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.

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[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>

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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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The Police Citizens Youth Club has sold its rezoned Parramatta club.
The <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/12-hassall-street-parramatta-nsw-2150-2012428578" target="_blank">12 Hassall Street</a> holding fetched $33 million when bought by the residential developer Toplace. 
Toplace's current projects include its 3.3-hectare Rosebery Park site. 
It has also acquired the Hills Shire Council $140 million site in Castle Hill which is expected to yield 800 new apartments.
Last May it sold 260 apartments out of the 378 in two towers on Old Northern Road in the Atmosphere development.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Parramatta on Toplace agenda

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The REIV is embarking on a comprehensive consultation process with members in a bid to address underquoting.
The Institute will gain valuable input from members on a suitable outcome which will drive industry-wide change and best serve the interests of consumers.
Industry input would be received via a member-wide, online survey and through forums in key regional centres in the next fortnight. 
We are committed to ensuring this issue, which is clearly impacting on members of the public, is addressed in a timely and effective manner.
Poor price quoting is a symptom of a broader, more important issue – the educational qualifications required to practice as an agent in Victoria.
We currently have a situation in this state where a Certificate III is all that is required to sell or manage real estate.
This is the same level as that required to work in hospitality – as a waiter or barista.
There are also some registered training organisations (RTO’s) which are offering a full licensed course (Certificate IV) in just five days.
These fast-tracked courses are clearly impacting on the industry, and creating poorly trained, inadequately qualified real estate agents.
The agents receiving this training are a significant threat to consumers.
The Institute would continue to press for the introduction of higher educational qualifications.
‎Enzo Raimondo is chief executive officer of <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">The Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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enzoraimond-7fvRFHPR52

Price quoting issue needs to be addressed: Enzo Raimondo

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The preliminary auction clearance rate once again surprised on the upside, rising to 72.3 per cent this week, compared to 70.1 per cent last week and 74.0 per cent over the same week one year ago.  
Sydney has shown a remarkable bounce in clearance rates over the past few weeks, recording a 78.6 per cent preliminary clearance rate last week, compared with clearances that were tracking in the high 50 percent range during December last year. 
So far this week, CoreLogic RP Data has captured a total of 1,020 auction results with 1,331 having been scheduled across the nation’s capitals. Auction volumes are higher than they were last week when 916 residential homes were taken to auction, however they are still tracking below the volume recorded over the relative week last year (1,541).
<a href="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Capital-city.jpg" alt="" width="545" height="411">
 
There were 539 Melbourne auctions this week, 268 last week and 584 over the same week last year. Of the 440 reported results, 73.6 per cent were successful, lower than the 77.6 per cent clearance rate last week and higher than one year ago when 70.9 per cent of reported auctions were successful. Melbourne’s auction clearance rate has fallen below Sydney’s for the first time since mid-September last year. This week, the strongest performing Melbourne sub-region was the Inner East, with a clearance rate of 81.4 per cent across 52 auctions. Following on from this, Inner South, West and Mornington Peninsula all recorded a clearance rate above the 75 per cent mark.
<a href="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="670" height="452">
 
Across Sydney, the nation’s second largest capital city auction market, there were 469 auctions held this week with a preliminary clearance rate of 78.6 per cent. Last week, Sydney’s clearance rate was lower at 75.0 per cent; auction volumes were also lower, with just 313 homes taken to auction over the period. Conditions across Sydney were relatively different one year ago, 662 auctions were held and 83.3 per cent were successful. Across the individual sub-regions of the city, North Sydney and Hornsby (92.5 per cent), City and Inner South (89.1 per cent) and Eastern Suburbs (88.3 per cent) were the strongest performers, while the weakest performing sub-region was South West, with a clearance rate of 52.9 per cent.
<a href="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="596" height="404">
 
Brisbane’s preliminary clearance rate was 53.3 per cent this week, compared to 54.0 per cent last week and 49.5 per cent one year ago. The city was host to 110 auctions, similar to last week when 111 were held. In comparison, 38.5 per cent of the reported Gold Coast auctions were successful this week, with 26 results reported so far.
<a href="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Brisbane.jpg" alt="" width="657" height="438">
 
Across Adelaide, the preliminary auction clearance rate for this week is 81.4 per cent, up from 70.5 per cent last week and higher than one year ago (69.0 per cent). This week 87 residential homes across Adelaide were taken to auction, bringing the year to date number of auctions across the city to 348, compared to 352 last year.
<a href="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/20160215-Adelaide.jpg" alt="" width="697" height="473">
25 per cent of Perth’s auctions were successful this week, compared to 35.3 per cent last week and 46.7 per cent one year ago. 45 auctions were held across the city.
In Canberra, a total of 58 homes were taken to auction this week, down from 71 last week and higher than one year ago when 49 homes were auctioned. Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate this week is 73.3 per cent, remaining steady compared to both last week (71.4 per cent) and one year ago (72.3 per cent).
There have been 18 Tasmanian auctions reported to CoreLogic RP Data this week. Of the reported results, 10 have been sold.
 
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Auction clearance rate tracks higher with a preliminary rate of 72.3 per cent: Shana Miller

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<div>I took a look at the Housing Finance figures for December previously. In this post, I'll just add a few sundry thoughts. There are always plenty of angles put forward for why the housing market must be struggling, or will be set to struggle in due course, true enough. And indeed, some locations are struggling, no question about that - mainly comprising mining towns, or regions being heavily impacted by the ongoing collapse in mining investment. Anecodotally, mortgage lending has also perhaps been a little bit slower in January. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was interesting to note, however, that the raw original data (without seasonal adjustments applied) recorded $35,961,746,000 of dwelling finance commitments in the month of December, an increase of $2.3 billion or +6.7 per cent from one year ago.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'm no incurable optimist, but there's not too much wrong with the health of the lending market on that evidence. In fact it was the highest figure ever recorded for a single month.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/15/A7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/A7.jpg" alt=""> 
Refinancing is evidently a complicating factor, as you can see in the chart above, but the value of loans actually advanced in December was up by +24.6 percent to its highest ever level at $23.8 billion. I noted on Twitter last week that the average loan size figures seemed to have gotten a little ahead of themselves, and sure enough there was a pullback in December to a somewhat more believable $377,600, althought this is still +11.2 per cent higher than one year ago, and the figure still looks rather overstated. 
<a href="/images/2016/02/15/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/15/A2.jpg" alt="">
 
Construction continues 
<div>Much has also been written about the imminent downturn in residential construction sector. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In one sense this is a truism since construction activity is also now tracking at its highest every level, and clearly this dynamic cannot continue in perpetuity. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, the most recent housing finance figures suggested that there is still a fair amount of juice in the tank. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The rolling annual value of commitments for investor construction, which is a handy indicator if not anything more concrete than that, is up by +27.6 percent from one year ago. The equivalent figure for owner-occupier purchase of new dwellings is up by +15.7 percent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/15/A4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/02/15/A4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The number of commitments for new dwelling purchase also jumped in December to 3,579 in original terms, and you would have to go back a long, long way to find a stronger monthly result than that. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/15/A6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/02/15/A6.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Major renovation activity has been marginally improved in recent months from 2014 levels, but in reality this has been almost exclusively a Sydney trend through this cycle to date. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/15/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/02/15/A3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
First time buyers are active <div>The latest figures showed an increase in first homebuyer owner-occupier activity of +4.6 percent to 15.1 percent of all loans written. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/15/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/02/15/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>If you include first time buyer investors from industry surveys, the total figure for first time buyers is tracking around 50 per cent higher than this. The wrap Overall, it is clear that there has been a behavioural shift between lenders and borrowers towards favouring owner-occupier mortgages over investment loans, the lines between which have become hopelessly blurred. The headline figures show that in aggregate housing finance remained relentlessly strong through 2015, even if some mining regions are feeling the burn. According to CoreLogic-RP Data Sydney posted Very solid preliminary auction clearance rate of 78.6 per cent from 469 auctions, well ahead of the preliminary clearance rate for Melbourne at 72.6 per cent. Vendors seem a bit more realistic, and these are still relatively low volumes. Most signs point to a steady Sydney market in 2016. Westpac's forecasts for economic growth from 2015 to 2017:</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/02/15/GROWTH.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/02/15/GROWTH.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
<div> </div>
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Housing market in good health: Pete Wargent

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We read and hear a lot of comments about how expensive Sydney real estate is, and we have had some very expensive homes sold here plus some exclusive apartments, although we are yet to reach the price levels associated with some high-end apartments in cities like Milan, Dubai, New York and London.
Many of these apartments, designed to appeal to the super-rich and the fashion savvy buyer are promoted with high-end brands like Baccarat, Armani, Moschino, Missoni, Dunhill, Ferrari, Bulgari and Versace
Baccarat Residences in New York is one example where you can buy a pied-a-terre or if you have big bank balance a ‘palace in the sky’. Baccarat offers features like dramatic living spaces with twenty-foot ceilings but it’s the finer details that add up to a mouth-watering selection of features in these stunning apartments.
Designer Interiors
It all starts with interiors by one of New York’s best know interior style whizzes Tony Ingrao who’s an Architectural Digest 100 designer, with touches like floors that are six-inch white oak planks finished with custom-designed ebony-mahogany stain and entry doors with Baccarat crystal handles and Baccarat lighting fittings the foyers.
These apartments come with Siematic Kitchens including granite bench-tops appliances by Sub-Zero (think $7,000 – $10,000 for your basic fridge from these guys) and a local favourite Miele.
However I am keen to share a few of the added features buyers can access here and this starts with the fact that each residence is equipped with specific technology designed to allow convenient access to all of the associated luxury hotel services 24/7.
But there’s lots more, starting with a private residence’s entrance foyer with a dedicated entrance and private concierge desk and there’s the luxury hotel lifestyle services and amenities accessed via your own touch screen or from a tablet and mobile devices from anywhere in the world.
Of course, the concierge, maintenance, room service and security staff is all on call 24/7. And the list goes on to include dedicated residential housekeeping, child care, personal shopping, personal training, pet and plant care, and floral delivery. Plus when it comes to work (necessary I am sure to pay the service charges) we have business support on hand like couriers and postal and package services, newspaper and magazine delivery.
Feeling a bit peckish? Then you will never go hungry and never mind rushing to the local take-away because this building offers a range of catering options, plus event-planning and in-home chefs, and priority access to event spaces and meeting facilities in the adjoining hotel.
The apartments are also designed to allow room service or housing keeping services to be very discrete, with individual service entries so that your personal chef or florist can come and go in the most inconspicuous way, clearly showing great attention to detail at the design stage.
Still the list continues with custom bath and personal care products crafted by Baccarat and priority access to all hotel facilities, like restaurant reservations, sometimes difficult in New York, the Baccarat spa, pool and fitness centre.
And given the luxury of your surroundings, there’s no need to venture outside? Residents also have private shopping, including priority custom design and production of Baccarat products. But if you do venture away from home, possibly by private jet then there are extra hotel privileges waiting for you in Baccarat Hotels worldwide in places like Paris, Moscow and Tokyo.
But tucked away in the marketing material is a little note that ‘some services are available for an additional fee’ and we can only guess what they might be, still if you’re living here in such luxury, who really cares about the occasional service charge even with some annual fees going well beyond $53,000 a year and that’s not including little extras like home dining or spa entry! It will be exciting for local buyers when this style of apartment luxury spreads to Sydney or Melbourne.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Brand power – luxury apartment living at any price: Peter Chittenden

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Across the country there were 47,483 unique new property listing over the 28 days ended 7 February 2016. The number of new property listings is 11% higher than at the same time last year.  
If we look back over recent years it is the highest number of new property listings at this time of year since 2010. If we look at the combined capital cities we have also seen a large ramp-up in new listings with 27,430 new listings which is 5.4% higher than at the same time last year.  
Again it is the highest number of new property listings over the corresponding period since 2010. The first chart shows that over the Christmas / New Year period there is typically a sharp fall in new listings.  If history is any guide new listings are likely to continue to rise until the middle of March.
<a href="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-1-1-580x139.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-1-1-580x139.jpg" alt="">
 
<a href="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-2-1-580x144.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-2-1-580x144.jpg" alt="">
 
Total residential property listings experience a seasonal fall each Christmas / New Year period however, the slowdown is nowhere near the magnitude of the slowing in new listings.  The most recent data in the chart also indicates that total listings are actually starting to decline.  Across the country there are 239,398 total unique property listings which is -1.6% lower over the week but 0.2% higher relative to the same period in 2015.  
For the combined capital cities there are 99,137 total unique property listings which is -1.0% lower over the week but 2.6% higher year-on-year.  Much like new listings, total listings typically continue to rise up until the middle of March each year.  Given this it will be interesting to see if the fall in total listings over the most recent week will be short lived or whether there are some different factors at play.
<a href="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-3-1-580x326.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-3-1-580x326.jpg" alt="">
If we look at the number of listings across the individual capital cities there are some rather interesting differences across the cities. While new listing overall are higher than a year ago they are lower in Sydney and Darwin. 
In fact new listings in both Sydney and Darwin are at their lowest level for this time of year since 2012. Elsewhere new listings in Melbourne and Brisbane are at their highest level on record (since 2007) for this time of year. In Adelaide and Perth new listings are at their highest levels for this time of year since 2010 and in Hobart and Canberra they are at their highest levels at this time of year since 2014. 
Whether the surge in new listings in most capital cities is in response to a belief that housing demand is improving or trying to beat a potential slowdown remains to be seen.  The rise in Perth new listings in particular is counterintuitive considering it has been the weakest capital city housing market over the past twelve months and you would expect given those conditions fewer people would be looking to sell.
Turning to total listings, although they are 2.6% higher year-on-year across the combined capital cities, Sydney, Perth and Darwin are the only cities in which total listings are higher than a year ago. This seems more in-line with market conditions with concerns the Sydney market is slowing and values falling in Perth and Darwin it appears that total listings reflect the slowdown in sales activity in these markets. 
If we look at the other capital cities relative to the same time of year previously, Melbourne listings are at their lowest level since 2011, Brisbane its lowest since 2008, Adelaide and Hobart listings are at their lowest levels since 2010 and Canberra listings are at their lowest level since 2014.  The relatively low level of stock across these cities has the potential to spark competition for the available stock and lead to increasing values. 
Of course this would only occur if buyer demand is also rising and it is a little too early in the year to tell if that is occurring.
<a href="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-4-1-580x207.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/12/Chart-4-1-580x207.jpg" alt="">
The CoreLogic RP Data Listings Index tracks pre-listing activity by real estate agents across our proprietary platforms. The index points to properties about to be listed for sale and correlates with new listings data.
At a national level, the listings index is at its highest level since early October of last year however the seasonally adjusted data still shows the seasonal slowdown. In terms of a comparison to the current reading compared to the comparable week in past years, the Index is at its highest level for this time of year on record.
Looking at the Listings Index across individual capital cities shows some varied trends when we compare the current value to the value over the same week in previous years.  The Index is lower relative to a year ago in Sydney (-8.9%) and Adelaide (-3.1%). In Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin the Index is at a record high for this time of year.  In both Perth and Canberra the Index is at its highest level for this time of year since 2011. Based on this data we can expect over the coming weeks new listings to be higher than they were across most capital cities.
The listings data and Listings Index will be interesting to track over the coming weeks. The capital city housing markets were showing softer value growth conditions over the second half of 2015 however, early indicators for 2016 have showed a bit of a rebound in the CoreLogic Home Value Index and improved auction clearance rates.  It is important to note that the indicators early in the year are based on a thinner number of sales so it will be important to track the trends as they are updated week to week.
What we do know is that the amount of properties listed for sale both in terms of new listings and total listings is high and it will be interesting to see how well these properties are absorbed by the market over the coming weeks and months.  Particularly as auction volumes and buyer activity typically starts to pick-up between now and Easter.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

New residential property listings are ramping up quickly in 2016: Cameron Kusher

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Over the 10 years to January 2016, home values across the combined capital cities have increased by a total 72.0% which is well short of values doubling over the decade. 
If we look at the split between houses and units, house values are 73.1% higher compared to a 64.3% increase in unit values.
Although combined capital city home values haven’t doubled over the past decade, the previous decade was quite a different story. Between January 1996 and January 2006 combined capital city home values increased by 151.7% with house values up 159.6% and unit values 110.1% higher. Based on this data, the most recent decade of capital city home value growth has been half that of the previous decade. 
<a href="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.14.30%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.14.30%20PM.png" alt="">
At a combined capital city level, the index is weighted so it is therefore heavily influenced by the performance of the larger capital cities. Taking a look at value growth over the past decade across individual capital cities shows a diversity in results.
Melbourne is the only capital city housing market where home values doubled over the past decade. In fact, many cities are a long way from having doubled with values in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra having all increased by less than 50% over the past decade. Home values in Sydney and Darwin have each recorded increases of more than 75% over the past decade however, they too fell well short of seeing values double over the decade.
Over the previous decade (10 years to January 2006) home values more than doubled across each capital city (note that Hobart values are for houses only and data is not available for Darwin). 
In fact, value growth over the previous decade was more than three times greater than over the most recent decade in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart and Canberra while nationally it was more than double the rate of value growth over the past 10 years. Even Sydney and Melbourne recorded much stronger home value growth over the previous decade compared to the past decade. 
Looking at value growth over the five years to January 2016, it looks unlikely that by the time January 2021 rolls around that home values would have doubled over the decade in any of the capital cities. Over the past five years, Sydney and Melbourne are the only capital cities in which home values have increased by more than 10% with values lower in Hobart and Darwin.
<a href="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.15.41%20PM.png">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/11/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-11%20at%201.15.41%20PM.png" alt="">
While there was a time when home values doubled over a 10 year period the data suggests that the days of such rapid value rises are behind us. It’s important to remember that in recent times we have had record low mortgage rates yet that has failed to spark any substantial home value growth outside of Sydney and Melbourne. 
With little wage growth and ongoing economic uncertainty it is clear that in most areas of the country there are limits to what people can pay for housing. Subsequently there has been little impetus for any significant value growth outside of the two largest capital cities. Even in Sydney and Melbourne value growth has been substantially lower over the past decade than over the previous decade.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Property values – do they double every decade? Cameron Kusher

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The latest event in the evolution of the Brisbane market is the strong emergence of the Moreton Bay Region in the far north of the city.
It has joined Logan City in the far south as the precinct with the most momentum in the Greater Brisbane area. Meanwhile, Ipswich City in the south-west is putting its hand up as well.
Most national commentators misunderstand what’s happening with the Brisbane market. They look at that single figure which apparently describes the whole Brisbane metropolitan area and conclude not much is happening. Australian Property Monitors says Brisbane prices rose 5% last year while CoreLogic RP Data says 4%.
But beneath that one generalised (and highly misleading) figure, there has been lots of activity in precincts which have recorded double-digit annual growth in median house prices.
Markets in the Greater Brisbane area have been on the move for about two years. The inner-city suburbs were busy a couple of years ago and then the middle-ring suburbs on the northside surged. Many of them had annual growth in the 13% to 15% range. The middle-ring suburbs on the southside joined the party 12-18 months ago.
Now it’s the outer-ring areas that are leading. There are still rising suburbs in those northside and southside middle-market precincts, but it’s the cheaper areas on the outskirts that have the greatest activity and momentum.
In this regard, Brisbane is displaying the same pattern we have seen over the past three years in Sydney and Melbourne – the upturn started in the near-city areas and gradually gravitated outwards from the centre. The Ripple Effect is alive and well in residential real estate.
In Brisbane, Logan City (which is the urban bridge between Brisbane and the Gold Coast) has been  the market leader in terms of sales volumes for the past 12 months or so. But now it’s counterpart in the north, the Moreton Bay Region local government area (which is the urban bridge between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast) has mounted a challenge.
Like Logan City, Moreton Bay Region is all about affordability, transport infrastructure and jobs nodes. Many of the suburbs of Moreton Bay Region – including Caboolture (the capital suburb), Morayfield and Deception Bay – have median prices in the $300,000s, while Burpengary and Narangba are in the low $400,000s.
These are high-volume housing markets: Caboolture, Deception Bay, Morayfield and Narangba have each recorded over 340 house sales in the past 12 months. Some have seen median prices rise 6-7% in the past year – but, in terms of price growth, they’re just getting started.
Median rental yields are an attraction for investors, ranging from 5.2% to 5.6% in most of the suburbs of the Moreton Bay Region. 
The LGA includes the Redcliffe Peninsula, which has heightened appeal because the long-awaited Moreton Bay Rail Link will be completed this year.
The overall region has improved amenity through the evolution of the North Lakes master-planned community, which includes major retail (and will soon include an Ikea superstore).
The region also has good proximity to Brisbane Airport, the Port of Brisbane and the Australia Trade Coast industrial precinct, which means plenty of jobs are handy to the suburbs of Moreton Bay Region.
 
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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Brisbane's Moreton Bay gaining strength: Terry Ryder

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The Tea Gardens Hotel Motel, on the banks of the Myall River, has a new owner.
Hospitality industry veterans Laundy Hotels bought the hotel, reports the Myall Coast Messenger. The deal value was not disclosed.
The <a href="https://mq.com.au/1636938/" target="_blank">172 Myall Street</a> hotel is the only one in Tea Gardens, says the ad by selling agents Gerry Quinlan and John Manenti of MQ and Associates. The hotel is a 2-1/2 hour drive from Sydney.
Built on 3,646 sqm site, the property comes with 15 poker machines and 21 motel units. 
Before the deal, the hotel had the same ownership for 68 years.
The Laundy family have been in the hotel industry for three generations and Arthur Laundy (Jnr) has appointed Steve and Trish Rogers as the new managers of the hotel. The two say they want to make it a showpiece for Tea Gardens, according to the Myall Coast Messenger.
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Tea Gardens Hotel snapped up by Laundy Hotels

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Gladstone Central in Queensland’s Gladstone region, comprising two individual centres, will be offered for sale either individually or in-one-line via an expressions of interest campaign, closing March 17.
JLL’s Jacob Swan and Sam Hatcher are marketing the property, under instructions from Chris MacDonnell of Restructuring Solutions as agent for the mortgagee in possession.
“Gladstone Central is considered to be the premier entertainment precinct in Gladstone with a high performing cinema and national food and beverage operators. The centre provides a diverse tenancy profile with major banking, medical and fitness occupiers complementing the entertainment uses,” said Swan.
Swan said 2015 was a record year for the Queensland retail investment market with transaction activity touching highs, new benchmarks for yields and consistent pricing. 
Spotlight Centre encompasses 8,613 sqm of retail space with two major anchors, Spotlight and Gladstone Cinemas, supported by two mini-majors and 24 specialty tenancies. The centre’s major tenants include the only cinema and Spotlight within the trade area, Suncorp Bank, Bank of QLD, Anytime Fitness and Medibank Private.
The NightOwl Centre is a convenience store with 3,965 sqm of retail floor area across one mini-major, 20 specialties and one ATM. The centre’s position as the main food and beverage centre within the region is underpinned by its representation of major brands including Dominos, The Cheesecake Shop, The Coffee Club, NightOwl, Subway and Gloria Jeans.
The centres serve a significant area, with the total trade area population estimated at around 55,500 in 2015, including 35,090 and 9,690 residents in the main trade area and primary trade area respectively. The total trade area population is projected to reach over 75,000 by 2026.
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