in 2002 to 29 per cent in 2014. Home values are increasing and banking regulations are demanding twenty (20) per cent deposits which highlights the dilemma facing young Australians. The writings have been on the wall now for decades and sad to say our elected politicians have done nothing to address these problems.
<a href="/images/2016/08/22/Housing-Affordability-1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/22/Housing-Affordability-1.png" alt="">
The March quarter for 2016, the Sydney median house price dropped 1.5 per cent to $995,804, while the Sydney apartment median price fell 0.7 per cent to $656,166. I would expect that both reversed that trend in the June quarter by heading back to positive territory. Over the past five years house prices have jumped almost fifty (50) per cent.
In search of answers I found this remarkable report by Professor Frank Stilwell, School of Economics and Political Science, University of Sydney<a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/first-home-ownership/submissions/sub212/sub212.pdf">.</a> This report looks at Sydney and NSW country property prices from 1986 to 2003 where property prices then rose nearly fivefold in Sydney and threefold for the rest of NSW.
Please make a point of reading the Executive Summary as this is a mirror image of what then happened over the next decade from 2006 to 2016.
“Average wages have not increased in line with inflation in land and housing. Consequently, housing affordability has declined sharply: a typical house in Sydney cost just under 4 years of average earnings in 1986, while in 2003 it cost over 12 years’ worth of earnings.”
“It is only by addressing these issues of tax reform that the pressures causing a crisis of affordability for many aspiring first home buyers can be resolved.” Yes, politicians and tax reform – as we saw at the last federal election they are petrified of those two words – tax reform.
<a href="/images/2016/08/22/NSW-Listings.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/22/NSW-Listings.png" alt="">
I’ve lost count how many times I have written about why Sydney property markets are recording declines in stock numbers which drives prices higher. Back to the Executive Summary for an explanation.
. “Stamp duty has become a fundamentally important source of State revenue and could not be reduced unless an alternative revenue source was found. That alternative could be land tax. Although less in the political spotlight, land taxation and interaction with the housing market could hold an important key to resolving the housing affordability crisis.”
This submission was prepared thirteen years ago and nothing has been done although Sydney house prices since that submission would have increased on average another three, four and five times depending on the area.
Little wonder first home buyers are leaving and no longer refer to Australia as being the “lucky country.” More importantly when are our politicians going to listen and act – or possibly understanding what needs to be done is too hard for them to fathom.
If parliamentary pensions could be docked for inactivity they would all be listening and acting. When Glenn Stevens delivers his final speech he must shoot from the hip and take no prisoners.
<h5>MOSMAN – 2088</h5>
Number of houses on the market this time last year – 53
Number of houses on the market last week – 51
Number of houses on the market this week – 52
Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 41
Number of apartments on the market last week – 44
Number of apartments on the market this week – 45
<h5>CREMORNE – 2090</h5>
Number of houses on the market this time last year – 2
Number of houses on the market last week – 10
Number of houses on the market this week – 10
Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 15
Number of apartments on the market last week – 16
Number of apartments on the market this week – 14
<h5>NEUTRAL BAY – 2089</h5>
Number of houses on the market this time last year – 4
Number of houses on the market last week – 8
Number of houses on the market this week – 10
Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 25
Number of apartments on the market last week – 20
Number of apartments on the market this week – 21
 
ROBERT SIMEON is a director of <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" title="RWM" rel="nofollow">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. 
He has also been writing real estate blog <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000.
</body></html>

robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Will the RBA governor go out with a bang? Robert Simeon

<html><body>
Vacancy in Sydney’s fringe office market in Sydney has fallen to its lowest in more than a decade, driven by acquisitions for rail projects and an overall supply squeeze, according to latest research from property firm Savills.
The western suburb of Parramatta recorded the lowest fringe market vacancy at 4.5 percent, its lowest in 25 years including zero vacancy in A Grade, and is just ahead of Melbourne’s Southbank at 4.6 percent. 
The falling vacancy is driving growth in net effective rents, and with the NSW government’s announcement of registered projects totalling $390 million in Parramatta last week and Winten Property Group’s acquisition of a development site at 1 Denison St, North Sydney, developers are taking notice, says Savills.
According to Savills senior analyst Research &amp; Consultancy Houssam Yakzan, average prime net face rents have increased by around 8 percent in North Shore markets and 7 per ent in Parramatta, with corresponding falls in incentives.  
The combined North Shore vacancy, including North Sydney, Crows Nest/St Leonards, Chatswood and Macquarie Park-North Ryde stands at 7.2 percent, the lowest since the 5.3 percent figure recorded in 2001. 
Of the individual North Shore markets, North Sydney and North Ryde/Macquarie Park recorded their lowest vacancies since 2012, Chatswood since 2007 and Crows Nest/St Leonards since 2001.
Yakzan said in the 12 months to June Savills had identified 73,781 square metres of leasing activity in the North Shore market, up 49 percent on the 12 months prior, while 43,977 square metres of leasing was recorded in the Parramatta market, which was down 32 percent due to the limited availability of space.
<a href="/images/2016/08/19/North%20shore%20absorbtion.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a> 
North Shore's net absorption
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/North%20shore%20absorbtion.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="197">
<a href="/images/2016/08/19/Parramatta%20absorbtion.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a> Parramatta's net absorption
<img src="/images/2016/08/19/Parramatta%20absorbtion.jpg" alt="" width="294" height="187">
 
Savills director of office leasing, Simon Van Grootel, said while there was no doubt the Sydney non-CBD office markets had picked up over the last 12 to 18 months, withdrawals for the compulsory metro rail acquisitions, residential and hotel conversion, and the lack of new supply, were key contributors to the lower vacancy rates.
He said more than 42,500 square metres of stock had been withdrawn from the North Shore market alone in the 12 months to June and further withdrawals were already slated for 2017.
"Vacancy rates have fallen across the board, indeed Parramatta has a zero vacancy in A Grade, and that is very pleasing, indicating perhaps the strongest market we have seen post-GFC.
"That has seen rental growth and incentives decline and those factors along with continued withdrawals and continued falls in vacancy are going to drive new construction but in the current market, that is likely to require pre-commitment,’’ Van Grootel said.
The state figure of $390 million in registered office projects for Parramatta would not dent vacancy rates in the short to medium term, he added.
Senior analyst Yakzan said of 220,000 square metres of new commercial development in the Parramatta market, 155,000 square metres was subject to pre-commitment and the remainder was already leased. 
Parramatta is the fifth largest suburban office market in Australia with 682,469 square metres of stock while the combined North Shore market totals 2,288,399 square metres including North Sydney (792,482sqm), Crows Nest/ St Leonards (333,631sqm), Chatswood (278,919sqm) and North Ryde/ Macquarie Park (883,367sqm).
</body></html>

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Investing Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News